Can an Iced Coffee Cost You a Job?

The Viral Debate

A viral TikTok video by US recruiter Caitlin Wehniainen has ignited what is being called the Great Iced Coffee Debate of 2026. In the video, Wehniainen warned candidates not to arrive at job interviews carrying an iced coffee, arguing it suggests the applicant lacks proper preparation or views the meeting as just another errand. Following the backlash, she clarified on LinkedIn that her primary concern was about minimizing distractions rather than labeling anyone a bad candidate. As many do, in a TikTok video, the question on the internet’s lips this week started life. According to don’t waltz into your interview all casual with an iced coffee, it just looks like you didn’t have time to finish your coffee beforehand,”, US recruiter Caitlin Wehniainen. Some believe turning up with an iced matcha latte in hand is a cardinal sin. Too informal, and a distraction, they say it’s unprofessional. Others feel this is an overreaction – distracting from how difficult it is to secure a job – or even just get an interview in the first place. My point was simply about avoiding distractions. Can an iced latte actually hurt your chances of getting a job.

Perspectives on Interview Etiquette

• Hanad, 28, London: Believes an iced coffee appears immature and informal, though he considers water or a hot coffee acceptable.
• Tsvetina, 24, London: Argues against traditional corporate stigmas, suggesting recruiters should prioritize communication skills over personal habits or dress codes.
• Aisha, 28: Sees bringing a drink as a sign of punctuality and a way to showcase personality, though she would avoid sugary or fizzy drinks.
• Katy, 25, event assistant: Suggests the criticism has a sexist undertone, noting that hot coffee—often viewed as more masculine—would not face similar scrutiny.

Industry Standards and Challenges

The controversy arises during a difficult period for job seekers. In the UK, graduate vacancies have nearly halved over the past year as businesses shift toward AI and manage rising costs. Approximately one in eight individuals aged 16-24 are currently neither in employment, education, nor training. US hiring is similarly slowing, creating a competitive environment for entry-level roles.

Expert Insights on Professionalism

Recruitment professionals remain divided on whether beverage choice impacts hiring outcomes. Lucy Cooper, founder of the London-based firm Spark, notes that in competitive fields like marketing, bringing a drink could be perceived as flippant or overly relaxed, potentially signaling that a candidate is not taking the opportunity seriously.

Conversely, others caution against broad generalizations. Dan Craddock, a director at Hays, stated that employers should avoid making snap judgments. He emphasized that the focus should remain on assessing the specific skills, experience, and behaviors required for the role, whether or not a candidate arrives with a coffee or a water bottle. Chris Mason of the tech-focused recruitment firm Intelligent People echoed this sentiment, calling the intense focus on iced coffees an overreaction while still advising candidates to project an image of focus and professional seriousness.