Brit coffee drinkers slam prices and ask why is it so expensive in UK

Coffee prices at chains like Costa Coffee, Caffe Nero and Starbucks have gone up considerably in recent years sparking a debate why is it so much more expensive than abroad

Brits have blasted the cost of a coffee on the high street with many questioning why it is so expensive.

Inflation in recent years has seen many items soar in price which has left many people in the cost of living crisis struggle.

And for the many who like to start their day with a coffee the prices in large chains like Costa Coffee, Caffe Nero and Starbucks have gone up considerably.

The British Coffee Association says that 80% of us visit coffee shops weekly and that 98 million cups of coffee are drunk every day in the UK.

But whereas five years ago it was still possible for example to get a small Americano for under £2 at some shops, now it is usually closer to £3. And people have questioned the rise including one person who has pointed out how much cheaper it is in other European countries.

They wrote: “Everyday I buy a coffee from either Costa or Starbucks and the money I spend every year is scandalous. I’m typing this right now from an independent cafe in Barcelona where I’ve just had a croissant and coffee for €2 (far better quality coffee and freshly baked croissants).”

They said that they are aware of the stories that “coffee beans have shot up in price, poor harvests etc” but added: I’m convinced the reason is it’s because they know we’re mugs and will continue to pay these exorbitant prices. The only justification I can see is that wages have increased in the UK, but that can’t be the only reason can it?”

One person replied: “Because people like you are willing to pay the prices everyday lol. Basically this. It's what the market will stand. If people will pay £4.50 for a coffee, why would they sell it for £2?” Another said: “But it costs a lot to run a business in this country whilst also making a normal profit. If you don't agree then I'd encourage you to open a chain of coffee shops and undercut the competition. If I'm wrong you'd do very well.”

Many people have said how they have stopped going for a coffee on a regular basis and some suggested it was better to buy a coffee machine. “With increasing cost of living, (I) cut back and now only have one every couple of months to the point I don’t really ever bother. If they'd kept the price more steady, I'd probably not have changed my habits,” a person said.

Another Reddit user said how people go to a coffee shop for more than just the drink. They said: “Coffee shops don’t really sell coffee though. Well they do, but it’s a side-product. They sell (in theory), a welcoming and quiet space in which to drink coffee while you’re out and about, and you don’t have to make it yourself or do the washing up. This is what I’m happy to pay for, anyway. Except my local coffee shop is now often full of dickheads playing TikTok or having video calls with no headphones, which defeats the benefits.”

A manager of a coffee shop also pointed to the overheads. “I manage a speciality coffee shop as well as being a roaster,” they said. “Cost of coffee has genuinely gone up, crops aren’t as bountiful as they once were. Shipping costs to get the uk are up. Everyone along the chain needs to make money. Cost of gas has gone up so roasting is expensive. Staff is a huge cost.

"Packaging costs are up. Literally everything is up. It’s all going to get worse as well. The chains are have always taken the p***, but as others have said people will pay it. There are loads of other factors and I can only speak from my experience but in my business if we don’t adapt our prices we won’t operate for much longer.”