The life cycle of a cup of coffee - A.J. Jacobs
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The key component in coffee is caffeine, a legal stimulant. Caffeine can make people feel more awake, energized, and focused, but also exhibits addictive properties. Although some drink decaffeinated coffee for the taste, most drink the caffeinated version. A high enough dosage of caffeine could actually kill, though it would take about 80 to 100 cups.
According to the most recent annual survey from the National Coffee Association, 62% of Americans drink coffee daily, with the average coffee drinker consuming 3.1 cups per day. Coffee consumption is particularly growing among the young, with an estimated 37% of people aged 13-18 drinking coffee daily in 2017, up from 23% in 2014.
The U.S. imports the most coffee of any country, followed by Japan, Russia, and Canada. In 2019, coffee chain Starbucks ranked as the second-biggest food or drink chain in the U.S. by revenue, behind only McDonald’s.
Brazil exports the most coffee of any country, followed by Vietnam, Columbia, and Indonesia. The two main types of coffee beans are Arabica and Robusta, which comprise about 60% and 40% of global coffee exports, respectively.

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