In a world where the cost of living is constantly on the rise, and every cent counts, Australians are always on the lookout for clever ways to save money without sacrificing the little pleasures in life. One such pleasure, especially for coffee aficionados, is the indulgence of a refreshing iced coffee. But as many of us have experienced, this cool treat can often come with a not-so-cool price tag. That’s why when an Aussie woman shared her ‘sneaky’ hack for enjoying an iced coffee without the hefty cost, it quickly captured the attention of budget-conscious coffee lovers nationwide.
The viral sensation began when @contentbyzara posted a video detailing how she and her partner managed to enjoy two double-shot oat milk iced lattes for the bargain price of just $8 total – a figure that’s music to the ears of anyone who’s felt the sting of paying up to $11 for their favourite iced beverage. The secret? A simple yet ingenious method that involves a bit of preparation and a dash of audacity.
Armed with glass jars filled with ice and oat milk, the couple strolled to their local Gold Coast cafe and ordered two double espressos, each costing a mere $4. They then poured the freshly brewed shots into their pre-prepared jars, instantly creating their own iced lattes at a fraction of the usual cost. The result? A delicious, wallet-friendly coffee that tastes just as good as the more expensive cafe versions.
The response to Zara’s hack was overwhelmingly positive, with many social media users applauding her ingenuity and expressing eagerness to try the trick themselves. Comments ranged from enthusiastic endorsements like ‘She’s onto something’ and ‘This is so smart’ to the simple yet effective ‘YUM. This is such a good idea!!!’
But not everyone was on board with the DIY approach. Some critics labelled the hack as ‘sad’ and admitted they would feel ’embarrassed’ to bring their own milk to a cafe. Others questioned the cost-effectiveness, arguing that $4 for a double espresso still seemed steep, especially when supplying your own milk.
Despite the mixed reactions, the conversation sparked by Zara’s video highlights a broader issue: the rising cost of coffee and the factors contributing to it. Industry experts, like Sydney cafe owner Andrew Hardjasudarma, point to increasing expenses for coffee beans, wages, and rent as the culprits behind the anticipated price hikes in coffee. With the world’s largest coffee bean suppliers facing adverse weather conditions and supply chain disruptions, coffee drinkers are bracing for the possibility of paying around $8 per cup in the near future.
Do you have any clever coffee hacks or tips for enjoying life’s little luxuries on a budget? Share your ideas in the comments below and let’s chat about getting the most out of every dollar!
Also read: Brewed at home: The rise of coffee machines and the end of Aussie cafes?
