#United States #New York #Specialty Coffee #Coffee Consumption #National Coffee Association

American Coffee: The Beverage of Choice for Americans

Recent findings have confirmed that coffee continues to reign as the most favored beverage among Americans, with two-thirds of adults indulging in it daily. This marks a notable increase from previous years, outpacing other beverages such as tea, juice, soda, and even bottled water, which has now slid into second place. With an average consumption of three cups per day per person, coffee is more than just a drink; it’s an integral part of daily life in America.

According to the Spring 2025 National Coffee Data Trends (NCDT) report, published in January 2025 by Dig Insights for the National Coffee Association (NCA), coffee is not only popular among adults but also plays a substantial role in the U.S. food service sector, accounting for approximately 8% of the industry’s impact. The findings underscore a growing trend in the American coffee culture, particularly a rising demand for specialty coffee, which has seen a remarkable growth of nearly 18% in the last five years.

The report highlights that 46% of American adults consumed specialty coffee in the past day, up from 39% in 2020. Traditional coffee, however, maintained a stable presence, with 42% of adults reporting consumption in January 2025 compared to 43% in the previous year. The divide in coffee types remains consistent, with specialty coffee consumption accounting for 59% of all coffee drunk, while traditional coffee made up the remaining 41%.

Specialty Coffee Rising

Diving deeper into the specialty coffee category, the report captures a significant rise in the consumption of espresso-based drinks—like cappuccinos and lattes—rising 17% since 2020. Simultaneously, non-espresso beverages, including cold brews and blended coffees, witnessed a staggering 42% jump in popularity.

NCA President and CEO Bill Murray stated, "Coffee holds a unique place in Americans' daily lives—no other beverage is such a beloved and prominent touchstone. Coffee's popularity brews big benefits for American coffee drinkers and the entire U.S. economy. We expect America's love affair with coffee to continue for many decades to come." This sentiment is well reflected in the way coffee is consumed across the nation.

At-Home Coffee Preparation

An essential aspect of American coffee culture is how and where coffee is prepared. The NCDT report reveals that a striking 71% of coffee drinkers prepared their coffee at home exclusively, a significant rise from 63% in 2020. The trend of making coffee at home only continues to grow, contrasting with earlier years where more people were inclined to buy coffee outside.

Despite grocery stores remaining the primary shopping destination for coffee, an interesting trend emerged with the double of online coffee purchases, jumping from 7% in 2020 to 14% in 2025. As home brewing continues to flourish, various coffee-making devices are seeing a rise in acquisition, including single-cup brewers and bean-to-cup machines. Drip coffee makers still dominate, with 62% of households owning one in 2025, up from 58% in 2020.

Conclusion

The coffee industry stands resilient, adapting to changing preferences and consumer behaviors. With continuous innovations and growing enthusiasm for specialty coffee, the prospect of coffee consumption in America looks promising. As this trend unfolds, we can anticipate coffee's role in American culture will evolve, potentially ushering in new methods and flavors that cater to an ever-growing demographic of coffee lovers. For a deeper dive into these trends, visit ncausa.org/ncdt.