National Coffee Day 2026 : National Coffee Day 2026 arrives Tuesday, Sept. 29, with free drinks, discounts and special offers from coffee chains across the country. At the same time, new numbers show just how much Americans are drinking coffee. A National Coffee Association report says 66% of American adults had coffee in the past day, according to a report by USA Today.
READ ALSO: Weather forecast today: How will the latest nor’easter impact Atlantic City as high tides continue?
Specialty coffee is also having a big moment, with 48% of adults saying they had specialty coffee in the past day.
What does the latest coffee report show?
The National Coffee Association's 2026 National Coffee Data Trends Fall Report found that coffee still remains a daily habit for a majority of American adults.
In fact, 66% reported drinking coffee at some point during the past day. The report says that is more than any other beverage, including tap or bottled water.
There has also been a clear rise in specialty coffee. The report found that 48% of Americans had specialty coffee in the past day. That is a new record and puts specialty coffee ahead of traditional coffee in the latest results.
Espresso-based drinks are a major part of that trend. Lattes, cappuccinos and mochas helped drive specialty coffee's popularity, with 47% of Americans saying they had an espresso-based beverage during the past week.
Coffee at home remains common, too. The report found that 83% of coffee drinkers have coffee at home. But people are also heading out for their coffee.
Out-of-home coffee consumption reached 38% among coffee drinkers in the survey. That is the highest level recorded since January 2020 and puts the figure close to pre-COVID-19 levels. The report was conducted by Dig Insights on behalf of the National Coffee Association.
National Coffee Day 2026 deals and free coffee
The National Coffee Day 2026 deals cover everything from free drinks to low-cost coffee and special merchandise.
For Starbucks customers, Sept. 29 brings a new drink called the Aerocano. The iced espresso drink is described by Starbucks as a modern take on the Iced Americano. Three Mini Pies are also being added, including Apple Crumble, Pecan and Pumpkin.
Dunkin is offering a National Coffee Day deal for Rewards members. Customers can get a free medium hot or iced coffee with any purchase through the Dunkin app on Sept. 29.
Tim Hortons is going even further with a free coffee of any size. No purchase is required, although customers need to activate the offer in the Tim Hortons app.
Peet's Coffee is marking its 60th anniversary with 25-cent medium coffees at participating locations. The chain is also offering 25% off online orders.
7Brew customers can get a free state license plate sticker with every drink purchased at participating locations on Sept. 29.
Dutch Bros is offering mystery straw toppers to customers who buy two drinks at participating locations.
More National Coffee Day 2026 deals
Several other chains are joining the National Coffee Day 2026 celebration.
Scooter's Coffee is offering a free medium brewed coffee through its mobile app through Sept. 29. Whataburger Rewards members can also claim a free 16-ounce hot or iced coffee on Sept. 29.
Pilot is offering free hot coffee of any size, while Circle K Inner Circle Rewards members can get a free medium hot or iced coffee through the Circle K app.
The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf is offering Rewards members any large beverage for $5 on Sept. 29. Paris Baguette Rewards members can get a free medium hot or iced coffee with a purchase.
Krispy Kreme is also joining the celebration with its Original Glazed Coffee Flavored Doughnut. Customers can get a free small or medium hot or iced coffee with any purchase on Sept. 29.
Dairy Queen is offering its small DQ Coffee Cooler for $3 through Nov. 1 at participating locations. The flavors include Oreo, Salted Caramel and Toasted Marshmallow.
Aroma Joe's is offering a free 16-ounce hot or iced coffee on Sept. 29, while Jeff's Bagel Run is giving away free coffee all day at its locations.
Rita's is offering $1.99 small Cold Brew Frozen Coffee and Frozen Matcha. Randy's Donuts is offering a free small hot or iced coffee with a qualifying purchase.
Ziggi's Coffee is extending its celebration through Oct. 5, with Rewards members able to get a free small Daily Brew, Cold Brew or Iced Coffee with another menu purchase.
With National Coffee Day 2026 falling on Sept. 29, coffee drinkers have plenty of deals to choose from. At the same time, the latest National Coffee Association report shows that Americans are not just drinking more coffee. They are also choosing more speciality and espresso-based drinks, both at home and away from home.
FAQs
What day is National Coffee Day 2026?National Coffee Day 2026 is Tuesday, Sept. 29.
Where can I get free coffee on National Coffee Day?
Deals include free coffee at Dunkin, Tim Hortons, Pilot, Whataburger and other participating chains.
