Coffee Prices Just Keep Climbing — And So Do Complaints

For millions of Americans, coffee isn’t a luxury — it’s a lifeline. But lately, that comforting morning ritual is coming with a much bigger price tag.

The cost of coffee has surged 22 percent in just the past year, and the sticker shock is hitting home. Shoppers are now seeing $18 cans of Folgers on grocery shelves and paying $10 or more for their favorite specialty lattes. According to The Wall Street Journal, caffeine lovers are taking to social media to vent their frustration as prices keep rising.

While some of the price increase in the U.S. can be traced to tariffs from the Trump administration, international coffee markets aren’t faring much better. Unpredictable weather in key coffee-growing regions — including Brazil, Colombia, and parts of Africa — has damaged crops and reduced supply. As demand stays strong, the result is a global spike in bean prices.

And coffee isn’t the only breakfast staple causing concern. According to Forbes, eggs are up more than 10 percent over last year, bacon prices have climbed by 5 percent, and even bananas — typically one of the most affordable fruits — have jumped 6 percent. The average American breakfast, once a low-cost comfort, is becoming noticeably more expensive.

With inflation still a concern in many households, rising food prices are sparking both online grumbles and policy discussions. In fact, the price of coffee has managed to do what few issues can — unite lawmakers across party lines. A bipartisan bill introduced in Congress aims to exempt coffee from import tariffs, in hopes of providing some relief for consumers and small businesses alike.

For now, though, caffeine lovers are holding on to their cups — and their wallets. Whether brewed at home or bought on the go, coffee remains a daily ritual that most aren’t willing to give up, even if it means digging a little deeper at the register.

Because at the end of the day, skipping coffee isn’t an option.