A Frugal Mom’s Guide to Coffee

By: Mom Advice (View Profile)

  • You don’t have to spend a lot of money to get a good cup of coffee. Consumer Reports ran a test of the best coffees in 2004, and two of their top choices were also offered at the best prices. Dunkin Donuts Original Ground Coffee (priced at approximately $7.66 per pound) and Eight O’ Clock Coffee Beans (priced at approximately $5 per pound) came up as two of the best in their taste test.
  • Avoid coffeemakers that require pods because this increases the amount of money you will spend on your brew. Single cup coffee makers seem like a wise investment, particularly if you are the only one drinking coffee in your house, but the pods increase the cost greatly to each cup that you brew. If you are the only coffee drinker in your family, I would highly recommend purchasing a French Press which can be bought for less than twenty dollars at a department store like Target or you can often find these at thrift sales. This is a great way to get a single cup of coffee and save space in smaller kitchens too. A French Press actually makes the best cup of coffee you will ever drink and takes about the same amount of time as a regular coffeemaker.
  • An insulated coffee mug is a great investment for people on the go. You can find tons of these at thrift stores or you can even get them at dollar stores. Keep your insulated coffee mug next to the coffeemaker so you can immediately pour it right into the mug and run out to wherever you need to get.
  • Coffee syrups can add lots of great flavor to your cups of coffee and you only need a teaspoon per cup to add a new flavor to your regular brew. If you have a wholesale club membership, this is the cheapest route and you can find these with the coffee and coffee supplies in your store. Starbucks also will sell their Peppermint Syrup and White Mocha Coffee Mixes from behind the counter for a lot less money than you would pay for the staff to make them for you. Just make sure to call ahead to request these supplies though because it comes from the store’s own stock and they may need to order it for you.
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posted: 02.20.2008
Mark Roddey
I hear you, darlin'! I can make an excellent 20 ounce mug of fresh brewed coffee for around a nickel, and that includes cream and equal. I just can't grasp paying five bucks for a "Cafe' Latte Venti" when that same amount is equivalent to a month's supply of coffee for me at home. I guess as I've gotten older, I've become more frugal. By the way, great recipes!
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