New research from Product of the Year has revealed interesting insights into Britain’s coffee habits. The study involved over 2,000 consumers and uncovered data on frequency, preferred devices, and spending habits related to coffee consumption.
According to the research, coffee is the top choice for the nation’s first drink of the day, with 37% of respondents on Instagram, Facebook, and X opting for a coffee hit before anything else. Tea follows closely behind with 34% of loyal followers, while 27% choose water as their first drink.
The study also delved into how much coffee Britons typically drink. The most common answer was 2-3 cups per day, with 42% of participants reporting this amount. However, a committed group of 15% admitted to drinking four or more cups daily.
The debate between instant coffee and pod machines is divided among social media users, with 52% of Instagram users preferring instant coffee and 39% of Facebook users leaning towards pod machines like Nespresso. Only a small percentage of participants use more traditional methods such as cafetières or pour-over techniques.
Interestingly, the majority of coffee drinkers prefer to brew their coffee at home for cost and comfort (57%), while 37% enjoy the occasional takeaway visit. Additionally, “white” coffee, including lattes, cappuccinos, and flat whites, is the clear favorite among Britons, with 62% of participants choosing this flavor.
The study also highlighted the real caffeine cravings experienced by coffee drinkers. While 37% claim they can function without their morning coffee, 32% admit to feeling sluggish without it, and 31% say they are grumpy until they have their first cup. Most coffee consumption happens before or just after the workday begins, with only a small percentage indulging in the afternoon or evening.
Furthermore, the research showed that sustainability is still a work in progress for coffee drinkers. Only 12% always bring a reusable cup, 40% sometimes do, and 43% never do.
In terms of spending, the majority of participants reported spending £3-£5 on their most expensive cup of coffee (56%), but 29% admitted to splurging on an expensive cup priced between £5-£10. A small percentage of 2% have even spent over £10 on a single coffee, while 13% are lucky enough to pay less than £3.
Product of the Year’s Managing Director, Helga Slater, commented on the findings, saying, “Britain’s love affair with coffee is only getting stronger, and our research shows that it goes beyond just getting a caffeine fix. Ritual, taste, convenience, and even identity all play a role in making the coffee experience special. Our previous awards have recognized various coffee innovations, and we look forward to seeing what catches consumers’ attention in our next awards for 2026.”
This article was distributed by Pressat, a leading UK press release distribution service.
