There’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to how Americans like their breakfast. Some want toast charred within an inch of its life, while others act personally offended if it’s more than golden. Hash browns? Shredded or chunky can start a kitchen debate. And let’s not even get into the egg preferences. This post breaks down how Americans like their breakfast, from the picky to the passionate.
Coffee Drinking in America
Coffee is a staple of the American breakfast. The survey found that 81% of U.S. adults drink coffee. That leaves 19% who don’t drink it at all. Whether enjoyed black or with milk, coffee continues to be the beverage of choice to kick-start the day for most Americans.
How Americans Take Their Coffee
Of the coffee drinkers, 60% add at least some milk. The most common preference (39%) is coffee that is light tan — showing a good amount of milk added. Another 11% like even more milk, while 10% add just a little milk. Meanwhile, 21% of coffee drinkers prefer it black.
Toast Preferences: How Dark?
Toast preferences also show clear patterns. A majority (58%) of Americans say they like their toast “somewhat lightly toasted.” About 28% prefer it darker, 4% want it very dark, and 1% actually like it burnt. These choices reflect a leaning toward moderate toasting rather than extreme browning.
Bacon: A Breakfast Classic
Americans overwhelmingly agree that bacon belongs on the breakfast plate. In fact, 93% say they like bacon with breakfast. Preferences for how it’s cooked vary, but bacon remains one of the most beloved parts of a hearty American breakfast, often paired with eggs, toast, and coffee.
How Americans Like Their Bacon
Most Americans want their bacon crispy. 37% like it “somewhat crispy,” while 34% prefer it “very crispy.” That means about 71% want their bacon crisped to some degree. On the other hand, 20% prefer bacon that’s a bit chewier. This highlights a clear preference for crisp textures overall.
Ideal Coffee on the Breakfast Plate
If we built the average American’s breakfast coffee order, it would include milk to the point where it’s light tan. This was selected by 39% of respondents, making it the most popular style. Black coffee drinkers (21%) and those who like only a little milk (10%) follow behind.
Favorite Egg Style for Breakfast
Scrambled eggs top the list with 36% of the vote, making it the clear winner in the survey. Other notable preferences: 18% want eggs over easy, 12% want sunny side up, and 11% choose over medium. Hard-boiled eggs, while convenient, appeal to just 6% of breakfast eaters.
Who Doesn’t Drink Coffee?
While coffee is iconic in American breakfasts, not everyone drinks it. About 19% of Americans don’t drink coffee at all. That’s nearly one in five adults who skip coffee entirely in favor of tea, juice, water, or no beverage at all with their morning meal.
The American Breakfast in Numbers
Combining the most popular responses, the ideal American breakfast includes scrambled eggs (36%), somewhat crispy bacon (37%), somewhat lightly toasted bread (58%), and coffee with enough milk to make it light tan (39%). These numbers paint a clear picture of what’s on the typical breakfast plate.
Breakfast Reflects Tradition
The survey results highlight how Americans balance tradition and personal taste at breakfast. Coffee with milk, scrambled eggs, crispy bacon, and lightly toasted bread are the most popular choices. This classic combination continues to represent comfort and satisfaction at the American breakfast table.
