Record heat calls for some cold drinks! (Is just looking at these slushies making you feel cooler right now?) But hot weather isn’t the only reason to lean into drinkware and related products this summer. The rise in creative drink concoctions — and the dirty soda trend in particular — is a refreshing housewares consumer trend ideal for connecting with shoppers in the months ahead.
Creativity and Indulgence – In a Glass
Today’s treat culture involves much more than a piece of candy. Weary consumers looking for a pick-me-up are turning to a wide variety of simple indulgences, which can mean everything from buying a scented candle to binge-watching a silly movie or TV show.
With a never-ending mix of sodas, sparkling waters, creams, syrups and other flavors, the dirty soda trend fits right in. After all, the recipe is basically one part indulgence, one part creative self-expression, and another part social media-fueled fun.
“The dirty soda phenomenon is bubbling out of Utah and into the straws of the nation’s biggest brands, including soda giants and restaurateurs who see the trend as a lucrative path to young consumers,” said Jon Springer of AdAge recently. Both Pepsi and Coke are launching new concepts, and new or limited-time offerings can now be found on many restaurant menus including Applebee’s, Sonic and KFC.
No Alcohol Necessary – or Wanted
While you’ll still find plenty of creative drink concoctions revolving around alcohol, the dirty soda trend taps into growing interest in spirit-free beverages.
CivicScience has been tracking this movement for awhile, and a recent summer poll finds that U.S. adults ages 21 and older are three times more likely to be drinking less this summer (33%) than more (11%). Those cutting back represent a notable nine percentage point increase compared to summer 2024.
Further evidence? 37% of consumers in MarketOutlook — the second installment in the International Housewares Association’s 2025 State of the Industry Report — plan to buy tumbler-style glassware this year. (Beating out other styles of glassware associated with alcohol, including beer glasses-20%, wine stems-19%, stemless wine glasses-18%, whiskey glasses-17% and martini glasses-14%.)
Clever Drink Concoctions — At Home
As the dirty soda trend grows and dirty soda gets more prominent at restaurants, those selling home and housewares are wise to support and encourage savvy consumers who want to see what they can concoct at home. This might include in-store sampling, social media inspiration or even recipe contests.
On the product side, it’s an ideal time to lean into drink machines, drinkware and related accessories.
That could mean carbonators like the OmniFizz from Drinkmate, insulated pitchers like this one from served or specialty ingredients like these infusion kits from Spirits with Smoke.
When it comes to drinkware — like this Crafthouse Classic line from Fortessa, it’s interesting to note that 60% of consumers in IHA’s 2025 State of the Industry Report said they prefer clear glass. (Colored glass does have its fans — 31%, with 9% saying they’re not sure.)
Other interesting drinkware findings from the report:
- Drinkware is the housewares category most influenced by impulse purchases.
- However, of those intending to buy drinkware in 2025, a significant portion (42%) are not willing to spend more in 2025 (due to inflation/compared to 2024 pricing).
Access more survey findings on drinkware — and 14 other home and housewares categories in MarketOutlook — the second installment in the International Housewares Association’s 2025 State of the Industry Report.