2026 NCDT Specialty Coffee Report

Report Released June 2026

Download the 2026 National Coffee Data Trends (NCDT) Specialty Coffee Report, produced by the NCA in collaboration with the Specialty Coffee Association.

Key Topics

Past-day and past-week consumption tracking
How and where coffee is prepared
Coffee note flavor preferences
Temperature state
Competing beverage penetration
Roast level consumption
Usage of sweeteners, whiteners & other additives

Background
- Research Methodology
- Key Observations
Past-Day Coffee Consumption
- Past-Day Penetration of Coffee Beverage Types
Past-Week Coffee Consumption
- Past-Week Penetration of Coffee Beverage Types
Traditional vs. Specialty (Region, Age, Ethnicity)\
Coffee Trends & Understanding Flavor Aromas
- Familiarity & Likelihood to Try Mushroom Coffee
- Understanding Coffee Note Flavor Preferences
- Ranking of Flavor Preferences
- Ranking of Flavors
- Maximizing Consumer Reach with the Fewest Flavors
Competitive Beverage Landscape
- Past-Day Penetration of Other Beverage Types
- Past-Day Penetration of Water, Tea & Milk Beverages
Temperature State
- Penetration of Hot vs. Cold Traditional vs. Specialty
- Penetration of Cold EBBs
How Do Specialty Coffee Drinkers Consume Coffee?
- Method of Preparation
- Roast Type Consumed
- Additive Usage (Whiteners, Sweeteners & Other)
- Past-Day Preparation Location
Appendix
Methodology Details on Upsiide Exercise

Webinar: Specialty Coffee's Flavorful Rise

Live webinar on 6/24/26 was open to all. On-demand recording is available to NCA members only.

Josh Bennett of Dig Insights dives deep into data from the Specialty Coffee Report and shares key insights. Whether you’re a roaster, retailer, brand builder, or coffee enthusiast, you’ll leave with a clearer read on what specialty coffee drinkers want — and how to keep your offerings ahead of the curve.

Josh Bennett, Dig Insights

National Coffee Data Trends (NCDT)

The Specialty Coffee Report is part of the National Coffee Data Trends (NCDT), the longest-running study on U.S. coffee consumption, beverage preferences, and consumer behavior. The 2026 NCDT Specialty Coffee Report uses data from the Spring 2026 NCDT. The NCDT Market Research Series is available exclusively to NCA members and includes the spring and fall reports, specialty report, two consumer insight reports, and more. Not a member? Join NCA today with dues scaled to the size of your business.

2026 NCDT Specialty Coffee Report

Report Released June 2026

Key Topics

Table of Contents

Webinar: Specialty Coffee's Flavorful Rise

National Coffee Data Trends (NCDT)