Coffee Has Shot up in Price—Here’s How To Save On Your Morning Brew
Coffee Has Shot up in Price—Here’s How To Save On Your Morning Brew:
- 1. Grind your own.
We know, there’s a certain level of convenience and time savings that comes with buying coffee grounds over whole beans. But at the end of the day, your wallet will thank you for making the switch. Roasty Coffee contributor Kelsey Waddell says, “Pre-ground coffee is often more expensive than whole-bean coffee, and grinding your own beans can save you money while delivering much better flavor.”
If you’re not willing to splurge on a fancy grinder, you can get the job done with a food processor or a high-power blender such as a Nutribullet. But, if you do choose to step up to the big leagues and invest in a grinder, it will likely pay for itself in no time. As you’re shopping and weighing your options, consider going with a burr grinder, which Hoar suggests. Burr grinders pulverize coffee beans between two revolving burrs (hence the name), typically resulting in more consistent, quality grounds.
- 2. Pay attention to the amount you’re using.
Do you ever go to make your morning java and end up shamefully pouring out a few sad cups leftover from yesterday’s brew? Well, that’s just money down the drain…literally. Make sure you’re only making what you need on a day-to-day basis. Remember, you can always make a few more cups, but you can’t magically revert that liquid back into grounds!
Waddell also stresses the importance of always using the correct coffee-to-water ratio. She says, “Using too much coffee can be a waste of beans and money while using too little can result in weak or flavorless coffee.” To get the most out of your precious coffee grounds, you’ll want to measure them out meticulously. Put that normal soup spoon back in the drawer and use a coffee scoop with exact measurements instead. If you’re looking to get down to the real nitty gritty, a kitchen scale can also come in handy.
- 3. Consider a new brewing method.
There are many different ways you can brew your coffee at home, and they are not all created equal in terms of both quality and price. “Some brewing methods require expensive equipment or filters, while others can be more cost-effective,” says Waddell. “For example, a French press or pour-over setup can be affordable and yield great results.” Aeropresses and automatic drip machines are fairly common as well, and are more economical choices. Hoar also specifically warns against pre-made and sealed single cups—such as Keurig K-Cups—which she says cost, on average, around 400% more than other brewing methods.
