Taking the caffeine out of coffee has been a familiar and useful development in the chemistry of coffee. But what about coffee without beans?
Unlikely as it may seem, Voyage Foods has claimed to have completed just such a feat. As the global coffee industry struggles with crop issues and escalating costs, this new offering emerges as a sustainable and cost-effective alternative.
Alchemy of Flavors
Voyage Foods’ bean-free coffee is a unique blend of roasted chickpeas, rice hulls, and caffeine derived from green tea. Utilizing proprietary technology, these basic ingredients are transformed into a brew that replicates the familiar flavors and energizing effects of traditional coffee. This innovation not only excels in taste but also offers a price point at just 60% of the cost of conventional coffee.
Adam Maxwell, CEO of Voyage Foods, articulates the company’s mission with clarity:
“Given the current dynamics of the coffee market, food and beverage suppliers are uneasy about supply-chain volatility as well as fulfilling their triple bottom line of people, planet, and profit.”
His statement underscores the pressing need for solutions that address both ethical and environmental concerns.
A World in Flux
The traditional coffee industry is currently facing substantial challenges. This year, robusta beans have experienced a striking 63% price increase, driven by extreme weather, pests, and diseases affecting coffee crops. The availability of suitable land for coffee cultivation is diminishing due to climate change, while global demand continues to rise, contributing to deforestation and other environmental issues.
In this volatile environment, Voyage Foods’ bean-free coffee presents a compelling alternative. It offers not only economic advantages but also a sustainable and ethical option, devoid of the environmental toll associated with traditional coffee farming.
The Eco-Friendly Elixir
Maxwell emphasizes that the company’s goal is not to replace premium, fair-trade, single-origin coffee. Instead, the aim is to provide an eco-friendlier, ethically produced option for the commodity that constitutes the majority of global consumption.
“There will always be a place for premium, fair-trade, single-origin coffee, and that’s not our target – we intend to make the biggest possible impact, and we’ll do that by supplying an eco-friendlier, ethically made alternative to commodity coffee.”
Specialty coffee, while cherished by aficionados, represents only about 20% of the global market. The majority of coffee consumers prefer mass-market blends, whether enjoyed at home, at work, or on the go. For these individuals, Voyage Foods offers a straightforward yet profound choice – bean-free coffee that strives to maintain the integrity of taste and tradition.
The Food Institute Podcast
Tom Hamill, a food and beverage senior analyst for RSM US LLP, joined The Food Institute Podcast to recap the 2024 Summer Fancy Food Show. Hamill shares his thoughts on burgeoning trends from the show and how emerging specialty food brands can best navigate economic factors in the years to come.
