The landscape of American coffee consumption is undergoing a significant evolution, with specialty coffee and the practice of drinking coffee outside the home demonstrating sustained growth, according to the latest National Coffee Data Trends (NCDT) report released by the National Coffee Association (NCA). While overall coffee consumption remained stable over the summer months, the data indicates a clear shift in consumer preferences towards higher-value, more experiential coffee beverages and a resurgence in purchasing coffee from away-from-home sources. This trend is further amplified by the increasing adoption of digital ordering platforms.
The NCDT report, a cornerstone of coffee industry research for decades, surveyed 1,882 U.S. adults aged 18 and older between June 8th and 24th. Conducted by the research firm Dig Insights on behalf of the NCA, the report provides a comprehensive snapshot of American coffee habits. The NCA, a prominent trade organization representing a vast segment of the U.S. coffee commerce—estimated at approximately 90%—has commissioned this consumer research since 1950, offering invaluable insights into market dynamics and consumer behavior.
Steady Overall Consumption, Surging Specialty Interest
Nationally, 66% of U.S. adults reported drinking coffee within the past day, a figure that has held remarkably consistent throughout the reporting period, mirroring findings from the NCA’s Spring 2026 and Fall 2025 reports. This stability in overall consumption underscores coffee’s enduring position as a daily staple for a significant portion of the American population. However, beneath this consistent surface, a discernible trend is emerging: the increasing popularity of specialty coffee.
The data reveals that 48% of U.S. adults consumed specialty coffee within the past day, marking an increase from 47% in January. This incremental rise, when viewed over time, signifies a growing segment of consumers actively seeking out and prioritizing coffee experiences beyond the traditional brewed cup. Looking at a broader timeframe, at the past-week level, 59% of adults reported drinking specialty coffee, a slight uptick from 58% in the Spring 2026 NCDT. This sustained growth places specialty coffee on par with traditional coffee for past-week reach, as traditional coffee consumption dipped from 62% to 59%.
The NCA’s definition of specialty coffee, as used in the NCDT, is intentionally broad and consumer-centric. It encompasses a wide array of beverages, including but not limited to espresso-based drinks, cold brew, frozen blended and nitro coffees, ready-to-drink (RTD) coffee products, and even traditionally brewed coffee that consumers perceive as being made with premium beans. This inclusive definition acknowledges the evolving ways consumers engage with coffee, moving beyond strictly technical industry classifications.
Espresso-Based Beverages Lead the Specialty Charge
Within the specialty coffee category, espresso-based drinks are proving to be a significant growth engine. The report indicates that a record 47% of U.S. adults reported consuming an espresso-based beverage within the past week. This represents a substantial increase from 45% in January and 40% in 2022, highlighting a clear upward trajectory for these more elaborate coffee preparations.
Specific espresso-based drinks are seeing notable engagement. In the June survey, espresso and lattes each achieved 20% past-week consumption. Following closely were cappuccinos at 17%, cafe mochas at 13%, and Americanos and macchiatos at 10% each. The flat white, a more recent entrant into mainstream coffee culture, was consumed by 4% of adults in the past week. The consistent rise in the consumption of these beverages suggests a growing consumer appreciation for the craft and complexity involved in their preparation, as well as a willingness to explore diverse flavor profiles and textures.
The Resurgence of Out-of-Home Coffee Consumption
A particularly encouraging trend for the coffee retail sector is the continued recovery and growth in out-of-home coffee consumption. The report indicates that 38% of individuals who drank coffee within the past day consumed it outside their homes. This figure represents an increase from 36% in January and, crucially, marks the highest level reported by the NCA since January 2020, just prior to the widespread implementation of COVID-19 pandemic lockdowns.
This resurgence in purchasing coffee from coffee shops, cafes, and other food service establishments signifies a return to pre-pandemic patterns of behavior and a renewed embrace of the social and convenience aspects of coffee consumption outside the home. The data suggests that consumers are increasingly venturing out to enjoy their daily coffee, a trend that bodes well for the industry’s recovery and continued expansion.
Digital Ordering and Drive-Throughs Remain Key
As out-of-home coffee consumption rebounds, so too does the adoption of various ordering channels. Among those who purchased coffee outside the home within the past week, 55% utilized a drive-through. This remains a dominant channel, reflecting the continued demand for speed and convenience. However, a significant and noteworthy development is the substantial increase in app-based ordering. A record 40% of out-of-home coffee purchasers ordered through an app, a notable jump from 36% in last summer’s NCDT survey.
This surge in app ordering underscores the pervasive influence of digital technology on consumer behavior. Coffee retailers that have invested in robust mobile ordering platforms are likely to see continued benefits as consumers increasingly opt for the ease and efficiency of pre-ordering and payment. This trend also suggests a growing preference for contactless or low-interaction purchasing methods, which became particularly prominent during the pandemic and continue to hold appeal. While drive-throughs remain strong, the rapid growth of app ordering indicates a strategic imperative for businesses to optimize their digital presence and mobile offerings.
Shifting Channels for Home Preparation
The report also sheds light on where consumers are purchasing coffee for home preparation. While grocery stores continue to be the leading channel, their dominance has slightly waned, falling to 35% from 42% in January. Conversely, mass merchandisers have seen a significant increase in their share of coffee sales for home brewing, climbing to 28% from 23%. This shift may indicate a consumer re-evaluation of purchasing habits, potentially driven by price, convenience, or product selection at different retail formats. The sustained strength of mass merchandisers suggests that consumers are looking for value and accessibility when stocking up on their favorite coffee beans or grounds.
The Enduring Appeal of Cold Coffee
Consistent with seasonal trends, cold coffee beverages experienced a notable surge in consumption between the winter and summer surveys. Cold or iced coffee accounted for 21% of all coffee consumed in the past day, an increase from 17% in January and 16% in 2022. While hot coffee still holds the majority share at 71%, its dominance has slightly decreased from 78% in January, indicating a growing acceptance and preference for cold options, particularly during warmer months.
Within the cold coffee segment, specific preparations are also gaining traction. Past-week cold brew consumption rose to 21% from 18% in January, while frozen blended coffee reached 18%, up from 15%. Nitro coffee also saw a modest increase, moving from 6% to 7%. These figures highlight the expanding variety and appeal of cold coffee options beyond traditional iced coffee.
In terms of preparation methods for coffee consumed in the past day, automatic drip machines remain the most prevalent at 38%. Single-cup brewers follow at 22%, with ready-to-drink coffee at 17% and cold brewing at 15%. This indicates a diverse range of brewing preferences among American consumers, from traditional methods to more modern, convenient, and specialized techniques.
Consumption Volume Remains Steady
On average, American coffee drinkers reported consuming 2.6 cups of coffee per day. This figure represents a slight decrease from 2.8 cups reported in the January survey. While the average number of cups has seen a minor dip, the overall consistency in daily consumption, coupled with the growth in specialty coffee and out-of-home purchases, suggests a dynamic and evolving market rather than a decline in coffee’s central role in American life.
The data from the NCA’s Fall 2026 NCDT report paints a picture of a resilient and adaptive coffee industry. Consumers are not only maintaining their daily coffee habits but are also increasingly seeking out premium experiences, embracing new technologies for convenience, and rediscovering the joys of coffee purchased and enjoyed outside the home. These trends signal ongoing opportunities for innovation and strategic growth within the U.S. coffee market.
