Tesco is piloting its new Finest Coffee To-Go machines in two Express stores, offering customers a convenient way to pick up café-style hot drinks while shopping.

Image © Bryan Roberts, IGD (Institute of Grocery Distribution)

The machines use the same Tesco Finest coffee beans served in Tesco Cafés and Coffee Shops.

Roasted in the UK and Rainforest Alliance certified, the medium-roast blend has a well-rounded balance of chocolate and nutty flavours.

Customers can choose from a range of popular drinks, including Americano, Flat White, Latte, Cappuccino, Espresso, Mocha, Hot Chocolate and Breakfast Tea.

The offer is set to expand soon, with customers due to have the option to add syrups to selected drinks.

Small drinks from the machines are also included in the Tesco Meal Deal, giving shoppers another way to enjoy a hot drink as part of their lunch or snack purchase.

Costa Express partnership

Tesco has previously given customers the chance to caffeinate with Costa Express machines available at over 2,800 locations.

The UK’s largest supermarket meal deal includes both hot and cold self-served Costa beverages. In July, it added 16 iced Costa drinks to the offering during the ongoing heatwave.

Subscribe to Grocery Gazette for free

Sign up here to get the latest grocery and food news each morning

While Costa Coffee expanded its hot beverage offer available in its Express machines nationwide, introducing tea options in 2025.

Tea was introduced to 7,000 of the self-serve machines, which are available in select Tesco, Sainsbury’s and Co-op convenience stores, as well as other retail locations.

Coffee to-go

Tesco joins convenience retailer Co-op, high street giant M&S and Waitrose in offering its customers an opportunity to pick up a coffee while shopping.

Co-op features self-service hot drink stations in selected branches, frequently utilising their own 100 per cent Fairtrade brand Ever Ground. It has also partnered with Costa Express to provide freshly brewed takeaway coffee, lattes, and hot beverages on the go.

Marks & Spencer offers hot drinks through over 200 high street M&S Cafés and automated Coffee to Go machines located inside select M&S Food stores and motorway service stations like Moto. All coffee served is 100 per cent Fairtrade certified, and customers receive a 50p discount when bringing a reusable cup.

My Waitrose members can get one free hot drink every day from front-of-store self-service machines with no purchase necessary, provided they bring their own reusable cup. The self-serve offer is managed through the Waitrose Loyalty Scheme.

Images © Bryan Roberts, IGD (Institute of Grocery Distribution)