By Mark McCrindleFriday 4 Aug 2023LifestyleReading Time: 3 minutes
Coffee has become an integral part of daily life for many Australians.
In a recent study, we found that a significant proportion of Australians rely on coffee to start their day while others enjoy it for the mood-boosting effects.
As preferences and habits vary across generations, coffee remains a beloved beverage that plays a central role in Australia’s culture.
Coffee as a daily necessity
One in four Australians (24 per cent) cannot survive the day without coffee.
For many, it has become an essential component of their daily routine, providing them a vital energy boost.
Millennials (29 per cent) and Gen X (31 per cent) are most likely to indicate they cannot survive the day without coffee
In contrast, just 13 per cent of Gen Z and 19 per cent of Baby Boomers share the same sentiment.
This highlights the varying degrees of reliance on coffee and the role it plays through different stages of life.
Mood-enhancing brew
For other Australians, it is the enjoyment that keeps them returning to the beverage.
Almost two in five Aussies (39 per cent) indicate they enjoy coffee because it puts them in a good mood, uplifting the overall wellbeing of coffee enthusiasts.
This is particularly true for younger Aussies – almost half of Gen Z (47 per cent) and Gen Y (42 per cent) agree that coffee puts them in a good mood (compared with 35 per cent Gen X, and 34 per cent Baby Boomers).
Café culture
While many Aussies make their coffee at home (78 per cent), almost one in three purchase it from a café (32 per cent).
Young Aussies are more likely to purchase it from a café compared with their older counterparts (40 per cent Gen Z, 41 per cent Gen Y, 30 per cent Gen X, 18 per cent Baby Boomers).
For young Aussies, coffee is less of a necessity and more of a social experience.
As Gen Z are less likely to rely on coffee to get them through the day, this generation also enjoys their coffee over catch-ups with friends at their go-to café.
Coffee continues to become intertwined with social interaction, aligning with Australia’s vibrant café scene and the cultural significance placed on shared coffee experiences.
Coffee spending habits
Two in five Australians spend less than $10 a week on coffee.
Almost four in five (78 per cent) prefer to make their coffee at home, choosing to spare the price tag associated with a café-purchased coffee.
Instant coffee (41 per cent) and espresso coffee (36 per cent) are the most preferred coffee methods for Australians.
Coffee has become much more than a beverage for Australians and is an essential part of many Aussies daily routines, providing an energising boost and mood-enhancing experience.
As generations embrace coffee in different ways, it remains a key aspect of Australia’s culture, fostering social connections and creating memorable experiences.
Whether brewed at home or savoured in local cafes, coffee continues to unite Australians through their shared appreciation of the beverage.
Future conumer report
Get the full report with all its insights into the generational distinctives, global impacts and digital patterns of the future consumer.
Article supplied with thanks to McCrindle.
About the Author: McCrindle are a team of researchers and communications specialists who discover insights, and tell the story of Australians – what we do, and who we are.
Feature image: Photo by Clem Onojeghuo on Unsplash