The market size of the coffee industry is around $495B, with only $10-12B in organic and clean coffee. If you are serious about optimizing your wellness routine, consider switching to one of the clean coffee brands in this article.
From the Editor: As an MBA at NYU Stern School of Business and startup founder, coffee is a major part of my daily routine. My typical day starts at 4:30 am and a b-line for the kitchen to hit “brew” on my coffee maker. I spend the first 3 hours of the day with coffee in hand, studying for the Credentialed Financial Analyst (“CFA”) Level 1 exam.
This is followed by a walk with Gustav (dog) and starting actual work around 9 am. The work day ends around 5 pm when I head to campus for evening classes. With coffee #3 (or 4) in hand, I am in class from 6 pm to 9 pm. I’ve written this article for all of the high-achievers burning it on both ends to get to the next level. Discover the difference between clean coffee brands and why you should care about mold free coffee.
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A Harvard study cites that “moderate coffee intake – about 2-5 cups a day – is linked to a lower likelihood of type 2 diabetes, heart disease, liver, and endometrial cancers, Parkinson’s Disease, and depression. However, if mold toxins are in the coffee, these health benefits could be in jeopardy. Mycotoxins (mold toxins) in coffee are usually insufficient to cause significant harm, but drinking mold is not ideal and could have adverse health effects.
According to the World Health Organization (“WHO”), mycotoxins usually appear on crops that grow in warm and humid conditions. The mold can appear both before and after the harvest of coffee beans.
By purchasing certified clean coffee, you can avoid the chances of having mycotoxins in the coffee beans. In this article, we break down the best mold free coffee brands that are certified to be clean.
Sources:
Is coffee good or bad for your health? – Harvard School of Public Health
Mycotoxins – World Health Organization
Because of the massive demand for coffee (over 60% of Americans drink coffee daily), there is a lot of pressure on coffee farms to mass-produce coffee. As with other commercially farmed products, operators often overlook environmental factors to grow more.
Drinking organic coffee is not only better for the environment, but also for your own health. Organic coffee beans are grown without the use of synthetic pesticides and fertilizers, so you can be sure that what you’re drinking is pure and uncontaminated.
Furthermore, studies have shown that organically grown coffees contain higher levels of antioxidants than non-organic varieties, which means they may help to protect against certain diseases and illnesses. In addition to this, organic coffees often taste richer in flavor because they come from more nutrient-dense soils.
Leading contaminants in coffee include potentially hazardous chemicals such as nitrates, which are commonly found in fertilizers; and sulfates, another common fertilizer. The majority of these contaminants come from the soil where the coffee plants are grown. Additionally, pesticides can also be used in coffee farming to protect coffee plants from the insects, fungi, viruses, and bacteria that can cause a decrease in yield or quality.
Mycotoxins are toxic compounds produced by certain types of fungi, such as Aspergillus and Fusarium species. These fungi can be found in various food sources and other agricultural commodities, including coffee plants. Mycotoxins are highly toxic to humans and animals and can have significant adverse health effects. They can cause a range of illnesses, from acute infections to long-term diseases.
Farmers can adopt preventative measures such as using resistant varieties of coffee plants or applying fungicides before harvest season begins. After the beans have been harvested, roasting them at an appropriate temperature for an adequate amount of time can help reduce levels of mycotoxin contamination significantly.
Mold contamination in coffee beans is a major concern for farmers and consumers alike. Not only does the presence of mold have potential health risks, but it can also significantly reduce the quality of the coffee. Mold spores are always present in the environment; however, under certain conditions such as high humidity and warm temperatures, they can quickly multiply and contaminate entire crops.
Finding clean organic coffee has become more accessible, with more brands recognizing the importance of mold-free coffee. Driven by the wellness industry’s expected growth from $4 Trillion (2023) to $7 Trillion (2030), brands are focusing more on quality over quantity. Certifications like Fair Trade, Organic, and Rainforest Alliance Certified Coffee are significantly improving the quality of coffee beans.
Aside from certifications, the region and elevation in which the coffee is grown play a major role in the cleanliness of the coffee beans. Hot and humid environments generally promote mold in coffee and other foods. Coffee that is grown and stored in these environments is more susceptible to mold.
Clean coffee is coffee that has been farmed, processed, and stored in a manner that ensures it is free from any foreign contaminants or toxins. This includes the absence of mycotoxins, which are naturally occurring toxins produced by fungi that can have adverse effects on human health if consumed in large amounts.
