A new study has revealed that daily coffee consumption in the United States has reached its highest level in 20 years, according to new research released by the National Coffee Association (NCA). According to the National Coffee Data Trends (NCDT) report for Spring 2024, 67% of American adults consumed coffee in the past day (more than any other beverage, including tap or bottled water), compared to 49% in 2004. The report also shows that 75% of American adults consumed coffee in the past week, with an increase of 4% since the Spring 2023 NCDT.

The increase in daily coffee consumption is attributed to consumers aged 25 and over. The largest increase is among consumers aged 60 and over, whose consumption increased by 9% (from 67% to 73%). Consumers aged 25-39 and 40-59 also saw an increase in consumption by 4.5% (from 67% to 70% and from 66% to 69%, respectively). Consumption among 18-24-year-olds remained steady at 47%.

Specialty coffee has also experienced significant growth, with 57% of American adults consuming specialty coffee in the past week, a 7.5% increase on a yearly basis. Among specialty coffees, consumption in the past week increased the most for espresso-based beverages, by 10%. Lattes are the most popular espresso-based beverage, enjoyed by 18% of American adults in the past week, followed by espresso (16%) and cappuccinos (14%).

Ready-to-drink coffee has become the third most popular preparation method among past-day coffee drinkers, almost doubling from 8% to 15%, pushing espresso machines to fourth place. Drip coffee makers (37%) and single-cup brewers (28%) continue to be the top two at-home preparation methods.

NCA President and CEO William “Bill” Murray commented: “NCA’s exclusive research has tracked coffee trends for over 70 years, and America’s favorite beverage has only continued to grow in terms of overall popularity and innovation to meet evolving consumer tastes. This year’s two-decade high is only the latest proof of America’s enduring love affair with coffee.”

About the National Coffee Association: The National Coffee Association (NCA) USA, Inc. is the leading trade association serving the U.S. coffee industry through education, advocacy, and connection. NCA members represent an estimated 90% of U.S. coffee commerce with small, medium, and large companies, including growers, importers, exporters, traders, brokers, freight forwarders, roasters, manufacturers, retailers, and allied companies.”