Coffee is one of the most popular beverages around the world, with over 400 billion cups consumed every year. For many people, coffee is an indispensable part of their morning routine. However, coffee can also be an expensive habit, especially if you buy it from coffee shops on a regular basis. The rising prices of coffee have led many consumers to look for more affordable options to get their daily caffeine fix. In this article, we will examine some of the cheapest coffee options available and factors that affect coffee prices.
What are some of the cheapest coffees you can buy?
Some of the most affordable coffee options include:
– Store brand coffee – Grocery stores often have their own store brand coffee that is significantly cheaper than national brands. Store brand coffee can range from $4 to $8 for a 12 oz bag.
– Folgers and Maxwell House – These national brands are known for offering budget-friendly coffee options. A 10-12 oz can of ground coffee usually costs between $5 to $8.
– Buying whole bean coffee in bulk – Purchasing whole bean coffee in larger quantities, like a 2 lb or 5 lb bag, can help lower the per ounce price. Many roasters offer bulk options.
– Getting coffee subscriptions – Companies like Trade Coffee and Atlas Coffee Club offer coffee subscriptions where you can get a bag of coffee shipped regularly at a discount. Subscriptions usually start at around $4 to $6 per bag.
– Finding coupons and sales – Watch for coupons and promotions from large coffee brands. Sales can help lower the cost per cup.
What factors affect the price of coffee?
Some key factors that influence the retail price of coffee include:
– Coffee bean type – Arabica beans are higher quality and more expensive than Robusta. Specialty coffee made with Arabica beans costs more.
– Where it is grown – Coffee from some regions like Hawaii, Jamaica Blue Mountain, and Tanzania Peaberry tend to be pricier.
– Processing method – Coffee that is dry processed or semi-washed is more labor intensive so it costs more than coffee processed through the wet method.
– Roast type – Light roasts retain more complex flavor because less is roasted out, so these cost more than darker roasts.
– Fair trade and organic certifications – These specialty certifications lead to higher prices because more costs are involved in complying with regulations.
– Packaging – Fancier or more convenient packaging like K-cups and nitro cans have higher packaging costs that drive up retail prices.
– Brand name – Major brands like Starbucks and Peet’s have extra marketing and branding costs that generic brands do not.
Store Brand Coffee
One of the best value options is to buy store brand coffee from supermarkets and grocery chains. Stores like Walmart, Aldi, Safeway, and Trader Joe’s offer their own house brand coffee. Since grocery stores can buy coffee directly from major distributors and roasters but don’t have the branding, marketing and packaging costs of big national brands, they can offer lower prices.
Store brand coffee bags generally range from around $4 to $10 for a 10 to 12 oz bag. This compares favorably to national brand coffee which can cost $6 to $12 per bag. With store brands, you can often get freshly roasted, 100% Arabica coffee for under $6 per bag.
The quality and flavor of store brand coffee has improved significantly in recent years as grocers partner with specialty roasters. Safeway Select, Trader Joe’s, Whole Foods 365 Everyday Value, and Costco Kirkland Signature House Blend are examples of store brand coffee that customers rate as tasty budget options.
One downside is that store brand coffee selection is often more limited than national brands. But stores typically offer standard options like House Blend, Colombian, and Breakfast Blend. Overall, switching from your usual brand to the grocery store brand can translate to big savings without sacrificing too much on quality and taste.
Tips for finding the best store brand coffee
Here are some tips for finding delicious and affordable store brand coffee:
– Ask for samples first if your grocery store offers them for their house brand coffee.
– Check the roast date and opt for bags with a fresher roast date, ideally within the last 1-2 weeks.
– Inspect the beans – Make sure they are evenly colored with no burnt beans. Also check that the grind looks consistent.
– Buy whole bean if you can and grind them yourself for optimum freshness.
– Try different roast types like breakfast blend or French roast to find your favorites.
– Compare prices between grocery chains – Some may offer better deals than others.
– Look for any promotions or sales – Stores often discount house brands even further occasionally.
– Consider buying in bulk sizes (2 lb+) to take advantage of volume discounts.
Folgers and Maxwell House
Folgers and Maxwell House are two of the most popular and affordable national brand coffees. Both brands offer coffee products at various price points, but their canned ground coffee is among the cheapest options.
