Did you know 85% of the world’s coffee is commercial grade? Farmers grow coffee plants in large batches, spray them with pesticides, harvest the coffee beans, and store them in a way that creates perfect conditions for mould growth.
This type of coffee usually ends up on supermarket shelves, and the worst part is that its packages use buzzwords like clean and healthy coffee.
But you would find no mention of their sourcing and quality, which is a clear red flag. Because of its easy availability, we’ve all been exposed to unhealthy and mouldy coffee at least once in our lifetime.
However, thanks to the internet, many coffee roasters have popped up that actually sell high-quality coffee beans.
And, I don’t want to gate-keep the knowledge I’ve gained working as a barista for more than 12 years.
As a biohacker who loves drinking and sharing healthy coffee, I experimented with and brewed dozens of coffee beans before shortlisting the best-rated clean coffee brands in the UK.
I filtered down to the ones that met my sourcing, price, and flavour expectations.
NOTE: Use our "SKIP LINKS" to jump straight to the heart of our guide, where over 1700+ readers have found their morning bliss.
What Is Clean Coffee
Simply put, clean coffee is free of harmful toxins like mould, mycotoxins, and chemicals like pesticides. It’s grown sustainably, carefully processed, and tested for quality.
Clean coffee aims to give you a premium quality coffee that tastes mouthwatering and gives you health benefits (instead of side effects).
On the other hand, mass-produced coffee has one objective: meeting global demand in different corners of the world.
Since only a handful of regions worldwide grow coffee beans, big brands look for shortcuts.
What’s the shortcut, you ask? Well, commodity brands usually get coffee beans from large farms that rely on pesticides and synthetic fertilisers.
And that’s stored in temporary containers, a perfect condition for catching mould.
The result? Coffee is loaded with mycotoxins, mould, and chemicals you do not want in your cup.
On the other hand, clean coffee comes from farmers who grow coffee beans the right way - organically.
That means no pesticides, synthetic fertilisers, and herbicides, keeping the coffee plants free from harmful contaminants.
So, when coffee brands combine organic farming, sustainable practices, and fairtrade sourcing, you get something truly special: premium grade coffee beans that are healthy and delicious.
Understanding what clean coffee is has raised my passion for clean coffee brands.
The Benefits of Clean Coffee
Let’s be honest; we don’t only chug down cups of coffee because it tastes nice. We also do it because we enjoy the jolt of energy and focus from it, right?
But I’m sure you don’t enjoy the side effects, such as bloating and jitters (well, neither do I).
And, when you make a cuppa out of a blend from speciality clean coffee brands, you’re getting coffee:
Free From Harmful Additives and Pesticides
When you switch to clean coffee, you can enjoy delicious coffee while avoiding exposure to harmful contaminants.
Because of how clean coffee beans are grown and harvested, they’re free from chemicals, pesticides and synthetic fertilisers.
What are the harmful effects of these additives? These include:
This is why I always recommend consuming the best mould and mycotoxin-free coffee.
High in Natural Antioxidants and Nutrients
Swap a commodity coffee blend with one from any ethically sourced clean coffee brands, and you’ll start noticing its health benefits after a few weeks.
This type of coffee comes packed with natural antioxidants and nutrients, as farmers grow the coffee beans organically.
A 2020 study published in the National Library of Medicine found that organically grown coffee beans had significantly higher antioxidant levels than conventionally grown beans.
Antioxidants are necessary for strengthening the immune system. They help fight off free radicals, which cause cell damage, ageing, and illness.
Studies in the National Library of Medicine show that coffee's antioxidants may reduce the risk of diabetes 2, liver diseases, and Alzheimer’s.
Better for personal health and the environment
When you brew a cup using the best organic coffee beans in the UK, you’re supporting your health and helping the planet.
How? Many speciality coffee roasters reinvest in initiatives supporting farming communities and the environment.
From reforestation efforts to social and economic programs that uplift farmers, these brands go beyond profit.
So, every pound you spend on a high-quality coffee blend is also a vote for sustainable and ethical coffee farming practices.
