The US coffee and RTD coffee market in 2024 is experiencing a shift towards convenience and premium experiences, with a growing interest in instant coffee due to its convenience and quality. The market is stabilizing after a period of volatility, driven by consumer demand for both value and quality. Additionally, there is a focus on sustainability and innovation, with private-label products and diverse coffee formats enhancing accessibility and meeting modern consumer needs.
US Coffee and RTD Coffee Market – Current landscape
The coffee and RTD coffee category continues to adapt for different needs while delivering consistency for well-established ones. 1 in 3 Gen Z, Millennial and Gen X coffee consumers consider themselves a coffee enthusiast speaking to coffee’s evolution in the fourth wave. Still, ease remains the top priority for consumers when preparing coffee at home, suggesting that coffee and RTD coffee must balance convenience and quality.
While cold coffee drinks have certainly been all the buzz, almost 30% of consumers reported drinking more hot coffee compared to last year, driven by Gen Z and Millennials, suggesting that coffee routines and rituals can and should evolve alongside these variety seeking consumers. As work and hybrid lifestyles have evolved post-pandemic, consumers are still adapting and relying on coffee variety to meet different needs throughout the week. As a result – the idea of the morning coffee routine is evolving, too.
While the last five years have been more volatile for coffee, market growth is expected to steady as inflation continues to steady. However in the next five years, the entrance of a new coffee-drinking generation, Gen Alpha, suggests the need to continue to modernize and meet new needs and unlock new opportunities.
US Coffee and RTD Coffee – Market Statistics
- RTD Coffee market size: The estimated market size for the US coffee and RTD coffee market in 2024 is $19.75 billion.
- RTD Coffee market share: As of 2024, The J M Smucker Company holds a 20.8% market share in the coffee and RTD coffee market, Starbucks Corporation has an 11.6% market share, and Nestlé SA’s market share is 5.1%.
- RTD Coffee consumer behaviour: 41% of Generation Z consumers reported purchasing coffee from foodservice locations more often compared to the previous year.
US Coffee and RTD Coffee Market Report – What’s inside?
Key topics analysed
- Trended at home coffee consumption and trended usage of cream and creamer.
- Coffee preparation choice factors.
- Interest in coffee innovation.
- Associations with and seasonality of different coffee drinks.
- Coffee behavior changes.
- Associations with coffee compared to other caffeinated beverages.
- Coffee attitudes.
Report Scope
For the purposes of this Report, Mintel has used the following definitions:
- Roasted coffee – ground and whole bean; regular and decaffeinated; unflavored and flavored.
- Single-cup coffee – cups and pods containing premeasured coffee for use in automatic single-cup coffee makers.
- Instant coffee – regular and decaffeinated; includes both powdered instant and liquid coffee concentrates.
- RTD (ready-to-drink) coffee – shelf-stable or refrigerated bottled/ canned single-serve prepared iced coffees and coffee drinks; refrigerated RTD coffee (half-gallons and single-serving).
This Report also includes cream/creamer sales and product trends including shelf-stable and refrigerated dairy and non-dairy creamers.
Excluded from this report are: coffee substitutes, flavorings and syrups, including those used to make specialty coffee drinks and frozen coffee beverages at home. Bulk-bin coffee beans (not packaged) are also excluded regardless of where they are sold. Also excluded are coffee sold through foodservice, such as coffee shops and restaurants, as well as vending machines.
For information on the foodservice coffee market please see Mintel’s Foodservice Coffee and Tea – US – 2024 Report.
Meet The Expert
This report is written Kelsey Olsen, Food & Drink Analyst at Mintel. Kelsey joined Mintel in 2022 as a US Food and Drink Analyst. Kelsey uses her expertise to identify changing consumer behavior, industry trends, and innovation across packaged food and drink categories. Kelsey has a B.A. in Nutrition with a concentration in Food Studies and Business from the College of St. Benedict in Minnesota.
Coffee can deliver fun and function, capturing enthusiasts and providing energy. Meeting demands for both (separately or simultaneously) is an ongoing opportunity.
