You Tell Me: Frugal Coffee?
I have a child who does not sleep. This is an ongoing issue which we are trying to resolve, but isn’t the point of this post. My coffee intake has gone from the occasional cup once in a while when I was in the mood, to an almost daily habit in order to temporarily clear out the bleary eye.
And that is where you, my dear readers, come in. I’ve been trying to keep the coffee expense to a minimum, but I have found I am much more picky about coffee than I ever imagined. I started with the cheapest store brand I could find, and I have been working my way up slowly, trying different brands and not being too happy with any of them. The problem is, I was such an occasional coffee drinker to begin with that I am not even sure how to describe what I am looking for. But I turn to you, to ask, if you drink coffee, what brand are you happiest with? What do you drink as your daily brew? Do you have a favorite expensive brand that you’ve found a less expensive alternative for? I want to be frugal about this (in that, I want to spend only what is necessary) but I want to have some modicum of enjoyment. I am taking all suggestions under serious consideration. 
The only clue I can give you as to what coffee might make me happy is that I once won a Kenyan coffee from a contest, and that was the best coffee I have ever brewed myself (in my opinion). I did try the Kroger “Kenyan” variety and I wasn’t all that happy with it, though.
I am also unimpressed that coffee is sold in 12 oz increments now, not a pound (although since I never used to drink coffee regularly, this might not be a recent change). Ah, the incredible shrinking package.
What’s your favorite coffee? Share and help me find my new best friend. 
September 17th, 2008 at 3:37 pm
We drink green mountain coffee that I get at the natural foods section of the grocery store. It is not cheap at $10 a pound- we both drink a lot of coffee and so we go through about a pound a week- but when you think about it, that’s two visits to starbucks. I like the “french roast” best- it’s the darkest. You can buy GM coffee online too, but then you pay shipping and everything.
We skimp on lots of other things but our morning coffee is really not something we’re willing to give up. And if you’re going to drink it, drink the good stuff.
If you have a natural foods store or coop near you , they often sell fine fair-trade coffees there for less than the major “fancy” brands- i.e. starbucks, Green Mountain, or Peets. You might want to give that a try.
I’m off to get some coffee!
September 17th, 2008 at 3:43 pm
Buy whole bean coffee and a grinder. Grinding your own coffee makes it stronger, so generally you have to use less to get the same strength brew (this coming from someone who can’t stand a weak cup of joe).
Trader Joe’s sells huge cans of whole bean coffee. It’s excellent, and at $9 a pop is a great deal, too. Why pay $3-5 for some crappy can of Folgers when you can get a lot of flavorful beans for less?
September 17th, 2008 at 4:02 pm
I echo what Fitwallet said – not only does whole bean help you save a little bit, it also stays fresher longer and therefore tastes better.
I buy coffee from Reading Coffee Roasters because it’s so close to my house, but you can order online too (readingcoffeeroasters.com). They range anywhere from $7-$10 a pound, which is pretty darn good. Oh, and it’s fantastic tasting coffee.
The other thing to check out is Gevalia (gevalia.com). While their prices are pretty high ($6-$7 for a half pound), they always have some kind of sign up offer which from my experience is always a steal (the last one i got was a travel carafe, some steel scoop, and a pound of coffee for $10). Just sign up and cancel after you get the promotional offer.
Hope that helps!
September 17th, 2008 at 4:15 pm
Dunkin Donuts!!
You can get 2 bags there for 10.99. Or 1 bag at Wal-Mart for 8.99. (Small town Western PA prices)
September 17th, 2008 at 4:15 pm
Once you have had the best, you can never go back! So I instead suggest you gather your caffiene from another source, one you are not as picky about, like maybe a nice black or green tea. You can get these in bulk at some stores.
September 17th, 2008 at 4:22 pm
I like Yuban organic. It was fairly widely available and is labeled as fair trade and organic, and was less expensive than any other fair trade organic that I had seen, though not as cheap as the cheapest of the generic brands. But I was happy with the flavor and it seemed to be a fairly dark roast so I didn’t have to use a lot. I have to say though that I have had a harder time finding it in stores lately. Hannafords is the only one left around me that seems to carry it.
September 17th, 2008 at 4:32 pm
I don’t have a favorite brand – I’ve never been too picky when it came to coffee as long as it wasn’t weak it was good. I like Fitwallet’s idea; might have to try that since I’m only brewing a big mug of coffee a day might get adventurous (and find I actually like a specific brand of coffee)
September 17th, 2008 at 4:38 pm
Have you tried the Costco Kirkland label coffee? It is very popular here in the northwest. A very good value that a lot of us coffee snobs drink at home or in the office. It runs about $6 lb. There are a few different roasts. It is always super fresh too!
