Coffee subscriptions have become the norm, not only in the US, but also around most countries with a coffee-drinking culture.
I mean, who’d not like having different varieties of specialty coffees delivered to your doorstep, every couple of days/week/month?
But, are coffee subscriptions worth it? Here’s what I found.
By Lilian.
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The Pros and Cons of Coffee Subscriptions
The Pros of Coffee Subscriptions
You’ll Try Out Different Coffee Varieties
For me, this is the best of them all!
There are coffee subscription services that send you coffees from different countries every single week/month!
Talk of Kenyan, Hawaiian, Brazilian, Ethiopian, etc. You’ll enjoy a different variety every time.
They make your love for coffee a discovery journey on its own!
4 Coffee Gear & Coffee Recommendations
- Breville Barista Pro – An excellent manual espresso machine for home use
- Philips 3200 Series Espresso Machine – Easy-to-use fully automatic coffee machine for small office or home use
- Rancilio Egro ONE Touch – High capacity fully automatic commercial coffee machine for professional use
- Koa Coffee – Premium hand-picked Hawaiian coffee. Have you tried American coffee yet?
The Convenience is to Die For
The thought of fresh coffee beans delivered to your doorstep as often as you need them is exhilarating!
No need to keep phone alerts to remind you to pick coffee from the local grocery store.
Or to order coffee from the online supplier.
Simply let the coffee subscription service figure out all that for you!
All you have to do is enjoy your coffee every single day!
You’ll Enjoy Fresh Coffee Beans Regularly
Are you constantly having to drink stale coffee beans with that musty, sometimes rancid smell?
Spare yourself of that! Join a coffee subscription and enjoy freshly roasted coffee beans every single day!
These companies are designed to deliver coffee beans to subscribers immediately after roasting, as soon as possible.
So, the beans are always fresher than those at your online or local store!
No More Running Out of Coffee
For most coffee aficionados, waking up to stumble to the kitchen to find you’re out of coffee is the saddest realization to start the day.
With a coffee subscription, such scenarios will be bygones!
Just make sure you choose a delivery frequency that matches your consumption rate.
There’ll always be at least a new packet waiting to satisfy that caffeine thrill every morning!
Regular Coffee Subscriptions Can be Somewhat Cheaper
If you’re only after the regular coffee beans, coffee subscriptions can be cheaper than retail prices for the same beans and also cheaper than specialty coffee subscriptions.
Majority of the roasters with subscription services offer discounts for the subscription versus buying single bags.
They may even reward your loyalty with discounts and extra packages!
The Cons of Coffee Subscriptions
The Chances of Erroneous Synchronicity Are High
If the frequency of delivery exceeds your consumption rate, you’ll always have stale coffee beans.
This is the case for subscribers who aren’t regular coffee drinkers.
On the other hand, if it’s less, you’ll have frequent coffee outages. Especially for those who consume so much coffee.
Unfortunately, for both regular and non-regular coffee drinkers, it’s not easy to determine beforehand how much coffee you’ll drink during the month.
Wastage is Almost Inevitable
Assume your subscription allows you different specialty coffees every week/month. Then, they deliver a flavor that you don’t like.
What happens?
That entire week/month’s supply may end up in the waste bins…
They’re A Bit Expensive
Before you bash me, I know I did mention earlier that coffee subscriptions are “somewhat cheaper”. But let me remind you I specified “regular coffee beans”.
More often than not, any other coffee subscription service is pricier than buying coffee at wholesale or retail.
The coffee beans have to arrive at your doorstep as fresh as possible, so the companies employ fast mail delivery plans. Such plans are not cheap ventures.
From the above, here’s my conclusion.
Are Coffee Subscriptions Worth It?
Absolutely.
I’d go for a coffee subscription any day, any time.
And not just for me.
Coffee subscriptions have really become popular post-COVID 19.
But don’t just pick one blindly. Here’s how to get the best.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Coffee Subscription
The Flexibility of Delivery Frequencies
It’d be great to choose a service that allows you to adjust your frequency at wish. From weekly, biweekly, monthly or any other possible option.
This way, you’re able to synchronize delivery with your consumption pattern.
The Subscription Price
Regular coffee lovers often want an option they’ll afford with ease.
However, for those that only drink coffee occasionally, they’re often willing to pay a premium to have exceptional experiences the few times they choose to enjoy a cup of joe.
For such, there’s no reason not to subscribe to a high-end, luxury subscription service just yet… ?
Which bracket do you lie in?
Consider this before you enroll for the subscription.
The Extent of Customization
An ideal coffee subscription service is tailored to meet your preferences in terms of the coffee’s acidity, flavor, price, brewing strategies, taste, type of roast, etc.
Packaging too! If you’re a camper, for instance, choose a subscription that provides packaging models specifically designed for campers!
Same case applies to fair trade coffee lovers.
What about organic coffee lovers?
Is there hope for them?
Read on!
Are There Organic Coffee Subscription Services?
Why not?
Organic coffee lovers can also enjoy coffee subscription services!
You’ll find under $10/week subscriptions like the Blue Bottle and the popular Prime Roast Fairtrade Organic coffee!
Most roasters with a subscription service will also have one for organic coffee lovers!
Finally, whether you’re a coffee lover or not, whether you have the subscription or not, how about treating your coffee aficionado family and friends?
Getting a Coffee Subscription as a Gift
Have you thought of gifting a friend who’s an ardent coffee lover?
A coffee subscription for them is an ideal gift!
Be it as a Christmas gift, birthday, anniversary, or just for no reason.
Most companies send a quiz to the recipient to generate their taste profile and other personal preferences.
What better idea to gift your spouse, parents, colleagues, friends, etc.?
Photos by StockSnap, Kristina Paukshtite and Zachary Keimig