A 10 to 12oz can of Folgers or Maxwell House ground coffee typically costs between $5 to $8. This works out to just $.25 to $.40 per ounce, significantly cheaper than many comparable national brands.
One reason Folgers and Maxwell House can offer lower prices is their vast distribution and economies of scale. As two of the largest coffee companies, they are able to negotiate cheaper green coffee bean prices and keep manufacturing costs down.
Their classic medium roast ground coffee has mainstream appeal that has made brands like Folgers a staple in many American homes for decades. While it may not have the distinct bold taste of gourmet coffee, it has a relatively smooth, drinkable flavor.
Both Folgers and Maxwell House frequently run promotions and coupons to lower prices even further. Overall, for shoppers who prioritize price and convenience, their canned ground coffee is one of the most budget-friendly options in the coffee aisle. The large cans also ensure you get plenty of cups of coffee for the price.
Pros and cons of Folgers and Maxwell House
**Pros:**
– Very inexpensive per cup/ounce
– Widely available at most stores
– Classic, familiar flavor many people enjoy
– Large cans provide lots of servings
– Often discounted through promotions
**Cons:**
– Lower quality beans used
– Flavor lacks complexity of gourmet coffee
– Not as fresh as buying whole bean
– Cans create more packaging waste
– Some people dislike the aftertaste
Buying Whole Bean Coffee in Bulk
Purchasing freshly roasted whole bean coffee in bulk sizes can also yield significant savings. Many specialty roasters sell coffee beans in larger 2 lb, 5 lb or even 20 lb bags. Opting for a larger size brings down the per ounce price.
For example, an artisan roastery may offer a 12 oz bag for $14 but sell a 5 lb bag for $50. Buying the 5 lb bag cuts the per ounce price in half, from about $.70 down to $.35 per ounce.
Some of the best deals can be found by buying directly from roasters online. Companies like Red Bay Coffee, Happy Mug Coffee, and Coffee Bean Direct have reviews praising their affordable bulk options. Warehouse clubs like Costco and Sam’s Club also carry large bags of whole bean coffee for their members.
To maximize freshness and flavor, only buy as much coffee as you can use within 2-4 weeks. But buying large quantities can be economical if you drink coffee daily or have multiple coffee lovers in your household. Freezing beans in airtight containers extends shelf life too.
The key is finding coffee roasters that combine savings from bulk sizes with great tasting beans, freshness, and reasonable shipping rates if buying online. This approach allows you to stock up on delicious artisan coffee for far less than what you’d pay for 12oz bags at the grocery store.
Tips for buying coffee in bulk
Here are some tips to get the best deal on bulk coffee:
– Source from roasters with high online reviews for quality beans at low costs
– Calculate per ounce price when comparing bag sizes
– Prioritize roast date – Opt for recently roasted batches
– Only buy more than you need if you will freeze extra bags
– Look for free or flat rate shipping above certain order values
– See if there are further discounts for subscriptions or multi-bag purchases
– Compare prices across different roasters and marketplaces
– Split large bags with friends or family if you won’t use it all
Coffee Subscriptions
Coffee subscriptions offer a convenient way to get fresh roasted coffee delivered on a regular basis, often at a lower cost per bag compared to buying individually.
Popular subscription services from companies like Trade Coffee, Atlas Coffee Club, Driftaway Coffee, and Mistobox provide curated selections of single origin, blended, decaf, and flavored coffees from roasters around the country.
Many subscriptions start at just $4 to $6 per 6-12oz bag including free shipping when shipped every 2, 3 or 4 weeks. Options to further customize frequency, roast type, and grind size are often available. This works out to 30-50% less than buying comparable quality coffee at retail.
Subscriptions also encourage you to discover new roasters and coffees at an accessible price point. For instance, Atlas Coffee Club travels the world each month to curate a global coffee tour.
The main drawback of subscriptions is having to plan consumption in alignment with the delivery schedule. But overall, they provide an excellent value and are a budget-friendly path to gourmet quality coffee. You can skip or pause deliveries if desired too. Many services offer free trial periods so you can test options risk-free as well.
