How to Save on (Good) Coffee
Look, if coffee is one of the little daily habits that brings you true joy, we’re not here to tell you to cut back or spend less. The cliché that money spent on avocado and latte toast is what keeps you from becoming a millionaire is oversimplified and, well, stupid . So drink what you like and pay for the “best” coffee you can afford.
But if you’re looking to save a couple of dollars on your coffee habit, here are some ways to keep the quality high and lower the cost a bit.
Cook at home
If you are going to have coffee in the morning, first of all thanks for supporting the local business. But that can add up quickly, especially if you order espresso more often than drip coffee. While making beer at home can involve an upfront investment in equipment as well as ongoing purchases of beans, it can save you a little money in the long run .
However, it is really nice to have someone else make you coffee from time to time, so you don’t have to completely give up visiting the coffee shop.
Buy whole beans in large bags
Whole coffee beans begin to stale almost immediately when exposed to air, so you are instantly on time as soon as you open a new bag. This is even more pronounced with ground coffee, so it’s usually a good idea to grind just what you need right before brewing.
If you want the freshest coffee, but still want to save money, always buy whole beans and grind them in a cup. This will save you from throwing away stale soil or fearing the last few days before you get your new bag.
If go through 12-16 ounces. bags quickly – either you drink a lot of coffee or brew coffee for several people – consider buying in large quantities. Some roasters sell really good beans in multi-pound bags at a slight ounce discount. Store them in an airtight container or jar to keep them as fresh as possible.
Measure accurately
Use a scale to weigh the beans instead of relying on measuring spoons. This will ensure that you get the correct ratio of grounds to water without waste. While you are doing this, clean the grinder regularly. This can only save a penny here and there, but can add up over time.
Mixed drinks instead of drinks of the same origin
Single origin coffee that comes from a particular farm or region usually sells for a higher price because the beans are only available at certain times of the year. Some people prefer one origin because the flavor may be more distinct, but blends of high quality beans can be just as tasty. This can save you a few dollars per bag, which again adds up over time.
Use cheaper beans for dairy drinks
If you make lattes or add a lot of sweetener or syrup to your coffee, you can probably use less expensive beans as the taste will be masked by milk, cream, or sugar.
Look for subscription discounts
Some coffee roasters offer discounts if you’ve set up recurring orders for whole grains. There are also a number of coffee subscription services that come with a small discount from different roasters. You can also find offers on social media or roster websites, especially if you are a first-time customer.