Overall US Coffee Consumption Habits
Coffee is one of the most popular drinks in the world, especially in the United States. Recent statistics show that over 55% of adult coffee drinkers in the US consume three or more cups of coffee per day. That is roughly 94 million people who regularly consume coffee on a daily, or near-daily, basis. It is estimated that Americans spend over $40 billion on coffee per year, and account for over 25% of the world’s total coffee consumption.
In terms of preferences, the vast majority of Americans opt for the convenience of pre-packaged, “to-go” type coffee drinks when in need of an “energy boost” or trip to the coffee shop. Far fewer – approximately 26% – prefer to enjoy the ritual of brewing and drinking coffee at home.
From What Age Do Americans Like Coffee?
The coffee-drinking craze seems to start at a fairly early age: over half of American teens aged 12-17 drink coffee, compared to just over one-third who drink tea. The preference for coffee, however, does not necessarily peak at early adulthood; in fact, it increases continually through middle age. The peak in coffee consumption is reached among people in their 50s and 60s.
Who Drinks the Most Coffee in the US?
When it comes to who drinks the most coffee in the US, the results vary slightly by gender. Men still drink more coffee than women overall – an average of 2.4 cups of coffee versus 1.8 for women – but there are notable differences within certain age groups. The highest level of coffee consumption in the US is among young adults aged 18-29: here, men drink an average of 3.2 cups of coffee per day, while women drink 2.6.
What Coffee Do Americans Prefer?
When it comes to coffee preferences, Americans generally lean towards more mild, smooth, and well-balanced blends. This is especially true of the younger generation, with nearly 25% of Americans aged 18-29 preferring light roasts, compared to just 10% of those aged 55+. In addition, convenience-led coffee trends such as cold-brew and nitro-brew are increasingly prevalent among younger consumers.
Single-Serve Coffee Makers
The rise of single-serve coffee makers has posed a challenge to traditional methods of preparation and consumption. According to George Hobica, founder of Airfarewatchdog.com, single-serve brewers “did for the home what to-go cups of coffee did for the office or the highway.” More than one in four American households now owns a single-serve or pod-based coffee maker, making it the most popular way of brewing coffee at home.
The Impact of the Coffee Industry
The US coffee industry is growing rapidly, with an estimated market size of nearly $50 billion in 2017 and projected to reach $65 billion by 2021. As the industry continues to expand, businesses benefits and individuals have been taking advantage of this growth by creating career opportunities and even lifestyle experiences inspired by coffee.
The Future of Coffee in the US
The future of the US coffee industry looks bright, with the latest trend of roastery cafés offering a unique, communal experience for coffee fanatics. Small-scale micro-roasters, who focus on the quality of their product, are on the rise, presenting an interesting opportunity for craft coffee entrepreneurs. The increasing demand for specialty coffee is also likely to be reflected in the growing number of local and regional coffee chains, helping to further establish the coffee culture in the US.
Environmental Impacts of Coffee Drinking
The environmental impacts of coffee drinking cannot be overlooked. For example, the water used in coffee-making processes can be a strain on natural resources, and the waste produced by coffee packaging and used coffee grounds can have a drastic impact on the environment. Major coffee companies are now exploring more sustainable options for packaging and disposal, but there is still much work to be done to further reduce the impacts of the coffee industry.
Social Activism and the Coffee Industry
The coffee industry has also become a platform for people to come together to support and promote certain causes. For example, the St. Helens Coffee Collective in Oregon is working to create a collaborative space for social activism, encouraging patrons to get involved in working towards positive change. Similarly, many coffee businesses are now focusing on fair trade certified products, and using their platforms to raise awareness of ethical and environmental issues.
Coffee and Health
Finally, there has been considerable research into the health-related effects of coffee consumption. While research results have been inconclusive, coffee is generally regarded as having potential health benefits, such as reducing the risk of stroke and Alzheimer’s disease, as well as providing an energy boost. So as US coffee consumption grows, this is an issue worth exploring.
