Suddenly, an espresso was made at someone’s home without any particular reason, a latte was made with love at the café and leisurely consumed, or a cold brew was quickly prepared and taken on the way to the office – still, coffee manages to become our daily lives and vice versa. No one can be deceived by the numbers: almost 75% of the American population are daily coffee consumers, whereas in Poland, the percentage of adults who drink coffee is significantly higher than 80%. Coffee is a habit that absolutely knows no limits.
People are different in a variety of reasons, places, and ways, just like coffee consumed in the world. In the home, coffee consumption in the USA is primarily driven by about two-thirds of Americans who prepare a daily cup of coffee for themselves. Still, cafes have their place—more than half of the American population are coffee bar patrons at least once a week, and new parents even more frequently. Nearly everyone—95% of coffee consumers in Poland—prefer home brewing, but work, coffee shops, and socializing are other places where coffee is consumed, especially young, urban, and well-educated people.
Coffee has always been more than about caffeine. It’s about connection. A coffee break in the office fosters camaraderie, a trip to a café tends to bring joy and security, and for many, coffee is where first dates occur, meetups with friends happen, or it’s just a moment of peace amidst a chaotic day.
Preferences are just as varied as the people who drink them. Medium roast is the favorite in the U.S., but dark and light roasts also have their own devoted followers. In Poland, instant coffee, ground coffee, and roasted coffee beans are the leaders, followed by espresso and cappuccino as favorites among drinks. From drip brewers and French presses to espresso makers and cold brew, the brewing methods are diverse. Polish coffee consumers might not classify themselves as connoisseurs, but they are willing to experiment while maintaining old habits. The majority of them don’t care about the type of water or the precision of the brewing—they just need the coffee to be tasty.
What is added to coffee by people, however, is a different tale. In the United States, the majority of coffee consumers—nearly 77%—add milk or creamer, with almond and oat milk gaining favor. Sugar is also popular, with a lot of people adding a little over three packets per cup. In Poland, milk is the most popular, followed by sugar and cream, although they drink it black or add some extras such as cinnamon or chocolate.
So what are the factors that influence such decisions? First of all, the senses of taste and smell take place. Characteristics, loyalty, and price are vital, but the enjoyment and feelings that arise with coffee are at the same level. Social connections are also very influential, especially among youngsters, who see coffee as a lifestyle item. Nevertheless, their health is far from being the main concern in their buying habits, although the health effects of coffee are among the topics that are frequently discussed.
Specialty coffee is growing in popularity, particularly among younger consumers. Its attraction is quality, sustainability, and authenticity. Specialty coffee has high standards and tends to have a story behind it—single-origin beans, transparent sourcing, and a commitment to environmental and social responsibility. The market for specialty coffee is expanding rapidly globally, driven by consumers who desire that the coffee reflects their values and who are looking for unique, memorable experiences.
Spending habits depend on different changes. Americans have smashed the records of the money they have spent on food and drinks consumed outside the home, where coffee shops and takeout have been the main contributors. Drinking coffee at home is very common in Poland, and the home coffee machine market is skyrocketing. The trend that consumers are spending more money on at-home brewing, both as a necessity and for the creative outlet, has just been confirmed by the pandemic, which, however, only accelerated the shift.
Health is always a crucial aspect of the whole coffee discussion. Almost half of the American population claims coffee to be a healthy drink, although that figure has been declining in recent decades. The truth is that one and a half to three and a half cups of coffee daily lowers the risk of death and stroke. Coffee is very rich in antioxidants and polyphenols, which are the main substances that the body uses to fight off most chronic diseases. However, moderation is key. There can be problems with too much caffeine, and most people are careful about their limits.
Ultimately, coffee is more than what’s served in the cup. It is an expression of who we are, what we care about, and how we connect to others. Whether you’re an occasional drinker, someone who dabbles at the ritual from time to time, or an avid discoverer of new tastes and experiences, there are unlimited possibilities in coffee. It provides energy, comfort, and a sense of belonging—one cup of coffee at a time.