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Are Bigger Coffee Bags Cheaper? Price per Ounce by Bag Size

Bulk bags promise savings, but how much? We converted every listed bag size in our index to ounces and compared the median price per ounce across 578 priced bag sizes.

The Short Answer

Bottom line
Extra bulk (5 lb+) bags cost a median $1.14 per ounce versus $1.83 for standard bags, roughly 38% less.

Median Price per Ounce by Bag Size

Bag sizeBag sizes listedMedian $/ozCheapest per ounce
Small (under 8.5 oz)67$2.27Flight Coffee Thunderbolt Bold Blend ($1.32/oz)
Standard (8.5-13 oz)378$1.83The Daily ($1.00/oz)
Large (13-24 oz)23$1.46Fast Forward Espresso ($1.17/oz)
Bulk (2-3 lb)49$1.69Cardinal Blend ($0.94/oz)
Extra bulk (5 lb+)61$1.14Cardinal Blend ($0.75/oz)

Weights are converted to ounces from each roaster's listing; only sizes with at least five listings are shown. Estimate how fast you will finish a bag with our bag life calculator, and see whether price predicts quality.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are bigger coffee bags cheaper per ounce?
Usually. The median extra bulk (5 lb+) costs $1.14 per ounce versus $1.83 for a standard bag, about 38% less across 578 priced bag sizes in our index.
Are small coffee bags a bad deal?
They cost more per ounce, around $2.27 at the median, but they are a low-risk way to try a new roaster or an expensive lot like a Gesha.
Is it worth buying a 5 lb bag of coffee?
Only if you will drink it while it is fresh. Beans are best within about a month of roasting, so a 5 lb bag suits households that brew several cups a day or can freeze portions in airtight containers.
How do I compare prices across bag sizes?
Divide the price by the weight in ounces. A 340 g bag is about 12 oz, and 1 lb is 16 oz. Our bag life calculator estimates how fast you will finish a bag.

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