Kona coffee is an exceptionally special and unique type of coffee that comes from the Kona region on the Big Island of Hawaii. It is highly prized for its smooth, delicate flavor and aroma, as well as its rarity. The Kona region has ideal growing conditions that are unlike any other place in the world. With soil rich in minerals and volcanic ash, along with mild temperatures and a generous amount of sunshine all year round, the resulting cup of coffee is truly one-of-a-kind.
What makes Kona coffee even more special is the fact that it is harvested and processed by hand. This ensures that only the most perfect beans are selected, which helps to preserve their flavor notes and aroma. Furthermore, due to its limited availability, Kona coffee also usually fetches a higher price than other types of coffees.
In addition to its exceptional taste, Kona coffee is also known for being free from mycotoxin contamination thanks to strict production regulations implemented in the region. These regulations ensure that farmers take steps such as using resistant varieties of plants or applying fungicides before harvest season begins in order to guard against mold growth and mycotoxin contamination.
Bulletproof’s coffee is a premium blend of the finest Arabica coffee beans. This flavor-packed coffee contains polyphenol antioxidants, healthy fats, and energizing caffeine that work together to give you a boost in focus and energy throughout the day. Bulletproof’s coffee has a smooth taste with hints of chocolate and caramel for a truly enjoyable cup of coffee.
Unlike regular coffee, this blend does not contain mycotoxins – toxins created by mold contamination – so you can enjoy your coffee knowing it’s safe and pure. As an added bonus, it is also gluten-free and dairy-free, making it suitable for those with special dietary requirements.
With its unique combination of delicious flavors and health benefits, Bulletproof The High Achiever Ground Coffee is #1 on our list of best clean coffee brands.
Bulletproof is a health and wellness company founded by Dave Asprey that provides products and services designed to help people achieve optimal performance. The company specializes in providing functional foods, dietary supplements, clean coffee, and other products that support healthy weight loss, energy levels, cognitive function, mental clarity, endurance, and overall well-being.
Bulletproof also provides virtual coaching programs designed to help people reach their goals through personalized diet plans, customized exercise routines, lifestyle tips and guidance on how to build resilience.
In addition to their products and services, the company offers educational content such as books, podcasts and blogs on topics including nutrition science, biohacking, intermittent fasting and stress management. Bulletproof’s mission is to help people take control of their health so they can live a life of abundance and joy.
This is by far my favorite day-to-day clean coffee. I am a big fan of adaptogens and having Lions Mane in the blend already gives me an advantage for the day. I’ve found that most “enhanced coffee” costs closer to $20 per 10oz. At $13.59 for 10oz (Subscribe & Save), the High Achiever coffee by bulletproof is a great deal. I enjoy the taste of this blend so much that after over 6 months of drinking it, I still can’t get enough. Some of the main factors for ranking Bulletproof The High Achiever as the best clean coffee are:
Purity FLOW Coffee is a specialty coffee from Ethiopia that has bold, fruit flavors and a sweet finish. It is 100% organic, fair trade certified and shade grown to ensure that the coffee beans are of the highest quality. This coffee is roasted in small batches to preserve freshness and flavor and is vacuum-sealed in airtight packaging for optimal freshness.
The result is a smooth cup with citrus notes and bright acidity. Purity Coffee’s FLOW also delivers a rich aroma with hints of berry, melon and dark chocolate. It is an ideal choice for those seeking intense flavor without sacrificing smoothness or complexity.
I love this coffee and can tell the difference in quality over other brands. With a price tag of $24 to $26 per 12oz bag, I like to spoil myself occasionally with a 4-Pack of bags. Note that the 4-Pack reduces the price per 12oz bag to a reasonable $20.5/bag. Considerations in ranking Purity Coffee, FLOW blend:
100% Kona Peaberry Coffee is a premium grade of coffee grown on the Big Island of Hawaii. This exclusive and rare variety of coffee is picked from hand-selected plants and roasted to perfection in small batches. The result is a flavor profile that is complex, bold and full-bodied with notes of tropical fruit, dark chocolate, and spice. Its taste has been described as having a smooth finish with slight acidity that lingers on the tongue.
This specialty grade of coffee also offers an abundance of health benefits due to its high concentration of antioxidants. 100% Kona Peaberry Coffee is ethically sourced and certified organic, ensuring maximum freshness and quality for each cup.
I have spent most of my professional career in Hawaii, and am bias to Kona Coffee. I’ve seen the love that Hawaiian farmers put into the coffee. After visiting a few of the Kona Coffee farms, I always leave so inspired by the passion the workers and owners have. I totally agree with the price being what it is. However, $39 for 10oz is far out of the means for most people as a daily brewed coffee.
Find more ways to optimize your wellness routine here.
Also, check out; Develop Healthy Habits – 4 Steps You Can Take Today.
