The UK has been crowned the world’s instant coffee capital with most Brits choosing convenience over a more cultivated cup.
A whopping 54 per cent of us opt for the quick, dehydrated form of the hot drink instead of filter, cafetière or pod coffee, a study found.
This compares to just 39 per cent of coffee drinkers outside the UK, according to a global report by professional services network Deloitte.
More Brits take their coffee with low-fat milk than their overseas counterparts – 40 per cent versus 22 per cent.
But researchers found UK consumers were less likely to pay a premium for beans certified as fair trade or eco-friendly.
The study suggests tea remains popular in British workplaces, with only 48 per cent of UK staff sipping coffee at work, compared to 65 per cent in other countries.
Globally, almost three in 10 – some 28 per cent – drink filter coffee, followed by pods (25 per cent).
More than half of the 7,000 respondents (55 per cent) said price hikes had pushed them away from buying their brew at coffee shops.
The UK has been crowned the world’s instant coffee capital with most Brits choosing convenience over a more cultivated cup (file image)
A whopping 54 per cent of us opt for the quick, dehydrated form of the hot drink instead of filter, cafetière or pod coffee, a study found
A selection of instant coffee in a supermarket
Youngsters drink less coffee than older generations with Gen Z averaging one or two cups per day, in contrast with Baby Boomers who put away up to three mugs daily.
Deloitte consumer goods expert Karine Szegedi said: ‘As far as the coffee industry is concerned, the pace of inflation is both a challenge and a big opportunity.
‘With customers now more willing to go without things, offering value for money is becoming even more important.
‘This is opening up new possibilities, such as selling supplies directly to consumers for them to make coffee at home.’