Differences Between Clean Coffee and Conventional Coffee
|
Conventional Coffee |
Clean Coffee |
|
Grown in bulk to meet high demand. |
Grown on smaller farms using organic, sustainable, and fairtrade methods. |
|
Frequently exposed to pesticides, synthetic fertilisers, and herbicides. Stored in poor conditions that can cause mould and mycotoxins. |
Free from harmful chemicals. Grown without synthetic pesticides or fertilisers. Stored properly to avoid contamination. |
|
Often bitter or flat-tasting. Lack of complexity due to poor growing and processing practices. |
Rich, nuanced flavours. Clean taste with unique notes like fruit, chocolate, or floral, depending on origin. |
|
- May contain traces of harmful substances (pesticides, mould, mycotoxins). |
- Higher in antioxidants and nutrients. - Lower risk of toxin exposure. |
|
- Often exploits land and labour. - Environmental impact is high because of deforestation and water pollution. |
- Supports reforestation, community development, and ethical labour practices. - Environmentally friendly and socially responsible. |
Factors to Consider When Choosing Clean Coffee Brands
With so many coffee bean roasters available locally and online, how can you narrow down your options to select the best clean coffee brand in the UK in 2025?
I’m sharing a couple of factors that have always made it easy for me to find independent clean coffee brands that I really love.
Here are those factors:
Production Methods and Certifications
One way to assess if a coffee brand produces high-grade coffee is to look for certifications.
So, what are these certifications? Well, there are a couple. Each proves that the coffee roaster sources and produces coffee beans sustainably and organically.
Some of the certifications that you’ll likely see on coffee packaging include:
Fairtrade
A Fairtrade certificate shows that a coffee roastery follows strict economic, social, and environmental standards when sourcing beans.
It’s one of the most recognised ethical certifications in the world.
Suppose a coffee package has the Fairtrade mark.
This proves that the brand provides fair wages to farmers, supports safe working conditions, and invests in their communities' economic and social welfare.
Rainforest Alliance
Rainforest Alliance is another world-renowned certification, but it’s not for coffee roasters.
It’s actually for farmers who support the organisation's economic, environmental, and social standards.
Through the Rainforest Alliance, farmers are incentivised for protecting the environment and increasing biodiversity through sustainable practices.
NOTE: The Rainforest Alliance does allow controlled use of chemical fertilisers and pesticides, as long as the amount is safe for our health and the environment.
Using the Rainforest Alliance logo, coffee roasters verify that they source coffee beans from certified farms.
Organic (Soil Association)
The Soil Association is a UK agency that certifies all kinds of organic products, including coffee beans.
The Soil Association only certifies a coffee farm as organic if it follows sustainable farming practices.
These include no use of synthetic chemicals and promoting biodiversity through the use of shade tree canopies.
A coffee brand must also meet the rigorous criteria of the Soil Association to get organic status.
The Soil Association’s organic status on coffee packaging proves that the brand sources organic and clean coffee beans from certified coffee farms.
Roast Profiles and Flavour Integrity
How roasted do you like your coffee beans to be? The roasting level controls what taste and benefits you’ll get from your coffee cup.
|
Roast Level |
Flavour |
Benefits |
|
Light |
- Brighter coffee - Strong sour kick due to high acidity - Keep the bean’s original mild flavours |
Contain the most antioxidants, strengthening our immune system and minimising cell damage. |
|
Medium |
- Have a moderate acidity and body - A well-rounded taste, with a hint of caramel-like sweetness |
Contains higher amounts of antioxidants than dark roast coffee beans |
|
Dark |
- Bold and intense flavour - Often tastes chocolatey and smoky - Has a rich, creamy texture |
Coffee beans are less acidic and easier on the stomach. |
Some of the best coffee beans in the world are dark roasted, but again, it all boils down to your preference.
Bean Origin and Sourcing Practices
The origin of coffee beans is an important factor, too. It helps find out whether they’re organic or commodity-like.
|
Characteristics |
Single Origin |
Blend |
|
Traceability |
- Know where the coffee beans are from. - Easier to confirm if the beans are organic or Fairtrade certified. |
- Mix of coffee beans from different farms or regions. - It is harder to confirm the precise origin and farm conditions. |
|
Cleanliness and Purity |
- Free from chemicals like mycotoxins, pesticides, and mould. - Often grown organically with minimal intervention. |
- May contain a combination of high-grade and commodity-level beans.
- Purity of the beans depends on their source. |
|
Flavour Profile |
- Have distinct, profound flavours depending on the region they’re grown in. |
- Balanced and consistent flavours |
|
Sustainability |
- Usually follow sustainable and organic farming practices |
- Depends on the brand’s transparency |
Transparency and Ethical Practices
One of the best ways to tell apart a coffee business with clean practices from a commodity brand is through transparency.
