URGENT UPDATE: A viral beverage from San Jose, California, is taking the coffee world by storm, igniting a nationwide trend for banana cream lattes. Academic Coffee, founded by Frank Nguyen, introduced the Banana Cream Pie Latte last October, and it has since exploded in popularity, particularly on social media platforms like TikTok.
What began as a seasonal drink has transformed into a cultural phenomenon. Nguyen recalls, “Originally, we were trying to come up with a different drink for the holidays, but after testing, we pivoted and created something entirely new.” The result was a creamy blend of fresh bananas and secret ingredients, topped with Biscoff cookie crumbles, reminiscent of a banana cream pie. The drink quickly became a favorite among locals, but its true breakout moment came when it went viral on TikTok, with users sharing videos that garnered tens of thousands of views.
As demand surged, lines formed outside Academic Coffee, with customers expressing their excitement about the drink they discovered online. “We had no idea we were trending until we saw the posts,” Nguyen said. TikTok users celebrated the drink’s authentic taste, noting its rich flavor made with fresh bananas rather than artificial ingredients.
However, the overwhelming popularity led to significant challenges. In April 2025, Nguyen’s team was forced to halt production due to the inability to keep up with demand. “We just couldn’t make enough banana,” he admitted, reflecting on the strain it placed on his team. TikTokers reacted with videos lamenting the drink’s absence, creating a wave of urgency among fans to try it before it was gone.
After a brief hiatus, Academic Coffee retrofitted its kitchen to accommodate the high demand for bananas and successfully reintroduced the Banana Cream Pie Latte. This resurgence coincided with the rise of similar drinks in coffee shops across the country, all inspired by the viral success of Nguyen’s creation. Data from ABC News indicates that while variations existed before, the banana cream latte phenomenon truly peaked after Academic Coffee’s introduction.
Nguyen humorously noted the drink’s widespread influence, recounting a visit to Disneyland where he found a version of his creation. “I tried it—I thought it was too sweet,” he laughed. “But it’s all good. We’re happy to have helped do something big in the Bay Area.”
The success of the Banana Cream Pie Latte has also opened doors for further innovations at Academic Coffee. Recently, Nguyen collaborated with food influencer Eatsbyrachel to launch the guava matcha latte, featuring homemade guava jam and matcha, which has quickly become a bestseller. “It’s outselling our banana drink now, but it will only be a seasonal offering,” he said.
As the first anniversary of the Banana Cream Pie Latte approaches, Nguyen reflects on the journey that led to their newfound visibility. “After nine years of working in coffee, it’s rewarding to see that people finally know who we are,” he concluded.
This viral sensation exemplifies the power of social media in shaping consumer trends, and the story of Academic Coffee serves as a testament to innovation and community engagement in the ever-evolving beverage landscape. Keep an eye on this Bay Area gem as it continues to redefine coffee culture across the nation.
