Reports online suggest Brits spend anywhere from £500 to a whopping £2000 per year on coffee from coffee shops! For many of us, a daily coffee is an essential part of the routine – that comforting morning ritual that helps kickstart the day (and wake us up). But when those small purchases add up, it can be surprising just how much your daily caffeine fix is costing you.

If you're looking to save money without having to give up your beloved coffee, you're in the right place. In this post, we'll explore some easy and practical ways to cut costs while still enjoying your daily cup of coffee. And we’ll even look at how you can save money at your favourite coffee shop so you don’t have to give it up completely—unless you want to!

Invest in a High-Quality Coffee Machine at Home

If you want to save money and cut down on buying coffee out, investing in a good coffee machine for your home is a smart move. Most instant coffees and even those made in cafetieres simply don’t taste as good as a coffee from a proper coffee shop. The trick is to make sure you buy a quality coffee machine that can replicate the coffee shop experience at home, which will reduce the temptation to pick one up on the way to work. You need your home brews to taste just as good—if not better! While there’s an initial investment, when you work out how much you’ll save over time, it’s worth it—especially if you switch to using beans rather than pricey coffee pods.

Get a Long-Lasting Thermal Flask

Once you’ve made your delicious coffee at home in your new machine, you’ll need a way to transport it to work or wherever you’re headed without it getting cold—and tempting you to stop at your favourite coffee shop! So, invest in a high-quality thermal flask that keeps your coffee hot for hours. Many can keep it warm for up to 8 hours, which is plenty to fuel you through the day. Again, let this be an investment. Don’t go for the cheapest option—pick a flask you’ll enjoy using daily. That way, you’ll look forward to having your coffee in your own cup from home.

Buy Imperfect Coffee Pods

For those who use coffee pods, buying imperfect or surplus pods is a great way to save money. Companies like Wonky Coffee sell coffee pods with slightly damaged packaging, but they’re still perfectly fine to use. Customers can get mixed boxes of high-end branded coffee for up to 50% off the RRP. It's a win-win—no waste, and you get a great saving!

Sign Up for Coffee Shop Loyalty Schemes to Get Free Coffees

If you’re not quite ready to give up your coffee shop habit entirely, make sure to sign up for the loyalty schemes at your favourite spots. Don’t forget to use your loyalty card every time (most places have apps these days with a digital stamp). You can rack up rewards and get free coffees as a result!

Love Costa?  Get 5 free beans once you use the app to start collecting beans, if you use my Costa invite code SV77B when signing up!

Switch to a Smaller Cup

If you usually go for a regular or large, why not opt for a small instead? You’ll save money and calories! I used to waste the last inch or so of my regular coffee because it got cold, so I switched to a small and now drink the whole thing. Even though baristas often try to upsell me for just 30p, I turn them down every time because I’d rather save the extra change and prevent the waste (and extra waist, from the calories!).

Use a Reusable Cup

Many coffee shops offer discounts if you bring your own reusable cup, so find one that you love and take it with you. Even if it’s only 30p off a hot drink, that can add up over the course of a year or two to a substantial saving.

Save Money Buying Coffee at the Supermarket

If you’re buying coffee in the supermarket, consider buying in larger quantities or taking advantage of sales. When you buy in bulk, such as buying larger packs, the price per gram often works out much cheaper. Keep an eye on special offers, too. Supermarkets frequently run discounts on coffee, and stocking up when it's on sale can help you save in the long run. Just make sure to store your coffee correctly to maintain its freshness.

Grind Your Own Coffee Beans

If you’re looking to save money and get a fresher brew, grinding your own coffee beans is a great option. Whole beans tend to be cheaper than pre-ground coffee, and you’ll get a better flavour too. A decent coffee grinder doesn’t have to cost much, and you'll find that buying beans and grinding them yourself pays off over time. Plus, it’s a fun way to really customise your coffee experience!

Buy Stronger Coffee and Use Less

Another way to save is by choosing a stronger coffee blend and using less of it. Opting for a bold or espresso roast means you can get the same strong flavour with smaller amounts of coffee. This helps you stretch your supply further while still enjoying that rich, satisfying taste. Experiment with different strengths to find the balance that works for you!

Final Thoughts

Making small changes to your coffee routine can lead to big savings without sacrificing the enjoyment of your daily cup. Whether you’re brewing at home, using a reusable cup, or taking advantage of loyalty schemes, there are plenty of ways to cut costs. So, enjoy your coffee while keeping your wallet—and waistline—happy!