The 5 Best Organic Flavored Coffee Brands
There’s nothing like that first half-asleep sip of coffee in the morning. This may be a rushing out the door to make it to work on time situation, or a more romanticized and savored sip.
Either way, I’m sure the first sip of coffee is something you look forward to each morning. What if that sip could feel even better?
You could enjoy your daily coffee while knowing it’s made with the best ingredients, and none of the sneaky toxic ones especially for people who love flavored coffee!
Flavored coffee can add a boost in taste, but can have some ingredients that aren't too great for our health or the environment.
Let's explore some of the benefits of organic coffee and meet some flavored organic coffee brands that are sure to please your taste buds.
This post does contain some affiliate links which means The Honest Consumer may receive a commission if you decided to purchase. Our commission is at no additional expense to you!
What is Organic Coffee?
Did you know that regular coffee is one of the most heavily chemically treated foods?
According to Equal Exchange, traditional coffee is filled with “synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, herbicides, fungicides, and insecticides.” The good news is that we have a better option to explore, that is organic coffee.
Organic coffee is coffee beans that are grown and processed without coming into contact with any toxic chemicals.
While this seems like the straightforward only option compared to regular coffee, sometimes people can be unaware of the difference between that and regular coffee beans. If this is you, keep reading to find out more.
The Difference Between Organic and Traditional Coffee
There are many differences between conventional and organic coffee. It all starts from the very beginning, the farming practice.
During the growing process of non-organic coffee the plants get exposed to pests, chemical fertilizers, and too much sun.
Organic coffee beans are shade grown, which means they don’t get damaged from too much sun and aren’t exposed to chemicals and pests.
The farmers take care to grow the best coffee beans that will be classified as USDA organic, creating a healthier, more rich flavor profile.
Why Organic Flavored Coffee Is Better
Since organic coffee is made without harsh chemicals, synthetic pesticides, etc. and is grown in more favorable conditions, there are many benefits to drinking it.
Those benefits are that it’s better for you, it’s healthier for the farmers, and it’s better for the environment. Let’s dive a little deeper here.
Coffee Bean Quality: A lot of flavored coffee companies use old or low quality beans because the flavor masks the actual coffee taste. Cutting corners in the freshness and quality of the product isn't the best choice and takes away from the nutrients of the coffee beans.
It’s better for you: Without all of the toxins in your cup of coffee you are getting more nutrients and avoiding a bunch of health concerns. There are also health benefits to drinking organic coffee.
It’s healthier for the farmers: All of the various chemicals are not only bad for the coffee plants, it also affects the farmers that have to use those chemicals. By working around so many chemicals, coffee growers are more susceptible to illnesses. The chemicals can affect their lungs and skin. By using more organic practices, the coffee growers don’t have to risk their health.
It’s better for the environment: By growing more organic beans, farmers are helping the environment. Some of the benefits to the environment are, less greenhouse gasses produced, more water conservation, better soil, and less erosion.
It’s clear that it’s better for everyone if coffee lovers switch their traditional favorite flavored roast to one with an organic label. Better for our health, the farmers, and for the environment!
What's the difference between Certified Organic and Organically Grown?
Certified organic coffee is certified by the USDA, a third party. The USDA makes sure the farms and ingredients in a product meet the organic USDA certification standards.
However, these third party certifications cost money, time, and take up resources that a lot of small farms do not have.
There are quite a few small scale farms that use organic farming practices, but do not actually hold the certification.
Organically grown is just as good! Don't be afraid to reach out to the coffee brand and ask if they are using organic practices.
Toxic Chemicals in Flavored Coffee To Watch Out For
We know that organic coffee is the best coffee, but how do we know which ones are a health and environmentally friendly coffee? The first thing you want to look for is the organic certification on the label, then make your way to the ingredients list.
These are a few things to be aware of when shopping for flavored coffee!
Ochratoxin A (OTA): This dangerous chemical can cause a lot of different health problems. Brain fog, dizziness, memory loss, and even more serious health problems like Alzheimer’s and cancer, are some of the possible health risks that you could experience because of this toxin.
Propylene Glycol: This liquid flavor is commonly used to coat beans to give them flavor. Propylene Glycol is defined as a synthetic food additive that belongs to the same chemical group as alcohol. While the FDA generally considers small amounts safe, but there has been controversy because this is an ingredient in antifreeze, paint, artificial smoke and e-cigarettes. Not exactly the type of ingredient you want to be putting in your body...especially if you're drinking flavored coffee everyday.
Artificial Flavors: While artificial flavors in coffee can sometimes refer to propylene glycol, this can also refer to a group of ingredients that consumers don't know what they are. Artificial flavors are broadly defined by the FDA and there have been cases where the FDA has banned artificial flavors that were previously considered safe due to studies associating these ingredients with cancer. This is why it's best to avoid these unknown flavors if you can.
Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAH): Sorry for you dark roast coffee drinkers, but this toxin affects you most of all. It is created from coffee that is roasted at high temperatures for a long time. This toxin is another carcinogen, so you definitely want to avoid it.
Acrylamide: This chemical is a neurotoxin that forms at the beginning of the roasting process. Along with damaging the nervous system it could also cause cancer. Unlike PAH, medium-dark roast is less likely to contain Acrylamide since it breaks down throughout the roasting process.
Aflatoxin: Aflatoxin is known as a potent natural carcinogen. It has been linked to both liver and respiratory cancer. This toxin can be present in three different stages of the coffee creation process, pre harvest, storing, and processing. It’s definitely one to watch out for.
