'That's crazy': Aussies forced to rethink caffeine habits over this change
By
Danielle F.
- Replies 28
Millions of Aussies jumpstart their day with a good cuppa.
This small cup of coffee gives people the pick-me-up they need throughout the day with its bold, strong flavours.
However, caffeine lovers have to brace themselves, as their morning ritual is about to change.
The humble cup of coffee has already felt the squeeze of the cost-of-living crisis.
Not long ago, making coffee at home was a no-brainer for anyone looking to cut costs.
With café prices for a flat white or long black topping $5, many Aussies have dusted off their old French press or invested in a shiny new espresso machine.
However, the prices of coffee beans have been skyrocketing, making home-brewed cups less of a bargain than they used to be.
Smooth, flavourful Arabica beans used to be sold for $4.50 per kilo back in 2018.
Fast forward to today, these beans have been projected to hit $7.47 per kilo by 2026.
Robusta beans, often found in instant coffee, also face a price hike.
Experts predicted that Robusta prices could double from $2.91 to $6.06 per kilo.
For seniors who went through Coles or Woolworths' coffee aisle lately, you might have done a double-take at the prices.
A kilo of Campos Superior Coffee Beans at Woolworths now sets shoppers back $65, a $15 jump from two years ago.
Vittoria Espresso Coffee Beans, a fan-favourite, have climbed from $38 to $40.
A one-kilogram bag of the said beans now costs $56.
Even the home brand beans are now $15 per kilo.
Aussies took to social media to talk about the relentless price hikes.
'That's crazy, I bought three of these exact beans for $16 or $19 a bag about a year ago!' one exclaimed.
Another shopper joked that they would 'no longer be caffeinated' after seeing the new price tags.
'I drink the Vittoria Mountain Grown. It's changed from $49 to $62,' a third shared.
'To be honest, it's not the best cup out there; it's just the best bang for my buck.'
According to the Consumer Price Index (CPI), coffee and tea prices have jumped about 20 per cent since 2021.
There's no single culprit behind the rising cost of your morning brew.
However, there are several factors on the price of coffee products:
Yet, with prices rising, more Aussies are rethinking how and where they get their fix.
Are you planning to jumpstart your coffee-making journey at home?
Here are a few home brewing techniques you can do at home:
Source: ABC Australia/YouTube
Have you noticed the price of your favourite coffee beans creeping up? Have you switched brands, cut back, or found a clever way to stay caffeinated? Share your tips, tricks, and coffee confessions in the comments below!
This small cup of coffee gives people the pick-me-up they need throughout the day with its bold, strong flavours.
However, caffeine lovers have to brace themselves, as their morning ritual is about to change.
The humble cup of coffee has already felt the squeeze of the cost-of-living crisis.
Not long ago, making coffee at home was a no-brainer for anyone looking to cut costs.
With café prices for a flat white or long black topping $5, many Aussies have dusted off their old French press or invested in a shiny new espresso machine.
However, the prices of coffee beans have been skyrocketing, making home-brewed cups less of a bargain than they used to be.
Smooth, flavourful Arabica beans used to be sold for $4.50 per kilo back in 2018.
Fast forward to today, these beans have been projected to hit $7.47 per kilo by 2026.
Robusta beans, often found in instant coffee, also face a price hike.
Experts predicted that Robusta prices could double from $2.91 to $6.06 per kilo.
For seniors who went through Coles or Woolworths' coffee aisle lately, you might have done a double-take at the prices.
A kilo of Campos Superior Coffee Beans at Woolworths now sets shoppers back $65, a $15 jump from two years ago.
Vittoria Espresso Coffee Beans, a fan-favourite, have climbed from $38 to $40.
A one-kilogram bag of the said beans now costs $56.
Even the home brand beans are now $15 per kilo.
Aussies took to social media to talk about the relentless price hikes.
'That's crazy, I bought three of these exact beans for $16 or $19 a bag about a year ago!' one exclaimed.
Another shopper joked that they would 'no longer be caffeinated' after seeing the new price tags.
'I drink the Vittoria Mountain Grown. It's changed from $49 to $62,' a third shared.
'To be honest, it's not the best cup out there; it's just the best bang for my buck.'
According to the Consumer Price Index (CPI), coffee and tea prices have jumped about 20 per cent since 2021.
There's no single culprit behind the rising cost of your morning brew.
However, there are several factors on the price of coffee products:
- Weather woes: Coffee crops in major producing countries like Brazil and Vietnam have been hit hard by droughts, frosts, and unpredictable weather, slashing yields and driving up prices.
- Rising demand: As more people around the world develop a taste for coffee, demand is outstripping supply.
- Supply chain disruptions: The pandemic, shipping delays, and increased transport costs have all played a part in pushing prices higher.
- Inflation: Like everything else in your trolley, inflation is making its mark on coffee beans, too.
- Try alternative products: Many Aussies swear by ALDI's Lazzio beans, which are currently between $14.99 and $16.99 per kilo.
- Look for specials: Keep an eye out for supermarket specials. Sometimes, you can snag a bag of your favourite beans at a discount.
- Buy in bulk: If you have the storage space, buying larger quantities when prices dip can help you save in the long run.
- Experiment with blends: Cheaper blends or even instant coffee might not be your first choice, but some brands have improved their quality in recent years.
Yet, with prices rising, more Aussies are rethinking how and where they get their fix.
Are you planning to jumpstart your coffee-making journey at home?
Here are a few home brewing techniques you can do at home:
Source: ABC Australia/YouTube
Key Takeaways
- The cost of coffee beans in Australia has surged, with some popular brands jumping to as much as $62 today.
- Woolworths and Coles are currently selling well-known coffee brands for $56 to $65 per kilo, though home-brand coffee beans are still available for $15 per kilo.
- Various factors, including extreme weather, increased demand and ongoing supply chain disruptions, are driving coffee price hikes.
- Some Aussies suggested affordable alternatives for those who want their caffeine fix.