Shocking amount of coffee you drink over a lifetime has been revealed

Whether you're an iced latte lover or can't function without a strong black coffee first thing, new research has revealed just how much caffeine Brits are getting through in their lifetime.

The total figure is pretty shocking.

For some people, coffee is an occasional treat.

For others, the day doesn't officially begin until they've had their first cup.

Then there's the mid-morning pick-me-up, the coffee run at lunch and perhaps another brew to get through the afternoon slump.

Instant coffee has had a glow-up too, thanks to social media, so more people seem to be making their brews at home now, too.

It all adds up, and according to a new study, the average Brit gets through an eye-watering amount of coffee during their adult life.

You might want to put the kettle on before reading this.

Whether you're going out for a coffee with friends or brewing at home, it seems we drink a lot (Getty Stock)

How much coffee does the average Brit drink in their lifetime?

Research commissioned by Italian coffee brand Lavazza has found that the average British coffee drinker consumes almost 57,000 cups of coffee over their adult lifetime.

That's an awful lot of trips to the kitchen, not to mention the money spent on takeaway coffees over the years.

The survey, which questioned 2,000 people, also discovered that seven percent drink at least five cups every single day.

While you might think making a quick coffee takes hardly any time at all, the research suggests otherwise.

Apparently, the typical coffee drinker spends more than 92 hours a year preparing and enjoying their favourite brew.

That's almost four full days dedicated to coffee each year.

When it comes to our preferred orders, americanos are particularly popular, with the average drinker expected to get through around 8,000 over their lifetime.

Lattes aren't far behind at 6,000, while flat whites account for another 5,800.

That's a lot of coffee (Getty Stock)

Brits admit they can't start the day without coffee

The research also revealed just how important that first cup of the morning has become.

Most people have their first coffee between 7am and 8am, presumably while they're getting ready for work or trying to convince themselves it's time to get out of bed.

For plenty of Brits, skipping it simply isn't an option.

Some 40 percent of those surveyed said they wouldn't dream of missing their morning coffee, while 16 percent described it as a non-negotiable part of breakfast.

Meanwhile, 43 percent admitted that their first coffee is one of the highlights of their day.

Perhaps the most surprising finding, though, is that 18 percent consider their morning caffeine fix more important than having a shower.

It seems we take coffee very seriously as a nation (Getty Stock)

Coffee drinkers have some strong opinions about their favourite brews

Unsurprisingly, people are also pretty particular about what goes into their cups.

While coffee shops offer everything from caramel lattes to elaborate seasonal creations, not everyone appreciates the extras.

The survey found that 28 percent believe sugary coffee syrups should be banned altogether.

Another 23 percent aren't keen on coffees containing too much milk.

Emanuele Pellegrino, from Lavazza, said: "Clearly, we are a nation of coffee lovers."

He added that enjoying good-quality coffee at home, however people prefer to drink it, is what matters most.

Of course, the 57,000-cup figure is an estimate based on survey responses rather than a literal count of every coffee someone will drink.

Still, it's a reminder of just how firmly coffee has become part of everyday British life.

So if you're already on your third cup today, you're certainly not alone.