Coffee sellers in the United Kingdom are adding protein to chilled drinks as iced-coffee sales climb across four European food-service markets, according to data from Luxembourg-based research firm Fyre.
Over the past 30 years, Europe’s temperature increased by about 0.56 degrees Celsius per decade, nearly twice the worldwide rate, the European Union’s Copernicus Climate Change Service said. The service put Europe’s 2025 mean temperature at 10.41 degrees Celsius, exceeding the 1991-2020 average by 1.17 degrees and ranking third in its records. The Korea Herald identified rising temperatures as a possible influence on demand, but its report did not measure their effect on sales.
Fyre’s figures, cited by The Korea Herald, show year-over-year growth from February to August in all four markets. The Netherlands led at 44%, followed by the UK at 39%, France at 20% and Germany at 19%.
The Korea Herald reported that Caffe Nero launched its Iced Vanilla Protein Latte in October. The drink contains 25 grams of protein, and the chain operates about 600 stores in the UK. Starbucks UK introduced Protein Cold Foam in April; the foam is made with whey protein.
The outlet also reported a winter contrast in South Korea. A review of roughly 400 million orders at more than 4,000 Mega MGC Coffee locations found iced coffee made up 60% of sales during the country’s coldest winter months in 2025. The Korea Herald did not identify who conducted the analysis.
Cho Seung-hyun, an office worker in Seoul, told the outlet that short lunch breaks can make iced Americanos convenient for workers fitting coffee around a meal. The Herald also noted the Korean portmanteau eoljukah, used for people who keep choosing iced Americanos in freezing weather.
