Is it cheaper to grind your own coffee?
Brewing your own coffee from freshly ground beans certainly has its benefits. Not only do you get to experience and appreciate the flavor of truly fresh, quality coffee, but it may even save you some money in the long run.
From a sensory standpoint, aside from a richer flavor profile and aroma, grinding coffee just before brewing also lets you enjoy any subtle nuances in flavor notes that may be lost if not consumed soon after being ground. If grinding your own isn’t already part of your regular morning routine, after realizing not only the taste benefits but the financial ones as well, you may want to give it a try.
The cost of whole beans vs pre-ground coffee
Are you torn between buying pre-ground coffee or whole beans? Don’t lose sleep over it – chances are, the cost of either option won’t cause too much of a budget upset. Ultimately, if you compare brands side-by-side, you’ll usually find that the cost of pre-ground and whole-bean coffee is remarkably similar, regardless of what type of budget you’re working with.
Let’s take the Starbucks breakfast blend for example. If you compare the Walmart price of whole-bean to pre-ground coffee(both 18oz bags) you’ll see that the price is exactly the same. At the time of writing this, they are both $12.48 a bag or $0.693 an ounce.
The pros of pre-ground coffee
Convenience
Pre-ground coffee has a bad reputation among coffee connoisseurs, but don’t underestimate its convenience. Pre-ground coffee is a perfect option when you’re in a hurry and need a quick cup of joe. Though grinding your beans is easy, it does add to the total time it takes to brew your own coffee.
Consistent flavor
Another great benefit to pre-ground coffee is its ability to maintain a more consistent flavor. Pre-ground coffee can provide the same taste profile over and over with minimal effort. This is great for people who have found the perfect cup for them and aren’t interested in switching it up.
The benefits of whole bean coffee
Fresher cup of coffee
When it comes to coffee, freshness is key. Whole bean coffee offers the opportunity for a perfectly brewed cup every time. When you grind your own beans, you unlock all those delightful flavors that can be so easily lost after being pre-ground – like grassy notes, nutty undertones, and delicate flower essences. So if you’re looking for an intensely flavorful cup of coffee that will remain aromatic and delightful until the last sip, try investing in some whole-bean coffee — you won’t regret it.
Higher quality beans
Another advantage to whole bean coffee is the quality of the beans used. With pre-ground coffee, you might be fooled into thinking you’re getting a quality brew. In reality, companies often use lower-quality beans as “fillers” in their pre-ground blends to cut costs.
If you are paying top dollar for a bag of coffee you want to make sure you are getting your money’s worth. The consistency of bean quality is much better for whole-bean coffee compared to pre-ground. Do yourself a favor and take the extra time to grind your own beans at home.
Longer shelf life
Whole-bean coffee also has the advantage of a longer shelf life once exposed to oxygen. While pre-ground coffee usually has a shelf life of approximately 2 months after opening, whole-bean coffee can stay fresh for up to 6 months!
This means you may find yourself having to buy more ground coffee more often if you opt for the pre-ground variety. This can add up quickly and be subjectively more expensive than purchasing whole beans that must be ground on demand.
Just think about how much money you could save by grinding your own beans! So if you truly want a bang for your buck out of every cup of joe, go with whole coffee beans.
How to store your coffee beans for the best flavor
Finding the perfect cup of coffee starts with the storage of your beans. Storing your beans correctly can ensure consistency and increased flavor each time you make a cup. The two most important elements when we talk about ensuring long-term freshness and flavor are light and air protection. Coffee should be stored in an opaque, airtight container in a cool, dark place away from heat sources like ovens, stoves, and direct sunlight.
For ultimate success, keep your hoard of freshly roasted beans cooler than room temperature—around 50–60°F is ideal but even slightly lower temperatures work too! One more golden rule – always grind right before you enjoy the flavorful nectar! If you follow these steps, your java will taste great no matter what time it is!
The cost of a coffee grinder
The world of coffee grinders, much like the world of coffee itself, is beautifully diverse. From simple blade grinders to luxurious top-of-the-line burr models, there’s a coffee grinder for every budget and brewing preference.
