Where can you get the cheapest latte in the metro-east? We checked 6 coffee shops
As inflation and tariffs drive up costs for food across the board, as well as for beverages such as coffee, where’s the least expensive place to grab a latte in the Belleville area right now?
Prices for coffee and milk are both up compared to a year ago, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Consumer Price Index. The price of coffee spiked by 9.6% from April 2024 to April 2025, the latest data says, and the cost of milk increased by 3.9% over the same period. These numbers are not seasonally adjusted, and were reported May 13.
New tariffs could drive the cost of your latte up further, CBS News reported April 14. More than 99% of the U.S. coffee supply is imported, according to the National Coffee Association. Climate change has also contributed to rising costs for coffee, as countries that produce it struggle with inclement weather.
To help residents find the cheapest pick-me-up, the News-Democrat has compared the price of a small, hot latte at six local coffee shops. National chains such as Starbucks and Dunkin were not included.
We also included some notes about pricing for alternative milks and flavorings for those looking for something different. Prices reflect totals pre-tax and pre-tip.
Three of the coffee shops offer $5 lattes, but one beat them out with a $4.60 small latte: Busy Body Meals, a meal prep service that also sells grab and go items, bagels and coffee.
Here’s how the local coffee shops stacked up for latte pricing.
Busy Body Meals
Location: 609 South Illinois St. in Belleville (There’s also an Edwardsville location.)
Price: $4.60 for a small, $4.90 for a medium and $5.60 for a large
Alternative milks: 50 cents to substitute almond or oat milk, half and half or heavy cream
Flavors: The online ordering system allows you to add up to three syrups for no additional charge. Extra syrup is 50 cents. Flavored cold foams are available for $1.
Extra espresso shots: $1.25
June’s Breakfast and Patio
Location: 430 S. Main St. in Shiloh
Size: 12 ounces
Alternative milks: Oat milk is available for an additional $1, Breve is $1.50.
Flavors: Housemade syrup can be added for $1.25.
Extra espresso shots: $1.50
Sugar High Bakery & Cafe
Location: 100 East Main St. in Belleville
Price: $5
Size: 12 ounces
Alternative milks: 75 cents to substitute oat, almond or coconut milk
Flavors: 75 cents for extra syrup
Extra espresso shots go for 80 cents. The 12-ounce latte comes with a double-shot as a default.
Regulars at Sugar High may get a free latte after a few visits.
The Coffee Pot
Location: The Coffee Pot has three locations: a brick and mortar at 613 N. Main St. in Columbia, a walk-up location at 105 N. State St. in Freeburg and a mobile trailer that travels.
Size: 12 ounces
Alternative milks: 50 cents to substitute oat or almond milk
Flavors: 50 cents to add a syrup or sauce flavor
LongStory Coffee
Location: 732 S. Illinois St. in Belleville
Size: 12 ounces (double-shot of espresso)
Alternative milks: There is no additional charge for oat milk or almond milk. Breve-style costs an additional 75 cents.
Flavors: Several flavors are available at no extra charge, including vanilla, simple syrup, caramel and more. Wildflower honey or lavender-infused honey add-ons are each priced at 50 cents, and you can get a CBD-infused honey add-on for $3.
An extra espresso shot costs $2.
Justitia’s Coffee House
Location: 18 E. Main St. in Belleville
Size: 12 ounces
Alternative milks: No additional charge for skim milk, 50 cents for oat or almond milk
Flavors: Syrups are available for 50 cents.
An additional espresso shot will run you 75 cents.
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