When I wrote about the global coffee consumption statistics, I didn't think I was going to create one for the UK and USA. But here we are with an indepth coffee consumption statistics UK.
If you are curious, I also wrote a complete coffee consumption statistics US. It is a must read.
98 million. That’s how many cups of coffee are drunk in the UK daily. Coffee is no longer just a drink in the UK, it has become a national phenomenon.
This staggering figure highlights the UK’s love for coffee and raises questions about habits and preferences.
Which regions in the UK are the most caffeinated? Do the United Kingdom inhabitants love espresso or prefer classic Americano?
Imagine having all these insights at your fingertips as a researcher. You’ll understand the latest trends, the shifts in consumer preferences, and even the impact of coffee on our daily lives.
And this guide on coffee consumption statistics in the UK has it all. You will get a comprehensive yet easy look at the heart of the UK’s coffee culture.
So, whether you're a business owner, researcher, or coffee lover, you’ll find this guide intriguing and valuable.
The below image is an infographics of all the most important coffee consumption stats in the UK:
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Home Coffee Consumption Statistics vs Coffee Shop Consumption Statistics in the UK
The home coffee consumption statistics in the UK show interesting trends, especially when compared with coffee shop consumption.
Here's a summary of the most prominent trends:
| Aspect | Home Coffee Consumption | Coffee Shop Consumption |
|---|---|---|
| Households buying instant coffee | 80% of households | Irrelevant here |
| Popularity among age groups (home consumption) | Older consumers (65+) | Millennials (16-34) account for 16% of buyers |
| Daily coffee shop visitors | Irrelevant here | 16% of people visit daily |
| Coffee Machine Sales | Steady sales; 57% drink coffee more than once a day at home | Irrelevant |
| Most Popular Home Coffee Type | Instant coffee (64% households) | |
| Millennials' Preference | Less likely to drink at home | Prefer speciality coffee in shops |
According to the UK’s coffee drinking statistics, there’s a strong preference for at-home coffee consumption in the country.
To get a bigger picture, let’s look at more numbers to understand the UK coffee industry.
Annual Coffee Consumption in the UK
In the UK, people drink about 98 million cups of coffee every day, according to recent data.
Source: British Coffee Association
This figure underscores the substantial prevalence of coffee in the daily routines of the UK population.
Average Coffee Consumption Per Person Per Year In The UK
The average annual coffee consumption per person in the UK is approximately 528 cups for 2023, based on 98 million cups of consumption each day.
From 2021 to 2022, coffee drinkers in the UK consumed approximately 29 millilitres on average per person per week.
This reflects a decrease from the previous year's average consumption of 70 millilitres per person per week.
Here’s what the trend of average coffee consumption per person per week looked like over the past few years:
Source: Statista
Breakdown of Coffee Consumption in Different Regions or Major Cities in the UK
Although the regional breakdown of statistics on coffee consumption in the UK isn’t available, let’s review the trends.
The coffee culture varies across the UK, with different preferences and consumption habits in various cities and regions.
Major cities like London, Manchester, and Edinburgh have a diverse coffee scene, often leading in coffee trends and innovations.
Regional differences are influenced by factors such as local economic conditions, cultural influences, and the presence of independent coffee shops versus chain establishments.
Coffee Consumption By Age Groups in the UK (e.g. Millennials, Gen Z, Baby Boomers)
In the UK, Generation Z consumes 0.5 cups of coffee daily, Millennials average 1.3 cups, Generation X 2.1 cups, and Baby Boomers and Traditionalists 2.2 cups.
According to the British Coffee Association, the coffee drinking stats in the UK vary greatly with different age groups:
- Generation Z (Under 20): They consume about 0.5 cups of coffee daily.
- Millennials (20-37): This group drinks approximately 1.3 cups daily. They contribute to 50% of all coffee consumed in coffee shops, bars, or restaurants but are less likely to drink coffee at home.
- Generation X (38-52): Their average daily consumption is about 2.1 cups.
- Baby Boomers (53-71): They consume around 2.2 cups of coffee daily.
