Across the United States, the cost of coffee has seen notable increases, with certain areas experiencing more dramatic rises than others. Data from Toast, a company serving retailers, indicates that while grocery expenses have been climbing generally, coffee prices have followed a similar upward trend in specific regions.
Regional Price Variations
From August 2024 to August 2025, Missouri recorded the largest price hike for coffee, with an 11% rise in the average cup cost, as reported by Axios Kansas City using Toast's information. "Missouri's coffee isn't the priciest in the nation, but prices have climbed faster here than anywhere else," noted Abbey Higginbotham for Axios Kansas City.
This surge affects not only daily coffee drinkers but also local enterprises. Ian Davis of Blip Coffee Roasters in Kansas City explained, "We're paying about three times what we used to in the 2010s for coffee beans. If we passed that on to customers, you wouldn't be paying $3. You'd be paying $6 or $7 a cup."
Underlying Causes
Several factors contribute to the escalating coffee prices, including tariffs and the effects of global warming on production. Coffee plants require specific climatic conditions to flourish, and as temperatures rise and rainfall patterns shift, suitable growing areas are diminishing.
According to the Inter-American Development Bank, land available for coffee cultivation could shrink by up to 50% by 2050, leading to potential shortages and further price increases at cafes and stores.
Broader Implications
The importance of coffee extends beyond consumers and shop owners, as it is the world's most traded agricultural commodity, supporting millions of jobs globally. A study highlights that in Central America alone, over 1.2 million people are directly employed in the coffee sector. As more land becomes unsuitable for production, these workers may need to seek alternative employment.
Addressing the Issue
In the long term, solutions to boost coffee production remain uncertain. Raina Lang, head of Conservation International's coffee program, stated, "No one has a playbook for how to deal with climate change. Farmers are just trying to stay one step ahead of it."
For immediate savings, consumers can explore lower-cost options, such as purchasing overstock items or surplus inventory from services like Martie, which offers discounts up to 80% on brand-name foods, helping reduce waste and expenses.
