Coffee Statistics: Consumption, Preferences, & Spending

coffee beans

The love for coffee is deeply ingrained in many cultures around the world. It is not only a morning ritual or a pick-me-up during the day but also a social experience that brings people together.

As coffee enthusiasts, our market research company understands the significance of this beloved beverage and the fascinating statistics that surround it.

To shed light on the world of coffee, we have gathered the latest and most intriguing coffee statistics from a survey we conducted with 1,500+ people across the U.S. According to our research:

  • 3 in 4 Americans drink coffee every day (74%)
  • 49% of people drink 3 to 5 cups of coffee a day
  • 32% of people purchase coffee from a coffee shop 1 to 3 days a week, with many spending $20 or less a month
  • 56% of people agree that drinking coffee benefits their health
  • 39% of people report Starbucks coffee is their favorite brand, while 30% prefer Dunkin' coffee

For further analysis, we broke down the data in the following ways:
General Coffee Statistics | Consumption Habits | Preferences | Spending | Benefits


General Coffee Statistics

Coffee has become a beloved staple in the lives of people around the world, and in this section, we explore some intriguing general coffee statistics that shed light on its immense popularity. From global consumption figures to other food items as part of the coffee industry, these statistics highlight the widespread love and fascination people have for this caffeinated beverage.

  • 2 in 3 Americans make coffee at home every day.

    68% of American coffee drinkers make coffee at home on a daily basis, with 15% making it at home 1 to 3 days a week. Others make it at home 4 to 6 days a week (12%) and less than once a week (3%). Only 2% of people never make coffee at home.

  • Over 2.25 billion cups of coffee are consumed in the world daily.

    This staggering statistic not only emphasizes the scale of coffee's popularity but also highlights its pervasive presence in various cultures and societies. Whether enjoyed in bustling cafes, offices, or homes, coffee serves as a common thread that brings people together and provides a comforting ritual enjoyed by millions across the globe each day. (Source)

  • 87% of Americans consider themselves somewhat or full-on coffee-obsessed.

    The statistic reveals that a significant majority of Americans, 87%, identify themselves as having a strong affinity for coffee, ranging from being somewhat obsessed to fully consumed by their love for the beverage.

    This suggests that coffee plays a central role in the lives of a large portion of the population, indicating its widespread popularity and cultural significance in American society. In fact, our study found that only 2% of those surveyed hated coffee.
  • 55% of Americans enjoy coffee cake.

    Coffee drinking habits can extend beyond a beverage. Over half of the respondents surveyed enjoy coffee cake. Other popular selections included coffee ice cream (48%), Irish coffee (30%), coffee liqueur (24%), Espresso martinis (14%), and coffee soda (10%).

  • Shot-flavored lattes are the most popular coffee order at coffee shops.

    38% of people order shot-flavored lattes at coffee shops as their go-to coffee order. Others order flat whites (32%), filter coffee (31%), cold brew or cold drip coffee (30%), cappuccino or Piccolo lattes (29%), long black or Americanos (20%), and espresso (19%). 

  • 39% of Americans enjoy Starbucks coffee, while 30% enjoy Dunkin'.

    According to our survey, additional favorite coffee brands included Green Mountain (21%), McCafé (17%), Peet’s (15%), Eight O’Clock (13%), Cafe Bustelo (11%), Tim Hortons (7%), and La Colombe (5%).

Coffee Consumption Statistics

Coffee consumption has become a ubiquitous part of daily life for countless individuals. These statistics offer a glimpse into the fascinating world of coffee consumption and its impact on individuals and societies alike.

  • 74% of Americans drink coffee every day.

    The survey also found that 18% of people drink coffee most days and 8% of people drink coffee sometimes. 

  • Retirees are most likely to drink coffee every day (85%).

    The survey also asked respondents to select statements that represented them. Among categories such as stay-at-home parents, new parents, retirees, full-time college students, full-time employees, and part-time employees - retirees were most likely to drink coffee every day.

  • 48% of coffee drinkers limit their coffee intake to 3 to 5 cups daily.

