ECNETNews has obtained new insights highlighting the evolving coffee consumption patterns among Americans and Canadians. This report analyzes millions of transactions at coffee shops and cafes, coupled with a consumer survey that reveals emerging trends such as the growing popularity of non-dairy alternatives, specialty add-ons, and an increasing emphasis on sustainable and ethical sourcing.
Buying Over Brewing
Consumers in both the U.S. and Canada show a marked preference for purchasing coffee rather than brewing it at home. Findings indicate:
- 1 in 4 Americans and 1 in 3 Canadians visit coffee shops three to four times a week.
- Approximately 1 in 10 consumers buy their coffee from shops daily, trusting professionals for their caffeine needs.
Conscious Consumption on the Rise
There is a noticeable shift towards conscious consumption, with consumers more aware of coffee sourcing. The data reveals:
- 27% of Canadians and 21% of Americans are willing to pay a premium for sustainably sourced coffee.
- 24% of Canadians and 21% of Americans will pay extra for organic coffee.
Moreover, interest in protein and collagen add-ons is growing. 19% of U.S. consumers and 15% of Canadians are open to paying more for a protein boost, particularly 32% of Americans aged 18-34 and 27% of Canadians in the same demographic. Collagen upgrades are also gaining traction, with 11% of U.S. consumers willing to invest in this enhancement.
From Dairy to Plant-Based Alternatives
The traditional cream and sugar are being replaced by a variety of plant-based options. Recent findings indicate:
- Whole milk remains the most popular choice, used in 44% of orders.
- Oat milk has positioned itself as the leading non-dairy alternative, representing 33% of orders.
- Almond milk is trailing as a distant third with 10% of orders.
Experts note the swift consumer adoption of oat milk, with its willingness to pay for premium options potentially benefitting businesses while enhancing customer satisfaction.
Matcha and Chai on the Rise
While pumpkin spice commands attention each fall, other flavors are experiencing noteworthy growth:
- Chai shows seasonal peaks but retains popularity year-round.
- Matcha sales have more than doubled since 2019, reflecting steady growth.
Methodology
The survey was conducted online from August 30 to September 5, 2024, across a diverse group of adults aged 18+ in the U.S. and Canada. The sample included 2,203 U.S. adults and 1,002 Canadian adults, with a margin of error of +/- 2% for U.S. participants and +/- 3% for Canadian respondents.
