Just when my husband thought my coffee addiction couldn’t get any worse…I ordered over $250 worth of coffee. It was all in the name of research, I promise! If you’ve been following this blog for any time, then you’ll know I am a hardcore coffee snob. So I thought it would be fun to test out some popular clean, organic coffee brands on the market and let you know which are *indeed* the best ones! Consider this a Clean Coffee Directory, if you will. It was a tough job, but someone’s gotta do it 😏
Okay, let’s brew this!
This post contains affiliate links. Thank you for supporting my caffeine addiction.
Table of Contents:
- Wait…My Coffee is Dirty?! Why Clean & Organic Coffee is So Important!
- General Tips for Choosing & Consuming the Healthiest Coffee
- Rating 15+ Clean & Organic Brands (According to a Coffee Snob)
- My Final Thoughts About Clean & Organic Coffee: Worth It?
Wait…My Coffee is Dirty?! 🤯 Why Clean & Organic Coffee is So Important!
According to the National Coffee Association (I love that this is even a thing), roughly 62% of Americans drink coffee daily. You are my people! ☕️ And maybe this is just me trying to justify my own addiction, but there are numerous health benefits to consuming it:
- Rich in polyphenol antioxidants (research says even more than cocoa and tea!)
- Associated with improved liver health
- Boosts physical and cognitive function (more blood flow to the brain)
- Can help you live longer (this is according to Harvard, folks)
Of course, not everyone reacts well to coffee and it’s best to drink it in moderation. But I can personally attest that it makes me a better and happier human being.
Avoiding Pesticide Contaminants in Your Daily Cup of Joe
The downside…coffee is one of the most chemically-treated crops in the WORLD. According to CS Monitor, up to 250 pounds of chemical fertilizers are sprayed per acre of conventional (non-organic) coffee. Yikes! Kinda makes you think twice about grabbing something from Starbucks, huh?
Currently, the U.S. government does not have maximum residue limits (MRLs) for pesticides used on coffee beans, and there are about 42 different pesticides used on coffee worldwide. This doesn’t include chemicals that have been banned globally but are possibly still used illegally.
Choosing organic coffee is obviously pertinent for your health, but also for the safety of the workers that grow and harvest the beans. Not to mention, think of the bees, the soil, and the residue that can run off into the local water systems!
Photo credit: My Brand PhotographerMold, Mycotoxins, and Yeast…Oh My!
Aside from pesticides, herbicides, and fungicides, there is another aspect of coffee cultivation that we need to be aware of. Mycotoxins! These are naturally occurring toxins that are produced by certain molds and fungi. They can be found in coffee, dried fruits, chocolate, and other common food crops.
The most prevalent mycotoxins found in coffee are Ochratoxin A and Aflatoxin B1. These are not purposely added, but rather, the contamination can happen at multiple stages of the coffee production process. Whether that be when the coffee cherries are growing, being stored, or transported. They are more typically found in lower-quality coffee brands.
In fact, one study showed that 91.7% of green coffee beans are contaminated with mold which is shocking!
Other terms you might hear about when it comes to clean coffee:
- Acrylamide is a naturally occurring chemical and it’s often found in cooked foods like bread, french fries, and cookies. The way coffee is roasted can alter the level of acrylamide (for example, darker roasts are generally lower in acrylamides). High levels of it have been shown to cause cancer in lab animals.
- Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) are compounds that might be present in roasted foods but are considered genotoxic and carcinogenic in humans. This is really only a concern with coffee if it’s roasted too extremely hot.
- Yeast can be used to naturally process the coffee after picking and sometimes residues are left behind.
In essence, you’re never going to 100% avoid mycotoxins in certain foods because they are naturally occurring. But there are coffee roasters that go above and beyond to test throughout the process to ensure you’re getting a cleaner cup.
General Tips for Choosing & Consuming the Healthiest Coffee
Here are some tips for properties to seek out when choosing a coffee brand. Of course, these are general guidelines and a good starting point; don’t feel like you need to find a coffee that checks every single box!
What Type of Coffee to Look For
Organically Grown: Certified organic is best, but it’s costly to get the certification which some small farms simply can’t afford. Plus many farms are only a couple of acres, if not less, so the price might not be justifiable. This ensures that the coffee isn’t treated with chemical pesticides, herbicides, fungicides, etc. and is not genetically modified.
Whole Bean: Just grind your own right before you brew each morning! I love my Conical Burr Grinder. Not only does this mean you’re getting the freshest properties of the bean, but when coffee comes pre-ground, it’s more prone to contamination and mold.
High Altitude: Coffee that is grown in cooler, higher mountain temperatures is less likely to grow mold. Above 1,200 meters is an ideal starting point.
Arabica: Roughly 70% of coffee sold is from the Arabica variety, as opposed to Robusta. Robusta has higher caffeine levels but is more likely to contain mycotoxins.
Single Origin: Some coffees are blends of beans from different regions. Single origin just means that they are all the same bean from the same place. There is less of a chance for cross-contamination when you know the exact source.
Wet Process Method: Or washed. This is when the coffee is pulped and then rinsed with water to remove layers of fructose and sucrose. As opposed to dry processed (natural) which are dried in the full cherry prior to de-pulping. Mycotoxins are more likely to form during the drying stage of processing, so beans that are washed are less likely to have molds and fungi.
