Coffee drinkers in the United States are consuming nearly 40% more calories from their coffee than they were 15 years ago, even as the total volume of coffee consumed has remained stable. A study published in the Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics analyzed federal nutrition data from 2003 to 2018, revealing a significant shift in how consumers prepare their daily coffee.
Based on dietary information from over 30,000 adults, researchers found that the average daily calorie intake from coffee beverages increased from 43 to 60 over the 15-year span. The primary driver of this increase was the growing popularity of non-dairy coffee creamers. During the study period, non-dairy creamer surpassed both sugar and dairy milk to become a leading source of added calories, contributing an average of 19 calories per person daily in 2018, up from just 8 in 2003.
The findings point to a notable evolution in consumer habits. While dairy milk remained the most common additive by weight, its consumption level did not change significantly. In contrast, the average daily consumption of non-dairy creamer more than doubled from 3.37 to 8 grams per person. This trend indicates a growing preference for richer, more customized coffee preparations, a key insight for roasters and cafes tracking market demand and product formulation.