Can you get a clear picture of the coffee journey from farm to cup on their website?
Does the coffee roaster explain where and how they source the coffee beans?
Are they involved in any kind of impactful projects that are benefiting farming communities or conserving the environment?
If you can easily find this information, it’s a sign that the coffee roaster is committed to quality, sustainability, and ethical practices.
And, you’re likely getting great coffee from them.
Where To Buy Clean Coffee Online
If you search the internet for “best clean speciality coffee brands UK,” the list is endless.
But which of those brands offers clean coffee? Of course, every brand claims its coffee is high quality and offers quick and friendly customer service.
To create this list, I taste-tested and reviewed coffee brands against strict criteria based on flavour, quality of beans, sourcing practices, roasting dates, online customer reviews, and business practices.
You will find my top 3 in the table below, and YES, they offer FAST delivery, great discount deals and in some cases, FREE shipping.
Limited Time OFFER: Get 15% off your Balance Coffee order today. Enjoy coffee crafted to boost your energy and productivity. Don’t miss out. Shop now!
| Product | Benefits | where to buy |
|---|---|---|
Balance Coffee |
|
SHOP & SAVE 15% |
Assembly Coffee |
|
Shop Now |
Volcano Coffee |
|
Shop Now |
7 Clean Coffee Brands with Their Signature Products
Let’s dive into the weeds, shall we?
Balance Coffee
I found Balance Coffee to be a high-quality, clean coffee brand that offers the benefits and flavour of speciality coffee in every cup.
At Balance Coffee, I use rigorous third-party lab tests to meet organic standards, ensuring every coffee bean is free from mycotoxins and synthetic chemicals.
Most Popular Products
I'm proud to share that thousands of customers love Balance Coffee because of the amazing quality of my speciality-grade coffee.
The products that customers and I love the most are:
Nowadays, I’m completely hooked on my Cerrado Brazil blend. It gives a clean, crisp cup with chocolatey sweetness, and the pistachio notes feel beautifully enhanced every time I brew it in my espresso machine.
The Rotate Espresso is also one of my favourite blends. Every time I brew it (usually in the mornings), I get a rich, creamy hit with a velvety body.
Lastly, I’ve loved the Stability Blend for years now. It’s mouthwateringly delicious and light, keeping me charged throughout the day.
In line with my mission to provide healthy coffee, I’ve also launched a whole range of mushroom coffee. You should check it out if you want to enjoy health benefits like lasting energy, better focus, and more.
Pros and Cons
|
Coffee Blend |
Pros |
Cons |
|
Cerrado Brazil |
- Pistachio and nougat hints enhance flavour - Packed with a high level of antioxidants |
- Pricing is on the higher end |
|
Rotate Espresso |
- Delicious strawberry sweetness balanced by the acidity. - Harvested organically in small batches, ensuring high-grade quality. |
- Pricing is on the higher end - Needs a little more citrusy punch |
|
Stability blend |
- Pleasant caramel and chocolate flavours. - Free from chemical fertilisers, moulds, and pesticides |
- Costs a little higher than other competitors |
Sourcing
At Balance, I source all my coffee beans from the top 5% of farms worldwide, making it one of the top ethically sourced clean coffee brands.
I only partner with farms that grow speciality-grade coffee using organic methods, even if they can’t always afford formal certifications.
Available Flavour and Roast Types
The stability blend delivers medium roast coffee beans. Brewing it into a French Press gave me a mellow and deep sensation of the chocolatey and nutty tones.
The Rotate Espresso really hit the spot in terms of its full body and rich texture.
It had a strong strawberry sweetness that was toned down by the acidity of the dark roast coffee beans.
I brewed a comforting French press with the Cerrado Brazil blend. Its richer body refined the chocolate and nutty flavours.
Certification
While Balance Coffee’s products may not always carry an official organic certification, my brand actively supports rural farming communities that grow coffee without synthetic fertilisers or pesticides.
Many of these farms follow organic and sustainable practices but cannot afford to be officially certified due to the high certification cost.
By working with these producers, I ensure clean, ethical sourcing, even beyond the label.
Customer Reviews & Pricing
Let’s hear from customers who’ve tried these popular products.
Liz S
So glad to have found Balance Coffee! I love the various flavours and strengths, toxic-free and really pleasant taste. Just perfect.
Rozan U
Beautiful coffee, very smooth and not bitter. I love it and I always order this coffee.
