Find a Job You Really Want In
Coffee has long been a staple for those seeking a boost, energizing us from morning routines to late-night study sessions. It’s the go-to beverage for professionals tackling their daily responsibilities and students preparing for exams.
As we gear up for National Coffee Day on September 29th, we surveyed 2,000 workers to uncover current coffee consumption trends and preferences in 2026.
Key Findings
- 42 states enjoy their coffee with sugar and cream.
- Only 5 states (Nevada, Wyoming, New Mexico, Montana, and North Dakota) prefer it black.
- Only 2.7% of respondents favor espresso as their top choice.
- 13% of coffee drinkers enjoy their beverage iced.
- Most coffee drinkers seek caffeine for energy.
- A significant 49.8% of people brew coffee at home, contributing to a lower preference for espresso.
- Only 17% take advantage of complimentary office coffee, while 32% purchase coffee from cafes.
- The average price of a cup of coffee is $2.99, leading to nearly $15 weekly and around $780 annually if purchased daily at a drive-thru.
- Vermont stands out as the only state favoring lattes.
- Alaska and Idaho prefer their coffee iced, even in colder months.
Reasons for Coffee Consumption
Responses about why people drink coffee largely fell into familiar categories. Here are the most common motivations:
- To stay awake and alert
- Enjoying the flavor
- Enhancing work productivity
- Integrating it into their morning routine
- Socializing over coffee or engaging in “coffee maker talk”
Some unique reasons stood out as well:
- An excuse to take a break from work
- Dealing with stress and anxiety from work
- Believing that coffee offers better micronutrients than sodas or energy drinks, coupled with hydration
- To seem more mature
Survey Methodology
Zippia.com, a leading career resource website, conducted a survey of 2,000 U.S. workers on their coffee consumption habits.
Coffee: A Soulful Beverage
Coffee undoubtedly has its benefits, alongside a few downsides, especially if you indulge in that afternoon espresso shot. Interestingly, research suggests that pairing a coffee with a 15-minute nap can significantly boost productivity. This concept, known as the “coffee nap,” is recognized as an effective way to enhance alertness.
If you think napping at work is out of the question, you’ll be surprised to learn that many professionals find ways to incorporate short naps into their routine. As the saying goes, where there’s a will, there’s a way.
For many, a daily cup of coffee is essential, whether enjoyed with cream and sugar or savored black.
How Each State Prefers Their Coffee
| State | Coffee Preference |
|---|---|
| Alabama | Sugar and cream |
| Alaska | Iced |
| Arizona | Sugar and cream |
| Arkansas | Sugar and cream |
| California | Sugar and cream |
| Colorado | Sugar and cream |
| Connecticut | Sugar and cream |
| Delaware | Sugar and cream |
| Florida | Sugar and cream |
| Georgia | Sugar and cream |
| Hawaii | Sugar and cream |
| Idaho | Iced |
| Illinois | Sugar and cream |
| Indiana | Sugar and cream |
| Iowa | Sugar and cream |
| Kansas | Sugar and cream |
| Kentucky | Sugar and cream |
| Louisiana | Sugar and cream |
| Maine | Sugar and cream |
| Maryland | Sugar and cream |
| Massachusetts | Sugar and cream |
| Michigan | Sugar and cream |
| Minnesota | Sugar and cream |
| Mississippi | Sugar and cream |
| Missouri | Sugar and cream |
| Montana | Black |
| Nebraska | Sugar and cream |
| Nevada | Black |
| New Hampshire | Sugar and cream |
| New Jersey | Sugar and cream |
| New Mexico | Black |
| New York | Sugar and cream |
| North Carolina | Sugar and cream |
| North Dakota | Black |
| Ohio | Sugar and cream |
| Oklahoma | Sugar and cream |
| Oregon | Sugar and cream |
| Pennsylvania | Sugar and cream |
| Rhode Island | Sugar and cream |
| South Carolina | Sugar and cream |
| South Dakota | Sugar and cream |
| Tennessee | Sugar and cream |
| Texas | Sugar and cream |
| Utah | Sugar and cream |
| Vermont | Latte |
| Virginia | Sugar and cream |
| Washington | Sugar and cream |
| West Virginia | Sugar and cream |
| Wisconsin | Sugar and cream |
| Wyoming | Black |
Author
Amanda Postma is a writer for the Zippia Career Advice blog with a focus on creating entertaining content to help you through your job search. She received her BA from the University Of Missouri-Columbia.
