If you’re like a lot of people, you probably have coffee every day. That habit can add up — especially if you’re reallyinto your brew.
We’d never tell you to quit your routine (we’re just as hooked!), but we do want you to get the best cup you can within your budget, even if that budget usually limits you to instant or budget beans.
Coffee can vary from about $4 to $16 per pound, and you rarely get to taste it before committing. How can you judge what’s worth buying? Do pricier beans always mean better taste? And how can you pick the best of the cheaper options?
We asked coffee professionals for their top recommendations on finding, purchasing and preparing tasty coffee without breaking the bank.
Choose Blends Rather Than Single-Origin
“Single-origin” indicates the coffee is from one farm or cooperative, letting you experience the distinctive traits of that region, says Tom Bolland, founder of The Happy Barista. But because harvests change with the seasons, single-origin offerings aren’t always available year-round, which makes them pricier and positioned as premium products.
Blends, in contrast, are typically less costly. They often combine beans from multiple regions and are crafted to deliver a specific flavor profile the roaster is aiming for. They’re also more consistently available throughout the year, Bolland notes.
Packaging Makes a Difference
Look for coffee in sealed, airtight bags rather than coffee in open bulk bins, warns Brendan Smith, founder of the St. Pete Craft Coffee Tour in St. Petersburg, Florida. Exposure to air accelerates staling.
Give It a Sniff Before Buying
Contrary to what many assume, a strong coffee aroma coming from a bag on the shelf isn’t a good indicator, says Kevin Zimmermann, owner of Brewer Style.
“A pronounced smell often means air has reached the coffee, and air is coffee’s enemy,” he explains. “The oils will evaporate, and coffee can also act as a deodorizer — it not only emits scent but can pick up other odors into the beans.”
In short, that leads to a cup that tastes more like watery coffee than a rich brew.
Grind Whole Beans Yourself
Your coffee’s flavor will improve if you grind whole beans at home, regardless of how much the beans cost, Bolland says.
Once beans are ground, their surface area increases, exposing them to air and causing faster staling. Whole beans keep longer and generally yield fresher-tasting coffee than pre-ground options.
Skip Premium Beans for Milky or Blended Drinks
If you prefer lattes, cappuccinos or blended coffee drinks, the subtleties of high-end beans are often masked by milk and sweeteners, says Lauren Wardini, barista and founder of Coffee Suggest. If you’re not hunting for the nuances like a coffee snob, save money by using more affordable beans for those beverages.
Learn Basic Barista Techniques
You can pick up many of the methods used by baristas at specialty shops, which will help your home brews taste better. Bolland suggests manual brewing methods, which can extract flavor more effectively than many automatic drip machines.
“My recommendation: Brew using manual approaches like a moka pot, Aeropress or pour-over,” he says. “They make some of the most flavorful coffee I’ve enjoyed.”
If you want to craft specialty drinks, consider an affordable milk frother. Handheld frothers are cheap and can be found for under $20, Bolland notes.
For a larger investment, look for espresso machines with steam wands or standalone devices like an Aeroccino for automated milk frothing.
Contact the Roaster Directly
If you fall in love with an expensive brand, try contacting the roaster directly, Zimmermann advises. With dropshipping and direct-to-consumer options, you may find a better deal buying straight from the supplier than through third-party retailers.
Use Social Media and Sign Up for Deals
“Subscribe to newsletters and join Facebook groups for superfans,” Smith suggests. “That’s where many discounts surface.”
He points to specialized communities — like the Batdorf Booster VIP Coffee club — which provide exclusive coupons, giveaways and promotions. A quick online search can reveal whether your favorite brand has similar offers.
Ask Your Local Coffee Shop
If all of this feels like too much, just ask the staff at your neighborhood craft coffee shop where they source their beans.
Many cafes now roast their beans in small batches, so check whether a local shop offers freshly roasted options. They may cost a bit more than supermarket bags, but if you’re chasing an exceptional cup, it can be worth the extra spend.
Also consider learning simple home-brewing tips — for example, if you want a reliably good everyday cup, read about how to make good coffee at home for practical, budget-friendly advice.
Nicole Hayes is a contributor to Savinly.
