Coffee is the lifeblood of many of our morning routines. It is more than just a caffeine kick. It’s a ritual, a moment of indulgence, and, for some, a necessary fuel to power through the day. But as coffee lovers, it’s crucial to consider not just the taste but also the impact of our caffeine habit. The good news is that a growing number of sustainable coffee brands are making it easy for us to enjoy our brew and feel good about it. Here’s a comprehensive guide to some of the best sustainable coffee brands in the UK.
My relationship with coffee
I love coffee – but caffeine does not love me. Too much caffeine triggers my vertigo, but I don’t let that stop me. Most brands have a de-caf option so I start my day with a de-caf coffee now. It’s not so much about the caffeine kick, but the taste and the habit.
1. The Grumpy Mule
The Grumpy Mule is a brand that matches quality with character. Their Fairtrade-certified coffee beans are sourced from regions all over the world, including South America, Africa, and the Far East. All their coffee is organic, which means it’s grown without the use of synthetic fertilizers and pesticides. This benefits the environment and ensures the health and well-being of farmers and their communities. The Grumpy Mule is serious about making a difference, but they don’t let that get in the way of their cheeky sense of humour. Learn more about them here.
2. Cafédirect
Cafédirect stands out for its innovative business model. This London-based brand invests 50% of its profits into Producers Direct, a charity that works directly with farmers to improve their livelihoods. That’s on top of the Fairtrade premiums they pay. With a wide variety of single-origin beans and expertly crafted blends, Cafédirect is a testament to the fact that great taste and ethical sourcing can go hand in hand. Find out more about them here.
3. Alpaca Coffee
Alpaca Coffee is committed to sustainability, not just in their coffee sourcing but also in their packaging. They use plant-based packaging, made from wood pulp and bio-plastics, making them a proud plastic-free coffee company. Their organic coffee is sourced directly from South American farmers who uphold sustainable practices and are ensured a fair price. Check them out here.
4. Pact Coffee
Pact Coffee takes pride in its flexible coffee plans, making it easy for you to enjoy fresh and ethically sourced coffee without the hassle. They offer 13 different rotating coffees, nine different origins, five different grinds, and even a decaf option. Pact Coffee pays their farmers directly, ensuring they earn between 25-125% above the Fairtrade price. Learn more about them here.
5. Volcano Coffee
Volcano Coffee is a small-batch roastery producing award-winning organic coffee. The beans are sourced from farmers who uphold sustainable practices and are ensured a fair price. What sets Volcano apart is their dedication to zero waste. Their packaging is fully biodegradable, and their roastery is powered by wind, solar, and natural gas. Check them out here.
6. Lost Sheep Coffee
Coffee capsules have revolutionized the way we enjoy barista-quality coffee at home. However, the single-use, non-biodegradable nature of most coffee pods has raised environmental concerns. Lost Sheep Coffee addresses this issue by providing Nespresso-compatible capsules made from aluminium, which are fully recyclable. Learn more about them here.
7. Kiss The Hippo
Kiss The Hippo is a brand that takes its commitment to sustainability seriously. They source their coffee directly from farmers and pay them a fair price. Moreover, their roastery is the first to be designated carbon neutral in the UK. Check out their range of single-origin and blended coffees here.
8. Good Coffee Project
Good Coffee Project works directly with farmers to ensure their coffee is ethically grown and sustainably sourced. In addition to offering organic coffee, they also provide compostable coffee pods. This makes it easy for you to enjoy a delicious cup of coffee while reducing your environmental impact. Learn more about them here.
9. Percol
Percol was the first ground coffee brand to achieve Fairtrade status. They’ve since expanded their commitment to sustainability by becoming a plastic-free coffee company. Their coffee is also certified organic by the Soil Association, and their beans are roasted in the UK. Check them out here.
10. Taylors of Harrogate
Taylors of Harrogate is a traditional British brand known for its quality coffee and tea. They were one of the founding members of the Ethical Tea Partnership and are also a Fairtrade coffee brand. Find out more about them here.
Choosing Sustainable Coffee Brands
Choosing sustainable coffee brands is a small step we can take towards a more responsible lifestyle. Not only does it help protect the environment, but it also supports coffee farmers and their communities around the world. So next time you’re shopping for coffee, why not choose one of the sustainable coffee brands mentioned above? Not only will you be enjoying a delicious cup of coffee, but you’ll also be making a positive impact on the world.
Boost your coffee experience by choosing sustainably sourced coffee from brands that care about the environment and the welfare of their farmers. Your morning cup can be a moment of indulgence that also supports sustainable farming practices, fair trade, and responsible business practices. After all, good coffee should do good too.
Remember, every cup counts when it comes to making a difference. So, whether you’re a casual coffee drinker or a full-blown coffee aficionado, you can make a positive impact with every sip. Choose sustainable, choose fair, choose delicious. Choose your coffee wisely.
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