Mar 30 2009
Expensive Coffee - Is It Worth It?
Coffee isn’t exactly the cheapest beverage out there. If you enjoy coffee a lot though, there is nothing like a steaming hot cup to wake you up in the morning. Many people rely on coffee to get themselves kick started each day, and yes, I am one of those people.
More than likely, if you are an avid coffee drinker, you have probably heard of Gevalia coffee. It’s the coffee that is delivered to your door once or twice a month, and your initial sign up will probably provide you with a free coffee pot or coffee maker. Gevalia has been around for years and is pretty good coffee.
There are several problems with coffee delivery including the cost and the fact that the frequent delivery can garner you a stash of coffee over time that would put your local coffee house to shame. These two problems, in and of themselves, are enough to say that it isn’t worth it. However is the flavor of that coffee worth it? Not necessarily.
First of all, the cost of home delivered coffee can be outstanding over time. Ed Franklin, a long time coffee drinker, recently shared the cost of his Gevalia coffee deliveries for one year. The results might surprise you. First, Ed didn’t seem to mind the fact that he was paying for shipping and delivery, as it was expected. That, all by itself seems like wasted money. Second, he didn’t seem to mind the fact that I had six flavors to choose from as he offered me a pot of coffee to test the Gevalia. Six flavors, and plenty of pouches - now this of course is because he is the only one in his home to drink coffee. Seems a bit like overkill. The coffee just adds up and even drinking a pot a day isn’t going to allow you to finish it quickly if you’re the only one. The boxes are small, however so if you share with others - it might be alright. However, the cost that Ed Franklin pays for this coffee each month is absolutely paramount. His cost roughly comes to $40/month for two-four (1 lb) boxes and shipping and handling. So, his cost for coffee in 2008 as was proven on his credit card statements? A rounded $547. Even Mr. Franklin was surprised at how much he spent.
In my neck of the woods, a 2lb. Folgers canister is approximately $6.99. I go through roughly a 2 lb. canister each month unless I am cooking with it. My cost at the end of the year with tax? Still under $100, even if I do cook with it.
Consider purchasing seasonings, syrups, powders, extracts and creamers to flavor your coffee. The cost is such a considerable difference, and you control how little or how much flavor you want.
In other words, expensive coffee is not worth it. It tastes great, but you can make a delicious cup yourself by tweaking your ingredients.
Do you have a favorite flavored coffee combination you make from scratch? Please let us know.
I make my own and I completely agree, it’s the best way to go!