Speciality coffee consumption in the US remained at a record high in 2026, with 47% of American adults reporting they had consumed a specialty coffee in the previous day, according to the latest National Coffee Data Trends (NCDT) Specialty Coffee Report.

The figure matches the record level reported in 2025 and remains above traditional coffee consumption, which stood at 42% of adults. The findings are based on a nationally representative survey conducted by Dig Insights and released by the National Coffee Association (NCA) in collaboration with the Specialty Coffee Association (SCA).

The report highlights the strong appeal of speciality coffee among younger consumers. Some 69% of adults aged 25-39 had consumed speciality coffee in the past week, the highest rate among all age groups. Past week consumption reached 60% among 40-59 year olds, compared with 50% among 18-24 year olds and 46% among adults aged 60 and over.

Regional data showed speciality coffee was most popular in the northeastern US, where 64% of adults reported consuming it in the past week. Consumption was 61% in the West, 57% in the South and 49% in the Midwest.

Speciality coffee drinkers were also more likely to purchase coffee prepared outside the home than traditional coffee consumers. According to the survey, 36% of past-day speciality coffee drinkers had coffee prepared out of home, compared with 23% of traditional coffee drinkers.

The NCA's broader Spring 2026 coffee report found that 66% of American adults drank coffee in the previous day, making it the most consumed beverage in the country, ahead of both tap and bottled water.

Bill Murray, president and CEO of the NCA, said: "Speciality coffee clearly plays a key role in contributing to coffee’s overall popularity, just one of the ways coffee adapts to many different tastes and preferences. With so many choices available to them, Americans consistently choose coffee – for flavour, comfort, energy, proven association with health benefits and so much more."

Yannis Apostolopoulos, CEO of the SCA, added that the findings demonstrate the growing importance of quality and consumer experience within the coffee sector.

Additional findings showed that 58% of Americans consumed speciality coffee during the previous week. While hot beverages remained the preferred format, cold coffee continued to gain traction among specialty coffee drinkers. The most popular espresso-based specialty drinks were lattes, followed by espresso and cappuccino, while cold brew was the leading non-espresso specialty coffee option.

The report also found that flavour plays a significant role in consumers' perception of speciality coffee, with chocolate, caramel, brown sugar and vanilla among the most popular flavour profiles. Medium roast was the preferred roast style among specialty coffee drinkers, ahead of dark and light roasts.

The NCDT defines speciality coffee as including espresso-based drinks such as lattes and cappuccinos, non-espresso beverages including cold brew and nitro coffee, and traditional coffee perceived by consumers to be brewed from premium coffee beans or grounds.