Iced coffees, cold brews and coffee pods rank highest among for American's java drinkers
We are a nation that needs its coffee, consuming over 3 billion pounds of java per year. But how we take our daily cup of joe, from strong and black to sweet and milky, varies widely across the United States.
In fact, the homeware and ceramics brand Denby recently set out to answer what types of coffee were most popular in each state. Denby based its rankings on Google Trends data on internet searches over five years from 2017 to 2022.
Their findings are fascinating. Searches for “coffee” in general were most popular in Hawaii, one of the only coffee-growing states (though oddly a state that favors instant coffee). Hawaii was followed closely behind by Montana and Oregon. Beyond that, coffee preferences were (literally) all over the map.
What’s the most popular type of coffee by state?
Courtesy Denby
Perhaps surprisingly, coffee drinkers across America are big fans of chilled coffee. Iced coffee was the most searched in 28 states in total—a landslide victory—while another eight states favored cold brew, including Oregon, Washington, Arizona, Nevada, Colorado and Alaska. What makes cold brew more popular in the West? Hard to say.
Even more surprising than chilled coffee, seven states favored decaf, including California and New York, Michigan and Virginia. Meanwhile, the mountain states of Montana, Idaho, Wyoming and Utah all favored straight black coffee. Minnesota seems to be a complete outlier, with latte being the most popular.
Here’s the full line-up:
Alabama: Iced coffee
Alaska: Cold brew
Arizona: Black coffee and cold brew
Arkansas: Iced coffee
California: Decaf
Colorado: Cold brew
Connecticut: Iced coffee
Delaware: Iced coffee
Florida: Cappuccino
Georgia: Iced coffee
Hawaii: Cold brew
Idaho: Black coffee
Illinois: Iced coffee
Indiana: Iced coffee
Iowa: Iced coffee
Kansas: Cappuccino and iced coffee
Kentucky: Iced coffee
Louisiana: Iced coffee
Maine: Iced coffee
Maryland: Decaf
Massachusetts: Iced coffee
Michigan: Decaf
Minnesota: Latte
Mississippi: Cappuccino
Missouri: Iced coffee
Montana: Black coffee
Nebraska: Iced coffee
Nevada: Cold brew
New Hampshire: Decaf and iced coffee
New Jersey: Iced coffee
New Mexico: Decaf
New York: Cappuccino and decaf
North Carolina: Iced coffee
North Dakota: Iced coffee
Ohio: Iced coffee
Oklahoma: Cappuccino
Oregon: Cold brew
Pennsylvania: Iced coffee
Rhode Island: Iced coffee
South Carolina: Iced coffee
South Dakota: Iced coffee
Tennessee: Iced coffee
Texas: Iced coffee
Utah: Black coffee
Vermont: Cold brew
Virginia: Decaf
Washington: Cold brew
Washington D.C.: Cappuccino
West Virginia: Iced coffee
Wisconsin: Iced coffee
Wyoming: Black coffee
What’s the most popular coffee brewing method by state?
Courtesy Denby
Type of coffee is one thing. But how are Americans making their iced coffees, cold brews and decaf? Denby looked into those numbers, too.
Most of the country seems agree on brewing methods. Almost 80 percent of Americans turn to a coffee machine to make their favorite cup. Of all the brewing methods, searches for “coffee pods” were most popular in 40 states. If you haven’t jumped on the singe-serve coffee maker bandwagon, it seems now is the time to join.
Meanwhile, slow-and-steady filter coffee was the second most popular, particularly popular in New England states such as Maine and Vermont, D.C. and Utah. French press is a favorite of Colorado, Oregon and Alaska. Espresso is the most popular in Washington state, home of Starbucks.
Then there are the outliers. Moka pots were relatively unpopular across the country, except in Wisconsin, where it was the most searched brewing method. Similarly, cowboy coffee—coffee beans brewed straight in boiling water—was very unpopular in every state except Wyoming, the Cowboy State. The only place where trendy pour-over coffee ranked highest was Maryland.
Do you agree with your state’s favorite drinks and brewing methods? How do you take your coffee?