- Traditionalists (72 and older): Similar to Baby Boomers, this group averages 2.2 cups daily.
| UK Coffee Consumption Age Groups | Cups Per Age Group Per Day |
|---|---|
| Traditionalists (72 and older) | 2.2 cups per day |
| Baby Boomers (53-71) | 2.2 cups per day |
| Generation X (38-52) | 2.1 cups per day |
| Millennials (20-37) | 1.3 cups per day |
| Generation Z (Under 20) | 0.5 cups per day |
Below, you’ll find the numbers in a digestible format:
Key Takeaway: As per the coffee consumption age statistics in the UK, Baby Boomers (ages 53-71) and Traditionalists (72 and older) lead in coffee consumption.
Their average consumption is 2.2 cups per day. This trend indicates a higher preference for coffee among older generations than younger ones.
In the UK, coffee consumption statistics show that men drink slightly more coffee than women, with 54% of coffee drinkers being men and 46% women.
Statistics on Coffee Consumption At Home Compared To Coffee Shops in the UK
Coffee consumption statistics in the UK exhibit interesting patterns when comparing at-home consumption with that in coffee shops:
UK At Home Coffee Consumption
In the United Kingdom (UK) 65% consume coffee at home while 10% visit a coffee shop. 25% enjoy the beverage while working or studying.
Source: Nescafe
A significant portion of coffee consumed at home in the UK is instant coffee, with about 80% of home-prepared coffee being of this variety.
This preference is largely due to its ease and speed of preparation and consistency in flavour and strength.
In addition to instant coffee, coffee pod machines have become quite popular among UK households, indicative of a preference for convenience in home coffee preparation.
On average, Brits spend about £16 monthly on coffee for home consumption.
Coffee Shop Consumption:
The UK's coffee shop culture is thriving, with 80% of people who visit coffee shops doing so at least once a week and 16% visiting daily.
This frequency can be attributed to the availability of speciality coffee drinks, the ease of brewing coffee at home, and the convenience for those on a daily commute.
Millennials are particularly drawn to coffee shops and are the most likely of all generations to visit coffee shops regularly.
Key Takeaway: Overall, these trends suggest a strong and diversified coffee culture in the UK. There is a balance between the convenience of at-home coffee, particularly instant varieties, and the experience offered by coffee shops.
How Much Coffee is Consumed in the UK?
In the UK, around 35,770 million cups of coffee are consumed each year.
This calculation is derived from the daily consumption rate of 98 million cups, emphasizing the prominent place of coffee in the UK's daily life and culture.
Total Coffee Drink Consumption Statistics in the UK
The UK drinks approximately 98 million cups daily.
This number shows the integral role coffee plays in the daily lives of many Britons.
It also reflects the country's growing café culture and the popularity of home coffee consumption.
Coffee Consumption Per Capita in the UK
To understand the scale of coffee consumption on an individual level, it's insightful to look at the per capita consumption.
In the UK, each person drinks about 2.9 kilograms of coffee yearly. This number helps us understand how much coffee people in the UK drink compared to other countries worldwide.
The United States, known for its coffee culture since the Boston Tea Party in 1773, has an average consumption of about 4.4 kilograms of coffee per person yearly.
In Canada, the figure is even higher at 6.5 kilograms per capita. Yet, these North American coffee habits pale in comparison to Finland, where a remarkable 12 kilograms of coffee are consumed per person annually.
Interestingly, the top coffee-consuming countries include five Nordic nations, dominating the list of highest annual coffee consumption per capita.
This is what this comparison looks like:
Analysis
The high total and per capita, coffee consumption in the UK shows the country's strong affinity for coffee.
This consumption is driven by various factors, including the prevalence of
- coffee shops,
- The rise in popularity of home brewing methods,
- And the diversification of coffee types available to consumers.
What Percentage Of British People Drink Coffee?
About 63% of people in the UK drink coffee regularly, according to a survey by Statista.
Source: Statista
This statistic is part of a comprehensive survey analysis, including data on the regular tea consumption among Britons.
So, what do these British coffee consumption statistics mean for researchers or potential coffee business owners?
High Coffee Consumption: This one’s a no-brainer, but this statistic indicates a strong preference for coffee among the British, with nearly two-thirds regularly enjoying this beverage.
