I’ll tell you what your worst nightmare is: Waking up and dragging your feet to the coffee machine, only to find out there are not enough grinds or beans to make a full cup of coffee. Let’s be honest. If you cannot start your day until you’ve had your first cup of coffee, why do you not already have a coffee subscription? If that’s not enough to convince you, let’s get into it. Are coffee subscriptions actually worth it? I’ll tell you now, it really is.
What Are Coffee Subscriptions?
At its core, a coffee subscription service operates on a simple premise: you pay a regular fee, and in return, you receive a steady supply of coffee delivered directly to your doorstep. These subscriptions vary widely in offerings, from single-origin beans and exotic blends to eco-friendly and fair-trade options. The idea is to cater to diverse palates and preferences so there will always be something for someone.
The Benefits of Coffee Subscriptions
Unparalleled Convenience: Think about it - it’s one less thing to worry about. One of the best things about coffee subscriptions is the sheer convenience. Forget the days of dashing to the local café or supermarket when your coffee stash is low. With a subscription, fresh coffee comes to you, making sure your morning ritual is never interrupted.
A World of Variety at Your Fingertips: For those who love to explore different coffee flavours and origins, subscriptions can be a gateway to a world of variety. Bean Smitten roast blends and single origins with beans sourced from across the globe. Our offering includes a rotating single origin option which gives subscribers a taste of something new and exotic every month.
Customisation and Flexibility: Many coffee subscription services offer a high degree of customisation. Our coffee subscription service allows you to mix and match different coffee’s in the same subscription, choose the grind size, and the frequency of delivery. This flexibility means your coffee subscription can adapt to changing tastes and consumption habits.
Supporting Sustainable Practices: Many coffee subscriptions such as ours are geared towards sustainability, offering organic, fairly traded, or directly traded coffee. This means you're getting high-quality beans and supports ethical and environmentally friendly coffee production practices.
Comparing Your Coffee Buying Options
Criteria | Café | Supermarket | Coffee Subscription |
Convenience | High (but requires visiting) | High (flexibility in purchase time) | Very high (delivered to your door) |
Cost | High (per cup basis) | Medium (bulk buying reduces cost per cup) | Medium-High (premium for delivery and selection) |
Variety | Medium (limited by café menu) | High (wide range of brands and types) | Very high (customised selection from all around the world) |
Freshness | High (brewed on demand) | Variable (depends on turnover and packaging) | Very High (often roasted to order) |
Sustainability | Variable (depending on the café’s sourcing practices) | Variable (depends on brand and product) | High (many focus on sustainable and ethical sourcing) |
Customisation | Low (limited to menu options) | Low (pre-packaged products) | Very High (choice of roast, grind, origin, delivery frequency) |
Support for Local/ Ethical Practices | Variable (depending on café’s ethos) | Low (unless choosing specific brands) | High (focus on direct trade, fair-trade, organic options) |
Commitment | None (pay per visit) | None (buy as needed) | Low-High (depending on subscription terms) |
Quality of Grinds/ Beans | High (speciality cafes offer premium, freshly ground beans) | Variable (Range from budget to premium quality) | Very High (focus on high-quality, speciality beans) |
How do I choose the right coffee subscription for my taste?
Choosing the right coffee subscription to match your taste can initially seem daunting, given all the options, but it doesn’t have to be that way. The journey to finding your perfect match can be enjoyable and enlightening. Here are some tips to guide you.
Start with What You Know: Begin by thinking about your current coffee preferences. Do you prefer bold, rich flavours or light, aromatic profiles? Your current tastes can be a reliable source for selecting your initial subscription.
Consider Variety and Flexibility: Look for a subscription service that offers a variety of beans and roasts. This variety will allow you to explore different coffee types without committing to a large quantity of one kind. Services such as our flexible coffee subscription offer flexibility to change your preferences or pause your subscription. This allows you to adapt your coffee subscription as your tastes evolve.
Tasting Notes: Take advantage of the resources many subscriptions provide, such as tasting notes. These notes describe each coffee's flavour profiles, aroma, and unique characteristics. They can range from fruity and floral to nutty and chocolaty, offering insight into the coffee's sensory experience before you even taste it.
Use the Dashboard: If the subscription service offers a dashboard or profile setting, use it to track your preferences and feedback on the coffees you've tried. If not, keep track of it yourself and over time, you will have a good idea of what you like and dislike. Our Subscriptions are self-managed through our online portal where you can customise your choices.
Just remember that developing a refined coffee palate doesn't happen overnight. Each coffee you try contributes to understanding what you truly enjoy. Over time, you'll build a profile of preferences that can lead to more personalised selections from your subscription service.
The joy of a coffee subscription lies not just in its convenience but also in the journey of discovery it facilitates. Exploring different beans and roasts, learning about their origins and processing methods, and understanding the nuances of flavour profiles can deepen your appreciation of coffee.
So, Are Coffee Subscriptions Worth It?
The worthiness of coffee subscriptions depends on personal preferences and priorities. If you value convenience, variety, and the opportunity to support sustainable and ethical coffee practices, then a subscription could be a delightful addition to your coffee-loving lifestyle.
For those sitting on the fence, consider starting with a short-term subscription or a service such as our coffee subscription that offers flexibility in terms of the ability to pause or cancel options. This way, you can test the waters without committing long-term.
Browse through our coffee subscriptions here.