-
Executive Summary
- What you need to know
- Market size & forecast
- Market predictions
- What consumers want & why
- Opportunities
- Empower with options for customized experiences
- Graph 1: attitudes toward coffee, by generation, 2024
- Modernize the morning routine
- Graph 2: associations of select caffeinated beverages with part of morning routines, by generation, 2024
- Romanticize the at-home coffee occasion
- Graph 3: ranking of important considerations when preparing coffee at home, 2024
-
Market Dynamics
- Market context
- Market drivers
- Coffee drinkers get younger in the midst of redefined adulthood
- Graph 4: age when consumers first started drinking coffee, mean age, by generation, 2023
- A forward look at Gen Alpha’s implications for coffee
- Graph 5: coffee consumption among consumers aged 12-17 as reported by their parents, 2023
- At-home coffee can double down on accessible quality without directly competing with foodservice
- Graph 6: reported change in foodservice (eg coffee shop, fast food restaurant) coffee purchases compared to last year, 2024
- Reported change in foodservice coffee purchases by select demographics
- Climate concerns and supply chains highlight volatility of staple beverage
- Three avenues for addressing climate change in the coffee supply chain
- Market size and forecast
- Cooling inflation indicates a steadier buzz to coffee market
- Retail sales and forecast of Coffee and RTD Coffee
- Volume sales indicate cooling to cream and creamer market growth
- Retail sales and forecast of cream and creamers
- Retail sales and forecast of creamers
- Market segmentation
- Coffee segment sales continue to steady after an unsteady five years
- Graph 7: total retail sales of coffee and RTD coffee, by segment, at current prices, 2019-24
- Graph 8: total retail sales of coffee and RTD coffee, by segment, at current prices, by segment, 2024
- Retail sales of coffee and RTD coffee, by segment
- Creamers shine as market steadies
- Graph 9: total retail sales of cream and creamer, by segment, at current prices, 2019-24
- Retail sales of cream and creamers, by segment
- Market/brand share
- Coffee and RTD Coffee
- Nestlé SA brings the positives to coffee and RTD company performance
- Sales of coffee and RTD coffee, by company
- Roasted coffee must adapt to meet modern needs in the midst of sales declines
- Sales of roasted coffee, by leading companies and brands
- Nespresso shines in the midst of slowed single-cup coffee sales
- Multi-outlet sales of single-cup coffee, by leading companies and brands, rolling 52 weeks 2023 and 2024
- Instant coffee brands shine
- Multi-outlet sales of instant coffee, by leading companies and brands, rolling 52 weeks 2023 and 2024
- Even RTDs see slow sales
- Multi-outlet sales of ready-to-drink coffee, by leading companies and brands, rolling 52 weeks 2023 and 2024
- Cream and creamer
- Diversification benefits year-over-year growth in cream and creamers
- Multi-outlet sales of cream and creamer, by leading companies, rolling 52 weeks 2023 and 2024
- Multi-outlet sales of cream, by leading companies and brands, rolling 52 weeks 2023 and 2024
- Multi-outlet sales of creamer, by leading companies and brands, rolling 52 weeks 2023 and 2024
-
Consumer Insights
- The coffee and RTD coffee consumer: fast facts
- Trended at-home coffee consumption
- Demand for speed and specialty on the rise
- Graph 10: trended coffee consumption at home, 2023-24
- Millennials rewrite the morning coffee routine
- Graph 11: at-home coffee consumption – NET, by generation, 2024
- Hybrid lifestyles demand versatility
- Graph 12: at-home coffee consumption, by work from home status, 2024
- Trended types of creamers used
- The playing field for cream and creamers is relatively wide open
- Graph 13: trended types of coffee creamers used, 2023-24
- Creamers can deliver on variety-seeking Millennial coffee consumers
- Graph 14: coffee creamer usage, by generation, 2024
- Value perceptions of dairy spills into creamers
- Graph 15: coffee creamer usage, by financial situation, 2024
- Coffee preparation choice factors
- At-home and away-from-home coffee aren’t in complete competition
- Graph 16: ranking of important considerations when preparing coffee at home, 2024
- Coffee choices are becoming more complex
- Graph 17: coffee preparation choice factors – NET – Any rank, by generation, 2024
- Differentiate definitions of ease
- Graph 18: coffee preparation choice factors – NET – Any rank, by types of coffee consumed, 2024
- Interest in coffee innovation
- Seasonal flavor flair can bring special elements to coffee routines
- Graph 19: interest in coffee product innovation, 2024
- Don’t rule out Gen Xers in coffee innovation
- Graph 20: interest in coffee product innovation, by generation, 2024
- Tie innovation of any type back to a flavor experience
- Graph 21: interest in coffee innovation, by types of coffee consumed, 2024
- Coffee drink associations and seasons
- Despite iced coffee fame, hot coffee sustains versatility
- Graph 22: associations and seasonality, by different types of coffee drinks, 2024
- Move beyond temperature when creating the coffee vibe
- Graph 23: associations of different coffee drinks with any warm/hot weather, by generation, 2024
- Graph 24: associations of different coffee drinks with any cool/cold weather, by generation, 2024
- Hybrid workers value variety throughout the week…
- Graph 25: associations of different coffee drinks with weekdays, by work from home status, 2024
- Graph 26: associations of different coffee drinks with ‘made at home’, by work from home status, 2024
- Coffee behavior changes
- Turn routine into ritual
- Graph 27: reported changes in coffee behaviors, 2024
