Overview
It is a well-known fact that coffee drinking is popular among adults in the UK. Coffee has become an integral part of many people’s morning routine, whether it is enjoyed in the comfort of their own home, or purchased to go at a local cafe. What age group drinks the most coffee in the UK? It has been revealed that adults aged 18-25 years old are the top consumers of coffee in the UK. Despite comprehensive studies and surveys, it is difficult to determine exactly which age group drinks the most coffee in the UK.
What the Surveys Reveal
The latest survey into coffee drinking in the UK was carried out by the British Coffee Association (BCA). The survey showed that 17 million cups of coffee are consumed each day in the UK, equating to 6.2 billion cups per year. The survey further revealed that adults between the ages of 18 and 25 drink the highest amount of coffee each day, followed by individuals aged 26-35 years old. Adults aged 36-45 years old still drink more coffee than other age groups but the amount of coffee they consume is on the decline.
Experts’ Perspectives
Experts in the coffee industry have argued that the reasons for the highest coffee consumption among adults aged 18-25 is due to their varying lifestyles. This age is often characterized by long hours, studying and socializing. Coffee is seen as an easy, convenient way to power through long days or all-nighters. In addition, health professionals have weighed in on the topic, suggesting that coffee consumption in this age group is influenced by the belief of young adults that coffee boosts energy. Recent studies have also suggested that coffee consumption can improve performance for physical activities such as running and cycling.
My Insights and Analysis
In addition to the points raised by experts, I believe that young adults are increasingly choosing coffee against other drinks such as soft drinks and energy drinks due to its perceived benefits. Increasingly, young adults are being more health conscious, and are looking for alternatives to sugary drinks. Coffee is seen as a healthier choice due to its low-calorie content and the beneficial effects it has on metabolism. As a result, I believe that the number of young adults who are drinking coffee will continue to increase in the future.
Coffee Consumption Among Other Age Groups
Coffee consumption is not only commonplace among young adults. According to the same survey from the British Coffee Association, adults aged 46-55 and 56-65 are the second and third highest consumers of coffee respectively. Studies suggest that this is also due to differing lifestyles and habits. For instance, caffeine consumption has been linked to late night work and studying, which is more common among older adults. In addition, some adults choose coffee to help stay focused when they are under stress.
Coffee’s Growing Popularity
Regardless of age, it is clear that coffee has become ingrained in culture in the UK. Coffee continues to gain popularity year on year. This is due to the increasing number of coffee shops and cafes popping up in towns and cities across the country, as well as improvements in coffee machines allowing for barista-style coffee to be made in the comfort of one’s own home. Considering the reliability on consumption from adults aged 18-25, and the significant growth potential amongst other age groups, it can be argued that the popularity of coffee in the UK is set to continue.
Environmental Impact of Coffee Consumption
Whilst the consumption of coffee is largely positive amongst the population, there will always be a negative environmental impact associated. Coffee production produces carbon emissions and can contribute to deforestation, both of which have a severe effect on the environment. Consequently, there has been an increase in the number of coffee companies that are implementing sustainability initiatives, such as reducing energy and switching to renewable energies, limiting water usage, investing in local farms and producers, and reducing waste.
Corporate Influence on Coffee Consumption
It is also worth noting that with the growing coffee culture in the UK comes the influence from coffee corporations. Last year, the British Coffee Association revealed that the two biggest coffee chains in the country, Starbucks and Costa, accounted for 36.3% of the UK coffee shop market share. With prices lower than independent coffee shops and neighbourhood stops, big coffee companies are having an ever-increasing influence on how, where, and why people choose to purchase coffee.
Reducing Waste
In light of corporate influence and environmental damage, there is a growing number of initiatives to reduce the amount of waste produced by the coffee industry. Reusable coffee cups have been the most successful so far, with well-known campaigns encouraging consumers to purchase a reusable cup when they buy their morning coffee. Other initiatives include providing discount or rewards for bringing reusable coffee containers, or providing incentives for customers to return their empty coffee cups.
Activity Driven Consumption
When looking at what age group drinks the most coffee in the UK, it is also important to consider the correlation between coffee drinking and lifestyle activities. For instance, high coffee consumption is often associated with studying, late-night working, or exercising, which suggests that coffee may be used as an enhancer to provide a short-term boost. Often, this is done out of habit rather than purpose, which suggests that a cultural shift needs to take place in order for coffee drinking to become more mindful and intentional.
