Coffee lovers switch to home brew
Rising prices are affecting how and where we consume our favourite beverage.
There’s an app for that!
If you enjoy a barista-made coffee and want to make your money go further, check out the National Seniors Australia (NSA) EAT | PLAY | SAVE app.
Available to NSA members, the app provides access to thousands of discounts across Australia, including offers at cafés, restaurants, and takeaway outlets. You can search for nearby deals, use discounts repeatedly throughout the year, and enjoy savings while still getting out and about.
For many Australians, coffee is one of life’s simple pleasures. Whether it's a cup in the morning to blow away the cobwebs or a regular weekly catch-up with friends at a café, coffee remains an important part of our lives.
But with cost-of-living pressures continuing to affect household budgets, more people are choosing to make their coffee at home rather than buying it on the go.
According to recent research from Canstar, 29% of us have stopped buying takeaway coffee from cafés and now make coffee at home instead.
The survey of more than 2,100 people found that Australians purchase an average of four takeaway coffees each week, with the typical brew now costing around $5.90. That adds up to almost $24 a week, or well over $1,200 a year.
While seniors have long been used to making instant coffee at home, the survey indicates that many coffee lovers are now investing in coffee-making equipment for a more professional brew that’s still affordable.
Canstar found that 19% of Australians have bought a coffee machine specifically to reduce spending on takeaway coffee. Interestingly, 27% of respondents said they actually prefer their home-brewed coffee to coffee purchased from a café.
The growing popularity of home coffee is reflected in supermarket sales and consumer preferences. Research quoted by 9News shows Australians are increasingly loyal to their favourite coffee brands, with 45% saying they consistently buy the same brand, rising to 50% among instant coffee drinkers.
For seniors looking for good value, Aldi dominated Canstar’s 2026 Most Satisfied Customers Awards for Coffee, winning all three categories.
Aldi’s Lazzio was named the top coffee bean brand, Expressi topped the pod category, and Alcafe was rated Australia’s favourite instant coffee.
Other highly rated brands also performed well. Campos and Lavazza ranked among the leading coffee bean brands, while Nescafé products featured prominently in the instant coffee and pod categories.
Canstar found that taste and value for money were the biggest factors influencing satisfaction for instant coffee and pods, while coffee bean drinkers placed extra importance on roast consistency and strength.
Of course, while making coffee at home can be a great way to save money, there is still something special about enjoying a coffee out with friends.
For many seniors, meeting others for a regular coffee provides valuable social connection and a chance to stay engaged with the community.
Research consistently shows that maintaining social relationships can support mental wellbeing, reduce loneliness, and contribute to a healthier, happier lifestyle.
That means café visits do not necessarily need to disappear from the budget altogether. Instead, they can become a treat.
Homemade coffee when you feel like a pick-me-up, combined with a catch-up at a favourite café now and then, can provide the best of both worlds: savings and social connection.
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*The discount applies to the total National Seniors travel insurance premium and is for National Seniors Australia members only. Discounts do not apply to the rate of GST and stamp duty or any changes you make to the policy. AGA has the discretion to withdraw or amend this discount offer at any time. This discount cannot be used in conjunction with any other promotional offer or discount.
For Travel Insurance policies purchased before 8 September 2026
National Seniors Australia Ltd ABN 89 050 523 003, AR 282736 is an authorised representative of nib Travel Services (Australia) Pty Ltd (nib), ABN 81 115 932 173, AFSL 308461 and act as nib's agent and not as your agent. This is general advice only. Before you buy, you should consider your needs, the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS), Financial Services Guide (FSG) and Target Market Determination (TMD) available from us. This insurance is underwritten by Pacific International Insurance Pty Ltd, ABN 83 169 311 193.
For Travel Insurance policies purchased on or after 8 September 2026
National Seniors Australia Ltd ABN 89 050 523 003, AR 282736, is an authorised representative of AWP Australia Pty Ltd, ABN 52 097 227 177, AFSL 245631, trading as Allianz Global Assistance (AGA), and acts as AGA's agent and not as your agent. nib Travel Services (Australia) Pty Ltd (nib), ABN 81 115 932 173, AFSL 308461 acts as third party administrator on behalf of AGA, managing claims, complaints, enquiries and sales. This is general advice only. Before you buy, you should consider whether the product is appropriate for you, the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS), Financial Services Guide (FSG) and Target Market Determination (TMD) is available from us. This insurance is underwritten by Pacific International Insurance Pty Ltd, ABN 83 169 311 193, AFSL 523921.
