Amid climate concerns threatening traditional coffee production, startups are brewing up innovative alternatives like "beanless coffee," aiming to balance environmental sustainability with consumer cravings for a morning caffeine fix.
L.V. Anderson reports for Grist.
In short:
- Climate change threatens traditional coffee production, prompting startups to explore alternative options.
- Companies like Atomo and Northern Wonder are developing "beanless coffee" using sustainable ingredients such as date seeds and chickpeas.
- These alternatives aim to mitigate environmental impact while providing a caffeine boost.
Key quote:
"Coffee is a ritual and it’s a result. And that's what we're replicating."
— Andy Kleitsch, CEO of Atomo
Why this matters:
Instead of relying on coffee plants, which require extensive resources and land, beanless coffee can be produced through alternative ingredients like chicory, dandelion roots, or other plant-based sources. These substitutes not only offer a more environmentally friendly option but also diversify agricultural practices, potentially mitigating the risks associated with monoculture farming.
Coffee drinker that cares about your environmental footprint? Buy shade-grown coffee, brew it by French press, and dispose of the coffee grounds in compost.
