It’s hard to believe that coffee was once unpopular in America. Now it’s the most sought-after drink in the country and is celebrated on several occasions a year.
In the United States, September 29 marks National Coffee Day, while in the rest of the world celebrates October 1 asInternational Coffee Day. The popularity and coffee intake rises in the fall and winter, making this holiday a perfect time to commemorate the start of autumn with a nice cup of joe.
Many USC students were not aware of Friday’s significance — although they unintentionally celebrated with a cup of coffee.
Business student Lauren Recasner said was surprised to learn about National Coffee Day. “I didn’t know that…I was not aware and had no idea,” she said.
The history of coffee dates farther back than expected. Originating in Ethiopia, coffee made its appearance in Europe in the 17th century. When it was introduced to the Americas in the mid-1600s, it was not well-received for a long time, as people continued to stick with tea. It was only when the Boston Tea Party occurred and tea became considered unpatriotic to drink that people started to make the switch to coffee.
According to the NCAUSA, “By the end of the 18th century, coffee had become one of the world’s most profitable export crops. After crude oil, coffee is the most sought commodity in the world.”
The average American drinks almost three cups of coffee per day, and the country as a whole consumes 400 million cups per day, according to the National Day Archives.
Fine arts student Gillian Maltz said she drinks coffee regularly. “I have one in the morning every morning and then in the afternoon I’ll have another one,” she said.
According to Education Data, “If a college student bought a cup of coffee daily, they would spend $63 a month on average.” Based on that estimate, students would spend about $750 on coffee alone on average.
Recasner said coffee is becoming expensive in today’s world. “The price of coffee these days is crazy, so I feel like they should advertise it and should have some type of deal,” they said.
Most coffee shops close to campus were not offering deals for this holiday. Many students said that they would love to get some form of discount.
Sophomore health and human sciences student Wynnie Purchase commented that USC’s coffee shops should not only have deals for the holiday but all year round.
“If you buy five coffees in a week you could get two free,” Purchase said. “The prices of coffee have only risen, and college students need to stay caffeinated. Any type of weekly deal would combat the high prices and incentivize students to buy more coffee.”
Yet, who can’t help but get a coffee in the morning, even if it’s not National Coffee Day?