Shade Grown: Coffee that is grown in the shade better supports forest ecosystems (healthier soil, sustains pollinators, birds eat the pests, etc.) and doesn’t require synthetic chemicals to thrive. It also means the land hasn’t been cleared for farming. This falls under the Bird Friendly certification (mentioned below).
Smokeless Roasting: Some roasters use smokeless technology which minimizes the risk of acrylamides.
Nitrogen-Flushed Bags: Unlike oxygen, nitrogen doesn’t contribute to your coffee going stale. Many roasters choose to flush packaged bags with nitrogen and force the oxygen out. This increases the shelf life of your beans. You might also see one-way valves on a bag; they let carbon dioxide out while coffee degasses but don’t allow air in. I always thought those valves were just for smelling the coffee before you buy it, but ya know, science! 🤓
Healthy Home Brewing Tips
Ditch the Pods & Single-Use Plastic Servings: I know K-Cups and pods are convenient, but not so much for the environment! Plus, when hot water comes in contact with the plastic, there is a potential for leaching into your coffee.
Use Plastic-Free Brewing Equipment: To avoid having your hot coffee come in contact with plastic, opt for methods such as glass pour over or French press to brew. Check out my Guide to Eco-Friendly Coffee Brewing for a list of zero waste brewing options, including unbleached compostable filters. Better for you and the earth! 🌏
Related post: “A Complete Guide to Non-Toxic & Eco-Friendly Kitchen Supplies”
Brew with Filtered Water: Trust me, using pure water to brew your coffee makes a HUGE difference in the taste! First of all, tap water often contains dozens of contaminants such as chlorine and heavy metals. Secondly, filtered water has the right balance of minerality and pH which leads to a much finer pairing to let your coffee’s flavor profile shine. I use a Pure Effect Ultra 3-Stage Water Filter 🚰
Related post: “Common Tap Water Contaminants & Choosing the Most Effective Water Filter”
Steep Cold Brew in the Fridge vs. Room Temperature: This pains me to say because *technically* the correct way to steep cold brew is 12-18 hours at room temperature (I still do it!). However, if you’re trying to be mindful of pathogens and bacteria growth, you can also let it steep in the fridge. Keep in mind, you might not get as intense of a flavor, so it will require a slightly longer brew time in the fridge to extract the goodness (18-24 hours).
A Quick Guide to Coffee Certifications
USDA Certified Organic: This means at least 95 percent of the coffee was grown under organic conditions. Farmers aren’t allowed to use synthetic pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers, and nothing is genetically modified. It does cost money to acquire this certification, so you might see “organically grown” or just organic without the seal.
Fair Trade Certified™: This means the product meets rigorous social, environmental, and economic standards such as safe working conditions, environmental protection, sustainable livelihoods, and community development funds. This also has a cost involved; you might also see similar terms such as “directly traded” or “ethically sourced” which don’t necessarily have standards behind them.
Rainforest Alliance Certified: A non-profit organization that works with coffee farmers to conserve biodiversity and promote sustainability. They teach good land-use practices and require that a certain percentage of land used for farming doesn’t negatively impact natural bodies of water and forest covers. This also prohibits destructive activities and promotes safe working conditions for farmers.
Bird Friendly®: As part of the Smithsonian Migratory Bird Center’s conservation program, this means the farms provide adequate, forest-like habitat for birds (shade grown and no deforestation). Bird Friendly also means that the coffee has been certified organic! 🦜
Specialty Grade: This signifies that the coffee has been thoroughly inspected and sorted to ensure that the beans are free from defects (such as chips and cracks) by the Specialty Coffee Association. It needs to score over 80 points on a 100-point scale. Many people can become certified throughout the production chain: farmers, green coffee buyers, roasters, baristas, and even you, the consumer! Every step of the entire process is monitored for quality.
Listen to this podcast interview…
If you prefer to consume information via audio, you can listen to my interview on the Maison Pur podcast about this topic! We cover many points from this blog post about clean coffee, what to look for when buying beans, the best mold-free brands, and more 🎙
A Note About Decaf: Opt for Naturally-Processed
Just don’t even bother with decaf (just kidding!). But seriously, if you DO go the decaf route, make sure the brand uses a natural, non-solvent-based method such as the Swiss Water Process. It removes 99.9% of the caffeine molecules using just pure water. It was first discovered in Switzerland in the 1930s. Other caffeine extraction methods can involve a synthetic chemical solvent like methylene chloride or ethyl acetate.
Swiss Water Process is also amazing because it retains the flavor and beneficial antioxidant properties of your coffee! Some of the chemical solvents can alter the flavor, aroma, and natural oils of your cuppa joe.
It’s also noteworthy to mention that caffeine is a natural anti-insect and antifungal defense mechanism for the plant. So when you make a bean decaf, it becomes more prone to mold and less able to protect itself. Therefore, choosing an organic and clean cup of decaf is a smart move.
Bare Minimum: Go Organic!
I realize this is probably overwhelming! If you’re looking for a cleaner cup of coffee, I would suggest that the MOST important thing is to choose beans that are organically grown. A lot of roasters won’t necessarily have the USDA Organic certification but still use organic farming practices.