Moya R
I love rotating coffee beans. They and my coffee machine are the perfect combination, and they are in my dreams.
Mike I
Good quality espresso has that intensity, and most importantly, it is chemical-free.
Laura B.
Love it! My new go-to coffee
Greg J.
Great coffee. Good depth of flavour, grown without pesticides and herbicides and no jitters - ideal!
A 250g bag of Cerrado Brazil blend costs 18 GBP, while a monthly subscription provides a 15% discount.
The Rotate Espresso is cheaper at 14 GBP for a 250g bag, and a monthly subscription gets you 15% off.
As for the Stability blend, a 250g bag costs 12 GBP, and you get a 15% discount in a monthly subscription.
My dedication to providing healthy coffee beans is evident in the complete transparency of my strict lab testing and ethical sourcing practices.
Combining those points makes the coffee roaster one of the top 10 clean coffee brands.
Click here to try Balance Coffee’s Stability Blend.
Owens Organic Coffee Roasters
Launched back in 2010, Owens Organic Coffee Roasters sources organic, high-quality, and clean coffee blends.
They’re not just a customer-focused clean coffee roaster, but also big on sustainable and ethical practices, caring for farming communities and their environment.
Most Popular Products
Owens Organic coffee was one of my favourite brands for quite a while.
Some of their popular products that I became hooked on included:
-
Jabulani Rwanda
-
Dart
-
Swiss Water Decaf
The Jabulani Rwanda has a fruity and floral-like sweetness, with a soft acidity, making it a lovely pour-over brew.
As for Dart, it made a very refreshing cold brew, with honey and citrusy notes.
I brewed the Swiss Water Decaf into a Moka pot, giving me a toasty sweetness and a delicious nutty flavour profile.
Pros and Cons
|
Coffee Blend |
Pros |
Cons |
|
Jabulani Rwanda |
- Pleasant floral and fruity sweetness, with soft acidity - Certified organic and clean arabica coffee beans |
- Orders can’t be shipped outside the UK |
|
Dart |
- Light-bodied texture with refreshing honey and citrusy notes - Fairtrade certified and 100% arabica coffee beans |
- Orders can’t be shipped outside the UK |
|
Fazenda Mio - Brazil |
- Delicious nutty flavour profile with a toasty sweetness - Fairtrade certified and 100% arabica coffee beans |
- Price range is a bit higher - Stock may run out quickly |
Sourcing
Owens Organic Coffee Roasters provides blends that persist in quality and cleanliness.
They’re at the top of their game in sourcing healthy and clean coffee beans from organic certified farms.
Available Flavour and Roast Types
The Jabulani Rwanda brewed into a delicious pour-over. Its medium-roasted organic beans gave a silky mouthfeel.
From it, I got a floral and fruity-like sweetness balanced by soft acidity.
Sometimes, I crave a refreshing cold brew, and Dart does the trick.
I really enjoyed the citrusy and honey notes from the light roasted coffee beans.
I often switched to decaf while looking for healthy coffee alternatives, and the Swiss Water Decaf hooked me.
Its dark roasted beans brewed lovely in a Moka pot. I got a comforting and rich drink without excess caffeine.
Certification
Almost all Owens Organic Coffee Roasters products are Fairtrade certified or organic by the Soil Association.
Customer Reviews & Pricing
Here’s what customers are talking about Owens Organic Coffee:
David Pople
Dart never fails to deliver coffee after coffee. It's the best all-round coffee I have tasted (and I have tasted a few).
Patricia Young
Jabulani Rwanda has an irresistible taste—a real variety of lovely flavours.
Steven Lawrence
Great flavour and the only organic, Swiss water decaf that I’ve found that’s roasted to order.
A 200g bag of Swiss Water Decaf costs 10.13 GBP, while the Jabulani Rwanda blend is 9 GBP per bag.
The Dart blend is offered at a slightly lower price of 8.10 GBP for a 200g pouch.
Owens Organic Coffee Roasters offers a great collection of speciality-grade coffee beans at various price ranges, making it one of the best-value clean coffee brands in the UK.
Try Owen Coffee’s Jabulani beans.
Volcano Coffee
Volcano Coffee is a sustainable and environmentally conscious clean coffee roastery.
I admire their approach to reducing carbon emissions by investing in farming communities.
Their roastery has a wide collection of organic, clean coffee products, known for their taste and aroma.
