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AIBU?

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Waitrose free coffee is now undrinkable !

53 replies

joanjett · 29/08/2026 12:16

Waitrose free coffee now tastes like sulphuric piss!
They have changed their coffee beans from costa to their own Waitrose No 1. The coffee is now bitter and undrinkable.

OP posts:
Loulou4022 · 29/08/2026 12:18

Well it’s free so they’re obviously trying to do it as cheaply as possible. If you’re not keen on it go and buy one from Costa!

ilovesooty · 29/08/2026 12:19

Oh dear. 😂

randomchap · 29/08/2026 12:39

Such hardship. Have you considered a go fund me so you can afford the decent coffee

DeftGoldHedgehog · 29/08/2026 12:40

Costa beans are awful, YABU.

Nightnova · 29/08/2026 12:44

What a shame 🙄

Mespher · 29/08/2026 12:46

I'm sure it's fine, just not to your particular taste

Littlegreywolfcub · 29/08/2026 12:47

The horror!!

😁

We don't have a Waitrose near us, so can't comment properly. But if it's free and caffeinated I'd probably give it a go.

Moveoverdarlin · 29/08/2026 12:47

I haven’t drank it since Covid. They stopped it for ages and when it came back it was horrible tasting.

sanityisamyth · 29/08/2026 12:48

Diddums. #firstworldproblems

Ariela · 29/08/2026 13:32

I don't like Costa coffee, so will definitely be getting my free cup now.

MissyB1 · 29/08/2026 13:37

Actually I was impressed the other day by how much it has improved! I didn’t realise they had changed the beans, so as far as I’m concerned it’s a change for the better ☕️

Shatenoeuf · 29/08/2026 13:38

You can't really complain about something you are being offered for free. If you dont like it, don't accept it and buy a coffee that's more to your taste

SusanChurchouse · 29/08/2026 13:40

My local one uses Caffè Nero beans. It was out of order when I was in last time, maybe they are switching over.

InOverMyHead84 · 29/08/2026 13:40

In other news, the servicing cost of my Bentley is just the worst.

70isaLimitNotaTarget · 29/08/2026 13:58

I'm wondering how you know what sulphuric piss tastes like ?

Misses point

ChocolateBiscuitsandaCuppa · 29/08/2026 13:59

I thought it was just me, esp. not being a massive coffee drinker.
Ours used to use Cafe Nero and I quite liked it. The last few have just tasted odd. Presume they've changed over too.

user1471538275 · 29/08/2026 14:00

I'll have yours then. Don't want you suffering.

theresnolimits · 29/08/2026 14:02

It’s free. I, for one, am saving around £4 on every cup. There’s no checking, so I just pop in whether I’ve done a shop or not. Tastes great to me.

AmyDudley · 29/08/2026 14:05

Presumably the free coffee is a marketing tool to increase footfall in their shops. I don't know what it tastes like, I don't shop in Waitrose, but if it tastes bad, then it's a marketing fail on their behalf and OP makes a valid point. No need for all the snarky 'my Bentley / first world problems' posts'

.I can't afford to shop in Waitrose, but presumably a lot of MNers can, it's a very middle class/ higher income bracket vibe on here. Good for them, I don't resent people being able to afford things I can't. But some of those people must have a cross over with the posters on here claiming to be outraged at the OP's audacity to complain about a marketing ploy because it happens to be done by Waitrose a shop clearly deemed snobby. (By people who probably shop there)

And I'd say 99 percent of the stuff people post on MN is 'first world problems' ( a very offensive phrase by the way) it's an internet forum, not the United Nations.

I imagine if OP doesn't like the free coffee, she might go somewhere where the free coffee is better, - marketing fail by Waitrose, simple as that.

The coffee I bought in Tesco's cafe the other day way stone cold, they apologised and happily replaced it #notaproblematall I'd have asked for a replacement if it had been free, can't be doing with shit coffee.

Greenfinch7 · 29/08/2026 14:06

The world keeps getting worse.
It was also a tragedy when they started asking you to scan your code to get the cove. I liked it when it was unlimited.
Sad when they stopped the free newspapers too.

KamikazePigeon · 29/08/2026 14:08

LOL, this place.

Obviously the OP knows that she does not have to drink it. She's just venting.

MagnoliaTreeBlossom · 29/08/2026 14:13

In my local waitrose it is Caffè Nero in the coffee machine and the cappuccino is lovely. I've never ordered the coffee option so don't know if it's bitter or a different blend of coffee
Try the tea or cappuccino if you dislike the coffee. It's a nice perk to get a free hot drink... if you remember your travel cup!

anewlifeinthesun · 29/08/2026 16:20

Another one whose branch uses Cafe Nero. I haven’t noticed a change but will look out next time

Favouritefruits · 29/08/2026 16:22

I’m sorry your FREE coffee isn’t to your taste! 😂 honestly some people!

JMSA · 29/08/2026 16:31

Favouritefruits · 29/08/2026 16:22

I’m sorry your FREE coffee isn’t to your taste! 😂 honestly some people!

What is it with these dickish comments?

The OP IS allowed to have an opinion.