For example, there are a lot of local roasters in Milwaukee where I live that offer organically-grown coffee but don’t have the certification. I still feel good supporting them and drinking it! Do what you can, and if you’re ready to take it to the ultimate next level, keep reading for extra CLEAN & ORGANIC coffee brand options!
How to Properly Store Your Coffee Beans
You’ll want to keep your coffee stored in an airtight container (preferably not plastic) in a cool, dark, dry place such as your pantry. Keep it out of direct sunlight, and don’t use a clear container if it’s exposed to a lighted area. You can just keep it in the original bag, too, as long as it seals well!
Light, heat, and moisture will affect your beans. Moisture, of course, can lead to mold growth. But heat and light will prevent your beans from staying fresh which can alter the taste. Proper storage is key to keep your coffee beans from oxidizing! Avoid storing it in the fridge or freezer; the change in temperature going in and out can actually cause condensation to build up. Not to mention, coffee grounds will act like baking soda and absorb other odors from your fridge.
I personally try to use up a bag of coffee within two-three weeks of opening for maximum freshness!
Rating 15+ Clean & Organic Brands (According to a Coffee Snob)
Now that you’re educated on all things clean coffee, it’s finally time for the FUN part! I admit, I have known about “clean coffee” for a while but still chose to just buy from local coffee shops (which mostly use organic practices).
But I’ve actually been dealing with some gut issues and trying to avoid yeast; so I wanted to up my coffee game and find ones that are beyond organic!
Plus, some of my readers have asked for recommendations. And I am honored! I am picky about coffee, which my husband can attest to. You will not catch me drinking Folgers or gas station coffee. I’m very annoying to travel with because we HAVE to go out of our way to find THE best local coffee shops 🤣
While you’re reading this, keep in mind that we might have different taste preferences for coffee! I gravitate towards a light roast that’s bright, vibrant, and fruity. Light roasts tend to have more of an acidic kick, too. But rest assured, if you’re a dark roast lover, there are plenty of options for you here!
Best Tasting Roasts & Becca’s Top Picks:
Thrive Market (5th Place)
I have been a long-time member of Thrive Market and they have really been stepping their coffee game up recently! They’re a Certified B Corp, carbon-neutral, and purposefully driven. This is where I buy a lot of groceries and pantry staples for a reduced price. You do have to be a member to buy from Thrive, but it’s completely worth it (especially since their coffee is a more affordable option in this post!).
Related post: “How I Save Money on Natural, Organic Food with Thrive Market”
Price: $11 for 12 oz. bag, $17 for 24 oz. bag
Roast Options: Light, Medium, Medium (Sprouted), Dark (French), Flavored (Vanilla, Hazelnut, Pumpkin Spice)
Grind Options: Whole Bean, Ground, Instant
Decaf Available: Yes (Swiss Water Process)
Region: Peru (Arabica)
Certifications: USDA Certified Organic
Lab Results: Not publicly available
Other Notes: Regeneratively grown, directly and ethically sourced from sustainable farmers
They don’t have test results available, but I reached out and was told the coffees undergo annual testing for yeast, heavy metals, and mold to ensure it is not detected. I’m mostly impressed that it’s regeneratively grown!
Becca’s Taste Test:
I tried the Blonde Roast (light) to try and mmm, it’s good stuff! It does have a slight burnt and bitter taste to it, but with some lighter hints of brown sugar, apple, and almond. I also made a batch of cold brew with it which helps take down the acidity and bitterness…yum! If you like the Starbucks blonde roast, this would be a healthier swap for sure. I’ll definitely get this again with future Thrive orders.
My readers can take 40% off their first Thrive order + a free gift when using my link!
Purity (4th Place/Best Medium Roast)
I admit, I saw lots of bloggers rave about this one over the years and was skeptical; it was one of the first clean coffees I heard about. Purity was founded by Andrew Salisbury after his wife was experiencing health issues and he set out to create the purest coffee on the market. Their goal is to present scientific research to prove that coffee is beneficial for our health and I am HERE for it!
Purity is one of the most transparent about their process and results which I appreciate. They provide copious amounts of in-depth education on their blog, too. They even analyzed their coffee compared to over 46 different brands (including some in this guide!) and found theirs to have an average of 65% higher antioxidant content.
Each of their coffees are specifically roasted to target certain health benefits. For example, the Protect roast has a higher level of CGA (chlorogenic acids) and bioactive compounds to support liver health and metabolic vitality.
Price: $24 for 12 oz. bag ($19 if you subscribe)
Roast Options: Light-Medium, Medium, Dark
Grind Options: Whole Bean
Decaf Available: Yes (Swiss Water Process)
Region: Nicaragua, Honduras, and Colombia (high altitude, Arabica)
Certifications: USDA Certified Organic, Rainforest Alliance Certified, Demeter biodynamic certified (some)
Lab Results: Available on their website
Other Notes: Smokeless roaster, nitrogen-flushed bags, sourced from sustainable farms, regeneratively-grown
Becca’s Taste Test:
I tried ALL of their coffees. My favorite from Purity is the Protect light-medium roast. It’s bright, juicy, tart, and with sweet citrus/apple notes and some subtle nuttiness. Very flavorful! If they had a Light only roast, they would for sure be higher up on my list because I love everything this company is doing!
