In early 2025, I made a resolution to limit my coffee purchases to just one per week as part of my goal to be more financially mindful. Despite the convenience of making coffee at home or using the office espresso machine, nothing compares to the experience of my favorite local coffee shop. However, sticking to my resolution proved harder than expected.
Although one weekly coffee purchase is out of reach, I’m determined to find alternative ways to save money. I recently came across a money-saving hack for iced lattes on social media. This hack involves ordering a plain espresso and then pouring it over milk and ice that you bring yourself, effectively lowering the cost of the drink by a dollar or two.
While this strategy won’t halve the price of your iced latte, it can lead to significant savings over time. The exact amount saved will vary depending on the coffee shop and location. For instance, in my area of Brooklyn, New York, a shot of espresso costs $3.75, whereas a 12-ounce iced latte is priced at $5.50 with an additional $0.75 for oat milk. By employing this hack and making three regular milk iced lattes purchases per week, you could potentially save at least $273 annually.
At popular chains like Starbucks, the savings are similarly notable. A tall iced latte costs $1.80 more than a double shot of espresso, with additional charges for extra shots but no added cost for non-dairy milk options. By opting for the espresso and creating your own latte, you could save up to $2.50 per drink. These savings can quickly add up over time, making this hack a valuable way to cut down on coffee expenses.
In summary:
– Savings at independent coffee shops range from $1.75 to $2.50 per iced latte
– Savings at Starbucks can reach up to $2.50 per iced latte with additional shots included
Enjoy a 12 oz. latte with any type of milk and a double shot for just $5.95. You can save anywhere from $1.80 to $2.50 with this beverage hack, although exact prices may vary depending on location, cost of living, and vendor. To give this money-saving trick a try, a bit of planning and preparation are needed. If you’re in a hurry and craving an iced latte right away, this hack may not be suitable for you. By bringing your own milk and ice, you effectively receive a discount on your coffee. To attempt this hack, you will require milk, ice, and a cup to carry them in.
Start by filling a travel coffee cup with ice and your preferred milk before visiting a coffee shop. If your workplace provides good-quality milk in the kitchen like mine does, this hack can easily be used at home or at work. Take the travel cup to your chosen coffee shop, order an espresso, and then pour the shot over the ice and milk to create your own iced latte. While it is technically feasible to apply the same technique for a hot latte, it may be more challenging. You would need to heat the milk before transferring it to your travel mug, and even then, it won’t have the same frothy top as steamed milk from a professional barista. However, this method is perfect for either an iced or hot Americano – you can simply add hot or iced water to your cup instead of milk.
This year may bring about a greater appreciation for iced espresso drinks and additional savings. If you’re interested in learning more, the original article can be found on Food & Wine.
