ARE COFFEE SUBSCRIPTIONS WORTH IT? EXPLORING PROS AND CONS

Is a coffee subscription good value or just good marketing?

Coffee subscriptions are all the rage these days, with a wide variety of options appealing to all types of coffee lovers. I’ve personally reviewed dozens for this site, each trying to cater to a specific niche – some more successfully than others.

Are you considering opting into a coffee subscription? I’m impressed you’re doing your due diligence and have found your way here. In this article, I’ll point out the possible pros and cons of a coffee subscription so you can decide if it’s the right option for your morning fix. The answer probably isn’t the same for all coffee drinkers.

Why Get A Coffee Subscription?

Coffee subscriptions aren’t just a trendy way to part you from your money. They really do offer numerous advantages, making them a worthwhile option for many coffee enthusiasts – not to mention a fantastic gift for a coffee lover. 

Let’s explore why you might want to subscribe to a coffee box.

You’ll Never Run Out of Coffee

Have you ever woken up on a cold, dark morning and stumbled to the kitchen on a quest for much-needed caffeine only to find you’re out of coffee? Speaking from experience, it’s devastating. A coffee subscription will spare you that pain. 

Provided you choose the appropriate delivery frequency to suit your consumption habits, you can expect a new bag of freshly roasted coffee to be ready and waiting on your doorstep when you need it.

You’ll Get to Try New Coffees You Might Not Have Considered

This is my top reason to recommend a coffee subscription, especially for adventurous coffee lovers. If you’re excited to explore new coffees but unsure where to start, leave it in the hands of experts.

It’s important to choose the right kind of coffee subscription if this is your goal, and there are a few options:

• Subscriptions like the Atlas Coffee Club let you select a few criteria (espresso or drip, dark roasts or light) and then send you a coffee of their choosing within that framework. 
• Others, like Trade and Mistobox, start with a detailed quiz to help you select the perfect coffee. Do you prefer blends or single origins? Do you like bright and fruity coffees or a nutty and chocolatey flavor profile?
• Services like the Moustache Coffee Club let you rate each coffee you try and use that rating to suggest other beans you might enjoy. The more coffee you drink, the more your subscription is tailored to your taste.
• Subscriptions like Driftaway and Bean Box start by sending you small sample packs with differing flavor profiles to help establish your taste.

In any case, you’re guaranteed to discover beans you wouldn’t have otherwise encountered, and you’ll probably gain some interesting insights into your own taste. So even if you eventually discontinue your subscription, you’ll know what to look for when shopping for different coffee beans.

You Can Take Part In A Coffee Experience

Some subscriptions go well beyond just sending you bags of beans. They deliver fun, excitement, and education as part of the package! They can be a great opportunity to bond with friends or shake up your morning coffee routine.

For example, the Angel’s Cup subscription sends you unlabelled coffees to conduct your own blind taste tests. Driftaway Coffee offers guided virtual tastings via Zoom led by a former Coffee Brewer Champion.

Your Coffee Will Be Fresh Roasted

Coffee subscription services are usually designed to deliver the beans to you as soon after roasting as possible. They will certainly be fresher than what you might find at a local grocery store or an online supermarket like Amazon.

Some subscriptions take this more seriously than others. Moustache Coffee Club and Blue Bottle Coffee are two of the best in this regard, often shipping beans so fresh that they’re not even ready for brewing yet. They’re labeled with a “best after” date because, as experts will tell you, fresher isn’t always better (1).

If receiving fresh coffee beans is important to you, do your research regarding shipping estimates for where you live. For American subscriptions, Alaska and Hawaii may not have guaranteed delivery times, and international shipping is not always offered or timely.

It Might Save You Money

Subscription plans designed to open your mind to new coffees are often more expensive because you’re paying for a curated experience, not just a coffee. But if you just want your favorite coffee delivered to your door on a schedule, many roasters offer this service at a discount of 10% to 15% versus buying individual bags. The cost savings are a reward for your loyalty.

Are There Disadvantages to a Coffee Subscription?

There are so many coffee subscription models these days that almost anyone can find one that’s worthwhile. You can start by checking out our reviews of the best coffee subscription boxes or watching this video:

However, there are exceptions. If you have access to excellent local coffee roasters and their knowledgeable owners, you may be able to get the same freshness and expertise without having to mail order your beans. This is a great option for supporting your local community, and by eliminating shipping, you’ll save money and help the environment.

The other exception is if you have no interest in specialty coffee. If your go-to brew is a can of pre-ground Folger’s beans – and we don’t judge here – then a coffee subscription will be a waste of money. That said, if you have a Folgers drinker in your social circle, a coffee service might be the perfect gift!

Final Thoughts: Are Coffee Subscriptions Worth It?

The answer is a resounding yes – in most cases. If you enjoy high-quality specialty coffee and are willing to put in the time to find just the right subscription for you, you won’t regret becoming a subscriber. The combination of convenience, education, and great coffee is hard to beat!