What Is the Best Thing to Drink in the Morning
Consumer data from recent surveys and retail tracking show that water, coffee, and tea remain the top morning drinks worldwide. In the United States, coffee accounts for the largest share of morning beverage consumption, with the National Coffee Association reporting that over 60% of American adults drink coffee daily as of the latest available survey. Bottled water and ready-to-drink tea follow closely, supported by major companies such as PepsiCo, which owns brands like Aquafina and Lipton. These drinks are popular because they are widely available, affordable, and aligned with common morning routines.
Market research firms track morning beverage sales through retail scanner data and e-commerce platforms. According to recent industry reports, retail sales of coffee, tea, and bottled water consistently rank at the top of morning beverage categories in the U.S. and Europe. Companies such as Keurig Dr Pepper, Nestlé, and Starbucks report strong demand for single-serve coffee, flavored teas, and bottled water in morning channels. Sales data from grocery and convenience stores show that coffee and water are the first items consumers reach for in the morning, ahead of juices and energy drinks.
Health and Nutrition Considerations for Morning Drinks
Public health agencies and nutrition researchers highlight water as the most recommended morning drink for hydration. The U.S. National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine suggests daily fluid intake that includes water as the primary source, and many health professionals advise starting the day with water before coffee or tea. Studies cited by institutions such as the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health note that adequate morning hydration supports energy, focus, and metabolic function. Unsweetened coffee and tea are also associated with benefits such as improved alertness and antioxidant intake when consumed in moderation.
Sugar-sweetened beverages, energy drinks, and flavored coffees can add significant calories and sugar to the morning routine. The American Heart Association and the World Health Organization recommend limiting added sugars in morning drinks, linking excess sugar intake to weight gain and metabolic risks. Companies in the beverage industry have responded by expanding low-calorie, unsweetened, and functional beverage lines. For example, PepsiCo and Keurig Dr Pepper have launched water and tea products with reduced or zero sugar, reflecting consumer demand for healthier morning options.
Market Leaders and Companies Shaping Morning Beverage Choices
Major beverage companies influence what people drink in the morning through product innovation, distribution, and branding. Keurig Dr Pepper, PepsiCo, Nestlé, and Starbucks are among the leading companies in morning coffee, tea, and water categories. Keurig Dr Pepper operates brands such as Dr Pepper, Snapple, and Keurig coffee systems, while PepsiCo controls Aquafina, Lipton, and Gatorade. Nestlé offers Nescafé coffee and Perrier and San Pellegrino sparkling water, and Starbucks drives demand for ready-to-drink coffee and tea through retail and grocery partnerships.
Recent financial reports and investor updates show strong growth in at-home and on-the-go morning beverage categories. PepsiCo reported continued revenue growth in its beverage segment, driven by water, coffee, and tea products sold in retail and convenience channels. Starbucks expanded its ready-to-drink portfolio through partnerships with PepsiCo and other distributors, making bottled coffee and tea available in grocery stores and vending machines. Investors and analysts track these companies closely, as morning beverage sales remain a core driver of revenue in the global drinks market. More details on PepsiCo's beverage portfolio and financial performance can be found on its official investor page PepsiCo Investor Relations, and information on Starbucks' ready-to-drink products is available at Starbucks Official Site.