    Alternatively, our coffee survey also found that 40% of people drink two cups of coffee a day, while 9% of people drink 6 to 8 cups a day.

  • Coffee drinkers prefer both drip (31%) and Keurig cups (31%) equally.

    Other popular ways to make coffee included ground (23%), instant (6%), french press (4%), other ways (4%), and whipped (1%).

  • 41% of people prefer to drink their coffee black.

    Despite all of the coffee enhancement flavors available, 1 in 4 people prefer to drink their coffee black. Of all respondents surveyed, new moms and dads were most likely to enjoy black coffee (64%).

  • 48% of people use generic coffee creamers.

    Of those that don't prefer black coffee, 48% use generic coffee creamers such as Coffee-Mate or International Delight. The survey found that other popular additions were half-and-half (39%), 2% milk (18%), light cream (16%), almond milk (14%), oat milk (10%), skim milk (9%), coconut milk (9%), skim milk (9%), 1% milk (7%), and soy milk (5%).

  • 49% of coffee consumers use normal sugar, whereas 34% of people prefer Stevia or similar zero-calorie sweeteners.

    Other coffee sweetener preferences included, honey (18%), agave (9%), and maple syrup (7%).

  • 46% of people use two packets of sugar or stevia in their coffee drinks.

    A close second was 1 packet (35%) and even lower 3 packets (16%). While 3% of people use 6-10 packets of sugar per coffee drink.

Coffee Roast Preference Statistics 

These statistics provide valuable insights into the nuanced preferences surrounding coffee roasts and the consumption patterns of regular and decaffeinated coffee among the surveyed population, highlighting the diverse ways people enjoy and customize their coffee-drinking experience.

  • 49% of Americans prefer medium roast coffee, while others prefer dark roast (28%) and light roast (12%).

    When it comes to coffee roast preferences among Americans, a significant 49% favor medium roast coffee, appreciating its balanced flavor and aroma. Meanwhile, 28% lean toward the bold and robust profile of dark roast, while 12% opt for the milder and more nuanced flavors of light roast. Surprisingly, only 11% of coffee drinkers have no specific roast preference, indicating that the majority of individuals have distinct taste preferences.

  • Only 11% of coffee drinkers have no roast preferences.

    The fact that only 11% of coffee drinkers have no roast preferences highlights that the majority of coffee drinkers have developed specific tastes and preferences when it comes to the roast level of their coffee beans. This statistic underscores the importance of roast profiles in shaping the overall flavor, aroma, and intensity of brewed coffee.

  • 68% of people do not drink decaf coffee at all.

    This preference for regular coffee over decaf suggests that people often turn to coffee not only for its taste but also for its invigorating properties. Caffeine is known for its ability to enhance alertness, concentration, and mood, which may explain why the majority of coffee drinkers opt for the caffeinated version.

  • 18% of people strictly drink decaf coffee.

    Within the realm of decaf enthusiasts, 18% of coffee drinkers exclusively indulge in decaffeinated coffee. This group may consist of individuals who savor the taste and experience of coffee but prefer to avoid the stimulating effects of caffeine. Their preference for decaf showcases the demand for coffee flavors without the jolt of energy.

  • Of those who drink decaf (32%), 17% switch to decaf between 12 and 4 PM.

    Among those who choose decaf coffee, a specific time window becomes significant. According to the statistics, 17% of decaf drinkers make the switch from regular coffee to decaf between the hours of 12 PM and 4 PM. This suggests that these individuals may prioritize a reduction in caffeine intake during the afternoon to avoid potential sleep disturbances or excessive stimulation later in the day.

  • 38% of Americans prefer coffee unsweetened.

    Other preferences included somewhat sweetened (28%), a little sweetener (22%), very sweetened (8%), and no sweetener used (4%)


Coffee Spending Statistics

Unfortunately, love doesn't cost a thing but coffee does. Let's dive into how much money people spend to make coffee at home or to purchase it at a coffee shop.

  • 31% of people will spend $11 to $20 a month on coffee to make at home, while 11% will spend over $40 a month.

