US Coffee and RTD Coffee Market Report 2021

Providing the most comprehensive and up-to-date information and analysis of the US Coffee and RTD Coffee Consumer market including the behaviors, preferences, and habits of the consumer.

The pandemic not only led to an increase in general home coffee consumption but also brought about a period of experimentation and exploration among coffee consumers. 27% of coffee consumers tried a new coffee brand during the pandemic; 22% made specialty coffee drinks at home, and 13% purchased an entirely new coffee appliance.

In addition to short-term gains, the pandemic created long-term growth opportunities for the coffee market. The rise of remote work established a new class of coffee drinking consumers interested in coffee shop experiences enjoyed within the home, creating opportunities for premium coffee blends. The pandemic also caused consumers to reevaluate their health and wellness goals, paving the way for functional coffee drinks; 30% of coffee drinkers are interested in purchasing coffee with additional functional benefits.

Coffee brands will need to adapt to shifting consumer preferences and unstable market conditions. Gen Z’s preference for cold over hot coffee drinks will force coffee brands (particularly roasted coffee brands) to update their product development and marketing strategies. Rising coffee prices will lead to trade-down behaviors among price-sensitive consumers, suggesting a need for mid-tier coffee brands to focus on providing budget-conscious consumers value.

The increased interest in premium coffee experiences suggests coffee and creamer brands should be bold with their product development. It’s also time for brands to rethink coffee marketing, create marketing messages and develop CSR programs that reinforce consumers’ own sense of identity.

Read on to discover more about the US Coffee and RTD Coffee consumer market, read our The Future of Coffee: 2021 Market Report, or take a look at our other Drinks Market research reports.

Quickly understand

• The impact of COVID-19 on consumer behavior and the coffee and creamer markets.
• How Gen Z’s coffee preferences will reshape the coffee market.
• Opportunities for functional coffees.
• Coffee industry market research and RTD coffee trends.
• How the rise of remote work will strengthen the home barista trend.

Covered in this report

Brands include: Café Bustelo, Maxwell House, Seattle’s Best, Dunkin Donuts, Folger’s, Starbucks, Gevalia, Peet’s Coffee, Caribou Coffee, Kraft Heinz, Starbuck’s Corporation, The J M Smucker Company, Keurig Dr. Pepper, STōK, International Delight, Bizzy, North American Coffee Partnership, Danone North America, Monster Beverage Corporation, Java Monster, Nestlé, International Delight, Silk, Black Rifle Coffee Company (BRCC), Blk & Bold, Coffee or Die, Lavazza Group, Tchibo, Illycaffe SpA, Nespresso, Costa Coffee, Briggo, Coffee mate, H-E-B, Nut Pods, New Barn, Oatly, Califia Farms, Oreo, Barissimo, Boyer’s Coffee, Community Coffee, Meijer, Good and Gather, McCafe, The Original Donut Shop, Java House, Groundwork, Trader Joe’s, Chamberlain Coffee, Death Wish Coffee, Perrier Energize, BODY ARMOR EDGE, Brew Dr. Uplift, Bang, Reign, C4.

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 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, 2021 Report.

Expert analysis from a specialist in the field

This report, written by Caleb Bryant, a leading analyst in the Food and Drink sector, delivers in-depth commentary and analysis to highlight current trends and add expert context to the numbers.

The pandemic brought strong growth for the coffee market as consumers tried new coffee products, created their own specialty coffee drinks and upgraded their home coffee bars. This increase in home coffee experimentation and exploration will benefit the coffee and creamer markets for years to come, and the rise of remote work will drive an overall increase in home coffee consumption. Product innovation and marketing differentiation is necessary to stand out in the crowded coffee market; create flavorful brews, enhance coffee with functional benefits, promote multi-serve pack sizes to make RTD coffee an everyday drink, and update marketing messages to align with Gen Z’s coffee preferences.

Caleb Bryant
Associate Director of Food and Drink Reports