My second pick from them would be the original Flow medium roast. It’s smoother, kind of chocolatey, with hints of roasted nuts (their most balanced blend). Has a little tart kick at the end. The Calm decaf is very similar but without the caffeine!
And lastly, their Ease darker roast. This is the least acidic and much gentler on the stomach. It has naturally-occurring prebiotic benefits too! This one is too dark for me, but it’s smooth with a dark chocolate and roasted walnut taste.
For a more in-depth review of Purity and to learn even MORE about each of their roasts, check out this blog post.
You can use coupon code ORGANICALLYBECCA for 20% off your order!
Also available on Amazon here. Discounts not applicable.
Fabula (3rd Place)
Fabula’s cutesy branding really intrigued me! “Fabula” means story and they believe that every bean has a story to tell. The founders traveled to Peru and were taken aback by the clean, pure coffee from the mountainside. Then Fabula was born! They partner with One Tree Planted non-profit and I also like that they roast the coffee RIGHT before it ships to you for maximum freshness. They have plenty of options for roasts!
Price: $30 for 12 oz. bag (save 25% if you subscribe)
Roast Options: Light, Medium, Dark, Dark Cold Brew, Espresso, Roaster’s Special (seasonal rotations), Turkish, Flavored (Vanilla, Hazelnut, Buttery Caramel, Chocolate Nut)
Grind Options: Whole Bean, Ground, Coarsely Ground (cold brew)
Decaf Available: Yes, and Half-Caff (Swiss Water Process)
Region: Mexico, Peru, Colombia, Indonesia, Papua New Guinea (single origin, high altitude, Arabica)
Certifications: USDA Certified Organic
Lab Results: Not publicly available, but they will send you results upon request
Other Notes: Low acid, small batch, fairly traded (not certified)
Fabula tests each new batch of green coffee for over 350+ chemical compounds (including mold and mycotoxins) at independent labs. They only provide coffee that tests 100% clean.
Becca’s Taste Test:
I tried the Medium Roast and Light Roast. They actually don’t taste dramatically different to me and I enjoy both, but there are distinct qualities between them. The medium roast is richer and smoother with hints of chocolate, brown sugar, caramel, and nuts. The light roast is more bitter and vibrant with notes of apple, sweet almonds, and berries. It’s really interesting because both of them have almost a tiny floral aftertaste. The light roast is my favorite of the two and I would for sure buy it again in the future because it’s deeeeeeelicious!
You can use the coupon ORGANICALLYBECCA for 25% off your order!
Also available on Amazon here. Discounts not applicable.
Lifeboost (2nd Place)
Founded by chiropractor Dr. Charles Livingston who was on a quest to find the healthiest cup of coffee that’s gentle on the stomach. I did have some sticker shock when I saw the price, but the taste makes up for it. In summary, I’m very impressed with the quality of this brand and what they offer. They test for 400+ mycotoxins, heavy metals, pesticides, etc. and have the data to back it up.
Price: $35 for 12 oz. bag ($25 if you subscribe)
Roast Options: Light, Medium, Dark, Espresso Dark, Blonde Espresso, Flavored (Hazelnut, Birthday Batter, Maple Cinnamon, Pumpkin Spice, lots more)
Grind Options: Whole Bean, Ground
Decaf Available: Yes, and Half-Caff (Swiss Water Process)
Region: Nicaragua (single origin, high altitude)
Certifications: USDA Certified Organic
Lab Results: Certificate of Analysis (not immediately available on the website but they’ll provide it if you ask!)
Other Notes: Fairly traded (not certified), sun-dried, spring water washed, low acid, burlap bags available upon request
Becca’s Taste Test:
I tried the Optimist Light Roast and it’s amazing! My second favorite of the clean coffees I tried. It’s bright, mildly fruity, smooth, and a slight acidity kind of hits you in the back of the tongue (if that makes sense, trying to be fancy with my coffee taste descriptions here, haha)! It also makes a fabulous cold brew. Would totally get this again as a subscription.
Lifeboost also has a second light roast from Africa that I like! It’s from Uganda and a portion of the proceeds go to fight the endangerment of two subspecies of giraffes.
You can use the coupon BOOST15 for 15% off orders $50+ or code BOOST20 for $20 off orders $100+!
Also available on Amazon here. Discounts not applicable.
Top Shelf Grind ⭐️ (1st Place Becca’s Fave!)
Top Shelf Grind is a roaster from Seattle. I had never heard of them before researching for this post, and they seem like a smaller company, but I am really happy to have discovered them. Their mission is to “offer the best coffee in the world for the highest achievers.”
Price: $15 for 10 oz. bag
Roast Options: Light, Dark
Grind Options: Whole Bean, Ground (with Lion’s Mane mushroom)
Decaf Available: No
Region: Peru and Colombia (single origin, high altitude, Arabica; the dark roast is a blended Robusta)
Certifications: USDA Certified Organic, Fair Trade Certified (just the light roast)
Lab Results: Not publicly available; claim to be free of mold and mycotoxins and roasted in a sterile facility
Other Notes: Small batch, direct to farm relationships, hand washed
Becca’s Taste Test:
I tried the Liquid Gold (light roast) and OMG you guys. It’s my favorite one. Yep, I said it. It’s beautifully bright, tart, flavorful, yet smooth. I taste some notes of apple, honey, and maybe even some milk chocolate. The ultimate test was to also make a batch of cold brew from this to make sure that it’s tasty brewed hot and cold. And I can confirm that it also makes a delightful cold brew 👌 So thrilled to keep drinking this and I’m glad it lives up to the name!
