A new survey by United Kingdom (UK) company Pressat has revealed a range of coffee consumer trends in the country, including average consumption and what profession drinks the most coffee.
The survey documented 20,000 workers across multiple professions on their coffee preferences. According to the findings, journalists and media professionals top the list of coffee consumers across the UK at an average of 3.62 cups of coffee per day.
Healthcare workers, including doctors and nurses, were a close second to journalists and media professionals. They who reported drinking 3.60 cups per day on average. Police officers came in third place with an average of 2.52 cups a day.
Electricians, marketers, and advertising professionals reported significantly lower coffee consumption rates, averaging around 1.3 cups a day or less.
“This is the second survey we’ve carried out to analyse and identify the professions that consume the most coffee,” says Pressat’s Max Forrest.
“Journalists ranked the highest previously, with healthcare workers rising from fifth to second place. The results were not surprising, especially considering the coronavirus outbreak and NHS budget cuts. We fully expected those working on the frontline—such as doctors, nurses, and healthcare staff—to top the list, but journalists are still the kings and queens of coffee drinkers.”
The survey also revealed that although journalists and media professionals consume the most coffee, marketing professionals are willing to spend the most on a cup. With an average weekly spend of €13.27 (US$15.41). They’re followed closely by advertising professionals €12.98 (US$15.08), and electricians €12.96 (US$15.05).
With alternative milks also on the rise, professions that are most likely to prefer plant based, and oat milk in their coffee include police officers (21.99 per cent), company executives (21.98 per cent), and plumbers or trade workers (20.93 per cent).
Other professions, such as teachers (20.25 per cent) and retail staff (20.24 per cent) also showed a strong inclination toward non-dairy options.
The shift in milk consumption suggests that plant-based alternatives are becoming the norm, potentially reflecting broader trends in dietary requirements and awareness of environmental impact.
According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) 400 milligrams of caffeine per day is considered to be generally safe for most people, which equates to four or five cups of coffee.
20.32 per cent of respondents also stated they feel a “significant effect” when they miss their usual coffee intake.
The survey was conducted between January and March 2025.