Try These Coffee Recipes Next
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Frothy Cafe BombonI discovered this layered java beverage during my honeymoon in Spain. —Keri Hesemann, St. Charles, Missouri
Easy Spiced Morning MochaThis recipe is a delicious morning pick-me-up and still tastes great when made with low-fat milk.—Vicki Wright, Omaha, Nebraska
Coffee with Cinnamon and ClovesA quick-and-easy, fall-flavored coffee made with instant granules. What's not to love about this special beverage? —Jill Garn, Charlotte, Michigan
Creamy Caramel MochaYou can easily indulge in a coffeehouse-quality drink at home anytime. With whipped cream and a butterscotch drizzle, this mocha treat will perk up even the sleepiest person at the table. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Comforting Coffee MilkThis recipe is special to me because the delicious ingredients and flavors speak for themselves without those extra preservatives. Now that’s refreshing! —Brenda Schrag, Farmington, New Mexico
Holiday Peppermint MochaMake spirits bright with a minty mocha to share under the mistletoe or around the piano. I’ve also stirred in coffee liqueur instead of peppermint. —Lauren Brien-Wooster, South Lake Tahoe, California
Creamy Irish CoffeeMy maternal grandma seldom drank more than a glass of champagne at Christmas, but she couldn't resist my Creamy Irish Coffee. —Rebecca Little, Park Ridge, Illinois
Mocha Morning DrinkWhen I'm sipping this delicious coffee, I almost feel as if I'm visiting my favorite coffeehouse. —Jill Rodriguez, Gonzales, Louisiana
Caramel-Chai Tea LatteInspired by the spicy chai drinks served at coffee shops, I whipped up a caramel-drizzled latte I can enjoy at home anytime. —Katelyn Kelly, Perryville, Maryland
Viennese CoffeeThis isn't your regular cup of Joe! Dress it up with chocolate, whipped cream and more, making it a drink to savor! —Sharon Delaney-Chronis, South Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Hazelnut Mocha SmoothiesThis smooth blend of coffee, cocoa and nutty flavors is better than any coffeehouse version we've tried. Try it, and we're sure you will agree. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Iced Coffee LatteThis amazing alternative to regular hot coffee is much more economical than store-bought coffee drinks. Sweetened condensed milk and a hint of chocolate lend a special touch. —Heather Nandell, Johnston, Iowa
Coconut Lover's FrappeI love frozen beverages, so I wanted to create one similar to those in coffee shops but without coffee as an ingredient. When I drink this frosty treat it's as good as any specialty shop drink but without the hassle or the cost. —Emily Semmelrock, Jewett City, Connecticut
Sweet Kahlua CoffeeI have this beverage brewing in my slow cooker at my annual Christmas open house. I set out the whipped cream and grated chocolate in festive dishes so guests can help themselves to as much Kahlua-flavored coffee as they'd like.—Ruth Gruchow, Yorba Linda, California
Frosty Caramel CappuccinoThis frothy iced cappuccino is positively delicious for breakfast, a mid-afternoon snack or an after-dinner dessert. It's also a great quick treat to serve with a plate of cookies for the holidays. To make the ice cream topping easier to drizzle, put it in a squeeze bottle, take the cap off and microwave for a few seconds. —Carol Mann, Summerfield, Florida
Hazelnut CoffeeThe blend of flavors—coffee, hazelnut and a bit of chocolate—makes this drink absolutely sensational. It is delightful for breakfast or brunch, or serve it as one of your beverage offerings at a cocktail or dinner party. —Frieda Bliesner, McAllen, Texas
Irish Cream CoffeeA steaming cup of this Irish cream coffee makes the perfect pick-me-up any time of day. Try experimenting with other liqueurs or creamers to give each cup new life. —Carol Fate, Waverly, Illinois
Hot Ginger CoffeeI like to sit by the fire and sip this coffee on a cold winter day. It's a wonderful warmup after shoveling snow, skiing, skating or snowmobiling. —Audrey Thibodeau, Gilbert, Arizona
Iced CoffeeWhen my sister introduced me to iced coffee, I wasn’t sure I’d like it. Not only did I love it, but I decided to start making my own iced coffee recipe. This easy version is a refreshing alternative to hot coffee. —Jenny Reece, Lowry, Minnesota
Cinnamon Mocha CoffeeMost store-bought flavored coffees are expensive. Here's a special early-morning beverage you can make at home. The aroma of cinnamon and cocoa makes this mocha coffee hard to resist. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Cappuccino PunchWhen I tried this punch at a friend's wedding shower, I had to have the recipe. Guests will eagerly gather around the punch bowl when you ladle out this frothy mocha ice cream drink. —Rose Reich, Nampa, Idaho
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Updated: Nov. 18, 2022
