From Matcha to Mocktails: Food & Drink Trends Students Are Loving Right Now

Food and drink culture is always evolving. Whether it’s colourful lattes, nutrient-packed smoothies, or the rise of alcohol-free alternatives, new trends shape what you’ll find on campus menus, high street cafés, and even in your local supermarket.

For TOTUM students, keeping up with these trends doesn’t have to come with a hefty price tag. With a TOTUM student discount card, you can explore new flavours, discover better-for-you options, and enjoy big savings on your everyday picks. From cashback perks to discounts across leading food and drink brands, TOTUM makes it easier for you to eat, sip, and save while studying.

In this guide, we’ll dive into the trending food and drink moments making waves right now, why they’re worth trying, and how your student discount card can help you save!

Matcha – The Green Drink That’s Everywhere

Matcha is having a major moment. You’ve probably spotted it on TikTok, filling your feed with velvety green lattes and iced drinks. Originating from Japan, matcha is finely ground green tea leaves packed with antioxidants, offering a calm energy boost without the jitters.

For students, matcha ticks a lot of boxes:

• A steady source of caffeine to power through study sessions.

• High in L-theanine, which promotes focus and relaxation.

• Versatile – you can drink it hot, iced, or even blended into smoothies and bakes.

With TOTUM, you can enjoy discounts on your favourite café chains and online tea retailers, meaning you don’t have to miss out on this trend. Whether you’re trying your first matcha latte or buying a tin to whip up at home, your student card makes it more affordable to keep the ritual going!

Plant-Based Eating

The rise of plant-based food continues to be strong. From vegan fast food menus to dairy-free drinks, plant-powered eating is no longer niche – it’s mainstream. For TOTUM students, this means more variety, more choice, and more savings!

Brands across the UK now cater to vegan lifestyles, meaning you can enjoy everything from oat milk cappuccinos to vegan burgers without sacrificing taste. And with a student card that unlocks savings, you can explore these menus without stretching your budget.

Key reasons why students are loving plant-based options:

• Health benefits from increased fibre and nutrients.

• Sustainability – reducing carbon impact through food choices.

• A huge variety of new flavours and products are constantly launching.

TOTUM discounts across supermarkets, restaurants, and food delivery apps make it easier to try out plant-based trends at prices that work for you.

Bubble Tea – The Social Sip

Bubble tea continues to grow as one of the most fun and customisable drinks around. From tapioca pearls to fruity popping balls, every cup feels like a treat. You’ll find bubble tea shops popping up in nearly every student city, offering Instagram-worthy drinks in endless flavours.

The popularity comes from its playful side – it’s not just a drink, it’s an experience. Whether you’re grabbing one after lectures or making it a catch-up drink with friends, bubble tea is a trend that students love sharing.

TOTUM makes the experience sweeter with discounts on delivery apps and cashback on delivery. With your student discount card, you can explore different toppings, flavours, and milk alternatives without overspending.

Functional Drinks – Boosts Beyond Caffeine

From vitamin waters to adaptogen-infused sodas, functional drinks are making waves in the student market. These are beverages designed to do more than hydrate – they’re marketed as tools to support focus, relaxation, or gut health.

Popular types include:

• Kombucha – fermented tea with probiotics for digestion.

• CBD drinks – calming options without alcohol.

• Protein shakes – convenient fuel for gym sessions.

• Hydration boosters – electrolyte-packed drinks for active days.

For TOTUM students, these functional drinks are an easy way to stay energised and balanced through busy schedules. With your TOTUM membership, you can try out the latest innovations without paying premium prices.

The Rise of Mocktails

Alcohol-free living is on the rise, and mocktails are leading the charge. More students are opting for low or no-alcohol options, making socialising healthier without losing the fun. Bars and restaurants now dedicate whole menus to alcohol-free cocktails, ranging from botanical spritzes to alcohol-free mojitos.

Why this matters for students:

• A way to enjoy nights out without the after-effects.

• Inclusivity – everyone can join in, regardless of drinking preference.

• Endless creative flavours that rival traditional cocktails.

TOTUM brings discounts on restaurants, pubs, and delivery apps, so you can enjoy mocktails (and full menus) for less. Your student card gives you the freedom to try the trend while keeping your budget intact.

Coffee Culture 2.0 – Beyond Flat Whites

Coffee isn’t going anywhere, but the trends around it keep evolving. Students are driving a wave of creativity in coffee culture:

• Cold brew and nitro cold brew are taking over iced coffee menus.

• Seasonal lattes (pumpkin spice, gingerbread) remain cult favourites.

• Alternative milks like oat and almond are standard options.

• Flavoured shots (hazelnut, caramel) add variety to daily routines.

TOTUM helps you keep up with these coffee trends with cashback and savings at big-name coffee chains and independent cafés. With your student discount card, you can fuel study days and early lectures with your caffeine of choice without draining your wallet.

Food and drink aren’t just about staying fed. They’re social, cultural, and even creative outlets. Whether it’s trying the latest bubble tea with friends, experimenting with plant-based recipes at home, or swapping coffee for matcha during exams, trends bring variety and excitement to student life!

Getting the Most Out of Your TOTUM Student Discount Card

With TOTUM, you don’t need to hold back on exploring these trends. Your student card opens the door to:

• Cashback across major retailers.

• Exclusive discounts at high street food and drink brands.

• Verified ID to prove your student status instantly.

This means you can explore what’s new in food and drink without worrying about overspending. So next time you spot a matcha latte on the menu, a new vegan burger launch, or a fresh bubble tea shop opening near campus, remember: your TOTUM student card is your ticket to savings. Explore the trend, enjoy the flavour, and thrive with TOTUM!