Potential Market Opportunities: For businesses in the coffee industry, such a high percentage of regular coffee drinkers presents numerous opportunities. This includes the potential for growth in areas like speciality coffee shops.
Health and Lifestyle Trends: This statistic also reflects growing awareness and interest in coffee's health aspects. Also, the market will be quite receptive to healthy coffee options.
The coffee consumption rates in the UK according to age groups give interesting insights. Let’s jump into them.
What Age Group Buys The Most Coffee in the UK?
Coffee is a staple in 80% of UK households, but the older generations, like Baby Boomers and Traditionalists, are leading in consumption.
As per the coffee consumption data set in the UK, the Baby Boomer age group (53 to 71 years old) and those who are Traditionalists (72 years old and older) usually drink about 2.2 cups of coffee daily.
Close behind are the Generation X members, between 38 and 52 years old, with a daily consumption of 2.1 cups.
In contrast, the younger age groups, including Generation Z and Millennials up to 37 years old, show more moderation in their coffee intake. Numbers show that they consume just 0.5 to 1.3 cups per day.
Interestingly, some UK residents have a particularly high affinity for coffee. Research by the Centre for Economics and Business Research revealed that 6% of the population indulges in at least six cups of coffee daily.
This is what the data looks like:
Below, you’ll find a visualisation of more coffee beverage consumption statistics in the UK, broken down according to age groups.
Key Takeaway: This shows the average weekly expenditure by each group on coffee. Again, the older age groups have a higher weekly spend on coffee, leading the numbers again.
Which Gender Consumes The Most Coffee in the UK?
About 54% of coffee drinkers in the UK are men, compared to 46% who are women.
Current statistical data reveals that male individuals in the United Kingdom exhibit a marginally higher propensity for coffee consumption than their female counterparts.
The piechart below shows what the statistics on the consumption of coffee in the UK, according to gender, look like:
This data suggests a relatively balanced distribution but with a noticeable male predominance in coffee consumption.
Analysis
Men Leading Coffee Consumption: Higher coffee consumption by men in the UK could be influenced by various cultural, lifestyle, and social factors.
Gender-Specific Preferences: There could be differences in the type of coffee or coffee-based beverages preferred by each gender.
For instance, some studies suggest that men may prefer stronger, black coffee, while women might lean towards flavoured or speciality coffees. However, these are general trends and can vary widely among individuals.
Impact on Coffee Industry: Knowing which gender consumes more coffee can help coffee shops, brands, and marketers tailor their products and marketing strategies accordingly.
For example, products and advertising campaigns might be designed to appeal more to men, considering they form a larger portion of the consumer base.
Changing Trends Over Time: It’s important to note that these trends are subject to change. Factors like evolving tastes, health consciousness, and the influence of coffee culture can shift consumption habits over time.
Additionally, the growing popularity of coffee among younger generations, regardless of gender, might lead to more balanced consumption patterns in the future.
Social and Work-Related Consumption: The consumption patterns may also reflect social and work-related habits. Men might be consuming more coffee in work environments or in social settings like cafes, which could contribute to the higher percentage.
Most Popular Coffee Drinks in the UK and Their Consumption Patterns
In the UK, 35% prefer lattes, 28% Americanos, 20% Cappuccinos, 15% Flat Whites, and 12% Espressos, ranking them as the top five coffee choices.
According to a survey conducted by the British Coffee Association in 2022, the five most popular coffee drinks in the UK are
Latte:
The survey responses from 5000 people revealed latte emerged as the UK’s most cherished coffee drink. 35% of respondents said they favoured this smooth espresso and steamed milk blend.
Another reason for its popularity is the option to customise it with various syrups and milk options.
Americano:
The Americano secures a strong second place, preferred by 28% of those surveyed. Its appeal lies in its straightforward, robust nature, particularly popular among those who appreciate the essence of black coffee.
Cappuccino:
Preferred by 20% of participants, the Cappuccino came in third. The drink holds its own with its classic combination of espresso, steamed milk, and rich foam.
It's particularly favoured for its balanced taste and often chocolate-dusted top.
Flat White:
Originating from Australia and New Zealand, Flat White is gaining ground in the UK and is now preferred by 15% of coffee drinkers.