In fact, I think Volcano Coffee is one of the best coffee roasters in the UK.
Most Popular Products
Some of their products that stuck out with me for a year included:
-
The Mount Blend
-
The Rise Up Blend
-
Fazenda Mio - Brazil
I brewed it in an Aeropress using the Mount Blend. The acidity wasn’t strong, and it had a subtle fruity and chocolatey note.
The Rise Up blend brewed into a delightful espresso. It was not too acidic and carried a balanced chocolate and fruity depth.
What really blew away my tastebuds? The Fazenda Mio single-origin blend.
Using a V60, I brewed it as a pour-over, and once it entered my mouth, I got a juicy fruit-like brightness along with a hint of the nutmeg spice.
Pros and Cons
|
Coffee Blend |
Pros |
Cons |
|
Mount Blend |
- Creamy texture and great taste - Good pricing |
- Product doesn’t remain in stock for long |
|
Rise Up Blend |
- Has a balanced fruity taste with hints of chocolate. - Organic, ethical, and sustainable sourcing of coffee beans |
- Limited availability of the product. |
|
Fazenda Mio - Brazil |
- Fruity brightness, gentle nutiness, and a mild warming spice. - Organic and sustainable coffee beans sourcing |
- Price range is a bit higher - Available in limited stock |
Sourcing
Volcano Coffee builds partnerships with independent organic farmers worldwide, sourcing premium coffee beans.
Their core values involve making healthy and clean coffee a source of benefit for farmers, brewers, and drinkers worldwide.
Available Flavour and Roast Types
In the Mount blend, you’ll get medium roast coffee beans. I brewed it with an Aeropress, giving me a nice syrupy body.
In terms of taste, I got a light fruity lift and a mellow, sweet finish because of the caramel and chocolate notes.
The Rise Up blend became my go-to as an espresso for a few months.
Its dark roast beans gave me a rich texture with a balanced fruit and chocolate depth. It even had a nice citrusy tang.
The Fazendo Mia is a single-origin blend containing light-medium roast coffee beans.
I brewed it as a pour-over using the V60, producing a clean, juicy coffee.
The brew was bright peach-like, with a hint of nutmeg spice, giving me a great hit.
Certification
Volcano Coffee has a B-Corp certification. It actively engages in ethical and sustainable practices to bring clean coffee to the world.
Customer Reviews & Pricing
Here’s what customers say about Volcano Coffee’s blends:
Rich aroma
Cat C
Really delicious blend and great service. Thank you!
Stirling Thomas
Great quality
A 200g bag of the Mount Blend costs 8.50 GBP, and the Rise Up blend costs 7.50 GBP for a 200g pouch.
Single-origin coffee Fazenda Mio has a higher price tag of 10 GBP for a 200g bag.
You can even buy their coffee products as a monthly subscription, with 20% off for the first three months.
Volcano Coffee’s clear transparency about its coffee origins and commitment to sustainable and ethical bean sourcing rank it among the UK's best clean coffee brands.
Try Volcano Coffee’s Mount Blend.
Exhale Healthy Coffee
Exhale Healthy Coffee launched in 2020. It is one of the new clean coffee brands that began their journey during the COVID era.
Now, they fall into the category of the best clean coffee brands London.
I love what this coffee roaster is doing. It prioritises healthy coffee blends while contributing towards social and environmental causes.
Most Popular Products
Exhale Healthy Coffee is one of the coffee brands that actually inspired me to start my healthy coffee venture.
The products that made me fall in love with clean coffee:
-
Organic House Roast
-
Organic Dark(ish) Roast
-
Organic Decaf
The Organic House Roast worked well with an Aeropress brew. It gave me soft chocolate notes followed by a melon-like sweetness.
This coffee blend is one of the highest-rated clean coffees in the UK.
I went with an Espresso for the Organic Dark(ish) Roast. And, oh my, it indulged me into a profound caramel and nutty feel.
I usually take the Organic Decaf blend as a French Press. It has a nice chocolate base with a citrusy touch.
Pros and Cons
|
Coffee Blend |
Pros |
Cons |
|
Organic House Roast |
- Pleasant melon-like sweetness and chocolate notes. - Lab-tested high-grade coffee beans from certified organic farms |
- Higher pricing - Product may run out of stock |
|
Organic Dark(ish) Roast |
- Nutty and indulgent chocolatey brew, brightened with subtle acidity. - Lab-tested, speciality-grade coffee beans from certified organic farms |
- High pricing - Product may be in limited supply |
|
Organic Decaf |
- Hazelnut chocolate base with bright citrusy hit - Lab-tested speciality-grade coffee beans from certified organic farms |
- High pricing - Stock may run out quickly |
Sourcing
Exhale Coffee has a strict policy of sourcing speciality coffee beans from organically certified farms or those that don’t use synthetic chemicals.
