New York, NY – Qahwa World announces new insights on espresso-based beverages 2026 trends.
Americans aren’t just drinking more specialty coffee. They are going espresso first, which is especially evident in espresso-based beverages 2026 results.
According to the Spring 2026 National Coffee Data Trends (NCDT) report from the National Coffee Association, 58% of American adults had a specialty coffee in the past week, up from 53% in 2022. But the real story lies inside the cup: Espresso-Based Beverages (EBBs) are driving the growth. Notably, espresso drinks based on espresso are shaping beverage preferences in 2026.
Overall, 45% of American adults consumed an EBB in the past week, up from 40% in 2022. The newly released “America’s Top Cups” ranking for Americans aged 18+ reveals the order of espresso favorites, highlighting how espresso-based drinks will continue evolving throughout 2026.
The Top Espresso-Based Beverages (Past Week)
| Rank | Beverage | Past-week consumption | Change since 2022 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Latte | 21% | Up from 17% |
| 2 | Espresso | 20% | Up from 16% |
| 3 | Cappuccino | 17% | No change |
| 4 | Caffè Mocha | 12% | No change |
| 5 | Americano | 10% | No change |
| 6 | Macchiato | 9% | No change |
| 7 | Flat White | 5% | No change |
📈 Latte surges 31% since 2025
The latte is accelerating. The report shows latte consumption is up 31% since 2025, making it the fastest growing espresso beverage. Straight espresso also climbed from 16% to 20% over the same period. A sign of growing appreciation for quality shots. In conclusion, we see espresso-based beverages 2026 influencing consumption patterns across the industry.
A Changing Coffee Landscape
Non-espresso options like cold brew (18% popularity) and frozen blends (15%) still have a place. But the espresso category is where the momentum lies. For retailers, these espresso-based beverages 2026 trends indicate that menu innovation is essential for staying ahead.
“The shift toward espresso-based beverages reflects a broader sophistication in American coffee tastes. Consumers know what they want, and they want it pulled fresh.”
The Spring 2026 NCDT Report was conducted in January 2026 by Dig Insights. It offers complete data on consumption trends, demographic breakdowns, and future forecasts, including projections for espresso-based beverages in 2026.
