URGENT UPDATE: The coffee world is buzzing as the viral Banana Cream Pie Latte from Academic Coffee in San Jose, California has taken social media by storm, igniting a nationwide trend. Launched just last October, this unique beverage has transformed a local café into a national sensation in less than a year.
On social media platforms like TikTok, the drink exploded in popularity, with thousands of users posting reviews and sharing their first sips. “We had no idea,” said Frank Nguyen, the owner of Academic Coffee, reflecting on how they discovered their drink had gone viral. The combination of creamy banana, fresh ingredients, and a dusting of Biscoff cookie crumbles has captivated coffee lovers.
The surge in popularity led to overwhelming demand, prompting Nguyen’s team to temporarily halt production in April 2025. Nguyen admitted, “We just couldn’t make enough banana.” The café faced backlash from disappointed fans, who took to social media to express their sadness over the drink’s unavailability.
During this break, coffee shops across the country began experimenting with their own banana cream beverages, but none matched the acclaim of Academic Coffee’s original. Data from ABC News confirmed that while similar drinks existed, the Banana Cream Latte from Academic Coffee was the catalyst for this viral phenomenon.
Nguyen noted the drink’s influence has even reached Disneyland, where visitors can now find their own version. “I tried it—I thought it was too sweet,” he laughed, highlighting the ripple effect of his café’s innovation.
In response to the demand, Academic Coffee recently unveiled a new seasonal drink—the Guava Matcha Latte—crafted in collaboration with food influencer Eatsbyrachel. This vibrant drink features layers of homemade guava jam and matcha, and it has already outpaced the banana drink in sales.
As the one-year anniversary of the Banana Cream Pie Latte approaches, Nguyen reflects on the journey of Academic Coffee and the recognition they have finally achieved. “It’s rewarding to see that people finally know who we are,” he stated.
This rapid rise to fame serves as a testament to the power of social media and the creativity found in local businesses. The banana craze shows no signs of slowing, with more coffee shops looking to capture the magic of this viral drink.
Stay tuned for more updates as Academic Coffee continues to innovate and expand its reach in the coffee market!
