Could an iced coffee freeze you out of the job market?

Key Points:

• US recruiter Caitlin Wehniainen sparked the "Great Iced Coffee Debate of 2026" by advising against bringing iced coffee to job interviews, saying it appears casual and suggests the interview is just another errand.
• Opinions are divided, with some viewing iced coffee as unprofessional and immature, while others argue that it distracts from more important challenges young people face in securing jobs and that personality matters more than such formalities.
• Several young professionals interviewed expressed mixed views: some avoid iced coffee to maintain a serious impression, others see it as a sign of punctuality, and some criticize the debate for potential gender bias.
• The job market is tough for young people, with fewer graduate vacancies and many facing unemployment or underemployment, intensifying the pressure around interview etiquette.
• Recruitment experts emphasize that interview success depends more on preparation, punctuality, and relevant skills than on whether a candidate brings iced coffee or other items to the interview.