BYO brew on holiday? Brits encouraged to pack coffee as they head to Europe as commodity prices soar
Holiday coffee costs in Europe have surged this year. Here’s why Brits may need to pack their own brew to afford their caffeine fix abroad this summer
Brits heading to certain European hotspots this year might find their morning caffeine fix comes with a rather bitter aftertaste. A new analysis by Tradingpedia reveals that coffee prices are experiencing significant hikes across the continent, potentially leaving UK holidaymakers facing steeper bills for their daily brew.
The report, updated on April 24, 2025, highlights that the average price of coffee, tea, and cocoa within the European Union has jumped by 5.26% since January 2025. However, the increases are far from uniform, with some countries seeing truly eye-watering surges.
Leading the pack is Finland, which has witnessed a staggering 25.50% increase in coffee, tea, and cocoa prices in the first three months of 2025 alone. This follows a year-on-year rise of a massive 43.59%. Neighbouring Sweden isn’t far behind, with a 13.20% increase in the same period and a 25.18% jump compared to March 2024. Bulgaria (13.17%) and Estonia (10.74%) also feature prominently on the list of countries experiencing substantial price growth.
So, why the sudden spike in coffee costs? Studies point to climate disruptions in major coffee-producing nations like Brazil and Vietnam as a primary driver. These disruptions are impacting harvests and, consequently, the global supply chain. Coupled with persistent inflation and economic uncertainty by US trading tariffs, these factors are creating a perfect storm for price increases across Europe. Data on these price changes was gathered using Eurostat’s Food Price Monitoring Tool.
Costs at home are also rising. According to consumer group Which? 11 out of 12 instant coffees at six big grocery retailers had risen by at least 8% in the first two months of 2025 compared with the same period in 2024 and half were more than 10% pricier.
Most expensive countries to buy a coffee in Europe
The impact on consumers is already being felt. In Sweden, for example, coffee prices have risen by an estimated 15–20 kronor (€1.35–€1.80), leading some Swedes to cut back on their coffee consumption.
Interestingly, while Denmark currently has the most expensive cappuccino at €5.51, and Finland isn’t far behind at €4.19, these countries have seen a more gradual price increase of around 3%. On the other hand, Croatia, despite still offering relatively cheap cappuccinos, has seen the biggest yearly price increase, jumping by 18.12% between January 2024 and April 2025, according to Numbeo figures. This suggests that even in traditionally more affordable destinations, the upward trend is significant.
For British holidaymakers planning trips to these nations, particularly Finland and Sweden, the prospect of significantly pricier coffees might be a concern. So, what can savvy travellers do to keep their caffeine budget in check?
Here are a few tips for saving on coffee while on holiday
Consider bringing your own instant coffee, travel French press or coffee maker: This allows you to enjoy your familiar brew without relying solely on cafes. If you are driving to Europe, you can always bring your own ground coffee or capsules along with an electric coffee maker and milk frother with a plug adaptor.
Look for self-catering accommodation: Having access to a kitchen means you can easily make your own coffee.
Explore local supermarkets: Buying coffee grounds or beans and brewing it yourself will invariably be cheaper than purchasing individual cups at cafes.
Take advantage of free coffee options: Some hotels or breakfast buffets may offer complimentary coffee.
Be mindful of where you buy your coffee: Tourist hotspots often have higher prices than local establishments. Venture a little off the beaten track.
While the thought of packing your own coffee and coffee maker might seem a tad extreme for some, the sharp rise in prices in certain European countries suggests that a little planning could save British holidaymakers a significant amount of money on their travels this year. So, before you pack your passport, you might want to consider adding your favourite blend to the suitcase too.
