US Coffee Consumption Falls for First Time in Six Years

The United States, long one of the world’s biggest coffee drinkers, is finally seeing a dip in overall coffee consumption — for the first time in six years. While many expected steady or growing demand, especially as premium and specialty options expanded, the numbers tell a different story: Americans are drinking less coffee overall, even as they’re spending more on it.

In short: The USDA forecasts that US coffee consumption will fall from 24 million 60kg bags in 2014–2015 to 23.7 million 60kg bags in 2015–2016 — the first drop since 2009–2010. At the same time, spending is set to rise from $119 billion in 2014 to $136 billion by 2016.

Why Is US Coffee Consumption Declining?

According to the USDA’s report released in September 2015, this six-year-low in consumption is largely driven by shifting habits — particularly the rise of single-serve, ready-to-brew systems like Green Mountain’s K-Cups. These systems have changed how Americans consume coffee: instead of brewing a full pot, people now make individual cups on demand. “People were brewing a pot; now they brew cup by cup,” said Pedro Gavina, highlighting how usage has become more measured — and less wasteful, but also less voluminous.

The Single-Serve Effect on Coffee Demand

The shift toward single-serve coffee — dominated by formats like K-Cups — means consumers are brewing only what they need, reducing overall green bean demand. Market participants note that this trend significantly impacts roasted coffee purchases, as fewer beans are needed for home brewing. Although more efficient in terms of coffee used per cup, the format encourages lower total consumption volume. Reuters reported in February 2015 that the packaging efficiency of single-serve systems limits how much coffee buyers purchase in bulk.

Spending More, Drinking Less

Even though Americans are drinking less coffee, they’re spending more. Market research firm Mintel found that US coffee expenditure rose to $128 billion in 2015 and is projected to hit $136 billion in 2016. This increase is partly due to the premium pricing of single-serve coffee systems, where roasters and retailers often charge higher margins per cup equivalent. While overall consumption dropped from 24 million to 23.7 million 60kg bags, the value of those purchases continued climbing.

Demographics and Brewing Changes

Beyond single-serve trends, other factors contribute to the decline. The US Coffee Association’s March 2015 survey revealed that ownership of single-serve coffee machines surged — over 25% of American households owned one, up from just 15% in 2014. In addition, demographic shifts such as an aging population have led to reduced consumption. On average, Americans now drink 1.85 cups of coffee per day — the lowest figure since 2010.

Global Context: The US Is the Only Major Market in Decline

Globally, coffee demand is rising. Total world coffee consumption increased by 2 million bags to 147.6 million bags in the same period. However, among the world’s eight largest coffee-consuming nations, the US is the only one where consumption has fallen. Meanwhile, arabica coffee prices are expected to continue dropping due to ample market supply, disappointing roasters and traders who had hoped for stronger demand.

Frequently Asked Questions

Has US coffee consumption ever dropped before?

Yes, the last time US coffee consumption declined was during the 2009–2010 period. The 2015–2016 forecast shows a drop from 24 million to 23.7 million 60kg bags, marking the first decrease in six years.

Why are Americans drinking less coffee?

Changing habits, especially the rise of single-serve systems like K-Cups, have led to people brewing only what they need instead of full pots. This shift reduces overall consumption even as coffee remains a daily habit for most.

Are Americans spending more or less on coffee?

Despite drinking less, Americans are spending more on coffee. Total spending is projected to rise from $119 billion in 2014 to $136 billion in 2016, driven by higher prices for single-serve and specialty options.

What types of coffee makers are contributing to lower consumption?

Single-serve coffee machines, particularly those using K-Cups and similar pods, have become widely adopted. Over 25% of US households owned such a machine in 2015, up from 15% in 2014, encouraging on-demand, smaller-batch brewing.

How does US coffee consumption compare globally?

Globally, coffee demand rose to 147.6 million bags in 2015–2016, up 2 million bags. The US is the only one of the top eight consuming countries where intake has decreased.

What is the average coffee consumption per person in the US now?

Americans now drink an average of 1.85 cups of coffee per day, the lowest level since 2010, according to the US Coffee Association’s 2015 survey.

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