Think the 1970s was the Me Generation? Think again. According to Business Insider, now more than 60% of drinks at big chains are customized, furthering the overall trend of personalizing Me Time.

The upshot? More upside, with bigger average order values and increased return visits.

So how can indie coffee shops capitalize on customization? By getting personal.

How do you take your coffee?

Twenty years ago, the answer would have been “black,” closely followed by “cream and sugar.” Today, there are a zillion ways to serve a cup of joe, from how it’s brewed to what goes in (or on) it.

The trend toward food and drink personalization, particularly in the coffee sector, continues to grow as consumers increasingly seek tailored experiences. This is fueled not only by increased offerings (hello, syrups, sauces, and toppings), but also emerging affinities for healthy or earth conscious options, such as alt milks.

Now trending: flavor trends

Forget Flavor of the Month. Today’s consumers expect a variety of flavors throughout the year. In fact, flavor innovation has played a crucial role in the expansion of personalization, with notable newcomers such as brown sugar, cinnamon, waffle, and lavender. According to Food Navigator, 74% of customers are drawn to new, unusual, or limited edition flavors, making it wise for coffee shops to stock–and rotate–new and novel flavors to stay competitive and boost orders.

All about that base

Offer customers customizable drink bases. Say arrivederci to boring lattes and au revoir to ho-hum cafe au laits by jazzing up bases with milk alternatives (oat, almond, coconut, soy), a sweetener options (agave, honey, maple syrup, sugar-free), and a variety of syrups, sauces, and toppings (whipped cream, cold foam, shavings, and the like). Your customers will thank you. And so will your bank account.

Top it off with toppers.

Want your sales to be the tops? Add toppers. Dried fruit, various kinds of sugars, sprinkles, marshmallows, and more are among the most popular customization options. They're also popular with coffee shops as these tasty add-ons boost average order values.

Give your barista tips

Tips on understanding how to handle specific customer requests, that is. Whether it’s learning how to create custom flavor combinations, accommodating dietary restrictions, or suggesting new options, educating your team on how to boost personalization will boost business–and likely gratuities.

Take stock on stock

Spice is the spice of life. And so is sweetness. And sometimes savory options. The point is, it’s crucial to stock a diverse selection of syrups, including seasonal, exotic flavors, energy concentrates, and more to ensure that customization is always on the menu.

Barista Underground makes it easy with the industry’s top cafe supplies at wholesale prices. (We’re talking up to 40% less than retail.) Plus enjoy fast, convenient delivery right to your door.