Beanless Coffee: Brewing a Sustainable Future Amidst Deforestation Concerns
The production of coffee, particularly the sensitive arabica variety, is contributing to deforestation at an alarming rate as coffee farms seek cooler altitudes in response to rising global temperatures. This migration uphill is resulting in the destruction of forests along the way. According to the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), deforestation for various agricultural purposes, including coffee production, has led to the loss of an estimated 420 million hectares (ha) of forested land, equivalent to over 1 billion acres of forest, since 1990. The demand for products like soy, beef, coffee, and palm oil has driven deforestation. The impact of this deforestation on ecosystems, biodiversity, and the climate is significant. It highlights the need for sustainable agricultural practices, reforestation efforts, and the conservation of critical forested areas to mitigate the environmental consequences of agricultural expansion.
Source: FAO, Tridge
Coffee is known for having one of the highest greenhouse gas emissions among foods, and the growing demand for it is contributing to deforestation and human rights violations in some regions. To address these issues, a potential solution gaining attention is beanless coffee. Similar to the rise of plant-based milk and cell-based meat, molecular beanless coffee is a beverage created from alternative ingredients that mimic the taste of traditional coffee. This innovation is particularly relevant as climate change poses a significant threat to coffee production, with a substantial number of coffee species facing extinction and a significant portion of coffee-growing land potentially becoming unsuitable by 2100.
Companies like Atomo, a Seattle-based food-tech start-up, claim that their initial "proof-of-concept" cold brew beanless coffee produces 93% fewer carbon emissions and consumes 94% less water compared to regular coffee. These environmental benefits make it an intriguing innovation, and Time Magazine even recognized it as one of the 200 best inventions of 2022. Atomo anticipates similar positive results for its new hot beanless coffee, which is also crafted from upcycled ingredients, including discarded date pips commonly left over from the commercial production process. The company is initially focusing on coffee shops rather than retail stores and supermarket chains.
Beanless coffee producers, like Atomo, face the challenge of potentially higher price points compared to traditional coffee beans, which may affect their market competitiveness, especially against well-established, lower-priced alternatives. Atomo's roasted coffee, for instance, comes at a premium cost of USD 20.99 per pound (lb), significantly higher than the average USD 10 to 14/lb paid by consumers at coffee shops in the United States (US), according to the Time Magazine. Tridge sees a similar trend occurring with meat and milk alternatives.
Source: The Good Food Institute, Tridge
However, this price differential can be justified by the growing demand for products that are not linked to deforestation and environmental harm, a concern increasingly shared by environmentally-conscious consumers. The unique selling point of being deforestation-free and more environmentally friendly can attract a niche market that is willing to pay a premium for these products. Additionally, Atomo's active engagement with major coffee firms globally to explore opportunities for scaling up and supplying them demonstrates its commitment to addressing the future challenges of coffee production and its willingness to collaborate with established players in the industry.
The development of beanless coffee isn't limited to Atomo. There are several other companies making significant advancements in this field: Minus Coffee in San Francisco focuses on beanless cold brew coffee made from seven primary upcycled ingredients, including date seeds, chicory, and sunflower seeds. Their brew offers several environmental benefits, using 94% less water and producing 91% fewer greenhouse gas emissions than regular cold brew. Northern Wonder, a Dutch food technology brand, offers a medium-roast ground filter blend designed to be prepared just like traditional filter coffee. They also provide beanless coffee pods that are compatible with Nespresso machines. Prefer, based in Singapore, produces bean-free ground coffee using a unique fermentation process. They convert food by-products from beer, bread, and tofu manufacturing into essential coffee aroma molecules. This innovative approach reduces waste and offers a sustainable solution for coffee production.
The introduction of Atomo's beanless coffee is poised to stimulate increased investment in creating sustainable coffee products with reduced environmental impact. This innovation aligns with the growing trend of eco-conscious consumers seeking more environmentally friendly options, which is expected to drive demand for such products over the next three years.
Tridge remains committed to exploring and reporting on various innovations in the food and agriculture sectors, ranging from fruits and vegetables to meat and seafood. The company aims to report the latest developments and trends in the industry, especially those that have a positive impact on sustainability and the environment.
For further reading, follow the links below:
1. Deforestation Law in the EU Set to Impact Palm Oil, Soy, Coffee, and Beef Trade
3. Convenience and Healthy Snacks: Trends in Grab-and-Go and Innovative Options (Americas)