Cheap takeaway coffees at Coles Express, Macca’s, 7 Eleven

Whether it’s a flat white or a long black, coffee is at the core of our nation’s beating heart. Check out our tips on where to score the best brews on the go.

It’s no secret that Australians love a good cup of coffee to give them a much-needed boost in the morning.

And with Saturday being International Coffee Day, we’re providing tips on where to score the best brews on the go.

Whether it’s a flat white or a long black, coffee is at the core of our nation’s beating heart.

Australia’s coffee industry has grown to be worth $8bn – and is expected to increase.

It’s among the strongest in the world, with 75 per cent of us consuming at least one cup daily and more than four in five spending money on coffee in an average week, according to McCrindle research.

Caitlin De Klijn grabs coffee at a Coles Express – she likes at least two a day. Picture: David Caird

Australia’s younger generations have a greater dependency on coffee, with Gen Y (33 per cent) and Gen X (30 per cent) needing it to survive the day.

A hot brew allows Caitlin De Klijn, 24, a break from the daily grind.

“I buy at least two coffees a day … that’s about 14 coffees a week,” she says.

“As I am constantly on the go and my job involves a lot of early mornings with media shoots and setting up for events, I’ve gotten into a habit of picking up my coffees from Coles Express as it’s so quick and easy and importantly, delicious.”

We list our top three best budget brews to help you save, plus survive the morning rush with as little stress as possible.

COLES EXPRESS

Coffee price: $1

More than 25.5m hot coffees have already been sold at Coles Express for FY22, and weekly sales volumes have increased by up to 20 per cent.

Coles Express Urban Coffee Culture coffee has been recognised with eight awards at the 2020 and 2021 Golden Bean, the largest coffee competition in the world, according to Coles Express’ Michael Courtney.

“Other than the great taste and $1 price point, it’s the fun and complete convenience of being your own barista,” he says.

“With the push of a button, customers are able to choose a weak, regular or strong coffee – be it a latte, cappuccino, espresso, a long black or an iced coffee. The choice of full or skim milk is also available.”

Newly installed Swiss-made coffee machines mean customers can adjust the strength and style of their brew, from espresso to latte or even an iced coffee.

MCDONALD’S

Coffee price: From $3.10

With more than 1000 McCafes across Australia, one in four coffees sold every day is from a McCafe, according to a McDonald’s spokesperson.

“Our blend (expertly roasted in Melbourne) is made with 100 per cent Arabica beans from Brazil, Honduras, Kenya and Ethiopia, making it smooth, rich and fruity,” they say.

“We are also pleased to continue our partnership with Rainforest Alliance, serving responsibly sourced beans from each of these countries.”

The cappuccino is the most popular order with customers.

“Our trained baristas are brewing and ready to serve it iced or hot in our restaurants, via drive-thru and delivery.”

7-ELEVEN

Coffee price: From $1

Pick up a freshly ground coffee at 7-Eleven. From October 4, a regular coffee will be $2.

“Coffee drinkers who bring their own reusable cup in-store will only pay $1.50 for a regular coffee,” a 7-Eleven spokesperson says.

Each cup is freshly ground from a special blend of robusta beans from India and Arabica beans from Brazil that are roasted in Melbourne.

Regular lattes and cappuccinos are the most popular.

“If a customer was to buy a regular coffee every day of the year from 7-Eleven, instead of paying $4 or more elsewhere, they’d save more than $730 a year,” the spokesperson says. “We are in the process of rolling out pay-and-go technology to enable our customers to pay for their coffee while it pours, making the everyday coffee run easier.”

TOP DROPS

The Australian Specialty Coffee Association reveals what to look for when searching for stellar coffee:

● Seek out an establishment with in-house roasting.

● Don’t accept mediocrity. Find an establishment with freshly roasted beans and knowledgeable staff.

● A long line out the door waiting for coffee is not always a good barometer – but there must be something reasonable on offer.

● Search coffee apps, such as Beanhunter.