For those just getting started who aren’t looking to invest in an expensive piece of equipment, a blade grinder is affordable and great for grinding individual cups of pour-over or French press brews. If you’re ready to up your game, however, you can find an electric burr grinder that will last you years for only slightly more money.
Further down the line are even pricier grinders that come with added features such as easy clean options and specialty brewing settings — though that doesn’t necessarily mean it’ll make for a better cup! When it comes to finding the right grinder at the right cost, it all depends on how far into the weeds you want your coffee game to go.
The time it takes to grind coffee beans
Grinding your own coffee beans freshly for every cup of coffee may seem like a labor-intensive task, but the difference it makes to the flavor of your brew is well worth the effort. Going from freshly ground coffee straight from a grinder to freshly brewed coffee in one fell swoop truly taps into what coffee was meant to be; a rich and full-bodied experience that will tantalize all your senses.
Sure, buying pre-ground coffee is convenient, yet freshly ground coffee makes up for its lack of convenience with far superior flavor. So, even if it takes a few extra minutes of your day, freshly grinding your own coffee beans will always be worth it!
Is it worth grinding your own coffee?
So is it cheaper to grind your own coffee? Absolutely! Grinding your own coffee not only provides a better-tasting cup of coffee but can save you money as well! When you grind your own beans, you’re ensuring maximum flavor and freshness compared to pre-ground store-bought options.
So even though it might be an extra step in the morning, if you’re a coffee lover, then you know that there’s no comparison between sipping on luxurious freshly ground specialty coffee and coffee made from stale pre-ground beans. So for that reason alone, it’s worth taking a few extra minutes to prepare your coffee grounds – the freshly roasted rich aroma will never be rivaled by anything else!
Other ways to save money on coffee
Here are some quick ways to save money on your daily cup of joe!
Make your own coffee at home
Start your day off right by making coffee at home! Not only is brewing your own cup cheaper, but it’s also an incredibly rewarding experience. Not only can you customize your cup of coffee to your tastes, but you’ll also be saving a ton of money compared to buying it from a coffee shop.
The average cost of making a 12 oz cup of coffee at home is 23.6 cents.
The average cost of purchasing a cup of coffee from a coffee shop is $4.90!
Buy coffee in bulk and store it in an airtight container
Buying your coffee in bulk can be an excellent way to save money. However, careless buying can leave you without the savings you originally planned for! A good way to make sure you are maximizing your savings with bulk buys is to invest in quality airtight containers and monitor the expiration dates of your purchases.
This means not only do you save money buying in bulk, but also lessening the chances of having to throw out your stash before it’s all been enjoyed. So get started saving on your daily cup of coffee as soon as possible.
Use a reusable mug or travel mug when you buy coffee from a café
If you’re an avid coffee fan, then buying from the local coffee shop is a convenient way to get your morning brew. But if you don’t want all that money to end up wasted – literally thrown away – make sure to bring your travel mug, so your delightful drink will stay warm for far longer.
Not only will it save you from having to drink cold coffee later in the day, but it’ll also reduce waste! So why not satisfy both your taste buds and your eco-friendly conscience by investing in some quality java and a trusty travel mug?
Join a rewards program at your favorite café and get discounts on future purchases
While it’s always nice to treat yourself to a cup of coffee from your favorite café, no one wants to pay more than they have to. The best way to save money is by signing up for the café’s rewards program, which will often provide discounts and offers on future visits.
Not only will this ensure you get the most value for your money, but it may also surprise you with extra perks here and there – like free desserts or a free drink!
Skip the fancy café drinks
The fancier the flavor, the more you can anticipate shelling out. Sure, those unique latte flavors and house-crafted drinks may taste like a dream in your mouth, but they also cost a fortune. Put down that lavender-infused coffee and opt for a good ole cup of Joe instead.
You can get the same jolt of energy while saving a ton of money. So why not make it an everyday habit to nail down your spending, starting with a simple cup of coffee?
Conclusion
Pre-ground coffee may be more convenient, but it can never compete with the flavor and aroma of freshly ground beans. Not only will you save money grinding your own beans, but it’s also an incredibly rewarding experience that allows you to customize your cup of coffee to your tastes. If you appreciate a flavorful cup of coffee, taking the time to grind your beans fresh is worth it!
