Coffee, the universal favorite that everyone has come to love and rely on is ubiquitous in the UK. And how much is consumed? This article will explore just how prevalent coffee is in the UK, breaking it down by where people drink it, who they drink it with, and how they prefer to brew it.
The reasons behind why people reach for a cup of coffee vary from person to person, with some looking for a pick-me-up, a way to feel alert and more energetic, or simply wanting to stay social and caught up. And when it comes to the UK, it looks like a lot of people reach for a cup of java.
According to figures from the UK Coffee Market Report 2020, more than 75% of people said that they consume coffee of some form in the UK. Of this 75%, 86% said that they brewed their own coffee, with a whopping 81% saying that they brewed their own espresso.
When it comes to age, the figures are quite different. According to statistics from the British Coffee Association, the younger generation seems to prefer coffee – with 78% of 25-34-year-olds consuming coffee and 92% of those aged between 18-24 drinking it.
It also appears that the UK love to have coffee with others. According to a report from the London Coffee Festival, in 2019 more than 28% of coffee consumers said that they had coffee with friends or family, compared to the 22% that said that they drank it alone. In contrast, just 14% of coffee drinkers said that they had coffee while out of the home.
When it comes to brewing methods, it appears that the UK is quite diverse. Cafetieres, or French press, were the most popular kind, followed by using a filter machine and then a stovetop brewer. According to research conducted by Intellicig, more people seem to be investing in high-end brewing equipment, such as espresso machines, suggesting that many people want to make the most of their coffee-drinking experience — and potentially their money.
Reasons for Coffee Consumption
There are various reasons to why individuals opt for a cup of coffee – from stay alert and more energetic, to wanting to stay social. And when it comes to the UK, the love for coffee is quite real.
According to figures from the UK Coffee Market Report 2020, more than 75% of people said that they consume coffee of some form in the UK. Of this 75%, 86% said that they brewed their own coffee and 81% said that they brewed their own espresso.
Reasons for coffee consumption in the UK vary from person to person. Some individuals opt for coffee to drink it alone, or with friends, or simply to feel more alert. The younger generation seems to prefer coffee as well – with 78% of 25-34-year-olds consuming coffee, and 92% of those aged between 18-24 also drinking it.
The National coffee association in the UK found that the majority of coffee consumers drink one to three cups per day, with the 25-39 age groups drinking the most.
Overall, the answers vary depending on the individual, with the younger generation and older generation having differing perspectives on coffee consumption and the motivations behind why they choose to drink it.
Types of Coffee
When it comes to coffee, the UK presents quite a diverse range of coffee brewing methods. Cafetieres (French press), filter machines, stovetop brewers and espresso machines are some of the methods used to brew coffee.
The French Press, also known as the Cafetiere, is one of the most popular types of coffee brewing, with more than half of those surveyed in a recent survey saying that the brewer was their preferred brew. This method gives a strong and bittersweet flavour to the coffee.
Filter coffee is another popular method of brewing, and can include anything from pour-over coffee makers, to an electric filter machine. The coffee drinkers in the UK seem to prefer this method of brewing over others, as it produces a smoother and less acidic coffee. This method often produces a coffee that is lighter in body and flavour than an espresso coffee.
Espresso machines are still a popular choice in the UK, despite being expensive and complex. These machines allow coffee drinkers to make a strong, concentrated coffee and can be used for creating alternative coffee-based drinks such as lattes, macchiatos and cappuccinos.
Finally, a stovetop coffee maker is typically used for camping trips and outdoors, due to its small and convenient size. This method of brewing produces a strong, concentrated flavour that is full-bodied and slightly acidic.
Market Research
According to a report from the London Coffee Festival, in 2019 more than 28% of coffee consumers said that they had coffee with friends or family, compared to the 22% that said that they drank it alone. Wanting to socialize is a key factor in the UK’s coffee consumption.