    Of those who spend up to $40 a month were college students at only 6% and new parents at 36%. Other at-home coffee drinkers spent $21 to $30 (25%), $31 to $40 (15%), and less than $10 (13%).

  • 32% of people purchase coffee from a coffee shop 1 to 3 days a week.

    Every town has its Central Perk, right? We sure hope so. Our study found that 32% of Americans buy coffee from a cafe 1 to 3 times weekly, while 30% buy coffee from a shop less than once a week. Other frequencies included never (22%) and 4 to 6 days a week(10%). 

    Of those who purchase coffee at a shop 1 to 3 times weekly were more likely to be new parents (50%) and stay-at-home parents (42%).

  • Most people spend $20 or less on coffee from cafes or coffee shops each month (54%).

    Our survey also found that 16% of people spend $21 to $30 on coffee at shops each month, while 14% spend $40+. Additionally, 12% spend $31 to $40 each month on coffee at coffee shops.

Health Benefits of Coffee Statistics

Let's delve into the remarkable health benefits of coffee, exploring the scientific research that suggests it can do more than just provide a morning pick-me-up.

  • 56% of Americans strongly or somewhat agree that consuming coffee benefits their health.

    Over half of those surveyed believe that drinking coffee has a positive impact on their health.

  • A study found that those who drink 1.5 to 3.5 cups of coffee a day have a 30% decreased mortality rate.

    The study's results imply that there may be certain bioactive compounds present in coffee that contribute to these observed health benefits. Coffee contains a variety of compounds, including antioxidants and polyphenols, which have been linked to potential protective effects against chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and certain types of cancer.

  • Drinking 4 or more cups of coffee a day may lower the risk of strokes.

    A Harvard Study among 83,076 women in the Nurses' Health Study, found that drinking 4 or more cups of coffee each day was associated with a 20% lower risk of stroke compared with non-coffee drinkers.

Coffee Drinking FAQ

1. What percentage of people drink coffee?

Of 1,500+ people surveyed, 74% of people drink coffee every day. The survey also found that 18% of people drink coffee most days and 8% of people drink coffee sometimes. 


2. How do people take their coffee?

Of those who do not prefer their coffee black (59%), 49% of coffee consumers use normal sugar and 34% of people prefer Stevia or similar zero-calorie sweeteners. On average, people use 2 packets of sugar in each cup of coffee. Additionally, 48% of people use generic coffee creamers.


3. What age groups drink coffee the most?

The silent generation or baby boomers, which are those born between 1946 and 1964, is the age group that drinks the most coffee. According to our survey, 84% of baby boomers drink coffee every day with 50% drinking 3 to 5 cups a day. Additionally, retirees are most likely to drink coffee every day (85%).


4. How much does the average person spend on coffee?

Most people (54%) spend $20 or less on coffee from cafes or coffee shops each month. Additionally, 56% of people will spend $11-$30 each month on coffee to make at home.


About the Drive Research Coffee Survey

Survey Methodology

  • Our survey received 1,592 responses.
  • Fieldwork was conducted nationally with 18+ adults.
  • Fieldwork lasted from June 28th to July 8th, 2022.

Respondent Profile (By Age)

  • Baby boomers: 54%
  • Generation X: 15%
  • Millennials / Gen Z: 22%

Respondent Profile (By Gender)

  • Female: 68%
  • Male: 32%

Contact Our PR Survey Company

Drive Research is a full-service market research company based in New York. Well-versed in both local and national market research efforts, our team navigates a wide range of industries with ease. Our services range from quantitative to qualitative methodologies such as customer surveys, employee surveys, PR surveys, and focus groups.

Want to know more about all of our market research services? Get in touch with us through any of the ways listed below.

  1. Message us on our website
  2. Email us at [email protected]
  3. Call us at 888-725-DATA
  4. Text us at 315-303-2040

lark-allen-drive-research-aboutheauthor

Lark Allen

As a Content Marketing Specialist, Lark has a strong background and passion for creative, professional, and journalistic writing. She is also a self-proclaimed music freak and 90s enthusiast.

Learn more about Lark, here.


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