Known for its double espresso shot and smooth foam, it's a contender for future top spots in coffee popularity.
Espresso:
The Espresso rounds out the top five, chosen by 12% for its concentrated and potent coffee experience. It's a staple in the UK, as a standalone drink and as a base for other coffee varieties, particularly favoured in office settings.
Here’s what the survey results look like, at a glance:
Bonus 1: Coffee vs Tea Consumption Statistics in the UK
According to the Times, coffee has officially become more popular than tea in the UK.
New data from a survey says that 63% of the respondents prefer coffee daily against 59% who say they regularly consume tea.
This change is also highlighted in a comprehensive survey conducted by the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs.
The graph shows a gradual decline in the consumption of traditional teas like English Breakfast and Earl Grey and a concurrent rise in coffee consumption.
Bonus 2: Urban vs. Rural Coffee Consumption Patterns in the UK
Overall, the UK coffee consumption statistics per region show higher consumption in urban areas.
Here are the trends in urban and rural coffee consumption in the UK:
| Aspect | Urban Areas | Rural Areas |
|---|---|---|
| Availability of Coffee Shops | The high density of coffee shops, easy access | Limited availability, fewer coffee shops |
| Coffee Preferences | Preference for speciality and artisanal coffees | The tendency towards traditional coffee styles |
| Influence of Lifestyle | Fast-paced lifestyle, coffee for social and functional purposes | Relaxed lifestyle, focus on comfort and tradition |
| Social Aspects | Coffee shops as social hubs for meetings and socializing | Coffee consumed in homes or community settings |
| Predominant Coffee Types | Espresso-based drinks, specialty coffees | Traditional styles, instant and ground coffee |
People Also Asked Questions
Now, let’s answer some of the burning questions you may have.
Let’s dive in, shall we?
What Is the Average Coffee Consumption Per Person Per Year in the UK?
The average annual coffee consumption per person in the UK is approximately 528 cups, calculated based on the nation's total coffee consumption and its population size.
How Has Coffee Consumption in the UK Changed Over the Past Decade?
Over the past decade, the UK has witnessed a shift from traditional tea drinking to increased coffee consumption, especially in speciality and artisanal coffees.
What Percentage of the UK Population Drinks Coffee Daily?
About 63% of the UK population drinks coffee daily, highlighting the beverage's significant role in many Britons' daily routines.
Which Age Group in the UK Consumes the Most Coffee?
The age group from 27 to 72 including Baby Boomers, Traditionalists and Gen X are the leading coffee consumers in the UK. They’re closely followed by Millenials
Is There a Difference in Coffee Consumption Patterns Between Urban and Rural Areas in the UK?
Yes, there is a difference between rural and urban consumption patterns in the UK. Urban areas in the UK show a higher preference for speciality and artisanal coffees, while rural regions generally favour traditional home-brewed styles.
What Are the Most Popular Types of Coffee Drinks in the UK?
Lattes, Americanos, and Cappuccinos are among the most popular coffee drinks in the UK, each favoured for its unique flavours and brewing styles.
How Does Home Coffee Consumption in the UK Compare to Coffee Shop Visits?
While home coffee consumption in the UK, especially of instant coffee, remains high, there is a growing trend of frequent coffee shop visits, particularly among younger demographics.
What Is the Gender-Based Breakdown of Coffee Consumption in the UK?
In the UK, men are more likely to be coffee drinkers than women, with 54% of coffee drinkers being male and 46% female.
How Does the UK's Coffee Consumption Per Capita Compare to Other European Countries?
The UK's per capita coffee consumption is notable, though lower than some European countries like Finland, which has the highest coffee consumption in Europe.
Conclusion
In summary, the UK's coffee consumption data visualisation has shown us a picture of changing tastes and habits.
Over the past decade, coffee has gained ground, especially among Millennials who love speciality brews.
Urban areas thrive with coffee shops, while rural regions stick to traditional brewing.
This diversity in coffee habits is also highlighted by some iced coffee consumption statistics in the UK, showcasing a dynamic coffee culture.
All in all, coffee is becoming the most popular and highly consumed beverage in the country.
Finally, if you would like to get your hands on quality speciality coffee free from harmful substances like mould, mycotoxin and pesticides, start here.