- Modernize outside of the cold coffee space, too
- Graph 28: reported change in coffee behaviors, by generation, 2024
- Get back to the inherent value of coffee
- Graph 29: reported change in coffee behaviors, by financial situation, 2024
- Caffeinated beverage associations
- Build coffee’s multi-faceted identity back up
- Graph 30: associations with different caffeinated beverages, 2024
- Morning routines are free for the taking with Gen Zs and Millennials
- Graph 31: associations of select caffeinated beverages with part of morning routines, by generation, 2024
- Connect caffeine content back to value
- Graph 32: associations with different caffeinated beverages – good source of energy, by financial situation, 2024
- Coffee attitudes
- Defining the next age of ‘premium’ experiences
- Graph 33: coffee attitudes, 2024
- Addressing generational needs and wants
- Graph 34: coffee attitudes, by generation, 2024
- Breaking down generational coffee attitudes
- Coffee’s function and enthusiasm aren’t dependent on coffee type
- Graph 35: coffee attitudes, by types of coffee consumed, 2024
-
Innovation and Marketing strategies
- Launch activity and innovation
- A new age of sustainability demands creative positioning
- Nguyen Coffee Supply and Copper Cow bring more than just sustainability positioning to Robusta coffee
- Concentrates and powders deliver convenience, value and customizability
- Store brand growth lies in innovation
- From leveling up caffeine content…
- …to toning it down
- Brands address caffeine and mental health concerns in own ways
- Steeping coffee takes note from tea and instant coffee
- Flavorscape AI: Creamers
- Flavorscape AI: RTD Coffee
- Marketing and advertising
- Influencer partnerships bring inspiration and necessary modernization
- Nespresso sets a summertime vibe with ‘color-boration’
- Tache doubles down on reminders of RTD convenience
-
Appendix
- Market definition
- Consumer research questions
- Consumer research methodology
- Generations
- Abbreviations and terms
- Forecast methodology
- Forecast fan chart methodology
- Total retail sales and forecast of coffee and RTD coffee, at inflation-adjusted prices, 2019-29
- Total retail sales and forecast of coffee and RTD coffee, by segment, at current prices, 2019-29
- Total retail sales and forecast of cream and creamer, at inflation-adjusted prices, 2019-29
- Total retail sales and forecast of cream and creamer, by segment, at current prices, 2019-29
Why Choose Mintel?
Mintel is the world’s leading market intelligence agency. We show you how consumers think today and tomorrow. As a trusted partner to industry leaders, we deliver game-changing insights to businesses across the globe, fuelling their marketing and innovation strategies that will shape the future.
Access high-quality market research with every purchase of Mintel’s consumer reports. Here’s what else is included in your report purchase:
- Multiple Report Formats: Mintel’s reports are available in PDF and PPT formats, and are delivered straight to your inbox, so you can easily share Mintel’s market intelligence.
- Access to Mintel’s Clients Portal: After your purchase is completed, you’ll receive an invitation to join Mintel’s Clients Portal, providing instant access to supplementary insights from Mintel’s industry experts.
- Interactive Databook: Mintel’s bespoke consumer data is presented as an interactive website, so you can deep dive into your chosen topic, explore demographics and download specific statistics.
- Custom Presentation Tool: Easily incorporate selected research data and analysis into a tailor-made presentation to win over clients and stakeholders.
Take a look at a sample PDF report below:
- Instant access when you pay by credit card
- Save up to 20% when you purchase multiple reports
Is this report right for you?
From consumer reports to customised growth strategies. We have an option to suit your business requirements.
Find out morePopular Related Reports
Global Outlook on Sustainability: A Consumer Study 2024-25
£ 5,000 – £ 21,600
Mintel’s 2024-25 Global Outlook on Sustainability: A Consumer Study is designed to help you understand what brands and companies should prioritise in order to educate consumers and ensure...
Find out moreUS Trending Flavors and Ingredients in Alcoholic Beverages Report 2024
£ 3,695
Consumer preferences are shifting towards unique and globally-inspired flavors, giving alcohol brands the go-ahead innovate. A notable 40% of consumers express enjoyment in experimenting with new and trending...
Find out moreUS Beer Market Report 2024
£ 3,695
With many segments in decline, imports are garnering most of the traction in US beer, particularly among female consumers. Consumption patterns reveal 40% of beer drinkers have altered their...
Find out moreCoffee in US (2024) – Market Sizes
£ 495
Coffee - US by Mintel Market Sizes provides you with annual year-end market size data, most recently updated in 2024. This report covers all instant and fresh coffee....
Find out moreCoffee in US (2023) – Market Sizes
£ 495
Coffee in US by Mintel Market Sizes provides you with annual year-end market size data, most recently updated in 2023. This report covers all instant and fresh coffee....
Find out moreCarbonated Soft Drinks in US (2024) – Market Sizes
£ 495
Carbonated Soft Drinks - US by Mintel Market Sizes provides you with annual year-end market size data, most recently updated in 2024. This market covers colas, lemon, orange...
Find out moreTrusted by global industry leaders
Is this report right for you?
From consumer reports to customised growth strategies. We have an option to suit your business requirements.
Find out more