Regularly, I purchase about 18 ounces of a decent French Roast coffee at a specialty retailer for about $11.

By comparison, 12 ounces of French Roast at Starbucks or Peets will set me back approximately the amount, so theyre 50% more costly, right?

Thats how it appears, but Ive been doing informal measurements and I can tell you they seem to cost exactly the same amount, given the actual quantity of drinkable brew that they yield.

I can use one-third less of Starbucks or Peets coffees and get a rich taste, but I need at least a third, and sometimes double the amount of the specialty retailers stuff to get a strong brew.

This shouldnt be that much of a surprise, when you think about it.

Go into an average restaurant and order a cup of Joe. Typically, it will be very watery and only thinly reminiscent of what youll make at home.

How come?

Most restaurants use: (1) Only a commercial grade of coffee; and (2) They use too little of that for each pot they brew.

Coffee is one of the most profitable items on restaurant menus, and I suppose some think if they can skimp here, they can keep the rest of their food prices in line.

If you prefer the taste of Starbucks or Peets theres no reason to deny yourself.

Youll pay about the same for their products as you will for that which youll get at a specialty grocery store under its house label.

I suggest you compare for yourself to see if the brand name wins!