Coffee in Canada: habits and innovation

Mike Ng
May 13
2 min read

Canada is one of the biggest coffee-loving countries in the world. Whether it’s a double-double at Tim Hortons or an artisanal espresso at a local café, coffee is deeply woven into daily life from coast to coast.

According to the International Coffee Organization, Canadians consume 3.9 million 60kg bags of coffee annually, placing us among the world’s top coffee drinkers—right behind the EU, the US, Japan, and Russia.

Coffee Consumption in Canada

Canadians don’t just drink coffee—we live for it. Some key stats:

72% of Canadians aged 18-79 drink coffee daily.
On average, Canadians consume 6.5 kg of coffee per year, more than the US and the UK.
The biggest coffee lovers? Manitoba and Saskatchewan, where 18% of heavy drinkers down five or more cups a day!

Home Brewing vs. Café Culture

While coffee shops are wildly popular, home brewing still reigns supreme, with 7 out of 10 cups consumed at home. However, 2 out of 3 Canadians still visit cafés at least once a month, proving that coffee culture is as much about social connection as caffeine.

Classic drip coffee remains king, preferred by over half of Canadian coffee drinkers, but specialty coffee is on the rise. In fact, espresso-based drinks like lattes, cappuccinos, and Americanos have grown 3% in popularity over the last few years.

The Impact of Delivery Apps

Convenience is shaping Canada’s coffee habits. Uber Eats and SkipTheDishes have expanded access to coffee, letting people order from their home or office, often in larger quantities than they would in cafés.

5% of regular coffee drinkers order via an app.
7% use specialized delivery services for their coffee fix.

Market experts say millennials are driving the rise of specialty coffees, fueling growth in the high-end espresso-based drink sector.

Canada’s Favourite Coffee Chains

According to a Maclean’s magazine survey, the most-loved coffee chains include:

McCafé (McDonald's coffee powerhouse)
Second Cup
Starbucks
Tim Hortons (the undisputed Canadian coffee icon)

Tim Hortons dominates the market with 3,692 locations nationwide—about one for every 9,000 Canadians! Starbucks and McDonald’s have also stepped up their game, with new loyalty programs and delivery services, making getting coffee easier than ever.

Conclusion: Canada’s Coffee Culture is Here to Stay

From home-brewed morning rituals to café meetups and on-the-go orders, coffee is deeply embedded in Canadian life. Whether you’re grabbing a quick cup at Timmies or savoring a locally roasted pour-over, there’s no denying it—Canada runs on coffee.