How Coffee Prices Are Outpacing Everyday Essentials in the UK

As the cost of living crisis tightens its grip, roasters and retailers deal with spiralling costs, and weather conditions have spoiled harvests, the UK’s coffee addiction could be affecting their back pocket now more than ever.

But where is the UK’s cheapest cup of coffee? Research by Lincoln based Coffee Roasters, Wholesale Coffee, revealed that coffee drinkers in Southampton and Portsmouth are only paying on average £3.10 for a cup, compared to the most expensive cities, London and Nottingham, where prices have surged by 17% to a whopping £3.65. 

If you’re looking for something a bit fancier, like a mocha, cold brew or simply a shot of caramel syrup, you can expect to pay on average 80p more in the capital, and 60p more in seaside cities like Southampton and Portsmouth. 

For many, that quick coffee run is becoming a luxury they can’t afford, as prices rise alongside rent, energy, and food costs. When comparing this to the 2008 credit crunch, we found the average price of a takeaway coffee has increased by 70%. With inflation reaching record highs, the humble coffee has not escaped the squeeze. From raw bean prices to energy cost in cafes, the price of a latte is climbing faster than many household essentials. However, the takeaway coffee market is not showing signs of slowing, and despite economic challenges, the UK independent coffee shop sector grew by 4% over the last year.

Sarah Brooks, Sales Director for Wholesale at Coffee UK, notes “Whilst coffee pricing has increased across the country, Stokes have looked at ways wholesale customers can still gain a saving, such as our green recycling buckets where we pass a saving onto the customer for having no cardboard packing.”

“For Stokes cafe visitors, we also provide the opportunity to buy recycled, reusable coffee cups made from husk, which will discount the price of their coffee. This practice has become widespread across the coffee industry.” 

Elisa Melina, a Barber, originally from Italy but now residing in the UK, mentions her most expensive takeaway coffee experience ‘I once paid £9.50 for a specialty coffee at a popular chain in London. I’ve stripped back my order and now stick to local shops, because despite increases, I don’t want to give up my morning coffee and no one at my work does either.’

While the cost of a takeaway coffee may be rising, one thing’s clear: Brits aren’t ready to give up their beloved caffeine fix just yet. And thanks to innovative approaches like recycling incentives and reusable cups, there are still ways to enjoy your daily brew without breaking the bank. So, whether you’re grabbing a latte on your way to work or indulging in a weekend mocha, there’s hope that with greener practices, the price of your next cup could be a little lighter - on your wallet and the planet.