New research from the British Coffee Association (BCA) shows that coffee consumption in the UK continues to grow, with an estimated 103 million cups now consumed every day, up from 98 million in 2018.
The refreshed BCA research highlights changing coffee drinking habits across the UK, particularly among younger adults.
- 103 million cups of coffee are now consumed in the UK each day, around 5 million more than in 2018.
- Two-thirds (67%) of UK adults drink coffee every day, with 29% consuming three or more cups daily.
- Coffee consumption among 18-34 year olds has risen by nearly 50% since 2021, from an average of 1.3 cups to 1.9 cups per day.
- For the first time, 18-34 year olds report drinking more coffee than those aged 55+, at 1.9 cups (18-34) compared with 1.7 cups (55+) per day.
- Younger adults also report spending more when buying coffee out of home, averaging around £4 per cup among 18-34 year olds, compared with £3.20 among those aged 55+.
The findings underline coffee’s continuing importance to everyday life in the UK and point to a changing consumer base, with younger adults increasingly embracing coffee as part of their daily routine.
Paul Rooke, Executive Director of the British Coffee Association, said:
“These findings show just how firmly coffee is embedded in the social fabric and daily life across the UK, and it’s particularly striking to see the growth among younger adults. We are seeing a new generation embrace coffee, one of the UK’s favourite beverages, with 18–34 year olds now reporting higher consumption than those aged 55 and over for the first time.
“How people enjoy coffee continues to evolve, whether that’s a filter coffee, a flat white, cold brew, or iced coffee. That variety, and the ability to customise your drink to your mood and tastes, is one of the great strengths of coffee and helps explain its enduring popularity.
“Behind those 103 million cups consumed each day is also a complex international supply chain which supports hundreds of thousands of jobs here in the UK and livelihoods around the world.”
BCA is a trade association representing member-businesses from across the UK coffee supply chain, from retailers to roasters, cafés, traders, warehousers, equipment suppliers, and importers. BCA is the public-facing voice of the UK coffee industry.
BCA’s new consumption figures, produced by leading UK economic consultancy CEBR, come following new research into the UK’s coffee industry by the European Coffee Federation. Their research showed that in the UK:
- The UK coffee sector contributes almost €17 billion to the economy.
- The UK coffee sector supports more than 430,000 jobs.
- The UK coffee sector generates over €7 billion in tax revenues.
ENDS
For media enquiries, please contact Thomas de Freitas, Media & Public Affairs Manager at the British Coffee Association: thomas.defreitas@britishcoffeeassociation.org
