January is when budgets tighten, debit orders pile up, and households juggle back-to-school costs, new routines, and fresh resolutions. It’s the month when many South Africans look for practical ways to stretch every rand. The good news is that your daily cup doesn’t have to be one of the things you cut back on. With a few smart choices and simple hacks, you can still enjoy a flavourful, comforting brew without overspending.
Jacobs’ Senior Brand Manager, Domaine Rautenbach, notes that consumers are becoming increasingly intentional about their purchases during this period. “People want quality, but they also want value. Small choices can make a big difference to your monthly spend,” she notes.
- Look for value packs that last longer
Opting for slightly larger jars or value formats with extra grams helps your coffee go further, especially when budgets are under pressure from school fees, stationery and uniforms. These formats often offer a lower cost per cup. For example, Jacobs Kronung and Jacobs Gold are available in packs with an extra 30g free, giving consumers more servings at the same price and helping them enjoy their daily coffee without overspending.
- Choose a blend that suits your budget
There’s no need to change your coffee habits entirely. Many ranges, including Jacobs, offer blends at different price points, from premium options to everyday instants, as well as 3-in-1 sachets, which combine coffee, creamer and sugar in one convenient pack. For those looking to cut back on sugar, 2-in-1 options are also available, offering coffee and creamer without added sugar. Single-serve sachets are especially handy for busy mornings, school runs, or when you’re starting a new job, helping with portion control, reducing wastage, and keeping your budget on track.
- Affordable doesn’t mean low quality
You can still enjoy a smooth, consistent cup without overspending. Jacobs offers a wide range of options that balance quality and value, from everyday instants to more indulgent choices. Jacobs Gold and Jacobs Kronung Pure Instant Coffee deliver a rich aroma and balanced flavour at a friendly price point, while convenient formats like sticks and single-serve sachets make portion control easy and help reduce wastage.
Another range to note is the Speciality Range, such as Jacobs Cadbury Mochas. Featuring indulgent cappuccinos and rich mochas, this range brings café-style quality straight to your home at a fraction of the price per cup, perfect for moments when you want something a little more indulgent without the café bill.
Single-serve options such as Jacobs 3-in-1 Original Instant Mixed Coffee, as well as richer 3-in-1 variants, offer added convenience and consistency, making it easier to enjoy a comforting cup of coffee that fits both your taste and your budget.
- Know why coffee costs what it does
Understanding the journey from bean to cup, farming, harvesting, roasting, packaging and international transport, helps consumers make informed decisions rather than panic buys when prices fluctuate. This is especially useful at a time when households are trying to plan more carefully and stick to new financial goals.
- Try simple home hacks to stretch your coffee
Preheat your mug to boost flavour, add a splash of hot milk to enhance aroma, or mix a little instant with ground coffee for a café-style feel. These small tweaks help your coffee last longer, ideal when you’re trying to be smarter with money after the festive season. You can even experiment with leftover coffee to make iced coffee or frothy drinks. Small tweaks like these help your coffee last longer and make your daily routine feel a little more indulgent, whether you’re rushing out for school, commuting to a new job, or settling into your daily rhythm.
6. Remember the comfort factor
Coffee isn’t just part of your routine, it’s a moment of calm during a stressful month of school runs, early mornings and new-year pressure. Even while budgeting more carefully, you can enjoy a cup that feels warm, grounding, and familiar, helping you start the year on the right note. Even while budgeting more carefully, you can still enjoy a cup that feels warm, grounding and familiar.