Final month, “Shark Tank” investor Kevin O’Leary warned in regards to the costly each day espresso habits draining wealth, at the same time as consultants say the ritual carries which means past caffeine.
O’Leary Calls Espresso A ‘Huge Cash Waste’
O’Leary shared a video on YouTube of a person proudly declaring that he refuses to purchase overpriced Starbucks drinks. As an alternative, the person makes espresso at house for simply 20 cents a cup.
“I really like this man. That is precisely what I am speaking about,” O’Leary mentioned in response. “He is very, very aware of not losing a single cent. Nothing improper with that. That’s very good. Espresso is an enormous cash waste.”
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The Math Behind Day by day Espresso Splurges
In a 2015 article, Forbes cited office psychologist Invoice Dyment estimates {that a} once-a-day $4 espresso drink can price greater than $133,000 over 30 years if the identical cash had been invested at modest rates of interest.
“That’s 25 safaris or good journeys to Europe, a really good automobile or addition to 1’s retirement,” Dyment mentioned on the time.
A 2024 research by Toast discovered that the typical value of a daily cup of espresso within the U.S. was $3.08 within the first quarter of 2024, with chilly brew at $5.14 and lattes at $5.46. Hawaii led the nation with $4.89 common espresso value, whereas Nebraska had the most affordable at $2.12.
By comparability, making espresso at house can price as little as 8 to 27 cents per cup, relying on model and high quality.
Consultants Say It is Not Simply About Caffeine
Nonetheless, psychologists and therapists level out that the attract of a $5 espresso is not solely about style. Dyment mentioned premium espresso delivers a mixture of “social ritual, self-reward” and a welcome pause in a busy day.
Therapist Joanne Weidman echoed that view, including, “Everybody has their splurge, their private indulgence … Jobs might come and go, marriages finish, pals get sick, however Starbucks at all times smells the identical,” she mentioned, including, “That’s the brilliance of the luxurious model—it is not about cash, however which means.”
America’s Espresso Obsession Retains Rising
In response to the Nationwide Espresso Affiliation’s April 2025 report, 66% of American adults drink espresso daily, averaging three cups.
Specialty espresso consumption has surged almost 18% since 2020, with espresso-based drinks and chilly brew main the expansion.
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Kevin O’Leary | Picture courtesy: Kathy Hutchins / Shutterstock.com
Disclaimer: This content material was partially produced with the assistance of Benzinga Neuro and was reviewed and printed by Benzinga editors.

