Onion Lattes Poised to Become 2025’s Unconventional Coffee Trend

In a surprising twist for coffee lovers, onion lattes are emerging as an unexpected trend set to dominate cafes in 2025. Originating from experimental baristas in Asia, the idea of blending caramelized onion syrup with frothy milk and espresso has gained momentum on social media, particularly TikTok, where food creators have embraced the unusual pairing.

Videos showcasing the preparation of onion lattes—featuring the steaming of milk infused with lightly sautéed onions—have gone viral, racking up millions of views and sparking curiosity among coffee enthusiasts. Proponents of the trend claim the natural sweetness and umami depth of onions balance the bitterness of coffee, creating a surprisingly harmonious flavor.

@goldenbrown.coffee We’re trying to viral spring onion coffee to see if it’s worth the hype 😅 #springonion #springonioncoffee #greenonioncoffee #icedlatte #viraldrinks ♬ original sound – Golden Brown Coffee

Early adopters in boutique cafes across the U.S. and Europe are already experimenting with their own takes on the drink, from savory onion foam toppings to spicy onion-infused espresso shots. “At first, I thought it was a joke,” said Melanie Reyes, a barista at a San Francisco cafe. “But when I tried it, I was blown away by how good it was. It’s different, but in a really exciting way.”

Critics, however, are skeptical. Coffee purists argue that onions are too unconventional a flavor profile for such a widely loved beverage. Despite the mixed reception, the drink’s rise parallels other viral food trends like dalgona coffee and matcha-infused concoctions, suggesting it may gain staying power in niche markets.

Several coffee chains are rumored to be testing onion-flavored offerings ahead of next year, hoping to cater to adventurous consumers looking for unique options. With its potential for global appeal, the onion latte could mark the next evolution in specialty coffee trends.

Will onion lattes become the new pumpkin spice? Only time—and a few brave sips—will tell.