Want To Save Money on Rising Michigan Coffee Prices? Stay Local

2025 is doomed to be the year of inflation with record high prices on the shelf for everything from eggs to coffee beans. With stretched budgets happening in households of all sizes, there are some things we may be tempted to give up in order to save a few dollars

But it turns out, that coffee at your favorite spot in Grand Rapids doesn't have to be the thing you say goodbye to.

Check out these 5 great local Grand Rapids coffee spots below ⬇️

Recently, you may have seen reports about how the price of coffee in Michigan grocery stores is up 25%, which sparked fear in my "little treat" loving heart. While, I love having a latte when I'm out and about, it's absolutely not a need for me. Thankfully, I got some reassurance from my favorite downtown Grand Rapids coffee shop.

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I spoke with Jon Bailey from The Lantern Coffee Bar & Lounge (who has the best Instagram page in West Michigan if you aren't already following) to ask him how coffee prices are affecting their business- and he reassured me that you won't expect a huge change in your visit to the Lantern.

While he's had to raise prices just like everyone else, he's still committed to the community in a way that no one else is. "With costs going up on literally everything, local is the one place where the quality and price are in unison. Major chains look to exploit at every level they can to save a buck."

And think about it- we've already busted major national retailers inflating prices during the pandemic just because they could, why wouldn't the big out of town coffee companies do the same?

He also said he's noticed that customers may not come in three days a week, but they are still supporting their favorite spots in other ways, " They instead brew coffee at home from their favorite cafe, [so] we have seen an increase in retail sales."

This was also his inspiration to start the Grand Rapids Coffee Club to help people get better at home coffee, as well as having an excuse to get together and enjoy it in person here and there, too.

While you may see your budget tightening, remember that avoiding your local spots is only going to cost you, and our community more in the long run. We have to support our favorite local businesses in good and bad economic times if we want to see Michigan thrive.