Shop Top Shelf Grind Coffee Here
Runner-Up Clean Coffee Brands I Tried:
Bulletproof
You’ve probably heard of this brand as they are more mainstream! Founded by well-known biohacker Dave Asprey. They also made Bulletproof (a.k.a. butter coffee) a trend 🧈 which I personally think is quite delicious in fall and winter. You can probably find this brand in stores such as Whole Foods and Fresh Thyme.
Price: $15 for 2.5 lb. or 12 oz. bag
Roast Options: Light, Medium, Medium-Dark, Dark
Grind Options: Whole Bean, Ground
Decaf Available: Yes (Swiss Water Process)
Region: Central or South America depending on the season (single origin, high altitude, Arabica)
Certifications: Rainforest Alliance Certified
Lab Results: Not publicly available
Other Notes: Grown using organic farming practices but not certified, directly purchased from farmers
For how big of a company Bulletproof is, I am surprised that they don’t publish the lab results testing for mold, mycotoxins, etc. I even reached out to customer support and they basically just told me they don’t share them publicly. So as far as we know, according to the website, the beans are “sustainably washed, mechanically dried, and tested for toxins” but that’s about all I could find! 🤷♀️
Becca’s Taste Test:
I tried their Light Roast Breakfast Blend. Overall, it tastes pretty good and I love that it’s a light roast. It has a vibrant and bright taste upfront, but the total flavor is kind of subtle and muted. There are some citrus and orange notes to it. I would drink this one again.
Cardiology
Founded by cardiologist Dr. Jack Wolfson who focuses on natural heart health 🤎 I had never heard of this brand before researching this post, but they are doing some cool things! The beans are grown in Honduras by women seeking economic independence to support their families and formed their own cooperative in 1993. The beans are harvested by hand using regenerative farming practices (there’s even a compost production plant that helps foster coffee quality).
Price: $22 for 12 oz. bag
Roast Options: Light, Medium, Dark
Grind Options: Whole Bean
Decaf Available: Yes (Swiss Water Process)
Region: Honduras (single origin)
Certifications: USDA Certified Organic
Lab Results: Chemical Analysis and Microbiological Report
Other Notes: Donate 5% of sales to the Friends of Honduran Children, nitrogen-flushed bags, smokeless roaster
Becca’s Taste Test:
I tried their Light Roast and it gets a thumbs up from me! 👍 It’s very smooth and almost has a creamy taste to it, yet there’s a brightness and pop of tart to it. Unique and I would surely get this one again.
Dynamize
Dynamize touts “no more shitty coffee” and I love it! The CEO Brandon Miller came from a farming background and had an understanding of how farmers around the world were being taken advantage of and getting the short end of the stick. Dynamize aims to trade fairly and provide honest wages (over double the fair trade minimum!) while providing a clean cup of coffee. They also work with a lot of athletes with similar passions, such as surfers and snowboarders.
Price: $22 for 12 oz. bag ($19 if you subscribe)
Roast Options: Light, 50/50, Dark
Grind Options: Whole Bean, Ground
Decaf Available: No
Region: Costa Rica (single origin, high altitude, Arabica)
Lab Results: Not publicly available
Other Notes: Direct farmer partnerships, fairly traded (not certified), sustainably-grown
They have a proprietary Dynamize washing and drying method to prevent mold but I’m not sure what that entails! They boast about being mold free, tested for toxins, no chemical pesticides, sustainable practices, zero monocropping, and microgranic farming concepts.
Becca’s Taste Test:
I tried the Light Roast and it’s not my top favorite light roast, but overall, it’s yummy! There are definitely notes of apple, brown sugar, and vanilla. Maybe even some citrus. It’s interesting because it’s mellow with some bitterness at the same time. I actually like the smell of the beans better than the taste, but I would drink this one again.
Magni
Magni is a newer brand that strongly believes organic farming should be non-negotiable, and I’m down with that! They test for over 350 chemical compounds and roast the beans on demand so they’re delivered fresh to your door.
Price: $29 for 12 oz. bag (25% off if you subscribe)
Roast Options: Light, Medium, Dark
Grind Options: Whole Bean, Ground
Decaf Available: Yes
Region: Mexico, Peru, Honduras (single origin, high altitude)
Certifications: USDA Certified Organic
Lab Results: Not publicly available, but they will send you results upon request
Other Notes: Fairly traded (not certified), small batch, low acid, sustainably-grown, donate $1 for every bag sold to help poverty in Africa
Becca’s Taste Test:
I tried Magni’s Light Roast and think it’s lovely! It’s sourced from Oaxaca which holds a special place in my heart since I studied abroad there in college. It has a unique aroma and taste; it’s quite soft for a light roast but also bright and crisp at the same time. I get some notes of almond and a touch of black tea or some floral at the end. It’s pleasant as a cold brew, too. I’d buy this one again!
Other Clean Coffees I Tried:
Clean Coffee Co.
