Drinking coffee is a daily morning ritual that many look forward to. However, did you know that getting your daily latte in a coffee shop might be costing you over a month worth of rent?
We all have different morning routines. Some of us are early risers, while others are habitual alarm snoozers. One common thread among many, though, is the love for coffee.
Caffeine, a legal stimulant, has become so entrenched in people’s daily routines that some can’t imagine starting their day without that morning jolt. Two out of every three American adults drink coffee daily, averaging over 3 cups each day. This adds up to nearly 150 billion cups of coffee consumed in the United States annually. Still, when we compare this on a global scale, the USA ranks 25th in coffee consumption per capita, drinking three times less coffee than Finland. Given such staggering consumption, one might jest that the Finnish population is exceptionally alert.
Around 20% of coffee enthusiasts, primarily from the younger generation, buy their coffee rather than brewing it at home. While there’s undeniable allure in grabbing a cup from the local café — the seductive aroma, the enticing treats behind the counter, and the occasional misspelled name on the paper cup — it’s easy to overlook the cumulative cost. Spending $3.00 to $6.00 daily might seem inconsequential, but over a year, it can add up. To illustrate, consuming one medium-sized latte daily from Starbucks can total over $1,500 annually. This equates to nearly 4% of an average American’s yearly net salary or a month’s rent in a city like Austin, Texas. Opting to brew your coffee at home, you might enjoy higher-quality beans and spend only around $400 annually, even after factoring in the costs of a coffee machine and frother.
Now, some might argue, “Are you suggesting we abandon our coffee outings and become reclusive?” Not at all. I’m not proposing we relinquish life’s pleasures. There’s a unique charm in occasionally enjoying a cup at a café, especially in the company of friends. However, I do advocate for trying your hand at home-brewing, and here are two compelling reasons:
- The potential savings are significant. Imagine being able to afford a new iPhone each year with the money saved.
- You’ll be introduced to the captivating realm of coffee, exploring various beans, roasts, and brewing techniques.
If the past two years of intermittent quarantines didn’t already propel you to try home brewing, embarking on this journey now could be a delightful surprise. A good starting point would be to invest in an espresso machine, a frother (essential for those creamy lattes and cappuccinos), and a single-origin roast. Armed with these tools, you’re set to explore the vast and fascinating world of coffee.
Embarking on this coffee journey, you’ll naturally acquire a deeper understanding and appreciation for this beloved beverage. Questions you might never have pondered will come to mind: “Which coffee blend resonates most with my palate?”, “How crucial is the grind size?”, or “How does cow’s milk froth differ from that of non-dairy alternatives?”. Don’t hesitate to experiment: sample diverse coffee blends, occasionally treat yourself to different coffee styles like a Cortado, which, on a sidenote, is my favorite, and educate yourself on coffee origins.
Once this becomes a part of your routine, you’ll eagerly anticipate that morning brew, not just for the caffeine kick but also as a testament to your evolving barista skills. Perfecting your coffee game might require practice, but there’s no time like the present to begin!
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Source: National Coffee Association (2020), Coffee Market Report from Coffee Statistics (2021), Independent cost estimates
