For coffee shops, cafes, and offices alike, coffee isn’t just a beverage—it’s the backbone of your customer or employee experience. The quality of your coffee is what brings people back, sparks word-of-mouth, and sets the tone for everything else you do. And the truth is: upgrading to higher quality beans doesn’t cost nearly as much as many business owners assume.
Let’s break it down.
The Math: Cost Per Cup vs. Cost Per Pound
When you look at wholesale coffee pricing, it’s easy to get sticker shock. Paying $12 per pound vs. $8 per pound feels like a big jump. But here’s where the math comes in—coffee is sold by the pound, but enjoyed by the cup.
Brewed Coffee (Drip/Pour Over)
A standard coffee shop brew ratio is about 18:1 water to coffee. That means:
- 1 pound of coffee (16 oz) = 454 grams
- At 18:1, that makes about 8,172 grams of brewed coffee, or ~290 fl. oz.
- A “cup” of coffee is usually 12 fl. oz., so 1 lb of coffee makes ~24 cups.
Now, let’s look at the cost difference:
- For every $1 more per pound, the cost per cup increases by about 4¢.
- So if you step up by $5/lb (e.g., $8 → $13), you only need to raise your price 20¢ per cup to fully cover the upgrade.
Your customers won’t blink at a 20¢ difference—but they’ll definitely notice the improvement in taste.
Espresso Drinks
Espresso uses a different ratio. A common “double shot” is 18 grams of coffee, yielding about 36 grams of liquid espresso.
- 1 pound of coffee (454 grams) ÷ 18 g per shot = 25 double shots per pound.
So:
- For every $1 more per pound, the cost per double shot also increases by 4¢.
- If you spend $5 more per pound, that’s also just 20¢ more per shot.
And since most espresso drinks (lattes, cappuccinos, americanos) sell for $4–$6, an extra 20¢ per drink is negligible compared to the value of serving excellent espresso that customers remember.
Why It Matters
- Coffee Is Your Core Product
Coffee is the “bread and butter” of your cafe. You’ve already invested in prime real estate, high-end equipment, and trained staff—why let the foundation of your menu be underwhelming?
- Customers Notice the Difference
Consumers today are savvy. They know the difference between “just coffee” and a well-sourced, freshly roasted cup. That small 20¢ upcharge per drink not only pays for itself, but it can increase loyalty and drive repeat business.
- Premium Coffee Supports Your Brand
Your coffee defines your reputation. Whether you’re a cafe in Cleveland serving hundreds a day, or a small office looking to impress employees and clients, higher quality beans elevate your entire brand.
- Incremental Improvements Are Possible
Not every shop can jump straight into the most expensive single-origin microlots—and that’s okay. Even moving from commodity-grade to mid-tier specialty coffee makes a noticeable difference. We specialize in finding coffees that fit your budget while still raising your quality.
The Bottom Line
Every extra $1/lb = 4¢ more per cup or shot. That’s it. Even a significant $5/lb upgrade only costs 20¢ more per drink—a price increase your customers won’t mind, and many will be happy to pay once they taste the difference.
Why cut corners on the very thing that keeps people walking through your doors? With specialty wholesale coffee, you’re not just buying beans—you’re investing in customer loyalty, your brand reputation, and the long-term growth of your business.
Fill our our Wholesale Coffee Inquiry form to find out more about our wholesale offerings.