September 17th, 2008 at 4:41 pm
I agree that you should go whole bean and grind it yourself.
We’ve started getting the Marques de Paiva (or Members Mark) brand from Sams. It’s not bad. There are several roasts to choose from. I think it’s around $14 for 40 oz of beans.
September 17th, 2008 at 5:38 pm
My husband and I used to purchase our copy at Staples. Yes, Staples. They have pounds of Starbucks coffee there for around $9-10 per pound. We prefer Sumatra, which is really rich and extra-bold. African and Asian coffees are what we prefer.
September 17th, 2008 at 5:40 pm
When I want coffee (which isn’t often) I want the cafe au lait from the Cafe du Monde in the New Orleans French quarter. Unfortunately I live in Topeka and aren’t likely to find any here.
September 17th, 2008 at 6:00 pm
I dearly love coffee and imbibe it in high-test form. A local “gourmet” grocery store sells espresso-roast coffee beans at the same price as its other selections. I buy espresso coffee beans, grind a couple handfuls, and brew up 10 delicious cups in a French press, using filtered water.
French press: available cheap at Cost Plus (World Market).
Actually, I’m told that espresso beans have less caffeine than others, but couldn’t prove it. I get espresso roast because the beans have to be high in quality to make good espresso. So in the emporium where I buy coffee, I pay the same amount per pound for better quality beans.
I also have used Costco’s French roast beans. They make a very fine cup of coffee. But I think the gourmet market’s are better.
Coffee is one of those small luxuries that I don’t skimp on, because there’s a limit to how much you can crimp your life.
September 17th, 2008 at 6:12 pm
Dunkin Doughnuts, believe it or not. It wins awards. That’s one of our spending items – I can pickup a pretty big bag of it at Costco for $16.
September 17th, 2008 at 6:34 pm
I loved to get Starbucks coffee. I didn’t want to pay that much anymore. I bought a Bialetti Mukka Express so I can brew my own cappucinno or latte in the morning. I bought Espresso Roast at Starbucks and had it ground for an expresso machine. I also bought at Starbucks their caramel sauce and vanilla syrup so my dh could make his own Caramel Macchiato. The espresso machine is placed on the stovetop and brews 1 to 2 cups in about 5 minutes. I paid about $70 for the espresso maker but not going to Starbucks all the time has definitely paid off the maker and then some.
September 17th, 2008 at 7:05 pm
Depending on your taste, here are a few suggestions:
1. Eight O’Clock: Mild, Yet Delicious
2. Cafe Bustelo: Strong, Fine Grind Cuban
3. Community: Contains Chickory, a New Orleans favorite
Another suggestion to give average coffee an extra kick is to brew it in a French Press. This will give your coffee a very strong, full-bodied flavor. It’s my favorite way to brew. It takes more time and is more involved than just flipping on the Mr. Coffee, but it’s well worth the effort and wait. Give a try!
September 17th, 2008 at 7:09 pm
I have office mates that love Dunkin’ Donuts beans. I would also second grinding whole beans and see if you like that. How are you currently making it? Maybe a component of the process is resulting in the taste you don’t like.
I’m partial to black teas (and massive amounts of diet coke), although I do love an occasional cup of good coffee. I started drinking coffee daily about two years ago, and I found that my skin became much worse and other weird effects. I decided my body was telling me to drink tea if I desired hot caffeine to wake me up, and stopped drinking coffee every morning after about 4 months.
September 17th, 2008 at 7:33 pm
I’m a huge fan of Juan Valdez brand (I am Colombian after all). I’m not sure where to buy it in the US my dad brings suitcases full home when he travels.
I also buy espresso beans from a small local shop that roasts their own. We’re considering switching to some shade grown free trade to be more enviro-friendly.
Coffee is one of the few luxuries we allow ourselves, so price is not an option. Although we limit our intake. We would do without a lot of things before coffee. We have even cancelled our cable to be able to sock away more in our emergency fund.
We have a nice espresso machine and DH is a very accomplished barista, so only the best coffee for us. But I will second everyone’s French Press, before espresso that’s what we used.
September 17th, 2008 at 7:52 pm
thanks for the link!
September 17th, 2008 at 9:37 pm
I like buying starbucks breakfast blend… very yummy. I was buying it in bulk at samsclub but the last time I was in a starbucks I noticed that you can now buy bulk coffee straight from them in 5# packages for a decent price.
I tried gevalia too, but they weren’t as good and were expensive once you add shipping.
