Hendersonville’s Guide to Coffee, Tea, and Better Health

U.S. Buying Trends & Imports

• About 66% of American adults drink coffee every day, making it more popular than tea, soda, bottled water, or juice (BeverageDaily.com, National Coffee Association).
• The U.S. consumes roughly 15.3% of the world’s coffee more than any other country (CAFELY).

Where does the U.S. import coffee and tea from?

• Nearly 80% of U.S. unroasted coffee imports come from Latin America especially Brazil (35%) and Colombia (27%) (Economic Research Service).
• The U.S. imports over 99% of its coffee consumption (The Wall Street Journal, Food Business News).
• As for tea, 44% of black tea imported to the U.S. in 2024 came from Argentina, largely for iced-tea blends (The Washington Post).

Trends in Flavored & Specialty Coffee

Interest in specialty coffee is booming:

• 55% of Americans had a specialty coffee beverage in the past week a 6% increase since 2020 (STiR Coffee & Tea Magazine).
• Specialty drinks include cold brew (8%) and frozen blended coffee (another 8%) of past-day consumption (STiR Coffee & Tea Magazine).
• Consumers are also embracing functional add-ins like collagen, probiotics, or protein in their coffees (STiR Coffee & Tea Magazine).

Daily Cost Estimates

Let’s say you buy one cup of coffee and one cup of tea every workday (about 22 days per month):

Coffee

• Average U.S. coffee retail price (May 2025): around $7.93 per pound of roast (China Daily).
• In many places, a daily cup costs about $3.08 on average nationally (New York Post).
• In Hawaii, it’s as high as $4.98 per cup (New York Post).
• At $3.08/day, over 22 days, that’s about $68 per month. In pricier states (like Hawaii), it could be about $110 per month.

Tea

• Tea prices vary widely based on type and brand. Since reliable recent U.S. daily-cup price data is limited, a reasonable estimate might be $2–$3 per cup for a standard cup of tea.
• That totals $44–$66 per month.

Health Benefits

Coffee Benefits

• Rich in antioxidants, like chlorogenic acid, which may support gut health, improve blood sugar control, and help protect against cognitive decline and heart issues.
• Supports brain health: Moderate intake is linked to a reduced risk of Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s, likely because caffeine boosts brain neurotransmitters.
• Heart-friendly: Moderate coffee intake is associated with lower risk of hypertension and heart failure, possibly due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.
• Enhances performance: Caffeine helps improve physical performance and endurance when consumed before workouts.

Tea Benefits

• Full of polyphenols: “True” teas (green, black, oolong, white) are rich in catechins, flavonoids, and EGCG potent antioxidants that fight inflammation and may lower cancer risk.
• Supports heart health: Green tea, especially, may lower blood pressure and LDL cholesterol by improving blood vessel function.
• Helps digestion: Herbal teas like peppermint and ginger soothe bloating, improve digestion, and reduce nausea.
• Calming effect: L-theanine in tea promotes relaxation and focus, helping counter jittery caffeine effects.

Final Take

Coffee or Tea it all depends on you. Both are rich in antioxidants, boost focus and performance, and support heart and brain health. Skip sugary additives and heavy creamers that’s where things get unhealthy.

• Coffee gives a bold energy boost and supports physical performance but be cautious of caffeine sensitivity.
• Tea offers calm and digestive benefits, especially herbal varieties, with less jitteriness.

Moderation is key: enjoy up to 3–4 cups a day at most. Whether you’re team coffee or team tea, you’re winning with health when you keep it simple and mindful.