Tips for getting the most out of a coffee subscription
– Pick a subscription frequency that matches your usage
– Select desired roast types and grind options
– Take advantage of any free trials or welcome discounts
– Look for referral promotions to save on first order
– Schedule deliveries so you’re home to receive packages
– Freeze portions if not using within 2 weeks
– Curate and share tasting notes on the selections
– Customize or cancel if the coffees don’t match your preferences
Finding Coffee Coupons and Sales
Watching for coupons, sales, and promotions is an effective way to get discounts on coffee.
Sources for coffee coupons include:
– Sunday newspaper inserts – Often include Folgers and Maxwell House coupons
– Apps like CouponCabin and Groupon – Have digital coffee coupons
– Brand websites – Can sign up and get sent special offers
– In-store promotions – Clip coupons on the shelf or display
Common discounts are $1-2 off a bag of ground or whole bean coffee. For a 12 oz bag that normally costs $8, a $2 coupon would equal 25% off. Stackable coupons combining manufacturer and store coupons can lead to even bigger savings.
Timing coffee purchases to align with sales is another money saving strategy. For example, stocking up during National Coffee Day in September or year-end clearances and saving the stash for later.
Signing up for email newsletters from brands can alert you to upcoming sales and exclusive online promos too. Between coupons and sales, diligent deal hunting can cut coffee costs by 15-30% or more.
Maximizing savings from coffee coupons and sales
– Clip coupons from newspaper inserts and apps
– Create reminders for popular deal days like National Coffee Day
– Stalk store displays for extra coupons and promotions
– Combine manufacturer and store coupons when possible
– Only buy more than you need if coffee can be frozen
– Opt for larger or bulk sizes to maximize coupon values
– Take advantage of buy one, get one free or bundled deals
– Compare deals across local stores and online
– Set up deal alerts and monitor coffee brand websites
– Focus savings on your favorite or go-to coffee products
The Cheapest Coffee Options
| Coffee Type | Avg Price Per Oz |
|---|---|
| Store brand | $.10 – $.15 |
| Folgers/Maxwell House canned | $.25 – $.40 |
| Whole bean bulk | $.20 – $.35 |
| Coffee subscription | $.30 – $.60 |
To recap, here are some of the cheapest coffee options ranked from least to most expensive per ounce:
– Store brand coffee
– Folgers/Maxwell House canned coffee
– Buying whole bean in bulk sizes
– Getting a discounted coffee subscription
Diligent couponing and deal hunting can reduce the price of any coffee. But sticking to more affordable store brands, bulk sizes, and basic national brands offer the rock bottom prices.
Making your own coffee at home and cutting back on barista-made drinks also saves a bundle versus going to coffee shops. With the right strategy, you can find cheap coffee options that are still enjoyable to drink within your budget.
Brewing the Cheapest Coffee
Once you’ve selected an affordable coffee option, follow these tips to keep costs down when brewing at home:
– Use a basic brewing method like drip machine, French press or pour over. Fancy machines cost more upfront.
– Make coffee at home instead of buying it. Even cheap shop coffee is far pricier per cup.
– Drink coffee black or just with milk/sugar to avoid spending on specialty creamers.
– Reuse your coffee grounds for a second, weaker brew.
– Store beans and grounds in a cool, dark place in airtight containers.
– Grind whole beans as needed for optimum freshness.
– Clean equipment regularly to maintain performance and flavor.
– Purchase inexpensive filters in bulk. Reusable filters also save money long-term.
– Take advantage of free office coffee if available.
With the right affordable beans and a few adjustments to your daily ritual, you can control your coffee costs while still being able to enjoy a delicious cup of java.
Conclusion
Finding great tasting coffee at the cheapest prices is possible with a savvy buying strategy. Opting for store brand coffee, canned classics like Folgers, buying whole bean in bulk, using coffee subscriptions, and maximizing coupons and sales are all great ways to cut costs. With your favorite beans in hand, you can then brew delicious, affordable coffee at home every day.
Focus on buying quality coffee that you truly enjoy drinking regardless of brand name or packaging. Be willing to experiment with lesser known roasters for possible new favorites. With the huge range of coffee options out there at different prices, you are sure to find one that suits both your taste buds and wallet.