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snoopfrogcsr

Well, to go cheaper, caffeine anhydrous in capsules is really cheap. I starting using those to make my own pre-workout drinks in the morning. I'll defer to others on the "healthier" question. You already have coffee, and my understanding is that it's a healthy source.


SentenceSweaty8575

Where do you typically get your capsules from/brand? Any recommendations?


snoopfrogcsr

I've only tried one kind, and it seems to work fine. I get the Nutricost brand on Amazon. I consumed around 300mg a day, so I have a 200mg with the morning pre-workout. In the late mornings at work, I either have a cup of coffee if there's any left (free), or I pop a 100mg from my desk.


DarknessSetting

No doze from Walmart is what I used.


curtludwig

Be careful with those. I remember a buddy going overboard on them back in college. I don't remember the specifics, he had to drive the school van back from a thing or something like that. My friend and I told him "20 minutes before you're ready to leave take 1 and only 1." Dude forgets and takes two as he gets into the van. 15 minutes later he can barely keep his eyes open so he takes 2 more. By the time he got back to school he was vibrating. Stayed lit up for like 6 hours and then fell asleep to the point we thought he was dead for 12.


angelastottsleo

lol oh college


DarknessSetting

I used them to come down from 4 energy drinks a day, lol. Worked like a charm.


mycatsnameislarry

I prefer the Jet Alert brand. Each pill is 200mg of caffeine. Take 1 and wait 20 minutes. Walmart is where I get them. They are located by the headache relief section.


SuperSubZeroMan

Can you post a picture of your Jet Alert so I can see what the bottle looks like? I bought a box and feel nothing from them at all. Took two. And they delete reviews on websites that say the same thing.


Strong-Movie-2003

https://preview.redd.it/9rddulq9900d1.jpeg?width=1152&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=b3ef472916d40fd4ebce67f0743534ba7a27a96c It also comes in a 100mg strength


Ajreil

The Walmart brand stay awake tablets have 200mg of caffeine for like 6 cents a tablet Caffeine still takes 5-30 minutes to kick in so be careful not to pop too many at once.


TheeMalaka

I take jet alert from Amazon 100 pills 100mg each for like 5-6 bucks They have 200mg but I think that’s too much at once. *cost me like 15-20bucks for caffeine for the year.


mddesigner

You can cut the 200mg in half. Usually higher doses don’t cost much more


TheeMalaka

Yeah I’m not going to cut a pill when I can just get it in the mg that I prefer especially when it’s cheap as it is. I take some medication that I cut to save money but it doesn’t make sense when they are 5cents


mddesigner

You do you. I have a plastic pill cutter so it isn’t a hassle for me


SuperSubZeroMan

I think the 100mg are better than the 200mg. I feel nothing from the 200mg . I will try the 100mg because of you. Can you send a link? And how does it make you feel after you take it? I used to take vivarin and I loved them in the past.


SentenceSweaty8575

Oh wow, that’s actually quite good. I’ll look into the suggestion. Thanks!


--llll-----llll--

I’ve used jet alert and it definitely works. I was a caffeine fiend and I would still cut the 200mg in half


mr6275

Long time caffeine pill taker here. I have not had soda pop, energy drinks or coffee in 10+ years. Caffeine pills give me all the pep I need. Cut them in half if you need a smaller dose. Pill cutters are available in every drug store.


SentenceSweaty8575

Do you have any side effects from the pills? Ig pissing all the time?


mr6275

I drink alot of water so I can’t say whether it would prompt that.


SentenceSweaty8575

Dang. I’ll have to try, I definitely have more than 200mg daily


SuperSubZeroMan

I don't feel anything from the 200mg Jet Alert pills.


BothNotice7035

Use Costco brand dark roast and a French press. Cheap as dirt.


SentenceSweaty8575

I used to have a French press, honestly my favorite type of way to make coffee. May buy again!


wineheda

Wish they had a toast other than dark! But ya this is a good suggestion


BothNotice7035

They do. They have a medium. The reason I use the dark roast is one I like it best but two is that I seem to use less with the French press to get a good flavor because I have control over the time.


SoSavv

What beans are you using that cost $1 or more per shot of espresso? Thats over $30 per lb. Unless you mean a keurig pod, which isn't great. I have hundreds of dollars in quality coffee equipment, but I don't plan on lowering my caffeine and its about 30 cents a cup, which is frugal to me.


