Over the last hundred years consumption of coffee per capita has fallen. From a peak of 46 gallons per capita in 1946 to 19.7 gallons per capita in 2014. The increased availability of alternatives in the 1940s, specifically carbonated soft drinks, has been attributed as one leading cause of the annual decline in coffee consumption. Using the USDA’s economic research service’s food availability data as a proxy for consumption coffee – we can see the a century’s change of coffee consumption in gallons charted against soft drinks and tea.
The last decade of decline in soft drink consumption is alarming if the data window only frames 2004-2014. But broadening our data view- the picture tells a different story.
Data Source: USDA Economic Research Service
An example of the last ten years in soft drink consumption – with the article titled: This is Coca-Cola’s Biggest Nightmare
