‘There are great choices’: How do Aussies beat cost of living spikes with coffee?

As the cost of living continues to climb, Australians are finding clever ways to stretch their dollars without sacrificing their cherished coffee rituals.

In a surprising twist, many are bypassing their usual café haunts and turning to an unexpected source for their caffeine fix: service station coffees.



Service stations and convenience stores have become the new go-to for a daily brew, as they offer a much more wallet-friendly option than traditional cafés.

This year, 7-Eleven reported a staggering increase of 50,000 cups of coffee sold per week, and similar retailers like Reddy Express, formerly Coles Express, are experiencing comparable growth.


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Have you tried coffee from service stations or convenience stores? Credit: Unsplash


Tracy Hammon from Reddy Express highlights the variety available at these unexpected coffee spots.

'There are great choices, it's not a one-size-fits-all out of the machine...we've got cappuccino, latte, long black,' she said.

With a starting price point of $2, a cup from a service station can cost less than half the price of one from a local café.

For those who indulge in a daily coffee, this switch can lead to significant yearly savings—potentially over $1,000.

However, it's not just about the savings. Café owners like Tony Roussos of Degraves Espresso reminded us of the value of supporting local businesses.



'We offer an experience more than just looking at the price of a coffee,' he said.

'Supporting smaller local businesses keeps the community going.'

Despite the shift towards more economical options, it's important to note that the biggest market share still belongs to instant coffee, which holds a 42 per cent grip on the coffee market.

The café industry had also taken a hit with a 1.8 per cent dip in profits in 2024 and more than 700 businesses closing their doors around the country.



If you want to get your caffeine fix at home, you can also try making your own coffee for 30 cents per cup!

Hailed as the best coffee in Australia, this supermarket’s own coffee beans have been crowned as the Overall Large Chain Champion at the prestigious 2024 Golden Bean Australasia Awards.

This exclusive range from ALDI is available for $4.99. You can read more about these award-winning coffee beans here.
Key Takeaways
  • Australians are increasingly choosing service station coffees over café options due to cost of living pressures.
  • -Eleven reported selling an additional 50,000 cups of coffee per week, indicating a rise in the popularity of servo coffee.
  • The café industry has seen a decline in profits and an increase in business closures, challenging local businesses.
  • While consumers save money on coffee at service stations, local café owners emphasise the value of community support for small businesses.
Have you found yourself opting for a service station coffee on occasion, or do you remain loyal to your local café? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below.
 
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