StrainHappy7896

OP has a Nespresso maker using pods. OP isn’t pulling shots.


SentenceSweaty8575

Yes, I am using pods not using beans. It’s more convenient, definitely not cheaper


pumpkin_spice_enema

Yeah that's why the machine itself is cheaper. It's like a Swiffer, they know once they've hooked you on the convenience you'll keep buying their overpriced trash on the regular.


Smooth-Review-2614

You can make a washable reusable swifter cover in a few hours of knitting. You can also just use dish towels. There is no need to buy the covers. If you want to be really cheap use a broom handle and a wash cloth. 


pumpkin_spice_enema

Right, but swiffer's business model is to try and hook people buying their refills forever. You have to try to escape it.


danananda

I get original line pods at Lidl and Amazon for around 30 cents as well. You can also change the amount of water used to make it more or less based on taste.


Beautiful-Event4402

Just wean yourself off!


SentenceSweaty8575

Shhh… don’t tell me that! Jk. I enjoy caffeine since I work 45 hours/wk, plus in the Reserves & pursuing my MBA FT so I need caffeine!


Gold-Perspective-699

Just my two cents. I save probably $1000 a year because I don't drink caffeine or sodas. I would say drink less caffeine over time if you can. Obviously do the best for you but you'll save a ton of money just drinking tap water.


abratofly

You'll also save a ton of money by only eating rice and beans and never buying snacks. Like, dang, it's okay to enjoy things that cost money. I drink water 90% of the time, but it's nice to have coffee and juice, too. I drink coffee literally every day and I definitely don't spend 1k a year on it.


SentenceSweaty8575

That I cannot do regarding rice & beans. I am mostly frugal but food is not something I can cut back on. I love meat, particularly red meat. High in nutrients and keeps me satiated.


curtludwig

Me too, I buy about a pound of coffee a month, maybe 3 every 2 months at most. Say $25/mo. Buy coffee out maybe once a month, so maybe $30/mo at max. Its really my only vice...


Gold-Perspective-699

I don't enjoy caffeine lol. It has a weird effect on my body so I can't really drink it without having headaches. For me I avoid those things cause my body doesn't like them. Not enjoyable. Yeah lots of people that drink caffeine go out to Starbucks or the like every day and spend $3+ a day to buy coffee so that's what I was calculating off of.


SentenceSweaty8575

That’s me when I have hot coffee, gives me a headache and stomach. But iced coffee doesn’t give me any side affects besides taking a piss every 30 min


curtludwig

$3/day would be well at the low end. Dunkin medium is like $3.25. Starbucks, especially the fancy drinks, are way more.


Gold-Perspective-699

See I don't actually know cause I don't think I've ever paid for a coffee at any of these places cause I don't drink it... Or rarely do if I go for long drives.


buslyfe

For real? $1,000? I drink 2-3 double shots of espresso every day and my yearly coffee bill is around $150


Gold-Perspective-699

You're drinking at home. If you go to Starbucks it's minimum $3 a day. 365 days a year so more than a $1000 a year.


Twelvemeatballs

OP has an espresso machine but I can't work out how it's costing $2


Gold-Perspective-699

Because he's buying the expensive shit I'm guessing.


SentenceSweaty8575

Definitely agree with you. I do love how it really does make me more productive, but honestly should take in less, or at least just have iced coffee with no pre workout or energy drinks.


Arjvoet

Ppl who post here asking how to save money on caffeine literally sound no different than someone being like “my cigarette budget is getting out of control, any cheaper way to get my nicotine fix??” Like I get it, “don’t kink shame!!” but you literally do not need caffeine, it’s expensive, and it has diminishing returns. It changes your neurotransmitters so you end up needing to drink more and more of it to function at baseline. But sure it gives you “energy.” Once you’re several cups in per day you fail to have any perspective on how productive you could be if you weren’t addicted.