Pesticides: While this isn't something that is going to be listed on the ingredient list of your flavored coffee beans, it's pretty well known that if you aren't buying organically grown coffee, the beans are grown with pesticides. Being exposed to pesticides can cause many health problems, birth defects, cancer, and even mental health issues are a few of the illnesses that can come from exposure to this toxin.
5 Best Organic Flavored Coffee Brands To Try
Now that you are knowledgeable in what organic coffee is, and why it truly is the better coffee, I want to share with you four of the best organic coffee brands with flavored options.
Copper Cow's Organic Flavored Vietnamese Pour Over Coffee
Copper Cow offers Vietnamese pour over inspired lattes. The founder, Debbie Wei Mullin, was inspired to create both from her passion for sharing her culture with friends and family.
The high quality coffee that Copper Cow sources from farms located in Vietnam. Copper Cow has an on-going relationship with the farm ensuring ethical and sustainable practices.
Copper Cow is also unique in the fact that it offers a subscription box option where you can pick your coffee and set your frequency.
If you aren’t sure how to brew your own delicious coffee, Copper Cow has you covered by showing you how to make your own hot coffee, iced coffee, and cold brew.
Some of the strong flavors you can expect to order are vanilla, salted caramel, and even lavender. The company currently uses select organic ingredients in their flavored coffee and is looking to expand this.
Plus, if you're looking for additional flavor their creamers do not contain preservatives, additives and are made with 100 percent whole milk and pure cane sugar.
These organic flavored coffees can be purchased for $11-$14 a box! I personally love the organic Pumpkin Spice flavor and Caramel flavored latte!
EKOCUPS: Fair Trade Organic K-Cups
EKOCUPS creates flavored organic coffee capsules that fit into a Keuireg K-Cup® machine.
What separates these cups from other coffee capsules is that the coffee is made from organic, single origin, fair trade coffee beans.
EKOCUPS are certified organic by the USDA. They use 13 gram capsules that are recyclable, so you are getting more coffee and the planet is getting less waste.
You can purchase a variety pack of EKOCUPS, or single flavored ones. You have different roast choices, like light roasts or dark roasts, and there are even decaf options.
You’ll find flavors like vanilla, burnt caramel, and hazelnut as well. My personal favorite is the hazelnut! EKOCUPS flavored organic fair trade coffee can be purchased for $18-$24.
Thrive Market's Flavored Organic Coffees
Let’s talk about Thrive Market Coffee! Thrive Market is an online food market that started in 2014 with a mission to make shopping for healthier food “easy and affordable for everyone.”
With over 2,000 organic food and beverage options, and the commitment to being a part of the change to create a more sustainable planet, you can feel great about what you purchase from this company.
One of those purchases you can make is flavored organic coffee. You’ve got options when it comes to Thrive Market’s organic bagged coffee.
There are both ground and whole bean options, with flavors like vanilla nut coffee, toasted caramel coffee, blonde roast, and more. Thrive Market's flavored organic coffee can be purchased for $10-$16 a bag.
Java Planet Organic Coffee Roasters Unique Flavors
Java Planet is a family owned brand that roasts and sells 100% organic Arabica coffee beans.
Java Planet offers flavored coffee that is USDA Certified Organic and Fair Trade Certified. Flavors include chocolate almond bliss, cocohaze, cinnamon vanilla, and pumpkin spice.
On their website Java Planet explains their flavored coffee oils contain organic cane alcohol, organic glycerin, and organic flavors derived from plant, vegetable, or fruit material and does not contain any artificial or synthetic additives. These delicious flavors can be purchased for $19 a bag.
Death Wish Coffee's Blueberry & Vanilla Roast
This is definitely not your ordinary coffee company, or coffee in general. In fact, Death Wish Coffee prides itself on creating the World’s Strongest Coffee.
What started in 2012 with one person, Mike Brown, has grown into a company passionate about teamwork, innovation, and of course coffee.
Death Wish Coffee offers a medium roast in addition to their signature bold blend and their flavored coffee is a unique Blue and Buried that tastes like a thick slice of blueberry coffee cake, with natural flavors of blueberry jam, luscious vanilla and sweet Vietnamese cinnamon—behold your fully baked wake-up call.
Customers can purchase the coffee ground or whole bean. The options don’t end there though. Conscious consumers can also choose between a single-serve order, canned, or bagged coffee.
Death Wish Coffee is fair trade certified and USDA Certified Organic. Their coffee can be purchased for $15-$20 per bag.
How to Flavor Your Own Coffee at Home
If you're looking for ways to flavor a good cup of coffee at home here are a few ideas! This is a great way to add a flavor boost, but also know what ingredients are going into your morning beverage!
These are also great options for people who love flavored coffee, but are trying to watch their sugar.
Add you choice of creamer/milk + some cinnamon to your coffee to give it a bit of a kick.
Add cocoa powder and your choice of milk/creamer to give your morning cup of coffee a bit of a mocha flavor.
If you're going for the seasonal pumpkin spices flavor add a bit of pumpkin pie spice, pumpkin, and your favorite creamer to your coffee.
Add coconut oil to create a more creamy taste without the dairy.
Try adding a bit of vanilla extract for a more flavorful coffee.
There are always trending flavor ideas online like the recent orange juice and coffee combination! Try following some coffee Instagram accounts as this use one of the best ways to get inspired on making your own flavors.
Hopefully this guide has helped you learn what to look for in your flavored coffee, why organic coffee is a good choice, and discover some amazing organic flavored coffee brands!
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