Coffee is one of the most popular beverages in the UK, and choosing which coffee to drink in 2022 is important. Why? If you care about what you put into your body, organic coffee matters.
If you care about sustainability, drinking quality speciality coffee is a great way to support your health and the planet.
As a sustainably conscious coffee company, we feel it's our job to help share our knowledge on why choosing quality organic coffee is so important.
We pride ourselves on sourcing coffee from the top 5% of coffee farmers worldwide, because we believe your health matters most.
Now let's dive in and find out what the problems are with commercial grade coffee. We'll also discuss and share the benefits of choosing a quality coffee by comparison.
1. The Problem With Commercial Grade Coffee
First, we'll identify the issues with commercial grade coffee (there are lots). Pesticides, or in other words, 'crop spraying', remain one of the largest issues with commercial-grade coffee.
So how do you recognise when a coffee is commercial grade? A higher price is usually one of the best leading indicators in whether you're drinking quality, organic coffee beans. In order to purchase speciality grade coffee, coffee roasters like ourselves must pay a higher price to guarantee the quality in your cup.
Coffees that are classified as 'organic' or 'speciality' follow a strict planting and processing procedure. This is great, because it means pesticides are not used during the harvesting process.
Unfortunately, the commercial grade coffee industry is exactly what it says on the tin. It's focussed on making money first. This creates a multitude of problems... Unfortunately, coffee plants are receptive to natural causes like insect damage.
To fast-track this issue, commercial entities promote pesticide spraying on coffee crops to prevent a drop in production. Ready to hear about one of the biggest problems?
These practices have a significant impact on human health. Not to mention animals and wildlife too. There are many reliable studies from government sources which demonstrate how pesticides are recognised carcinogens too.
Disrupting hormones and damaging DNA cells which can result in the promotion of cancer.
What Healthy, Organic Coffee Options are there?
By consuming coffee that has not been tested for mould, mycotoxins, and pesticides, you are putting yourself at risk.
From a health perspective, this is due to inadequate testing and quality standards in harvesting and processing.
Since chemicals are not used in the planting and cultivation of organic coffee beans, the soil is also safe from contamination preventing harm to other crops.
At Balance, we believe you deserve better than that, so we strongly recommend ditching commercial-grade coffee.
Why not upgrade to a coffee subscription that provides a clean energy boost? Start investing in yourself. It's time to drink coffee that is good for you, for the coffee farmers and good for the environment.
2. Does Organic Coffee Provide More Health Benefits?
There are many benefits to drinking coffee in general. From mood enhancing properties, to energy boosting effects. However, organic coffee contains more antioxidants, minerals, and vitamins compared to commercial-grade coffee. Why? Higher quality coffee grows in rich, fertile soil that is 'naturally' produced.
Climate is also a contributing factor, along with the processing method. If caffeine isn't for you. You can also look after your health by drinking organic decaf coffee. Natural decaf coffee is 96-99.9% chemical-free, with no caffeine, making it ideal if you're looking to reduce stress and relax.
3. Does Choosing Organic Help Farmers?
If you drink chemical-free coffee, you are indirectly helping farmers worldwide. We explain two ways that choosing to buy quality makes a significant difference for coffee farmers worldwide.
Reduce Farmers Exposure to Chemicals
As an individual that consumes quality, naturally grown coffee, you are protecting coffee farmers from exposure to harmful chemicals like pesticides. These chemicals are harmful to soil, human skin, and overall health.
A study shows coffee farmers In Brazil, spray coffee plants with pesticides which are acutely toxic and cause disease, Many farmers are without sufficient protective equipment so pesticide poisoning is widespread.
If you decide to consume organic products, not only are you protecting yourself, but you are also directly helping the farmers at the origin. We envision a great future in organic coffee production alone, ensuring everyone benefits.
Helping to Motivate Coffee Farmers
If you decide to drink commercial grade coffee, you're unintentionally giving farmers more motivation to keep producing a lower level product.
To illustrate the reverse effect. If we increase supply of quality speciality and organic coffee, farmers are incentivised to work harder to produce high grade coffee. As a bi-product, they'll also earn a higher wage.
This has a huge knock on effect to the industry, and it something we're working hard to contribute to. For a coffee farmer to receive official 'organic certification', the government need to accredit farmers. There are a number of complex challenges around this because smallholder farms that adhere to the highest standards often don't have the volume to justify this certification.
At Balance, we work closely with these farms by paying a premium price for our coffee (25%+), enabling them to achieve certification and build a sustainable business for the future. We recommend buying all types of organic products wherever you can! Why not grab some organic speciality-grade coffee?
4. Organic Coffee Provides More Energy
Organic or chemical-free coffee is a well known energy booster. It contains caffeine which improves the stimulation between the brain and the body. If you're looking to boost your energy levels, quality organic coffee should be top your energy drink list. Ditch energy boost drinks which contain a lot of sugar or artificial sweeteners.
Excess consumption of sugar can lead to weight gain, weaken the immune system, and cause a whole lot of health problems that can be detrimental to your well-being and performance. If you struggle with coffee due to sensitivity, consider trying organic, low acid coffee.
Tom Bosworth is a Double Olympian & avid Drinker of Balance Coffee. We asked our customer Tom Bosworth why he chooses to drink Balance. "It helps me prepare for my daily exercise, and I absolutely love the Level Up Blend most.
5. Why do Organic Coffee Beans Taste Better?
There are many reasons why organic coffee beans taste better than commercial-grade coffee. Simply put, the nutrient-rich soil, typical growing regions and climates and processing methods all have a contributing factor to the unique flavour notes and characteristics of quality, speciality grade coffee.
Commercial coffee is planted and cultivated with chemicals and pesticides. This can often negatively change the flavour profile of the coffee and impact the flavours in your morning coffee. If you are trying to determine which coffee tastes better, it's about quality.
Where to buy Organic Coffee Online?
You can buy organic coffee beans in the UK from lots of coffee roasters online. Generally, coffee companies that promote speciality-grade and organic coffee are reliable sources. I If you're looking to sample our speciality coffee bags, head over to our shop speciality coffee beans now.
Buy Organic Decaf Coffee
Not a fan of caffeine? Simply looking to cut down? Our delicious organic decaf coffee has awesome reviews, so why not grab a bag?
You can choose beans or ground and get them delivered right away. Shop Now. Now, you've read all of the reasons to drink organic, healthy coffee that's good for you and good for the planet.
We've come to the end of this article, so we'd love to know whether you're ready to switch to quality organic coffee. Let us know in the comments section.