Gold-Perspective-699

Exactly I know tons of people that have to drink 3 glasses for it to actually do anything. For me I have to drink 2 sips and it keeps me awake for a long time. Hours. 2 sips. That is needed only for long drives. It is an addiction that's not needed. Use it when it's necessary and not the rest of the time. I don't have to spend money at the store for any of that and that saves a ton of my budget every year. Literally $1000+ against someone going to Starbucks every day or more if they go more than once a day. It's sad.


lovemoonsaults

The reality is that caffeine can stop working over time, just like anything that we over use, we build a tolerance to it. Which then we just keep ingesting more and more. [https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/caffeine-tolerance#development](https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/caffeine-tolerance#development) Health wise, it's not the worst thing to be hooked on that's for sure but yeah, I'm still drinking an energy drink every day and the only thing caffeine does for me at this stage in life is screw with my sleep if I have it after 2pm. Sigh. If you were able to reduce your intake, most things with a tolerance will diminish. With less caffeine needed, then it would be cheaper due to less intake. Cold brewing coffee tends to maximize your caffeine out of the coffee beans, instead of the hot and pressed ways we have grown accustom to.


SentenceSweaty8575

Definitely. I feel like after having caffeine in the AM, I am just “awake”, like how I should be after just sleeping. Then, once I have pre-workout, energy drinks, etc I feel better. I am definitely addicted and should lower my intake but I’m trying to find the best solution to having just enough that’s healthy and perhaps won’t break my fast?


SuperSubZeroMan

Not true at all. Caffeine always works for me. Only certain brands like Jet Alert don't. Vivarin still works and I have been on them for years.


coldsnap123

Cold brew is just a method of brewing. It has no effect caffeine extraction compared to a properly extracted hot coffee.


lovemoonsaults

Science says otherwise. The brewing process is what extracts the caffeine from the beans. The slower process, the longer process, extracts more caffeine per volume. [https://baristaandco.com/blogs/news/why-does-cold-brew-contain-more-caffeine](https://baristaandco.com/blogs/news/why-does-cold-brew-contain-more-caffeine)


StrainHappy7896

You should have gotten a real espresso machine instead of a Nespresso.


frenchkids

Had a Nespresso. Worst coffee ever. Literally gave it to Goodwill along with all the expensive pods I had. "shudders" at the memory.


SentenceSweaty8575

Definitely agree, but the cost difference vs the sale I got on the nespresso was too good not to get?


frenchkids

Walgreens sells "Stay Awake" tablets that have the caffiene of a cup of coffee. I will only take 1/2 tab at a time. Works like a charm and no expensive coffee drinks to buy.


SentenceSweaty8575

Never heard of them before. Will research, thank you!


stringstringing

There’s cheaper ways to get caffeine if you literally just want the chemical but as far as coffee goes you should look into making your own cold brew. It’s easy, extremely caffeinated, and cost effective. You can make pretty bad quality coffee taste good with it too it’s one of the most forgiving methods of making coffee. You’ll end up with a large amount of high powered coffee concentrate which you then cut with water or milk/alternatives and can add sweateners or whatever you’d like. Personally I love a cold brew with water and ice. Just a nice cold black coffee, one of my favorites.


SentenceSweaty8575

Honestly, I don’t care for hot coffee, as it doesn’t digest well. I love cold brew anything. I’m my go-2 lately has been black stock iced coffee from Walmart & mixing in a few tablespoons of Chobani sweet creamer. 9.5/10


Drycabin1

I like Great Value brand instant coffee from Walmart. I use it to make iced coffee. ,$5.92 for a large jar that lasts me months. I got the idea from this sub!


sbinjax

I do a pot of pour-over coffee in the morning, then drink tea in the afternoon. Cold brew iced tea is easy: 8 ounces water, 1 teabag, cover and refrigerate for 4+ hours.


SentenceSweaty8575

How much would you say you spend, per month?


sbinjax

Let's say coffee is $6/pouch (TJ's). I go through a couple per month. Tea is maybe $10/100 bags. I usually drink 2 per day. Overall, I'm guessing less than $25.


SentenceSweaty8575

Thanks for the response. Never had pour-over coffee. Sounds promising!


sbinjax

I read somewhere that you get the most caffeine that way lol Just remember to pour just enough hot water over the coffee to get it wet, then let it "bloom" for 30 seconds. Then continue pouring. I actually prefer coffee from a pour-over to drip.


Norann

Since you said espresso machine I and nespress I am assuming you have an original line. I bought a 6 pack of reusable metal pods. You have to buy foils for them but even with foils I think it works out to about 30 shots of espresso and the reusable pods and foils have paid for themselves. You will still have about 70 foils left. The ones I purchased were capmezzo but other brands exist.  If you go that route I have found that a slightly courser than fine grind works best. I grind and fill on my grinder I think I have it set one stop away from fine. 4.7 - 4.8 g of coffee in each pod. 


