This summer, pre-packaged ice cups have become a must-have item in Chinese convenience stores, as consumers embrace DIY beverage creations amid a scorching heatwave and economic concerns. With provinces along China’s eastern coast experiencing record-breaking temperatures, many are turning to these affordable ice cups to craft their own cold drinks at home, bypassing the need for a trip to expensive coffee shops.
The trend has gained traction on social media, where users, particularly those in their 20s and 30s, showcase their creative drink concoctions made from a mix of tea, coffee, and juice. Platforms like Xiaohongshu are filled with thousands of posts featuring these DIY drinks, from jasmine tea topped with lychee juice to black coffee mixed with orange juice—a twist on the popular orange-flavored coffees found in Chinese cafes.
This growing trend is partly driven by the desire for cost-effective alternatives as consumers become more budget-conscious in light of a slowing economy and job security concerns. While coffee and bubble tea chains, such as Starbucks and Luckin Coffee, continue to offer competitive deals, the DIY ice cup phenomenon provides a more affordable and customizable option for young consumers. The ingredients for an ice cup filled with pre-packaged Starbucks coffee and orange juice, for instance, cost around 24.5 yuan, slightly less than a standard Starbucks drink but with added personal flair.
Independent food and beverage analyst Zhu Danpeng notes that the popularity of ice cups aligns with the adventurous spirit of the younger generation, who enjoy trying new things and sharing their creations online. This trend not only allows consumers to enjoy high-quality branded products but also gives them a platform to express their creativity.
In response to the rising popularity of ice cups, some beverage companies have started offering their own branded versions. For example, Mixue Bingcheng, a well-known bubble tea franchise, began selling ice cups for just 1 yuan each, while Nongfu Springs, China’s largest bottled water supplier, offers 160g ice cups at 3.5 yuan in convenience stores.
Despite the growing DIY culture and trend towards thriftiness, some consumers argue that the convenience store ice cups have a unique quality that can’t be replicated at home. “The ice cubes in ice cups are made in a different way,” one user noted on Xiaohongshu, emphasizing the distinct appeal of these store-bought ice cups.
As this DIY trend continues to gain momentum, it reflects the broader shift among young Chinese consumers towards more cost-effective and personalized consumption choices, all while navigating the challenges of a changing economic landscape.
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