NCA Fall Report: Specialty and Out-of-Home Coffee Consumption Hit Record Highs – CoffeeTalk

The 2026 National Coffee Data Trends (NCDT) Fall Report, published by Dig Insights for the National Coffee Association in June 2026, reveals a consistent 66% of American adults consume coffee daily. Notably, out-of-home coffee consumption is nearing pre-pandemic levels, while specialty coffee consumption has reached an unprecedented high. Coffee remains the most favored beverage in the U.S., surpassing even tap and bottled water in daily consumption. Among coffee drinkers, 83% brew coffee at home, and 38% consume coffee outside the home, the highest rate since January 2020.

A significant shift is observed in coffee preferences, with 48% of American adults opting for specialty coffee over traditional varieties, marking a new record. The rising popularity of espresso-based drinks—such as lattes, cappuccinos, and caffè mochas—has contributed to this trend, with 47% of adults consuming such beverages within the past week, an increase of 17.5% since 2022.

NCA President and CEO Bill Murray highlighted the deep cultural significance of coffee in America, noting the growing diversity in coffee consumption methods, whether brewed at home, ordered via drive-thru, or enjoyed as part of favorite espresso drinks.

Additional findings from the report indicate that 55% of out-of-home coffee consumers ordered their coffee through drive-thrus, with a record 40% placing orders via mobile apps. While grocery stores remain the primary source for in-home coffee preparation, their market share has decreased from 42% to 35% since January 2026. In contrast, purchases from mass merchandisers increased from 23% to 28%. The report also notes a seasonal trend with cold coffee consumption rising among daily drinkers: 21% reported drinking cold coffee as opposed to 71% for hot coffee, up from 16% in 2022.

Find the Report @ NCA