Making that morning coffee at home is not only more price efficient, but it also saves time and guarantees perfect proportions.
It’s undeniable that making coffee at home is cheaper than getting Starbucks or Dunkin’ every day. A basic latte at Starbucks can be around $5 to $7, while a jar of Nespresso gold instant coffee is about $8 for 50 shots of espresso, and a gallon of milk is about $5.
Those who don’t love plain lattes can enhance a basic latte with ingredients straight from the kitchen cabinet. For instance, adding maple syrup, vanilla extract, or cinnamon can add more flavor and make this coffee drink more enjoyable.
One of the appeals of coffee chains like Starbucks and Dunkin’ is their everchanging menus, which include fun specialty and seasonal options.
However, Chobani has an array of creamers with fun flavors that provide the same effect. These include birthday cake, cookie dough, and cinnamon coffee cake – and all can be found at Target. Coffee Mate takes it even further with “Harry Potter Cauldron Cake,” Kit Kat, and frosted gingerbread flavors.
While some argue that coffee made at home doesn’t taste as good, there are hundreds of online copycat recipes for popular Starbucks or Dunkin’ drinks that can be made for a fraction of the price.
Some easy steps – such as shaking the espresso with ice, adding a pinch of salt to the espresso, and frothing the milk before combining – can make an at-home coffee taste as if it was made by a barista.
Another argument is that ordering coffee from a store or cafe is quicker, but is that really true?
Even with mobile ordering, Starbucks wait times can be long – whether the drive thru is wrapped around the building or the pick up shelf inside is filled with other orders. On the other hand, It can take less than five minutes to make a coffee at home.
Another benefit is that there are no worries about the drink being made incorrectly. Oftentimes leaving a drive thru, customers can just tell by the look of it that the drink will taste awful. At home, meanwhile, people can add an extra splash of milk or an extra shot of espresso if they need to wake themselves up.
A problem with making coffee at home is that some machines can get pricey, but it doesn’t take a $600 Ninja Coffee Maker to brew a decent cup. It’s easy to find a Keurig machine for less than $100 or even a French press for under $20.
Still, for those who have little time in the morning and don’t feel like buying a whole machine, most instant coffee or espresso will do the trick. For instance, Nespresso Gold is cost effective, quick, easy and tastes just as good – if not better – than coffee from a cafe.
Although it isn’t bad to swing by Starbucks or Dunkin’ every once in a while, it isn’t necessary to rely on them for an everyday pick-me-up. It ultimately comes down to preference, but coffee fans who want to save some money and try something new should consider making coffee at home.