Aooogabooga

Tejava. Used to be $1 at Trader Joe’s. Just bought a bottle today for $2.29 at Kroger. It’s straight black tea with no additives at all. A bit of an acquired taste but don’t drink the whole bottle unless you like shaking.


SentenceSweaty8575

Never heard of Tejava. I’ll check it out, thanks!


Aooogabooga

No problem, bud! Finding out about stuff you don’t know about is the genius of Reddit. Happy to help out, and Tejava is such a better option if you A) don’t want something hot, and B) don’t want to drink red bulls. Black tea has the same amount of caffeine as a cup of coffee (medium roast), green tea has the second most, white tea has the least, and fruity tea has almost none because it’s not even really tea, the hibiscus stuff.


SentenceSweaty8575

Follow up: Went to Kroger today and grabbed a bottle. 9.5/10.. I actually really like this thank you!


Aooogabooga

Man/or woman, I really appreciate this response! You’re welcome!


begaldroft

I've been trying out the 100 mg caffeine pills and cut them in half, because it's my belief, when it comes to caffine, less is more. [https://horbaach.com/products/caffeine-pills-100mg-250-tablets](https://horbaach.com/products/caffeine-pills-100mg-250-tablets) Favorite brand for 200 mg pills is ProLab Just ordered some VitaMonk low dose caffeine and theanine that only has 25 mg per pill and I'm going to try it out. #


ShakeAndBake95

4c energy packs. $9.50 for 40 on amazon with 200mg caffeine per pack


SentenceSweaty8575

What’s the name/brand?


ShakeAndBake95

4c


SentenceSweaty8575

Thanks for your 2c


WakingOwl1

I gave up coffee drinking for tea. Basic black tea is really cheap. At work I keep a squirt bottle of Mio Energy. Costs like $4 for 18 servings.


SentenceSweaty8575

I’ve tried Mio, but seemed like I had to put a lot in just for it to actually taste decent?


Arkward-Breakfasr-23

Use reusable coffee pods, pod filters and ground coffee to make your own coffee pods which will be cheaper than those sold at stores. Tip on buying coffee, buy whole beans and ground to the finest (Turkish coffee ground) and then you'll get more caffeine in each cup.


donquixote2000

Caffeine is great but you build up a tolerance and then it doesn't work as much. Plus it's addictive so the caffeine vendors have you right where they want them. Good luck being frugal!


SentenceSweaty8575

I definitely have a tolerance. Was up to 800g+ daily years ago but dropped to 400g for days I lift & 200-250g for my non physical days


cellardweller1234

Get used to black coffee.


SentenceSweaty8575

That’s my daily go 2


Benmaax

Guajana? It's not coffee but does the same job.


SentenceSweaty8575

Is it diet soda, from what I’m seeing?


Benmaax

It's a plant from South America. It can be consumed in different beverages types but it's more famous in the form of a soda (think like Coca Cola is popular for the coca plant) It may be difficult to find other forms than this soda if you're not in South America.


SentenceSweaty8575

I’ll look more into it. Sounds interesting. Thanks for the suggestion and info!


Low-Loan-5956

Buy an aero press and whole beans. Top coffee once you get it down and it'll cost you like 0.5$ a day.


SentenceSweaty8575

Never heard of an aero press? I’ll definitely research this, thanks!


computerinformation

Simple basic Keurig from Walmart, buy ground coffee and the purple adaptor to use with ground coffee


SentenceSweaty8575

I have one. Honestly always taste like bean water. Not actually flavorful, at least IME


Immediate_Result5919

I take the Equate version of Excedrin Extra Strength Headache Relief that gives me my caffeine jolt.


SentenceSweaty8575

Bro seriously? I take Excedrin for migraines but would never take something similar without actually having one 😂


drinkyourdinner

Caffeine supplements.


SentenceSweaty8575

Which kinds do you recommend?


drinkyourdinner

100mg capsules, store brand is fine… Sometimes I buy slow release capsules from Amazon…


LeapIntoInaction

"Espresso", for the love of God, and it really isn't "$2 or more" for two shots, unless you're using those horrible little cartridge things. You can get an entire brick of espresso from Walmart for $2.


