Australians drink an average of 1.91 kilograms of coffee per person per year, yet surprisingly, Australia doesn’t rank among the top 25 coffee-consuming countries, according to a report by Corner Coffee Shop’s 2025 Coffee Consumption.
Australia’s strong café culture and growing interest in home brewing doesn’t compare to Finland, the country that tops the global charts with over 12 kilograms per person annually.
The COVID-19 pandemic shifted habits significantly, with Australians consuming 37 per cent more coffee at home. Today, 65 per cent of households own a coffee machine.
However, instant coffee remains dominant, accounting for 75 per cent of total consumption, with preferences evenly split between instant (39 per cent) and espresso-based (39 per cent) drinks.
For many, it appears that coffee is non-negotiable. Over a quarter of Australians have said they can’t get through the day without it.
University of Wollongong university graduate Brianna Williamson said she can skip coffee for a day, but it always feels like something’s missing.
“I could go a day without coffee, but it just feels like something’s missing,” she said.
“It’s such a habit now.”
Espresso remains a quality benchmark.
“I prefer espresso-based coffee. I just like the flavour and the experience — it feels higher quality,” Ms Williamson said.
“Instant is more for convenience.”
Taste and quality continue to influence purchasing decisions, followed by bean origin and brand reputation. While home machines are on the rise, cafés aren’t going anywhere — especially for busy people.
Gypsy Jones Café barista Noah Buckley, who has been working in hospitality since 2018 said most customers are too busy to brew their own coffee at home.
“Most of our customers are too busy to make coffee at home,” Mr Buckley said.
“Even with machines, they still come in, especially uni students.”
Source : 2019 Australian coffee report.
At cafés, lattes are the top pick, making up 33 per cent of all orders, with an average price of $3.96.
A quarter of coffees are ordered to go.
While some customers explore specialty brews, interest in single-origin beans has waned, Mr Buckley said.
“It was a bit of a fad. People tried it, then realised it all just tastes like coffee,” he said.
Loyalty incentives still matter.
“I love loyalty programs — buy nine, get the tenth free,” Ms Williamson said.
“They definitely influence where I go.”
Despite not being world leaders in volume, Australia’s coffee culture is alive and evolving, blending convenience, taste, and ritual, one cup at a time.
Additional reporting: Emliee O’Grad-Shorten and Daniel O’ Bryan