Available Flavour and Roast Types
Occasionally, I returned for the Organic Dark(ish) Roast blend.
Its dark roast coffee beans brewed into a creamy espresso gave me a strong, nutty shot that brightened with the apple acidity.
I got an amazing Aeropress brew with the Organic House Roast blend.
The medium-roasted coffee beans had a smooth mouthfeel. I was surprised by how the melon-like sweetness followed the soft chocolatey notes.
Certification
Exhale Coffee is a certified B Corp, engaging in ethical and sustainable business practices.
They are incredibly dedicated to sourcing clean, high-grade coffee beans from certified organic farms.
Customer Reviews & Pricing
What are first-time and returning customers saying about this brand?
Natasha de Bodt
This coffee tastes amazing! I buy the organic "dark-ish roast"—it's smooth, not bitter, and has a rich flavour.
Roxy Crouch
We’re using the Organic House Roast; honestly, the flavour, aroma, and overall taste are perfect. I couldn’t recommend it more!
Tina
Lovely decaf coffee, just what I've been looking for
A 225g pouch of the Organic House Roast costs 12.50 GBP. The Organic Dark(ish) Roast comes at the same price for a 225g pouch.
But, the Organic Decaf blend comes at a higher price of 13.44 GBP for a 225g pouch.
A monthly coffee subscription can save up to 10% on their products. Exhale Coffee is doing an amazing job in revolutionising the coffee industry,
The coffee brand is actively participating in environmental conservation and social projects.
Their focus and dedication towards sourcing healthy coffee rank them amongst the high-grade clean coffee brands.
Try Exhale Coffee’s Organic House Roast.
Assembly Coffee
Being a B Corp-certified business, Assembly Coffee is making waves by revolutionising the coffee farming industry.
They’re actively involved in developing sustainable coffee farms and supporting farming communities growing high-grade, toxin-free coffee beans.
Most Popular Products
There were a couple of Assembly Coffee’s products I kept coming back to from time to time. These were:
-
House Espresso
-
Rwanda - Jonathan Ngoga
-
Peru - El Laurel
The House Espresso blend had a nice nutty feel to it. I got a delicious chocolate and viscous mouthfeel with a hint of acidity.
Jonathan Ngoga surprised my tastebuds with a good citrusy punch while carrying a honey-like sweetness.
I enjoyed Peru’s El Laurel blend when brewing it as a Chemex filter.
The filter gave a crisp texture, soft fruity notes, and a mild chocolate sweetness.
Pros and Cons
|
Coffee Blend |
Pros |
Cons |
|
House Espresso |
- Nice chocolate and nutty mouthfeel - Ethically and organically sourced toxin free coffee beans |
- Pricing is on the higher end - Limited information on the roast profile |
|
Jonathan Ngoga |
- Rich sweetness balanced by the citrus notes. - Harvested organically in small batches, ensuring high-grade quality. |
- Pricing is on the higher end - Limited roast profile information |
|
El Laurel |
- Pleasant fruity and chocolate flavour
- High quality and ethical sourcing of speciality coffee beans |
- Comes at a higher price - Limited roast profile information |
Sourcing
Assembly Coffee delivers premium, clean coffee blends by developing long-term partnerships with farming communities.
These aren’t just any farming communities; they’re farming communities that share their commitment to producing organic coffee beans without using synthetic chemicals.
Available Flavour and Roast Types
Assembly’s House Blend uses medium-roasted coffee beans. It is brewed into a viscous espresso with a profound fruity and chocolatey sweetness.
Rwanda’s Jonathan Ngoga gave me a bright pour-over with a good lemony punch. It had a honey-like sweet flavour, not too overpowering.
Coming to the El Laurel blend from Peru, I brewed it in a filter. The result was clean, crisp coffee with a nice fruity note and a mild chocolate taste.
They have one of the best ground coffee beans in the UK.
Certification
Assembly Coffee is a one-of-a-kind coffee roaster with a B Corp certification.
This certification highlights that the coffee brand is ethical and sustainable in sourcing clean coffee beans.
