Tag: coffee statistics

Coffee Still Leads US Beverage Choices in 2026, NCA Finds

Posted on by Qahwa World

Dubai – Qahwa World

According to the Spring 2026 National Coffee Data Trends (NCDT) report released by the National Coffee Association (NCA), coffee continues to rank as the most popular beverage among American adults. Nearly 195 million U.S. adults — roughly 73% of the adult population — drink coffee each week, maintaining its position at the top of the country’s beverage hierarchy.

Past-day consumption remains steady at 66% of American adults, consistent with levels observed since 2022. Weekly drinking habits show similar stability. This confirms coffee’s enduring role in daily life, surpassing other beverages such as bottled water, tea, soda, and juice in long-running surveys dating back to 1950.

Key highlights from the Spring 2026 NCDT report

The data, collected between January 5 and 20, 2026, from a nationally representative sample of 1,850 U.S. adults who consumed a beverage other than tap water in the previous day, reveals several consistent and evolving patterns:

  • Morning rituals and home brewing dominate: Among past-day coffee drinkers, 82% prepare their coffee at home, while 28% have it prepared away from home. Consumption remains highly habitual: 86% drink coffee first thing in the morning, followed by 38% later in the morning, 22% in the afternoon, and 11% in the evening. These patterns have shown little change since 2022, underscoring coffee’s deep integration into daily routines.
  • Traditional coffee holds firm: 62% of American adults consumed traditional coffee in the past week, unchanged from 2022.
  • Specialty coffee sees notable growth: Past-week specialty coffee consumption has risen by 9.4% since 2022, increasing from 53% to 58% of American adults. This growth is largely driven by espresso-based beverages, which rose from 40% to 45% in past-week consumption. Specific increases include:
    • Lattes: from 17% to 21%
    • Straight espresso: from 16% to 20%

This shift reflects growing consumer interest in café-style drinks, likely supported by the rise of at-home espresso machines, premium pods, and broader engagement with specialty coffee culture.

NCA leadership on coffee’s lasting role

NCA President and CEO Bill Murray said:

“Coffee has long been a touchstone in Americans’ daily lives and a powerhouse in our economy, adapting to fit different tastes, trends, budgets, and routines over time. We expect that to continue for many decades to come.”

This adaptability is reflected in coffee’s economic impact. The industry supports 2.2 million U.S. jobs, operates in every state and territory, and contributes nearly $350 billion to the economy annually.

Why this matters

The 2026 findings highlight coffee’s resilience. While overall consumption has plateaued at historically high levels since 2022, the rise in specialty and espresso-based drinks points to a maturing market in which consumers increasingly prioritize quality, variety, and experience, whether at home or on the go.

As the longest-running study of its kind, conducted twice yearly since 1950, the NCDT remains a key benchmark for the coffee industry.

For the full Spring 2026 NCDT report, visit ncausa.org/NCDT. Media highlights are also available for download. The National Coffee Association, founded in 1911, represents businesses accounting for 90% of U.S. coffee commerce.

 

Specialty Coffee Consumption in the United States Reaches Record High

Posted on by Qahwa World

Washington, September 9, 2025 (Qahwa World) – The Fall 2025 National Coffee Data Trends report, published by the National Coffee Association, shows that specialty coffee consumption in the United States has reached its highest level on record. Fifty-seven percent of Americans reported drinking specialty coffee at least once in the past week, a figure that matches the highest level ever recorded and confirms that specialty coffee has become a central part of everyday life across the country.

The report also highlights the strong role of younger generations, with forty-six percent of Americans between the ages of 18 and 24 saying they consumed specialty coffee on the day before the survey was conducted, the highest daily rate since 2020. Analysts attribute this trend to the integration of younger consumers into modern coffee culture, their preference for higher quality and innovative experiences, and the growing popularity of coffee-related social events that encourage sharing and discovery.

The study notes that new preparation methods are fueling this growth. Cold brew consumption rose to seventeen percent, an increase of three percentage points compared with the start of the year, while ready-to-drink coffee beverages reached nineteen percent, up four points. These figures reflect the American consumer’s attraction to options that combine convenience and freshness, particularly during warmer months.

Industry observers say the expansion of specialty coffee consumption opens new opportunities but also presents challenges. Large chains are benefiting from the growth of app-based orders and drive-thru services, while independent cafés and roasters are finding their strength in providing higher quality products, origin transparency, and stories of sustainability. This balance between convenience and authenticity is expected to shape the future of the U.S. coffee market.

The significance of this growth is underscored by the size of the overall industry, valued at 343 billion dollars. Specialty coffee is no longer just a matter of personal taste or social trend but a powerful economic sector in its own right. With rising consumer awareness of origin, production methods, and environmental certifications, specialty coffee is expected to continue strengthening its position both domestically and internationally.

The findings suggest that the United States has moved beyond the so-called third wave of coffee, which focused on artisanal preparation, and is entering a new phase that blends quality with convenience and social experience. For a new generation of consumers, coffee is no longer simply a morning beverage but an evolving lifestyle choice that reflects broader shifts in consumer culture.