Lost Sheep Coffee has introduced an innovative new product: the Sugar Cane Iced Decaf Latte with Fibre. This offering is designed to cater to the increasing demand for premium decaffeinated options that provide functional benefits and support gut health.
This launch is in response to three prominent trends projected for 2026: the rise in decaf beverage consumption, a focus on functionality, and the growing popularity of fibre-enriched drinks. In fact, over a quarter of UK consumers—26%—have reported a rise in their decaf consumption over the past year, motivated by a more thoughtful approach to caffeine intake and a preference for higher-quality decaf products.
Lost Sheep Coffee recognized that the ready-to-drink (RTD) decaf iced coffee sector largely hinges on instant coffee, cold brew, or inferior-quality decaf beans, which often results in a diluted flavor and a perception of subpar quality. According to founder Stuart Wilson, the aim was to craft a decaf iced latte that is so good, “people won’t believe it’s decaf,” providing exceptional barista-style richness, notable chocolate undertones, and a substantial mouthfeel.
Additionally, the UK market for functional beverages is on the rise, with 24% of consumers actively seeking drinks that offer extras like vitamins or fibre. Lost Sheep’s latest creation features 4.5g of chicory root fibre per can, aligning with the gut-health trend while maintaining a high-quality, specialty-grade profile.
The new product also supports the brand’s dedication to traceability and artisanal roasting. The decaffeinated beans undergo the sugar cane method, which delicately eliminates caffeine while preserving flavor—differentiating it from more aggressive decaffeination processes. Following this, the coffee is carefully hand-roasted in small batches, hot-brewed, and flash-chilled to maintain its smoothness and fragrance.
The Sugar Cane Iced Decaf Latte with Fibre combines the unique sugar-cane-decaffeinated coffee, skimmed milk, and chicory root fibre (with 4.5g per can), along with 4.3g of sugar per 100g.
Set to launch in July, the product will retail at £2.35 for a 250ml can, positioning it as a premium RTD iced coffee that emphasizes quality, flavor, and enhanced functionality, all without the shortcuts of instant coffee or cold brew methods.
Wilson emphasized that the brand is “challenging the perception that decaf RTD means compromise,” stating that this new offering is tailored for consumers seeking craft coffee quality, functional benefits, and a more conscientious caffeine approach.