Customer Reviews & Pricing
What do customers say about Assembly Coffee’s products?
Tom Langford
They make lovely and consistently great espresso coffee!
Troic
Makes me happy. Great coffee (and company).
A 200g pouch of the Peru—El Laurel blend costs 13 GBP, while the Assembly House Espresso is priced at 11 GBP for a 200g pouch.
Rwanda’s Jonathan Ngoga blend costs 16 GBP for a 200g pouch.
A 5% discount is available on all orders under weekly subscription offers.
Assembly Coffee’s products are priced higher than others because of the amazing quality of its coffee beans.
They’re amongst the unique clean coffee brands in the UK, prioritising the welfare of their customers, the environment, and farming communities.
Try Assembly Coffee’s House Espresso.
Union Coffee
Since 1991, Union Coffee has been one of the oldest coffee roasters in the UK.
They’re doing remarkable work in the coffee industry, sourcing speciality grade coffee beans and investing in the welfare of communities and ecosystems.
Most Popular Products
Union Coffee has a vast variety of coffee blends. Out of them, I fell in love with these:
-
Natural Spirit Organic Blend
-
Yirgacheffe - Organic Ethiopia
-
Liberación Guatemala
Brewing the Natural Spirit blend into an espresso gave me an addictive, bold mouthfeel. It had a citrusy kick and a candy-like sweetness at the end.
The Yirgacheffe brewed into a clean and refreshing Aeropress. The acidity was bright (not too prominent) with sweet floral and lemon notes.
But out of the three, I would often get Liberacion Guatemala.
Brew it into a French Press; you’ll get a gentle red grape acidity that tones down the dessert-like sweetness.
Pros and Cons
|
Coffee Blend |
Pros |
Cons |
|
Natural Spirit Organic Blend |
- Citrusy punch with a pleasant candied-like sweetness - High-grade coffee beans from certified organic farms |
- The product may run out of stock - Longer Delivery time |
|
Yirgacheffe - Organic Ethiopia |
- Bright acidity balanced by the sweet lemony and floral notes - High-grade coffee beans from certified organic farms |
- Product may be in limited supply |
|
Liberación Guatemala |
- Balanced sweetness and acidity - Ethical and sustainable sourcing of high-grade coffee beans |
- Product may be in limited supply - May face delivery delays |
Sourcing
Union Coffee sources its coffee beans through ethical and sustainable practices. They’re collaborating and investing in farming communities growing coffee beans organically.
Available Flavour and Roast Types
The Natural Spirit blend uses medium-roasted coffee beans. It has citrusy notes and a creamy finish when brewed into an espresso.
I made a clean and refreshing Aeropress with the Yirgacheffe blend.
Its light roast coffee beans gave a bright acidity, a lemon-like and floral sweetness, and an amazing complex flavour profile.
The Liberación Guatemala blend worked wonders as I brewed in a French Press.
The medium-roasted coffee beans bring a custard-like sweetness that blends well with the fruity acidity, making them one of the best coffee beans for espresso on the market.
Certification
Union Coffee is a certified B Corp coffee brand actively participating in sustainable and ethical sourcing practices.
Some of their products also have organic certification from the UK Soil Association.
Customer Reviews & Pricing
What do customers say about Union Coffee’s products?
Elizabeth Valleau
This is the only coffee I drink now. Stunning.
Shaun Matthews
Coffee (Liberacion) is delicious - balanced between sweetness and structure.
Keith Allen
Smooth, flavourful coffee, delicious
You can get a 200g pouch of the Yirgacheffe - Organic Ethiopian Blend for 7.85 GBP.
The Liberacion Guatemala and the Natural Spirit Organic blends also have the same pricing for a 200g pouch.
They also offer weekly or monthly subscriptions, through which you can save up to 20% on your coffee orders.
Compared to the other best UK clean coffee brands, Union Coffee offers organic and clean coffee beans at competitive pricing.
Try Union Coffee’s Natural Spirit Organic Blend.
Rave Coffee
I love the simplicity of Rave Coffee’s vision of serving the best coffee beans.
They source speciality-grade coffee beans that score more than 82 points on the SCA scale, which indicates high quality.
Most Popular Products
Rave Coffee offers a wide collection of products on its online store. The ones that I really liked were:
-
Signature Blend
-
Seasonal Organic Coffee Blend Nº 7
-
Colombia El Carmen Nº 50
Made a fine espresso with the Signature blend. It gave a nutty, chocolatey mouthfeel.
