The Takeaway
- Coffee prices jumped 21% year-over-year — the biggest spike since 1997.
- Tariffs on Brazil, Colombia, and Vietnam are pushing retail prices even higher.
- Seniors can stretch their coffee budget with discount chains and “scratch-and-dent” deals.
- Try this: one woman saved $200/month with simple coffee hacks you can do at home. We have the video later in this article...
Your Coffee Just Got Pricier — Here’s Why
If your morning cup of joe suddenly feels like a luxury, you’re not imagining it.
According to CNN and The Cool Down, retail coffee prices jumped nearly 21% this August compared to last year — the steepest increase since 1997.
New tariffs on imported beans are the main culprit. The U.S. imports 99% of its coffee, and Brazil — our biggest supplier — now faces a 50% tariff, with Colombia and Vietnam hit at 10–20%. Economists say the full impact hasn’t even been felt yet.
“Coffee prices will easily exceed the record as the 50% tariffs work their way onto store shelves,” said Diane Swonk, chief economist at KPMG.
Even J.M. Smucker — which owns Folgers and Café Bustelo — has warned of another price hike this winter, its third this year. Starbucks, meanwhile, says its prices will hold steady for now but likely climb in 2026.
How Seniors Can Beat the Coffee Inflation
You don’t have to quit caffeine — just get creative. A few smart switches can make a surprising difference.
