Ever wondered how much you spend on coffee on an average day? Spending on coffee is arguably a necessity, but has it been breaking your bank and ruining your savings plan? We did a breakdown on the average cost of your everyday cup of joe, and also how much you might possibly spend on your coffees on a monthly basis depending on where you get your caffeine fix.
Cafe style/Starbucks/Coffee Chains - Lattes, Cappuccinos etc.
Definitely one of the most expensive cuppa out there, most working professionals are bound to get their daily cup of coffee before heading into the office and some, even throughout the day. If you’re part of this category, be ready to spend up to S$9 per drink, especially if you add on syrups, upsize or even decide to go for vegan alternatives like oat/soy lattes instead. For more serious coffee drinkers, you might even spend on 2-3 cups of coffee a day.
Damage: ~S$4 - S$9/cup
~S$80 - S$180/month (1 cup of coffee/day, for 5 days, in 4 weeks)
Coffee quality: Good
Coffee strength: Varies, usually average unless adding an additional shot (for additional cost).
Wake The Crew Coffee Concentrates
Coffee concentrates are similar to espresso shots, where the only difference is the brewing technique and its freshness lifespan. Coffee concentrates are cold brewed and come ready to drink. Most people add water/milk/milk alternative of choice to the coffee concentrate and adjust the strength of coffee by changing up the mixer to concentrate ratio. If you are going for a quick shot of caffeine, it can be drank straight up like an espresso shot.
Damage: ~S$3.50 - $5/cup
~S$70 - S$100/month (1 cup of coffee/day, for 5 days, in 4 weeks)
Coffee quality: Good
Coffee strength: Strong, but normally cut with mixers depending on individual preference
Kopitiam style kopi (Robusta)
The cheapest and most traditional Singaporean coffee you can find in the market, kopi has traditionally been consumed in Singapore till modernisation hit and Arabica coffee/lattes/cafes rose in popularity. This kopi comes as more bitter and acidic as it is made using Robusta beans and roasted in butter/margarine/lard and sugar to achieve a strong burnt coffee fragrance. A popular choice among the older Singaporeans and those that love a harsh cuppa coffee, it appeals less to the younger generation who have a preference for western style lattes and brews.
Damage: ~$1 - $3/cup
~S$20 - S$60/month (1 cup of coffee/day, for 5 days, in 4 weeks)
Coffee quality: Varies depending on your coffee shop uncle/aunty
Coffee strength: Usually strong
Capsule coffee (Nespresso)
Capsule coffee is highly popular in Singapore and worldwide as it is a cheaper and more convenient alternative for Arabica coffee at home without the hassle of brewing. It usually comes in a row of 10 capsules and you just have to pop it into the coffee machine, press a button and get your very own quick cuppa joe.
Damage: ~S$0.80 - S$1/cup (Not including cost of purchasing machine)
~S$16 - S$20/month (1 cup of coffee/day, for 5 days, in 4 weeks)
Coffee quality: Commercial/Average, depends on capsule type/producer (note: coffee is usually not as fresh due to processing for long shelf life)
Coffee strength: Generally weaker, depending on capsule type
Drip Coffee/Pourover Coffee
This type of coffee are gaining in popularity among serious coffee lovers who are into taking the time and effort to carefully brew their own cup. The intricate skills and dedication required to getting the right technique are mainly suited for people who have the patience and interest to brew their cup. Not practical for many with busy lives and just want a quick good coffee fix due to the time required.
Damage: ~S$1.50 - S$3/cup
~S$30 - S$60/month (1 cup of coffee/day, for 5 days, in 4 weeks)
Coffee quality: Good, but dependent on the type of coffee beans purchased, shelf life and individual brewer skills
Coffee strength: Varies largely based on brewer
Instant Coffee/ 3-in-1 Coffee
We all know this coffee, the easiest and most convenient type of coffee out there. Instant coffees are normally found in supermarkets and are ready for consumption just by adding some hot water. There are plenty of different brands and variations out there but these are also the most processed type of coffee and may come as large jars of coffee powder or sachets of 3-in-1 coffee powder.
Damage: ~S$0.20 - S$0.70/cup
~S$4 - S$14/month (1 cup of coffee/day, for 5 days, in 4 weeks)
Coffee quality: Low, highly processed for convenience and long shelf life.
Coffee strength: Varies but mostly weak