I brewed the Seasonal Organic Coffee Blend as a pourover, which developed a nice fruity complexity with a zesty twist.
With the Colombia El Carmen blend, it brewed into a delicious French press. I enjoyed its deeper cocoa vibes along with its mild sweetness.
Pros and Cons
|
Coffee Blend |
Pros |
Cons |
|
Signature Blend |
- Chocolatey sweetness and mellow nuttiness - Good pricing |
- Product may be in limited supply |
|
Seasonal Organic Coffee Blend Nº 7 |
- Fruity sweetness with a citrusy pop. - High-grade coffee beans from certified organic farms |
- Product may be in limited supply |
|
Colombia El Carmen Nº 50 |
- Pleasant cocoa notes with balanced caramel sweetness - Ethical and sustainable sourcing of high-grade coffee beans |
- Product may be in limited supply |
Sourcing
Rave Coffee sources its quality coffee beans from farming communities supporting ethical and sustainable coffee growing practices.
Plus, the coffee brand conducts lab testing and rigorous quality checks to ensure mould and toxin-free coffee beans.
Available Flavour and Roast Types
The medium roast coffee beans of the Signature blend created a rich-bodied espresso.
I liked its well-rounded taste, a good blend of caramel sweetness and the nuttiness of almonds.
But the Seasonal Organic Coffee blend was even better. A year or two ago, it was one of my favourite pour-overs.
The medium-roasted coffee beans had a bright and clean texture, allowing me to taste the fruity notes and citrusy twists.
With Colombia El Carmen’s medium roast coffee beans, I brewed a mouth-watering French press.
It had an addictive cocoa flavour that paired nicely with the caramel sweetness.
Certification
Though not all of Rave Coffee’s products carry the organic certification, the brand uses ethical and sustainable sourcing to provide high-grade coffee beans.
Customer Reviews & Pricing
Here’s what new and revisiting customers say about Rave Coffee’s blends:
Marion Sherley
Tasty. Wakes me up in the morning
Anita Roberts
Great flavour and aroma, I buy it regularly.
Judith Fulton
Lovely smooth coffee with undertones of chocolate
The Signature blend costs nearly 7 GBP for a 250g pack, while the Seasonal Organic Coffee Blend costs 8.25 GBP for a 250g pouch.
A 250g pack of the Colombia El Carmen Blend costs 8.30 GBP.
Rave Coffee offers speciality-grade clean coffee products at a more affordable price range, making it one of the best clean coffee brands in the UK.
Try Rave Coffee’s Signature Blend.
People Also Asked (FAQs)
Let’s answer the most pressing questions you have, shall we?
Is clean coffee really healthier than conventional coffee?
Yes! Clean coffee is typically free from harmful chemicals and pesticides, making it a safer, healthier choice. It’s also often fresher and richer in natural antioxidants.
How do I know if a coffee brand is truly “clean”?
On the coffee brand’s website, look for transparency about sourcing, farming practices, and ethical partnerships. Certifications (like Organic or Fairtrade) and lab test results for toxins also prove that a brand’s coffee is clean.
What certifications or standards should I look for in clean coffee?
Fairtrade, Rainforest Alliance, and Organic (The Soil Association) are top certifications you should look for. These signal ethical sourcing, sustainable farming, and limited use of synthetic chemicals.
Are there taste differences between clean coffee and regular coffee?
Indeed! Clean coffee is often more flavourful, with nuanced tasting notes and a smoother finish. You’ll likely notice more clarity, balance, and freshness in each cup.
Why might clean coffee be priced higher than conventional options?
Clean coffee supports ethical farming, fair wages, and better quality control, all of which cost more. You're paying for a higher-quality, more sustainable cup that supports smallholder farmers.
Conclusion
Now you know which UK coffee roasters truly deliver amazing, clean coffee. So go ahead and try the best clean coffee beans.
From Balance Coffee to Volcano Coffee to Owens Organic Coffee Roasters, these seven brands made the list only after being tested against a strict set of criteria.
The coffee brands that convinced me to ditch commodity coffee for good? Balance Coffee, Volcano Coffee, and Exhale Coffee.
I highly recommend trying their blends next time you’re due for a restock.
Ready to start your clean coffee journey?
Click here to get 17% off and boost your energy with Balance Coffee’s Starter bundle.
