Photo: press materials/Sylwia Mokrysz

Although Poland is still far from being a European leader in coffee consumption, the Polish market is clearly gaining momentum. Coffee is now present in almost every home, and consumers are increasingly turning to premium varieties and whole bean coffee, as well as experimenting with new brewing methods. This is a category with enormous growth potential.

In the European coffee consumption ranking, it is not the Italians or the French who occupy the top spots, but the residents of Luxembourg, who drink over five cups a day. Close behind them are the Finns with almost four cups a day, ahead of the Swedes, Norwegians and Danes. Against this backdrop, Poland remains a market with relatively moderate consumption — the average Pole drinks one cup of coffee a day.

However, this does not mean stagnation. In fact, market representatives point out that this lower level of consumption compared to the leaders may just indicate significant growth potential.

‘This is an opportunity for sales growth and a shift in daily habits,’ argues Sylwia Mokrysz, President of the Coffee and Tea Market Research Institute. ‘Just when we think the market has been properly segmented and each segment has found its rightful place, it turns out there is room for new products and that it’s still worth working on changing consumer habits,’ she adds.

Consumption is rising, and coffee is strengthening its position in the daily lives of Poles.
These changes have resulted in a gradual increase in coffee consumption in Poland. Currently, the average Pole drinks 2.5-3.7 kg of coffee per year, equivalent to around 90-95 litres of the beverage. Although Poland still lags far behind the Nordic countries, coffee is becoming an increasingly integral part of daily life, both at home and outside the home.
According to data from the International Coffee Organization, approx. 150,060 tons of coffee are consumed in Poland each year, with each citizen consuming an average of 3.66 kg, or one cup per day. This places Poland 14^th in the ranking. Research shows that Poles most often drink two to three cups of coffee a day – 51% of respondents indicated this answer. Another 28.5% reach for coffee once a day. Just over 5% drink four to five cups, nearly 9% drink coffee occasionally, less than once a day, and over 6% do not drink it at all.
From the retailer’s perspective, this information is important: coffee is the daily choice for the vast majority of consumers, but there is still room to increase the frequency of consumption and the value of the shopping basket.

Coffee remains an almost ubiquitous category in Polish households.

96% of Polish households report regularly purchasing coffee. This demonstrates that coffee is deeply rooted in daily shopping habits and remains one of the core food categories.

Instant coffee remains the most popular choice, with 38-40% of consumers opting for it. At the same time, however, the market is clearly changing. Whole bean coffees are becoming increasingly popular, as are sales of home coffee brewing equipment.
‘However, the growing popularity of whole bean coffees and automatic coffee machines is evident, and Poland is currently one of the European leaders in terms of coffee equipment sales. Poles are increasingly choosing premium coffee, experimenting with alternative brewing methods and visiting specialty coffee shops, which indicates growing consumer awareness,’ assures Prof. Anna Dąbrowska of the SGH Warsaw School of Economics in her article ‘The Habits and Preferences of Poles Regarding Coffee Consumption’, which is due to be published in the latest issue of the scientific Coffee & Tea Marketing Journal in late May/early June.
For retailers, this means adopting a broader approach to the category, considering not only price and basic product offerings, but also the development of premium segments, accessories and products that cater to more conscious purchasing choices.

Different generations, different coffee choices

According to a 2025 survey, ground coffee remains the most popular choice, selected by 38% of respondents. Instant coffee and coffee with unfrothed milk came second, with 30% of responses each. Alternative brewing methods, such as drip or Chemex, remain a niche market in Poland, with only 2% of respondents opting for them.
At the same time, the data also reveal clear generational differences. Those aged 35-54 most often choose ground coffee (43.4% of responses) and are more likely to opt for coffee with frothed milk (30.4%). In contrast, younger consumers (aged 18-34) more often prefer instant coffee (38.5% of responses) and milk-based drinks, including coffee with frothed milk and caffè latte (32% each).
Differences related to gender and age are also evident. Espresso is more commonly consumed by older people (11.4% of responses) and men than women (13% vs. 7.5%). Cappuccino and latte, on the other hand, are primarily consumed by younger people, accounting for 22.1% and 32% of responses, respectively. Notably, one-fifth of respondents declare that they do not use any additives in their coffee.

Milk-based formats are gaining popularity and coffee on the go is becoming more commonplace

Market analysis shows that milk-based drinks such as caffè latte, cappuccino and latte macchiato are among the most frequently chosen types of coffee. Black coffee also maintains a strong position. Consumers are slightly less likely to choose black coffee made using a drip coffee maker, caffè americano or espresso.
‘Summarising the coffee market, Professor Dąbrowska points out in her article that the most frequently chosen types of coffee are milk-based: caffè latte, cappuccino and latte macchiato. Black coffee is also popular. Less frequently, respondents opt for black coffee made using a drip coffee maker, caffè americano, or espresso. Men drink coffee out more often than women, with over a quarter of them saying they do so at least a few times a week,’ notes Sylwia Mokrysz in her review of the publication.
This is an important signal for the convenience market, the foodservice sector and retail chains expanding their in-store coffee offerings. The growing importance of out-of-home consumption and the popularity of more diverse formats may lead to further segmentation of the category and the development of offerings tailored to different customer groups.

The coffee market in Poland continues to open up

The image of the Polish coffee market is becoming increasingly complex. Traditional choices and moderate consumption levels still dominate, but there is also growing openness to new flavours, formats and brewing methods. For manufacturers and retailers, this means that the category remains stable but not closed off. There is still scope to increase its value, develop new segments and influence consumer habits.