Look, if coffee is one of the small 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 toast and lattes is what’s holding you back from being a millionaire is oversimplified and, well, silly. So drink what you enjoy, and pay for the “best” coffee you can afford.
But if you are looking to save a buck or two on your coffee habit, here are a few ways to keep the quality high and the cost a little lower.
Brew at home
If you’re going out for coffee on most mornings, first, thank you for supporting local businesses. But this can add up quickly, especially if you’re ordering espresso drinks more often than you are drip coffee. While brewing at home may involve an initial investment in equipment as well as ongoing bean purchases, it can save you some cash in the long run.
It’s really nice to have someone else make coffee for you on occasion, though, so no need to cut out your coffee shop visits entirely.
Buy whole beans in larger bags
Whole coffee beans begin to get stale almost immediately when exposed to air, so you’re up against the clock as soon as you open a new bag. This is even more pronounced with grounds, which is why it’s generally recommended that you grind only what you need right before you brew.
If you want the freshest coffee but also want to save money, always buy whole beans and grind them by the cup. This will keep you from tossing stale grounds or dreading the last few days before you get a new bag.
If you go through 12-16 oz. bags quickly—either you drink a lot of coffee or you’re brewing for several people—consider buying in larger quantities. Some roasters will sell really good beans in multi-pound bags at a slight discount per ounce. Store them in an airtight container or jar to keep them as fresh as possible.
Measure accurately
Use a scale to weigh out your beans instead of relying on scoops. This ensures you get the right ratio of grounds to water without waste. While you’re at it, clean your grinder regularly. This may save only pennies here and there, but that can add up over time.
Drink blends instead of single origins
Single-origin coffees, which come from a specific farm or region, are generally sold at a premium because the beans are available only at certain times of the year. Some people prefer single-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 milky drinks
If you’re making lattes or adding lots of sweetener or syrup to your coffee, you can probably get away with less expensive beans since the flavor will be masked by milk, cream, or sugar.
Look for subscription discounts
Some individual coffee roasters offer deals if you set up recurring whole-bean orders. There are also a number of coffee subscription services that source from different roasters at a small discount. You may also find deals on social media or roasters’ websites, particularly if you’re a first-time customer.