This brand was really intriguing to me and makes a lot of really big claims! However I was left with questions after browsing their website, just looking for clarification on some things, but I never heard back from them so I can’t quite form an informed opinion yet.
Price: $18 for 12 oz. bag
Roast Options: Medium-Dark, Dark
Grind Options: Whole Bean, Ground
Decaf Available: No
Region: Honduras and Papua New Guinea (each roast is single origin)
Certifications: Rainforest Alliance Certified (just the Honduran roast)
Lab Results: Available on their website
Other Notes: Organically grown, hand-picked, hand-washed, sun-dried
First of all, you can only purchase their coffee via Amazon which is a bit strange. And the test results that they publish aren’t backed up by a certificate of analysis so I don’t know how often they’re exactly tested. They claim to have undergone CDFA multi-residue screening. And the Medium-Dark roast says “toxin-free” while the Dark roast says “toxin and mold-free” so I’m not sure if only one is truly clean. I’d love more info from the brand.
Becca’s Taste Test:
I tried the Medium Dark Roast and would NOT get it again. It actually made me cough when I took my first sip! It has some nutty and woody notes but a minor hint of brightness. Too dark for my liking.
Danger Coffee
Dave Asprey does it again! The concept behind this coffee is intriguing. Aside from using mold-free beans, Danger infuses more than 50 trace minerals, nutrients, and electrolytes into the coffee. Since coffee can deplete your body of minerals and electrolytes, the idea is that this coffee helps counteract and balance those deficiencies. I think this is meant to be used as a bulletproof-style drink with butter and MCT oil for those that like to fast in the mornings.
However, the patent-pending blend is proprietary so we don’t know exactly what’s in it; Danger states that “the minerals themselves are ancient plant minerals called Fulvic and Humic and within them is the minerals.” In my opinion, I would love more transparency from the brand. Hopefully, as they grow, we’re able to learn more!
Price: $25 for 10.9 oz. bag ($23 if you subscribe)
Roast Options: Medium, Dark
Grind Options: Whole Bean, Ground
Decaf Available: No
Region: Central America (single origin, Arabica)
Lab Results: Not publicly available; claim to be third-party tested free of mold, mycotoxins, and pesticides
Other Notes: Sourced directly from farmers
Becca’s Taste Test:
I tried the Whole Bean Medium Roast and it’s decent but not spectacular. It actually tastes a little burnt and metallic to me. Like the minerals make it taste kind of funky. I wouldn’t get this one again.
Four Sigmatic
Another brand that you have probably heard of; they were early pioneers of the mushroom coffee movement 🍄 Because they use mushrooms, adaptogens, superfood powders, etc. in their coffees, they all come pre-ground or in an instant coffee packet. One of the benefits of including adaptogens is that you might experience less of a “coffee crash” or jitters. You can usually find their products at health food stores like Whole Foods and also on Thrive Market.
Price: $20 for 12 oz. bag
Roast Options: Medium, Dark
Grind Options: Ground, Instant
Decaf Available: Yes (Swiss Water Process)
Region: Honduras, Guatemala, Colombia (each coffee is from a different region but all roasts are single origin, Arabica)
Certifications: Fair Trade Certified, USDA Certified Organic, CCOF Certified Organic
Lab Results: Not publicly available but have in-depth Quality Standards on their website
I think if you’re someone that’s interested in the extra health benefits of adaptogens, then you might enjoy these coffees. But if you’re more of a coffee flavor snob like me and want to focus on the coffee itself, this brand probably isn’t for you.
Becca’s Taste Test:
I tried the Defend Mushroom Coffee with Probiotics which is a medium roast. It has organic Chaga and turkey tail mushrooms, yacon juice powder, and probiotics. I don’t really notice a mushroom taste with this one, but it does taste a little soapy almost like the smell of bubbles. Interesting! Overall, it’s rather bright, a little fruity, but bitter at the same time. Not too bad but I probably wouldn’t get it again.
Shop Four Sigmatic Coffee Here
Healthy Bean
Thompson’s Healthy Bean Coffee is a brand that one of my readers suggested I try. I couldn’t find much info about the brand but it’s a small business out of California. One of their roasts is actually infused with matcha, chia, and rooibos tea which is interesting!
Price: $20 for 11 oz. bag ($16 if you subscribe)
Roast Options: Medium, Semi-Dark (infused with matcha, chia, rooibos tea), Dark Espresso
Grind Options: Whole Bean, Ground
Decaf Available: Yes (Water-based process)
Region: Central America (high altitutde)
Certifications: USDA Certified Organic
Lab Results: Not publicly available at the moment but working on making resources available
Other Notes: Fairly traded (not certified), low acid (~50% lower chlorogenic acid levels), small batch
Becca’s Taste Test:
I tried the Thrive Morning Roast (medium roast) and it’s good but not anything that blows me away. It’s flavorful but balanced and not very tart (the low acid means it doesn’t have that typical kick). I taste some woody/earthy flavors and it’s on the smoother side. Probably would not get it again since there are many other lighter roasts I prefer but it’s not bad!
Kicking Horse 💰 Best Budget-Friendly Option!
