Why Coffee is Canada’s Most Consumed Beverage

As the economic landscape continues to shift, Canadians are adapting the way they buy and enjoy coffee.

Tariffs, rising costs, and changing household budgets are influencing purchasing decisions, with six in ten consumers reporting adjustments to their coffee habits.[1]

Coffee beans are being poured along a metal chute, showcasing dark, roasted beans up close in a coffee production setting.

Yet, despite these shifts, coffee remains Canada’s most consumed beverage, and a daily ritual that combines comfort, indulgence, and connection. In fact, 72% of Canadians report drinking coffee in the past day,[2] a figure that has remained remarkably consistent over the past five years.

On average, Canadians consume 2.6 cups of coffee daily,[3] reinforcing coffee’s role not only as a morning staple but also as a small, everyday treat. However, the landscape of coffee consumption is evolving. Specialty beverages, from lattes and cappuccinos to cold brews, now account for more than half of all cups consumed, as consumers seek variety, personalization, and premium experiences.

Price remains important, but “value” is no longer just about cost, it is increasingly being defined to include quality, service, and the overall experience. Freshly roasted beans, skilled baristas, customizable options, and loyalty rewards are becoming key differentiators.

For operators, small upgrades like a sprinkle of cinnamon, a swirl of caramel, or a marshmallow topping can elevate a drink without adding significant cost or complexity. These touches also appeal to Gen Z and Millennials, who visit cafés more frequently than other generations, and is especially drawn to these kinds of indulgent, customizable beverages.  

Canterbury’s beverage experts are here to help your business stay relevant, competitive, and profitable, all while catering to a full spectrum of consumer preferences, from the everyday comfort drink to seasonal, trend-driven creations.

For innovative beverage ideas, explore Canterbury Coffee’s Drink Recipes Page. If you’re looking for a personalized menu experience, reach out to Canterbury’s team.

Trend essentials: Canterbury’s Coffee Catalogue, Spirit Bear LEGENDARY Cold Brew Concentrate, Stasero Cinnamon Topping and Stasero Marshmallow Topping

[1] CAC Canadian Coffee Drinking Trends 2025 Data Tracking
[2] CAC Canadian Coffee Drinking Trends 2025 Data Tracking
[3] CAC December 2024 Report  

For more Fall beverage trends, explore Canterbury’s five-part series.

A metal pitcher pours cream into a glass of iced coffee against a dark background. An orange banner reads, "2025 Fall Beverage Trends Part 2" with leaf icons.

With cold coffee on the rise, operators have a prime opportunity to update their beverage programs.

Hot Trends in Cold Cups
A person holds a paper cup filled with a hot beverage featuring leaf-shaped latte art. An orange banner at the bottom reads, "2025 Fall Beverage Trends Part 3" with small leaf icons.

Quick-service restaurants and cafés focused on speed and convenience are reshaping consumer expectations.

Speed and Convenience
Two iced coffee drinks topped with whipped cream and chocolate drizzle sit on a dark surface. An orange banner across the image reads "2025 Fall Beverage Trends Part 4" with small leaf icons.

Canadian coffee consumers are moving beyond traditional brews, seeking flavours that blend comfort with novelty.

Bold New Flavours
A glass of iced milk on a wooden tray is topped with green matcha being poured from a cup. Text on an orange banner reads, “2025 Fall Beverage Trends Part 5,” with small leaf icons.

Matcha has gone mainstream, driven by social media, offering strong profit potential for operators.

From Mainstream to Menu Staple
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