Caffeine is a wonder drug. It could be argued that this stimulant powers half the world’s people who are running on lack of sleep. It’s amazing how much you can get done when the drug is in your system, combatting feelings of tiredness and lack of motivation.
The vast majority of people get their caffeine fix through coffee. If you’re part of that majority, you know how expensive it can be to buy coffee every single day, even if you’re brewing it at home. Sometimes, you just crave a delicious espresso or latte from Starbucks too—but you have to be willing to pay for it.
If you want a cheaper way to get your caffeine fix, there are options. Read on to find out how millions of people are saving money despite consuming caffeine daily.
Get a coffee subscription
For those who drink coffee as if it’s water, a coffee subscription is by far the best way to save money. You’ll pay a monthly fee to get enough coffee for the rest of the month. You can also choose specialty blends and uniquely roasted beans from all over the world so that your home-brewed coffee tastes incredible. It’s often much cheaper to get your coffee fix this way.
Some coffee subscriptions will also match you dollar-for-dollar on your coffee shop gift cards in order to compete with major coffee shops. For example, if your Starbucks gift card balance is $10, you’ll get $10 in credit towards a coffee subscription. Now, you have $10 towards Starbucks and $10 towards a coffee subscription without paying extra. What a great way to get more bang for your buck.
Drink caffeinated flavored water packets
If you’re less of a coffee enthusiast but can’t live without your caffeine fix, try flavored water packets that are infused with caffeine. They’re individualized packets designed to flavor a 16.9 oz bottle of water. These packets range from 60 to 120 milligrams of caffeine, which is less than a cup of coffee, but often enough to put a pep in your step and get you going for the day.
Crystal Light makes such packets, as do off-brands at your grocery store. They cost about $2 for a box of 10 or so, which is potentially enough to keep you going for two weeks. With the average cup of coffee costing about $3.50, this is definitely a bargain.
Additionally, most of these packets are flavored with artificial sweeteners, so they’re ten calories or less per serving. If you’re trying to watch your weight and eat more zero-calorie foods without sacrificing your daily energy stimulant, this option is ideal.
Take caffeine pills
Caffeine is most commonly consumed in liquid form, but it doesn’t have to be. There are over-the-counter caffeine pills that will help you stay awake and alert with no calories and virtually no wait time.
No-Doz is the name brand of these drugs, but they can be purchased in off-brand versions, as well. Each caplet has 200 mg of caffeine, which is a little more than the average cup of coffee. A bottle costs between $3 and $10 (depending on the brand) and comes with 60 caplets.
It will certainly pep you up, but physicians warn that you should be taking this medication sparingly, as it’s a habit-forming substance. The rapid-acting caffeine can also come with side effects like headaches, dizziness, shaking, and fast heartbeat, as well. These pills should be used as needed and not on a regular basis. Get the recommendation of a doctor before you take them.
Trips to the coffee shop are not the only ways to get your caffeine fix. There are more affordable options to keep you alert without breaking the bank.
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