Kicking Horse is a fairly large brand! 🐴 In fact, the Italian coffee conglomerate Lavazza owns an 80% stake in the company. You can likely find their coffee at your local grocery store or places like Fresh Thyme and Thrive Market.
Price: $12 for 10 oz. bag, $30 for 2.2 lb. bag
Roast Options: Light, Medium, Dark
Grind Options: Whole Bean, Ground
Decaf Available: Yes (Swiss Water Process)
Region: South America, Central America, Africa, Indonesia (high altitude, Arabica, beans are purchased single origin then blended in-house)
Certifications: USDA Certified Organic, Canada Organic Certified, Fair Trade Certified, ECOCERT
Lab Results: Not publicly available; they claim results have always been negative from molds, bacteria, and yeast by an independent lab
Other Notes: Female CEO, roasted in Canada, 95% of beans are wet-processed, purchased directly from farming cooperatives
Becca’s Taste Test:
I tried the Smart Ass (medium roast) and it’s just okay in my opinion; it’s quite flavorful but a tad burnt and bitter tasting. There are some hints of chocolate and berry. I wouldn’t get it again. But the Hola (light roast) is better! The downside is that you can only get it pre-ground and not as whole bean. But it’s not tart like many light roasts are; it’s smooth and has kind of a nougat/caramel taste to it! I typically prefer to support smaller roasters so I probably wouldn’t get it again even though the taste is good.
Shop Kicking Horse Coffee Here
Kion
Kion is a brand that I saw numerous bloggers and influencers rave about, so I had some pretty high hopes! They’re a company out of Colorado that also makes supplements and energy bars. It’s pronounced key-on and “Ki” is a Japanese term that is often described as “something that cannot be defined.”
Price: $20 for 12 oz. bag
Roast Options: Medium, Dark
Grind Options: Whole Bean, Ground
Decaf Available: Yes (Mountain Water Process)
Region: Mexico and Honduras (blended origins, Arabica)
Certifications: USDA Certified Organic
Lab Results: Not publicly available; they claim to perform a third-party test on every batch for mold and mycotoxins
Other Notes: Nitrogen-flushed bags, smokeless roaster, from fair-trade coffee cooperatives (not certified)
Becca’s Taste Test:
I tried the Medium Roast and it definitely has a strong, smooth, bold flavor. I detect some dark chocolate notes and a hint of spices. I enjoy how smooth it is, but probably wouldn’t get it again; it’s too dark for me, even the medium roast! I think I’d need some creamer if I got it again (but that feels like cheating to me 😉).
Natural Force
Natural Force is a certified B Corp™ and a One Tree Planted reforestation partner. They offer wellness products such as MCT oils, protein powders, collagen peptides, and of course, coffee! This is surely a company that goes above and beyond to certify their products and are extremely transparent to consumers.
Price: $27 for 12 oz. bag
Roast Options: Medium, Dark
Grind Options: Whole Bean
Decaf Available: Yes (Swiss Water Process)
Region: Colombia (single origin, high altitude, Arabica)
Certifications: USDA Certified Organic, Rainforest Alliance Certified, Vegan, Paleo, Keto, Gluten Free
Lab Results: Certificate of Analysis
Other Notes: Hand-picked, smokeless roaster, directly traded from sustainable plantations
Becca’s Taste Test:
I tried the Decaf Medium Roast and Regular Medium Roast. Both are actually kind of dull and don’t have much power behind them—the decaf especially. It’s supposed to be low acid too, so maybe if you can’t handle a strong-tasting coffee you’d like this brand. The taste is pleasant, it’s just not very bold. I notice some hints of caramel and cocoa in it.
Shop Natural Force Coffee Here
Organo
Another one I’ve seen on the ‘gram. It’s an organic instant coffee powder that has organic Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum) spore powder mixed in. The spores are loaded with nutrients and can be helpful for immune support and contain antimicrobial compounds. The way the spores are harvested impacts the quality, and it has to be timed just right for maximum benefits, which is why this coffee is on the expensive end.
Price: $52 for 25 sachets
Roast Options: Medium-Dark
Grind Options: Ground (Instant)
Decaf Available: No
Region: Brazil
Certifications: USDA Certified Organic, ECOCERT
Lab Results: Not publicly available; routinely test in a cGMP facility for mold and toxins
Other Notes: Fairly traded (not certified)
Becca’s Taste Test:
I tried the Gourmet Organic King of Coffee and am not a fan. If you’ve tried instant coffee, then you might know it has a distinct flavor; I can tell this was instant coffee by the taste alone. It’s bitter, bold, and the mushroom flavor is pretty apparent. I have tried using more water for a different ratio and still don’t really care for it. Perhaps if you like a darker roast and want the added mushroom health benefits you’d like this.
Peak Performance
Peak Performances was founded by Talor Zamir after he suffered from pain and inflammation all over his body and started looking for holistic solutions. Aside from coffee, they sell superfood powders, collagen, and supplements.
Price: $20 for 12 oz. bag
Roast Options: Medium, Dark
Grind Options: Whole Bean, Finely Ground, Coarsely Ground (for cold brew)
Decaf Available: Yes (Swiss Water Process)
Region: Guatemala (single origin, high altitude, Arabica)
Certifications: USDA Certified Organic, Fair Trade Certified
Lab Results: Not publicly available, but they will send you results upon request
Other Notes: Donates to Vitamin Angels with each purchase
They test for mold at two separate stages of the process: first when the green coffee is imported (moldy shipments are rejected), and then once again after the coffee is received at Peak Performance.
