Your morning espresso could soon taste new. In a world where sustainability is increasingly important, some start-ups are challenging centuries of tradition by offering a coffee completely free of beans. Are we ready to say goodbye to our beloved Arabica (or Robusta, depending on your taste)?
The revolution in the cup: coffee without beans
The world of coffee is about to undergo a radical transformation. Some innovative companies are offering a drink that maintains the taste and aroma of coffee, but without using a single bean. This breakthrough could represent a solution to the sustainability problems plaguing the traditional coffee industry.
Why a coffee without beans? Traditional coffee has a non-negligible environmental impact. According to the data di Our World in Data, one kilogram of beans produces 28,5 kg of greenhouse gas emissions. Deforestation to make room for coffee plantations is another serious problem, with approximately 130.000 hectares of forest cleared every year for the last two decades.
How do you get coffee without beans?
Start-ups are experimenting with alternative ingredients such as date seeds, pea protein and caffeine extracted from green tea. The goal is to replicate the molecular profile of traditional coffee using more sustainable ingredients.
Atom, an American startup, is among the pioneers of this revolution. They claim that their product has “the same molecular structure as traditional coffee”. According to an independent evaluation, Atomo coffee generates 83% fewer emissions and uses 70% less agricultural land compared to traditional coffee beans.
Yes, but does it really taste like coffee?
Opinions are conflicting. Atomo describes its product as having “the full aroma, crema and complex flavor of traditional coffee”. In a "blind" taste test, an Australian journalist managed to identify Atomo's coffee, but she admitted that he couldn't say that it wasn't made with traditional grains if she hadn't been informed.
In Europe, Dutch Northern Wonder is following a similar path. The company is more cautious about the flavor of its product, admitting that they are still working to faithfully replicate the traditional coffee experience. Long live sincerity.
Investor interest
Investors are taking this trend seriously. Helena Wasserman, an investor in the climate technology sector, bet on LinkedIn that coffee without beans will be a great success. Atomo has already raised millions in funding in 2023 and opened a new manufacturing facility this year.
Of course, don't call me pedantic, the environmental perspective is not the only important perspective. Oliver Zahn, CEO of Climax Foods, He brings up an interesting one: “What will become of the original coffee farmers? We have caused global warming which is damaging their crops. We underpaid them as an extension of colonialism. And now we're also stealing their crops."
The future of traditional coffee
Climate change is already threatening traditional coffee production. It is expected that by 2050 yields will decrease and the land suitable for growing coffee will be reduced by half. This could make coffee much more expensive in the future.
Not everyone, however, is convinced that coffee without beans is the only solution. Some studies suggest that the “sustainable” production of traditional coffee could reduce emissions by 77%. Measures such as shipping by sea instead of air and less use of chemical inputs could make a big difference. Above all, however, a big question hangs in the air.
Is the consumer ready?
Many coffee lovers are becoming more demanding, moving towards specialty coffees and professional home brewing equipment. Many are willing to pay more for beans produced in a socially and environmentally responsible way, according to an analysis. This new awareness could guide the responsible consumption of coffee and "save the beans".
In summary, beanless coffee represents an interesting case study in how technological innovation can address environmental challenges. However, it also raises complex questions about fairness, tradition and authenticity. Some people may embrace this new drink for environmental reasons, others may resist, seeing it as a threat to a centuries-old tradition.
We could see a market where traditional coffee and bean-free alternatives coexist, each with its own audience. Or we could see a gradual transition to more sustainable alternatives as the effects of climate change become more pronounced. In any case, how we choose to drink our coffee in the coming years could have a significant impact not only on our palate, but also on the planet. Whether you prefer traditional beans or are ready to experiment with innovative alternatives, the debate on the future of coffee is destined to remain hot and intense… Just like a freshly brewed espresso.
