☕ Our Love Affair with Coffee Is Strong—But Is It Strong Enough to Survive Inflation?
From Daily Brew to Occasional Treat
Let’s talk about something we’re all noticing (but maybe not saying out loud): coffee is getting more expensive.
Maybe it hit you when your favorite bag of beans jumped from $12.99 to $17. Or when your local café quietly upped your oat milk latte from $5 to $6.25. I overheard someone at my neighborhood spot joke, “At these prices, this coffee better do my taxes too.” (Spoiler: he still bought it.)
So here’s the question that’s been brewing in my mind:
Is our love for coffee strong enough to survive rising prices?
Or are we moving from “daily brew” to “occasional luxury”?
Let’s sip through it together. ☕💬
📈 Why Is Coffee Getting So Pricey?
A little Coffee Economics 101:
Climate change is affecting growing regions. Some farms are producing less yield, and less supply = higher prices.
Shipping costs are way up. Moving green beans from Colombia or Ethiopia to the U.S. is no small feat.
Labor costs are rising—and honestly, fair wages for farmers, roasters, and baristas are long overdue.
As someone who works closely with small roasters and loves talking to folks behind the counter, I see the tension. I’ve chatted with roasters who are paying more than ever for green beans… and I’ve also heard from customers who are brewing at home more to save money.
☕ But Are We Really Giving It Up?
Not really.
But we are getting more intentional.
One customer, Jess, told me she’s stopped grabbing random lattes during the week. Instead, she saves her coffee splurges for a slow Sunday morning with her Chemex and her favorite dark roast.
“It’s a small luxury, but it feels more special now,” she said.
And I get it. There’s something powerful about making coffee a moment again, not just a reflex.
🛠️ How to Keep Sipping Without Overspending
If you’re trying to keep your coffee habit joyful and budget-friendly, here are a few things I swear by (and friends in the community have shared too):
Upgrade your home brewing game. A burr grinder and a decent brewer can seriously level up your daily cup.
Buy in bulk and freeze beans. Yes, it works—and it saves money when your favorite blend goes on sale.
Host coffee hangs at home. Way more cozy and less expensive than meeting at a café every time.
Try different origins and blends. Some beans (like certain Robustas or blends from Southeast Asia) have a bold taste and a better price point.
Brew smaller but stronger. A good espresso shot or concentrated pour-over can satisfy with less volume.
💛 From Habit to Ritual
Yes, coffee is more expensive these days. But maybe that’s pushing us to reconnect with why we fell in love with it in the first place.
For me, it’s the ritual, the quiet five minutes with a warm mug before my inbox explodes. The comfort of a familiar flavor. The way a good cup can anchor a chaotic day.
And I don’t think inflation can take that away.
We’re always dreaming up new blends, better ways to brew at home, and ideas that make sense for real people with real budgets.
Thanks for reading. Stay caffeinated, stay cozy, and keep making the everyday feel a little more special.