This finding was secondary to the figure that showed that 47% of coffee drinkers said that they were motivated by taste. And it seems that the UK’s love for coffee is stretching beyond taste.
Research conducted by Intellicig found that the Brits are not just spending more money on their coffee, but they are also investing in higher-quality brewing gadgets to make the most out of their coffee. It appears that the UK is developing a passion for coffee as a lifestyle.
A cup of coffee isn’t just a drink anymore; it’s an experience that many are willing to pay for to get the true taste and feel of the beverage. Whether that be organic beans, a filter machine, or a barista experience.
Health Benefits
Coffee consumption has been linked to many health benefits when it comes to the UK, including increased metabolism, reduced risk of neurodegenerative disease, and improved brain function.
It is important to remember, however, that these health benefits are due more to the presence of antioxidants in coffee rather than the caffeine itself. Therefore, an important factor to consider when drinking coffee is to pay attention to your individual sensitivity to caffeine.
Due to the potentially negative effects of drinking too much caffeine, the UK’s Department of Health recommends limiting caffeine intake to 400 mg per day, as this is the amount that is considered safe for most people.
Coffee itself offers more than just a kick, as many studies have found that it can also help to improve alertness, focus, and overall mental health. This makes it the perfect beverage for busy days and long nights.
Brewing Trends in the UK
In recent years, the UK has seen an increase in speciality coffee shops, as well as in home coffee brewing. Overall, the UK has become more coffee-focused, emphasizing the importance of coffee and allowing individuals to explore new coffee experiences.
The shift towards speciality coffee has also been noticed in recent years, with a report by the Speciality Coffee Association finding that the demand for speciality coffee has grown significantly over the past few years.
At the same time, the home coffee brewing market has grown, with the UK seeing an increase in consumer spending on coffee equipment. Consumers are investing in espresso machines, grinders, and other kinds of coffee-making gadgets to create the perfect brew.
The growth of speciality coffee and the home brewing market shows that the UK is becoming more and more serious about coffee. Coffee is no longer just for a quick pick-me-up, but about experiencing flavours, connecting with people, and understanding how different methods of brewing can create different flavours and experiences.
Atmosphere and Origin
The location of coffee drinking is another important factor to consider when looking at how popular the beverage is in the UK. Coffee shops exist as places of community and connection, allowing individuals to meet up with friends and make new acquaintances.
The same can be said for where the coffee itself is grown, as knowledge on the origins of the beans and the atmosphere they are grown in can also add to the experience. What’s more, different regions and countries are known to produce beans of different flavours, intensities and tastes.
The atmosphere and origin of the coffee beans can make all the difference – for example, Colombian coffees are known for their mild, acidic, and sweet flavours, Ethiopian coffees for their unique berry notes and Kenyan coffees for their strong aftertastes.
Overall, this emphasises the importance of origin when it comes to the UK’s coffee consumption. Knowledge on the origin of the beans and the atmospheric conditions of the region can truly add to the experience of drinking the beverage.
Coffee Alternatives
For those seeking a coffee alternative, there are numerous options available in the UK. Tea is one of the most popular methods of cutting down caffeine consumption, among them herbal teas and green tea.
In recent years, non-caffeinated drinks such as turmeric chai and roasted barley tea have become increasingly popular, as people look for coffee alternatives that still provide that full flavour. Smoothies and juices are also popular in the UK, with many consumers looking for fresh fruit and vegetable drinks with natural flavours.
The UK also has a number of coffee houses offering caffeine-free options, from flavoured coffee syrup and speciality coffee to natural coffee blends. This could be the perfect option for those looking for a coffee-like drink but with a herbal twist.
Finally, cold brew is another great option for coffee lovers looking for a coffee alternative. The cold brew method utilises cold water instead of hot for a smoother, crisper beverage, and can be served hot or cold.
Altogether, there are a multitude of options available for people looking for a coffee alternative in the UK – and it looks like the UK’s love for coffee isn’t going anywhere anytime soon.
