The Real Price of a Cup of Coffee And Why Redfield Delivers More Value Per Gram
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Across the U.S., a simple coffee from a major chain now costs $3–$6. Prices continue rising due to inflation, labor costs and supply chain pressures. But here’s what most customers don’t see:
You’re not paying for coffee, you’re paying for overhead.
Understanding the true cost per gram of coffee reveals a different story about value, quality and what you’re actually getting in the cup.
How Much Coffee Is Really in a Chain Drink?
Using industry-standard brew ratios (1:15 to 1:18), along with published brewing guides from major chains, a typical brewed drink contains:
- 12–18 grams of coffee
- The rest is water, milk or ice
Effective Price per Gram in a $6 Coffee
| Coffee Dose | $6 Drink | Price per Gram |
|---|---|---|
| 12 g | $6.00 | $0.50/g |
| 14 g | $6.00 | $0.43/g |
| 16 g | $6.00 | $0.38/g |
| 18 g | $6.00 | $0.33/g |
Even under generous assumptions, the effective cost of coffee in a chain drink is $0.33–$0.50 per gram.
Redfield Coffee: Premium Coffee, Better Value
Redfield sells 100 g micro-lots sourced from Panamá’s high-elevation regions at $15–$20.
Cost per Gram
- $0.15–$0.20 per gram
Cost per Cup (18 g specialty dose)
- $2.70–$3.60 per cup
You get a superior cup, with more clarity, aroma and precision, at roughly half the cost per gram of a chain beverage.
Why the Redfield Experience Is Different
- Single-origin Panamá micro-lots
- High elevation: 1,600–2,000+ masl
- Premium varietals: Geisha, Typica, Catuai, Caturra
- Small-batch roasting focused on clarity and structure
- Transparent sourcing and limited releases
This is the type of coffee served in specialty cafés and competitions — and you brew it at home, with full control over your ritual.
Chain coffee costs more per gram and offers lower transparency.
Redfield delivers better coffee, better value and a better cup, gram for gram.
Elevate Your Ritual
Explore our Panama micro-lots and taste the clarity and precision of high-elevation coffee roasted in small batches.