Business
Keurig Dr Pepper's 2026 State of Beverages Trend Report Reveals Gen Z's Drink Choice Is Now a Form of Self-Expression
Keurig Dr Pepper (NASDAQ: KDP) today released its State of Beverages 2026 Trend Report, highlighting how beverage consumption is evolving in an era of more choice than ever. Released in celebration of National Beverage Day, the report shows Gen Alpha and Gen Z (Gen A/Z) leading a shift toward more expressive and experience-driven beverage choices. In fact, 58% say they choose beverages that reflect their identity.
About this update from Keurig Dr Pepper Inc.
[{"type":"text","content":"New findings show younger generations are reshaping the category by choosing drinks that signal identity, emotion and intent","length":124,"tagName":"p","attribs":{}},{"type":"text","content":"BURLINGTON, Mass. and FRISCO, Texas, May 6, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Keurig Dr Pepper (NASDAQ: KDP) today released its State of Beverages 2026 Trend Report, highlighting how beverage consumption is evolving in an era of more choice than ever. Released in celebration of National Beverage Day, the report shows Gen Alpha and Gen Z (Gen A/Z) leading a shift toward more expressive and experience-driven beverage choices. In fact, 58% say they choose beverages that reflect their identity.","length":487,"tagName":"p"},{"type":"text","content":"Experience the full interactive Multichannel News Release here: https://www.multivu.com/keurig-dr-pepper/9395451-en-keurig-dr-pepper-2026-state-of-beverages-trend-report","length":169,"tagName":"p"},{"type":"text","content":""The beverage industry has always been dynamic, but Gen Z and Gen Alpha are driving a more profound shift in the role of beverages in everyday life," said Tim Cofer, CEO of Keurig Dr Pepper. "Increasingly, beverage choices signal identity, mood and values. As a result, occasions are becoming more social and intentionally curated, with drinks helping to define experiences, express individuality and bring people together in new ways."","length":456,"tagName":"p"},{"type":"text","content":"The data also reveals that younger consumers are rotating across more flavors, functions and categories, reflecting greater exploration and higher expectations for beverages that meet different emotional and functional needs.","length":225,"tagName":"p"},{"type":"text","content":""Younger consumers don't think in terms of a single 'go to' drink anymore," said Katie Webb, Senior Vice President of Marketing Transformation, Innovation & Insights at Keurig Dr Pepper. "Younger generations are exploring more unique flavors, switching between beverages throughout the day and seeking options that can balance both function and feel-good."","length":392,"tagName":"p"},{"type":"text","content":"The report highlights these five big trends in beverages:","length":57,"tagName":"p"},{"type":"list","items":[{"val":[{"type":"text","content":"Drinks as Self-Expressio...