Scallion Latte TikTok Trend: Why Everyone’s Jumping In

TikTok introduces us to some of the most... special food trends. The platform gave us the Dalgona Coffee and the protein-packed “proffee.” But now, the latest trend has some people putting onions in their cup of joe. Sure, we’re no strangers to unconventional trends, but does the Scallion Latte take the cake?

After watching several videos on the latest onion in coffee trend, we can report that the Scallion Latte is a drink that pairs espresso with scallion onions. Some TikTokers have explained that they believe the trend originated in China. Videos showcasing the preparation and tasting of this drink have garnered significant attention on TikTok, with millions of views and a mix of reactions. 

Brewers such as Golden Brown Coffee have also jumped on the trend, sharing tutorials and doing taste tests on their social media platforms.

So, how do people feel about this coffee trend? Jamie Thompson, barista at Golden Brown Coffee, shared his experience, noting that the drink was “horrific” and lacked any redeeming qualities. 

One person said, “Well I love green onions but this is too much [crying emoji].” Another person said, "Coffee becomes weirder and weirder these days.” Many people suggested additional ingredients making it more of a meal, from garlic and ginger to fish sauce and soy sauce.

According to the videos, only the green parts of fresh spring onions are used. These are then chopped finely and set aside. The base of the drink is an iced latte, made with ice, your choice of milk, and a shot of espresso, all poured over a handful of green onions. Once the latte is prepared, it is generously garnished with chopped spring onions. 

VegNews reported that the Scallion Latte is part of a broader trend in China known as “dark cuisine,” where unconventional ingredients are used in food and drinks to create new and surprising experiences. This trend of putting novel ingredients into coffee includes other unusual creations such as oyster coffee and soy sauce lattes. 

Earlier this year, Starbucks China released a pork-flavored coffee. The drink was released in China to mark the Lunar New Year, dubbed the “Abundant Year Savory Latte.” The brand describes it as having an “interesting” flavor. CNN reported that the drink combined Dongpo Braised Pork Flavor Sauce with espresso and steamed milk, with extra pork sauce and pork breast meat for garnish.

TikTok is now a hotspot for the latest and most creative coffee trends, with users sharing their unique recipes and flavor experiments. Along with the Scallion Latte, several other coffee trends have caught the attention of coffee lovers.

One popular trend is Dalgona Coffee, which became popular during the COVID-19 lockdowns. This whipped coffee drink is made by mixing instant coffee, sugar, and hot water until it becomes a frothy, caramel-colored foam, which is then added to a glass of milk.

Another trend is Proffee, or protein coffee, which mixes brewed coffee with a protein shake. This trend is popular among fitness enthusiasts looking to boost their protein intake while enjoying their morning coffee.