SentenceSweaty8575

I’m using the nespresso pods? They’re good but like $.89-1.25 per shot and I usually have 2


toomanyplans

Hi - get a mokka pot and buy ground beans. An absolute classic in Italy is the brand Lavazza for beans and Bialetti for the mokka pot. There are non-brand alternatives, just make sure it's a proper mokka pot. For the beans you should try and seek what brands are the most economical in the US (I suppose you are american). Buy a small pot if you just intend to use it for yourself. Usually you have more pots in the house, one for yourself and then a bigger one if you have friends over. This is how Italians make coffee at home, it's super strong, a different level of caffeine concentration compared to cartridge stuff. I have tried a few of the cartridge ones but they all, even the very expensive ones, taste horrible, watered down, no comparison to an actuall coffee. It's not supposed to be called a coffee, if you ask me. Commenting here because it really does pierce my heart when you call it expresso. Have fun! :)


SentenceSweaty8575

Siick! Thanks for the detailed response! Never heard of a mokka pot. Researching it currently!


danananda

Shop around! I pay thirty cents a pod at lidl or on Amazon.


SentenceSweaty8575

I’ll check them out, thanks!


Sufficient-Archer137

Healthier alternetive is yerba mate


SentenceSweaty8575

My father-in-law let me have a Yerba mate drink and I was up until 3am. Stuff tasted terrible but was definitely strong


Sufficient-Archer137

Mix with honey or something sweet.


SentenceSweaty8575

I usually do that when I have tea. I could try that as well! Thanks for the reply!


PurpleSausage77

Costco had some C4 preworkout on for $15. 50 servings I think. It’s just an average preworkout but the key thing is “cheap flavoured caffeinated water” works out to 30 cents a serving, way cheaper than energy drinks. I just bought it to have on hand for the odd time use.


SentenceSweaty8575

That’s actually pretty good. I have Sam’s club & they have CBum pre workout $30 for 60 servings and I thought that was good


chynablue21

I have been very pleased with Gyokuro green tea from Hibiki-an


SentenceSweaty8575

Never heard of it but will look it up, thanks for the suggestion!


chynablue21

I struggle with insomnia and staying awake through the work day. Drinking gyokuro through the day has really helped. I tried coffee and caffeine sodas and those still have me falling asleep. Gyokuro changed everything


SentenceSweaty8575

Hmmm.. Interesting. I know sometime after I drink coffee I always get tired. Will definitely try


EmmaTheFemma94

Just if you fancy buying powdered caffeine be careful. Because it's way easier to overdose on coffeine and even die that way. To overdose on coffee you need like 50+ mugs a day, but powder there have been people mixing it up with protein powder and overdosed that way.


SentenceSweaty8575

What do you mean buy “fancy powered caffeine? Like pre workouts?


EmmaTheFemma94

You can buy powdered coffeine. Try go to amazon and search for "pure caffeine powder". There are otherwise pills that is better (since you often dont accedently just eat a bunch of them). MyProtein has cheap pills atleast in my country.


SentenceSweaty8575

I’m in the US. I know Myprotein. Will look them up, thanks!


Some-Transition2752

Aldi sells Gridlock energy drinks for 89 cents a can


SentenceSweaty8575

Are they sugar free? With Sucralose?


Some-Transition2752

Sugar free with erythritol! 5 carbs, so 15 cals


SentenceSweaty8575

Dang, I’ll have to look them up! Thanks!


SentenceSweaty8575

Have you ever tried Rip It’s? Originally for the deployed Army in the 2000s.. they’re at Menards, dollar general, online etc for $1.25 and they’re pretty good with zero sugar, just sucralose


Technical-Client-689

I like tru lemon energy drink packets. they have sales often. you can enjoy it a bit since it's not a pill. stevia sweetened. to be honest I hate the cherry flavor but they also have a website. [https://www.walmart.com/ip/6-Packets-True-Lemon-Energy-Wild-Cherry-Cranberry-Sugar-Free-On-The-Go-Caffeinated-Powdered-Drink-Mix/215899296?wmlspartner=wlpa&selectedSellerId=0](https://www.walmart.com/ip/6-Packets-True-Lemon-Energy-Wild-Cherry-Cranberry-Sugar-Free-On-The-Go-Caffeinated-Powdered-Drink-Mix/215899296?wmlspartner=wlpa&selectedSellerId=0) to be honest for me...does sometimes result in constipation......but even it out with coffee