Waitrose's Free Coffee Policy Is Changing With Them Telling Customers There's 'News About Free Hot Drinks in Store'

Waitrose free coffee is one of those small perks we all look forward when we're out and about, thanks to those nifty little green cards.

The policy allows any Waitrose customer to claim a free tea or coffee when in store if they've registered to be a MyWaitrose member. Today, however, the supermarket sent out an update on their policy, letting people know there would be changes to the freebies going forward.

In the email entitled 'An important message for myWaitrose members - News about free hot drinks in store', which was sent to thousands of customers, the MyWaitrose team expressed the need for consumers to purchase something before claiming their cup from the checkout.

This has in fact been the policy since October last year, but many members it would appear have been side lining sales and pinching a cup here or there from generous tellers at the tills when they pop in, without picking up any groceries at the same time.

Waitrose, who were the first every supermarket to be granted a Royal Warrant by the Queen, used to offer free coffee or tea to anyone but had to enforce a purchase-first-policy when customers began to complain of queues becoming too long.

With this latest update on Waitrose's free coffee we think there'll be no more sneaking in a free cuppa on your way into town. Instead you'll have to grab a sandwich or pick up a few bits before enjoying a warm drink.

How to get a Waitrose free coffee

You can easily register to become a MyWaitrose member online, after which you'll be sent a small green fob. When making a purchase at any Waitrose till you can ask the teller to scan your fob and they'll hand you a cup in return to take with you to one of their self-service hot drink machines. You can then choose from an array of tea or coffee choices before enjoying your cuppa.

You can also indulge in a sit-in drink if your local branch has a café area. The same rules apply, and you'll have to purchase something before claiming your free Waitrose coffee, but this could be a cake to go with it – so it's not all bad news.

Are there any purchases that don't count to get a free coffee?

Yes, you actually have to buy the right kind of things to get your free Waitrose coffees - with a few exceptions singled out by the supermarket as not valid purchases. These include 5p bags, tobacco, stamps, mobile top up vouchers, lottery tickets and gift vouchers.