Stories
The Great Iced Coffee Debate 2026: A viral discussion dividing generations on interview etiquette.
- •'The Great Iced Coffee Debate 2026' centers on the appropriateness of bringing iced coffee or matcha to job interviews.
- •The debate began with American recruiter Caitlin Wehring's video advising Gen Z against bringing iced coffee to interviews.
- •Many view the notion as 'old-fashioned and absurd,' while others see it as disrespectful in an interview setting.
- •Millennials consider it too casual, whereas Gen Z views it as an unnecessary restriction and part of personal freedom.
- •The debate reflects changing workplace rules, new work cultures, and the evolving definition of professionalism.
Key Questions Answered
The debate began with an original TikTok video by American recruiter Caitlin Wehring, who advised job seekers, particularly Gen Z, against bringing iced coffee or matcha into job interviews. She argued it makes the interview appear as just another minor errand, sparking a viral discussion about changing workplace etiquette.
Gen Z generally views the restriction on iced coffee as an unnecessary and outdated rule. Younger workers feel they should be judged solely on their qualifications rather than a beverage, reflecting a broader shift toward bringing personal authenticity and work-life balance into professional spaces.
Career experts note that the controversy exposes deeper frustrations in a challenging job market where AI and fewer vacancies have made entry-level hiring difficult. Some coaches argue it highlights flaws in the recruitment process, where candidates face judgment over trivial details instead of their core skills.