If you can find something you like, you can get some great deals on bulk coffee online too. I usually buy 5# at a time and vacuum seal the rest in my foodsaver.
September 17th, 2008 at 10:07 pm
I drink the Costco Columbian blend and really like it. It’s a smooth coffee to me that can be made stronger or weaker and still taste good. Plus it’s sold in 3lb cans and is reasonably priced (though I don’t remember how much I paid for my last can).
September 18th, 2008 at 12:26 am
I agree with the guy who suggested the 8o’clock coffee. My hubs and I have been using that for about a year or so now and have not been disapointed. It’s whole bean and they have many wonderful flavors. You can make it as strong or as light as you want since you grind it yourself. They also have some that is pre-ground but I like grinding my own. It tastes better. Also you can get it at your local Walmart. They have a large (36oz I think) bag of the original, which has a nice flavor, for about $10 here in the northern portion of Arkansas. Their website says that they carry it at Target as well. Good luck on the frugal coffee.
September 18th, 2008 at 10:09 am
Thanks for all the coffee insights!
I have made a list and I will be checking the suggestions out over the next few months. I do grind my own coffee, generally, but not always. I shall become more vigilant about that too
Thanks!!
September 18th, 2008 at 10:50 am
we’ve been drinking Chock Full ‘o Nuts for years
September 18th, 2008 at 11:02 am
The best deal ever was when Community Coffee was on clearance at our grocery store for $1/lb. It was a sad day when we used the last of the 25 bags we bought
We drink a variety from Folgers to Starbucks, depending on sales.
September 18th, 2008 at 12:02 pm
I’m with Peachblush. The Kirkland Signature coffee at Costco is wonderful and is very reasonably priced.
September 18th, 2008 at 12:03 pm
If you grind your own coffee and love a good, strong cup, you shouldn’t be w/o a French press. You can pick one up just about anywhere but I just saw a nice one at Target for $30. It will give you the best cup you’ve ever put in you mouth. You may find yourself not even caring what brand it is!
September 18th, 2008 at 12:59 pm
i’m a big fan of jim’s organic. pricey, but it’s not frugal if you don’t like what you bought!
September 18th, 2008 at 2:01 pm
We have no Costco here…
oh, the horror!
No Costco makes me very bitter btw
September 18th, 2008 at 7:07 pm
Cobblestone Coffee – http://www.cobblestonecoffee.com/
I first found them at the Maryland State Fair. Really good coffee, and at a fair price. Order it online and they roast it when you order it and then ship it right out to you – super fresh and yummy. Or you can pick it up (Crownsville, Maryland).
September 18th, 2008 at 8:01 pm
As a few other’s have said, it may be the way you are brewing your coffee. I use the Aeropress, http://www.aerobie.com/Products/aeropress.htm, which makes the smoothest cup of coffee I have ever tasted. No bitter taste, just flavor. The press is very easy to use and clean.
September 18th, 2008 at 8:17 pm
costco kirkland is the best cheap coffee ever and you have to get 2 lbs at once so it is hard to run out
September 19th, 2008 at 1:42 am
The advice is good: Costco or Trader Joe’s (roughly $5-6/lb..note: NOT 12oz but $5-6 for a pound: grind it yourself, grind and brew small batches, don’t keep it on the heater, which causes it to evaporate and burn. Keep excess in the fridge: it cuts down on the evaporation of the coffee volatiles: the stuff that gives it the great smell. If you like flavored coffee, Costco carries a flavored brand that is very economical, or you can add a little vanilla syrop. Finally, think of your coffee as a treat to yourself, drink in moderation so you enjoy it fully when you drink it.
September 19th, 2008 at 12:23 pm
I don’t have time to read through all the comments, so this might be a duplicate, so I apologize in advance if that’s the case. I am not a picky coffee drinker, so I don’t have suggestions for you. But something that I do, that might work for you even though you have more sophisticated coffee tastes than I do, is this: Brew a pot of coffee as usual, but don’t throw away the grounds/filter. Next time you brew a pot (hopefully within a few days or so, otherwise the grounds will start to get moldy) use just half the amount of grounds you normally would and add them to the already used grounds. I can’t tell a difference in the flavor at all, and it stretches your coffee and filter usage.
September 19th, 2008 at 1:34 pm
I also found myself in the same spot! Want to drink ample amounts of *good* coffee without spending a fortune. My most favorite coffee of all is roasted right here in Tulsa at a little downtown coffee shop called Double Shot, but I have decided it is too pricey for daily consumption. By all means, take the advice of those who recommend whole beans and a grinder. My grocery store alternative is Seattle’s Best coffee. I first tasted it at a local coffee shop and was pleased to find it on the g-store shelf. (And I add International Delights creamer for flavor. I quit using Coffee Mate because it contains hydrogenated oils.) PS: I also prefer the African beans, especially Tanzanian and Ethiopian!
