Ick‑spresso: The UK’s red (and green) flag coffee orders revealed
Plant-based drinks brand, Oddlygood, reveals that iced coffees are the UK’s biggest coffee ‘ick’, with 15% of Brits naming them as their most off-putting coffee order. Among millennials, the reaction is even stronger, with 17% viewing an iced coffee order as a major red flag. As Brits flock to iced coffees to beat the heat, and with dating season in full swing, they may be unknowingly serving up the nation’s biggest coffee ‘ick’.
Over a quarter of Gen Z (29%) and Millennials (28%) admit they actively judge others based on their go-to brew, while around a third (32% Gen Z and 31% Millennials) think a coffee order can even be a dating red flag. But alongside the nation’s icks, the research also uncovered a number of surprising coffee ‘green flags’, highlighting a growing appreciation for individuality.
Coffee breath is the biggest ick for Gen Z (47%) with Millennials revealing their ultimate ick as those who slurp their drink loudly (47%). Meanwhile 50% of GenX’ers have a problem with their date copying their coffee order.
The timing is no surprise, as warmer weather typically triggers a surge in dating activity, with dating apps seeing spikes in matches and first meet-ups from June.
The findings come as the UK’s coffee culture continues to boom, with coffee dates increasingly replacing alcohol-led meet-ups as the go-to first date.
The UK coffee shop market is now worth billions, with Brits drinking an estimated 98 million cups of coffee per day[2] – making cafés an increasingly popular, low-pressure setting for first dates.
From overly-long coffee orders to extra sugar, Oddlygood reveals the nation’s biggest coffee icks:
What gives you the ick?
Gen Z
Millennials
Gen X
Coffee breath
47%
41%
34%
Someone asking to try mine
32%
44%
50%
Loud slurping
44%
45%
47%
Saying “expresso” instead of espresso
39%
34%
20%
A really long coffee order
36%
30%
21%
Adding more than two sugars
28%
28%
24%
A coffee order copycat
24%
23%
11%
A big ‘aahhh’ after a first sip
41%
34%
26%
Ordering an extra-large
22%
22%
11%
People who don’t drink coffee
21%
26%
19%
But fear not coffee lovers, the research also revealed some surprising coffee “green flags” when it comes to dating and it’s not all judgement – 40% of Gen Z and 45% of Millennials say no particular coffee order would give them the ick at all, suggesting most daters are more relaxed than they might seem.
Ordering an oat-based coffee could actually boost your chances, with around one in four Gen Z (26%) and Millennials (24%) describing it as “sexy”, particularly when served as a smooth, deliciously foamy barista-style drink.
Being open to trying new flavours could also work in your favour, with nearly half of Gen Z (48%) and over half of Millennials (57%) saying they enjoy experimenting with different coffee options.
Presentation also plays a role in first impressions, with 40% of Gen Z and 41% of Millennials saying they enjoy how aesthetically pleasing or Instagrammable their coffee looks – so if you want to take a picture of your green matcha, coffee or purple ube then go for it.
Katie Simpson, spokesperson at Oddlygood said: “A really good coffee has always been at the heart of modern dating – it’s where so many first meetings and great connections begin. Our research shows just how much thought people put into those small coffee moments, but that’s part of the fun. Whether it’s switching up your order or going for a deliciously foamy oat, these little twists can help people show up as their best, most authentic selves.”
Oddlygood is shaking up the coffee scene this spring with a new range of barista-style oat drinks, now available in Sainsbury’s. The line-up includes a classic Barista Oat, a low fat Barista Delight, plus two flavoured options – Hazelnut and no added sugar Nutty Vanilla – inspired by popular bakery flavours and TikTok’s latest sweet trends.
