Since the time coffee was introduced to North America during the Colonial period, it has continued to climb in popularity, according to the National Coffee Association. Last year, the New York-based association found that 61 percent of Americans drink coffee every day. This popularity has extended from coffee beans and ground coffees to ready-to-drink coffees, single-cup coffees, and even coffee blended into other beverage categories, like energy drinks, notes Kevin L. Goodner, product manager of extracts and essences at Synergy Flavors LLC, Hamilton, Ohio.
As one of the most-consumed beverages in the world, coffee’s flavor, natural energy and high antioxidant content appeal to a large number of consumers, notes Stacy DeMars, senior marketing coordinator at Finlay Tea Solutions US Inc., Florham Park, N.J. These benefits, combined with its versatility as an ingredient, allow beverage-makers to blend coffee ingredients into virtually any type of beverage, she says.