September 19th, 2008 at 3:48 pm
Our favorite coffe is Pilon…It is a Spanish coffee…very strong and you make it in an expresso maker then pour the coffee into a pot of milk on the stove!! Hubby and my in-laws got me hooked on it many years ago!! It is my vice!! Then best ever!!
September 20th, 2008 at 7:04 pm
I second the Sam’s club Marques de Paiva and also recommend eight o” clock as well. Also check and see if there is a corporate roaster in your area that may have a retail “store.” Where I grew up it was Farris Coffee. And like I said their main business was providing coffee for companies but they also had a small retail store where at roasting facility. They still to this day, have a Buy 10 lbs get 1 free deal where your name is on an index card at the cash register.
September 22nd, 2008 at 3:04 pm
I roast my own and it costs about $3-5 per pound. It’s tough maintaining a daily habit that way because it does require time.
Most coffee you can buy on the shelf is stale. I would suggest you find a local roaster and purchase from them. The coffee is 10 times better than anything you can buy off the shelf and is usually not as expensive since they don’t have the name brand markup.
September 23rd, 2008 at 1:53 pm
I agree with other posters that buying local coffee is the best. You know its gonna be fresh! I live in Charlotte, NC, and buy my coffee from a roaster in Boone, NC. Its 2 hours away (i went to school there) but i can buy it online and have it shipped to me. Its the best coffee i’ve ever had – Bald Guy Brew (www.baldguybrew.com). usual price of around $10 a lb. i know it was roasted no more than 24hrs before it shipped.
Definitely buy whole bean, own your own grinder, and i recommend using a french press rather than a drip coffee maker. the taste is just amazing, and the texture is much silkier, almost creamy.
Check out the post on my blog (heres the link: http://crapimagrownup.wordpress.com/2008/07/02/cultivate-good-taste-no1-coffee/ ) about coffee.
September 24th, 2008 at 9:44 am
Dunkin Donuts coffee found at Costco in 40oz bags. This appeals to the frugal side of me and while I prefer better coffee and prefer to grind it myself, DD tastes pretty good and works with my budget.
September 25th, 2008 at 7:47 am
buy bustelo. it’s a latin expresso coffee. the best!
September 25th, 2008 at 10:56 am
love your blog; i’m finding it helpful as i pay off $10,000 in credit card debt one snowflake ($1000 a month) at a time.
Anyway, i have 2 kids who enjoy waking at various and sundry times at night also. I like the Target organic brand coffees – Archer Farms. I am trying to go organic (or fair trade, too) when I can afford it. I like the mild roasts to mix with some skim milk, sugar free chocolate or raspberry syrup … or on a really bad day the darker roasts. And if i’m desperate and can’t get down to Target (local grocery is closer), I have bought some starbucks (GASP) brand espresso.
October 2nd, 2008 at 11:32 pm
I’m a little late on this, but if you roast your own coffee you can get a pound of beans for $5. It takes about 30 minutes to do an entire pound (about a weeks worth for me), and its the best coffee you will ever have.
Of course there’s the initial cost of getting a roaster. I use an old air popcorn popper that you can get at Good Will or Salvation army for $4 (make sure the vents are on the side and not the bottom), and then order from Burman’s or Sweet Maria’s.
October 24th, 2010 at 2:06 pm
Kroger Private Selection Kenyan AA has been my first choice of coffees for over twenty years. And we don’t even have a Kroger here. I drive to Atlanta or Auburn, AL to buy coffee.
The mistake most people make with Kenyan coffee is to brew it too weak. It is a mild but full bodied coffee that needs to be brewed strong to bring out it’s flavor. If you find it too bland, double the strength – that’s right DOUBLE. Most coffee can’t be brewed as strong as Kenyan and still be palatable.
There have been a couple of quality issues that I’ve noticed over the years. Sometimes it has been sitting on the shelf too long and gets a bit stale. You can squeeze the bag and tell by the smell if it is fresh. When fresh, the aroma is literally intoxicating.
I have occasionally had some Kroger Kenyan coffee that wasn’t roasted quite long enough which makes it sour and lacking the rich flavor notes. When that happens, I briefly pan roast it, which brings out the flavor.
Also, even though I buy a lot at a time a freeze most of it, Kenyan coffee loses some flavor when frozen. Briefly pan roasting it will wake it up a bit though.