Daily Coffee Drinkers in the U.S. Decline by 2%

Despite America’s long-standing reputation as a coffee-loving nation, new figures show fewer adults are making a daily cup part of their routine. The shift hints at evolving preferences, brewing methods, and definitions of what counts as 'coffee'—especially when it comes to specialty versus mass-market brews.

Yes, the percentage of U.S. adults who drink coffee daily has dropped: from 63% in 2013 to 61% today. But within that decline, more people are turning to espresso-based drinks and higher-quality brews. Here's what’s really changing in America’s coffee cup.

Daily Coffee Consumption Falls Slightly

The annual coffee drinking trends survey conducted by the National Coffee Association (NCA) shows that the share of American adults drinking coffee every day has decreased from 63% in 2013 to 61%. This 2% drop reflects a broader shift in consumption patterns, even if the overall change appears modest.

Rise of Espresso-Based and Specialty Coffees

While daily coffee drinking is down slightly, interest in more specialized forms of coffee is climbing. The percentage of U.S. adults consuming espresso-based drinks such as cappuccinos and lattes rose from 13% last year to 18%. In addition, the share of people drinking specialty coffee daily increased from 31% in 2013 to 34%. These drinks typically involve freshly roasted beans, greater care in preparation, and often include espresso as a base.

Fewer People Drinking Non-Specialty Coffee

The biggest driver behind the overall decline in daily coffee consumption is a drop in those drinking non-specialty coffee. That figure fell from 39% in 2013 to 35% in the most recent survey. Non-specialty coffee generally refers to mass-produced or pre-ground brews without emphasis on origin, freshness, or specialty roast profiles.

Changing How Americans Brew Coffee at Home

Beyond what Americans are drinking, how they’re brewing coffee at home is also shifting. According to the NCA survey:

• 29% of respondents now use single-cup coffee machines, up significantly from 20% last year.
• Usage of traditional drip coffee makers has declined, from 58% to 53%.

These changes may reflect evolving convenience preferences and a move away from bulk drip systems toward pod-based or portion-controlled options.

Frequently Asked Questions

Has daily coffee consumption in the U.S. gone down?

Yes, the percentage of U.S. adults who drink coffee every day has dropped from 63% in 2013 to 61% in the latest survey—a 2% decrease over ten years.

Are more people drinking espresso-based drinks like lattes and cappuccinos?

Yes, the proportion of Americans consuming espresso-based drinks such as cappuccinos and lattes increased from 13% last year to 18%, showing growing interest in these beverages.

What counts as specialty coffee in these surveys?

Specialty coffee includes espresso-based drinks and beverages made from freshly roasted, self-selected high-quality coffee beans. It contrasts with non-specialty or mass-market coffee.

Why are fewer people drinking non-specialty coffee?

The percentage of U.S. adults drinking non-specialty coffee dropped from 39% in 2013 to 35%, which is the largest factor behind the overall decline in daily coffee drinkers.

How are Americans brewing coffee at home differently?

Home brewing methods are shifting: 29% now use single-cup coffee machines (up from 20%), while drip coffee maker usage has fallen from 58% to 53%.

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