New Data Shows Americans' Favorite Coffee Drinks And Brewing Methods

The U.S. leads the planet in terms of the sheer volume of coffee consumed, according to World Population Review (WPR). Indeed, coffee is undoubtedly America's favorite beverage, per newly published data from the National Coffee Association, a large coffee trade association whose members represent 90% of U.S. coffee commerce (via press release). And from the looks of it, America's love affair with the dark and stimulating bitter bean-based brew is only growing stronger. 

Based on the online responses of 1,533 Americans aged 18 or older to a published National Coffee Association survey, Americans drink nearly two cups per person per day. 65% of those surveyed by the NCA during January 2023 reported having consumed some amount of coffee during the previous day. NCA's insights into coffee-drinking trends in the U.S. shed light not only on how much coffee is consumed and by how many but also on how Americans prefer their coffee brewed and served. 

Based on the data, Americans seem to gravitate toward specialty coffee drinks, with nearly half of the past-day coffee drinkers having opted for a latte, a cappuccino, or an espresso (16% for each). Moreover, 32% of Americans say that they enjoyed flavor-infused coffees in the week prior to answering the survey — the favorite being vanilla, with mocha, hazelnut, and caramel bringing up the rear. 

In terms of preferred serving size, 52% of those who reported drinking coffee in the last day said they opted for anywhere between 12 and 16 ounces. Slightly fewer (44%) went for a smaller cup of 5 to 8 ounces, whereas a full 12% went for 20-ounce servings or greater. In other words, of the 65% of past-day coffee drinkers, nearly two-thirds guzzled at least 12 ounces worth. 

As for how America's coffee drinkers prefer to have their coffee prepared, drip coffee was tops among 41% of coffee drinkers. Single-cup brewing followed with 28%, and cold brew and espresso followed up with 11% and 9%, respectively.