Becca’s Taste Test:
I tried the Medium Roast and it’s decent, but not outstanding. It’s darker, but not overly strong, and there are hints of caramel and brown sugar. It doesn’t seem very acidic either, more mellow!
Shop Peak Performance Coffee Here
My Final Thoughts About Clean & Organic Coffee…Is it Worth it?
Is seeking out “clean” coffee 100% necessary? I don’t totally think so. In my opinion, at least make it a priority to find smaller roasters that are certified organic or at least use organic practices. Of course, taking it a step further to purchase from brands that go above and beyond to ensure no mold and mycotoxins is great!
I personally still plan on supporting some of my favorite local Milwaukee coffee shops that offer organically-grown coffees, especially since nothing has to be shipped to me. But I’ll also buy from some of the brands listed in this post here and there (especially Top Shelf Grind and Lifeboost, yum yum!).
Download the Brew It Like Becca ebook for even MORE coffee content!
Brew It Like Becca: The Ultimate Guide to Brewing the Healthiest & Tastiest Coffee at Home is a 31-page PDF that has EVERYTHING you want to know about making the most delicious (and healthy!) coffee at home. It features similar info that you read about in this post, PLUS some bonus content:
- How-to brewing guides for cold brew, pour over, French press
- Equipment you’ll need (with a focus on plastic-free and sustainability)
- Printable quick reference brewing guide cutouts (to put on your fridge, for example)
- 15+ tasty cold brew recipes (such as Thin Mint Cookie and Salted Sweet Cream Cold Foam!)
- Homemade plant milk recipes if you prefer dairy free
- Pantry staples and shopping list
It’s seriously a MUST HAVE if you’re a health-conscious coffee lover!
Download Brew It Like Becca ebook here
What are your thoughts on the clean coffee trend? I’d love to hear in the comments below! Or let me know if there are any awesome brands I missed that should be included in this list. Thanks SO much for reading! Cheers ☕️
Definitely going to try the Purity option! Such an informative and thorough guide! Love.
Thanks, Maddie!
That was very interesting . I was getting from golf shores alabama. Visited the place but now I know more thanks Sue Tetzlaff
I have a question! Do you happen to know of any cleaner companies I could get non-roasted beans from? My husband loves to roast his own beans but I’ve had no luck finding any beans that meet these standards. Thanks!
Hi Joelle! Hmm, I’m not sure actually, I’ve never really noticed brands that do that. I would recommend reaching out to brands and see if they’ll be willing to let you buy the green beans!
Thanks for the great and detailed information. I have tried Kion, Lifeboost, Kicking Horse and Purity from your list. Lifeboost is definitely the winner for me. I could tell a big difference in how I felt after drinking it each day. Kion is good but if you get the ground beans, they leave a lot of sediment on the coffee when brewed. Purity was ok for me. I could tell a difference in the way I felt, but the flavor was too weak for me. I didn’t notice any difference from drinking Kicking Horse and after trying two different bags, I overall felt like the coffee was watered down. Going to try Top Shelf now!
Oh wow look at you, you’ve tried a bunch! I hope you love the Top Shelf one as much as I do! 🙂
I appreciate this article!! Thank you for the research and honest feedback. Very helpful for those wanting to make a change in the coffee department, but without all of the rigamaroll. 🙂
Aw, thanks so much for checking out the article!
Hi Becca. Thanks for the type of information I’ve been looking for! I noticed you are a light/medium roast drinker but I prefer a REALLY BOLD cup of coffee. Which from your list would you advise? Thank you
Hi Mark! You might like Kion, it’s really bold or at least I thought so!
Are all the coffee brands you reviewed mold and mycotoxins free?
Yes, and for each brand, I include whether or not they have the test results publicly available.
What is your recommendation for the least bitter with a rich flavor? Is there one that you would rank as the cleanest? Thank you!
Purity is the most transparent with their process so I’d pick them for “cleanest.” It’s hard to say which would be least bitter; you probably prefer a medium/dark roast where I prefer a Light (lights are usually more bitter/acidic). But the Cardiology one was pretty smooth.
Have you tested or looked into fabula brand coffee? I just bought some but haven’t researched it much.
Hi Taylor! I haven’t heard of that one yet, I’ll check them out.
WoW ! ~ As someone DESPARATELY searching for Mold Free Coffee worth drinking … AND Buying, as they tend to be a bit more pricey, Thank You. I hate spending the extra bucks, then not ENJOYING it 🙁 ( GOTTA Enjoy your Cup of Java 🙂 ) SO, THANK YOU Becca for this article !! I have tried a few of these, but NOT Top Shelf. And Funny!, I live outside Seattle. 😀 Now I am wondering if they offer tours ?? Cheers !! And Btw ~ Im from Illinois, but my mom’s family are all from Milwaukee. 😀 My grandpa had a cabin on Lake Michigan in Oosburg ( sp?) WONDERFUL !! childhood memories. 🙂 ~ especially of coffee being percolated in the morning. THE BEST SMELL EVER !! 🙂
Aw thanks for saying hello, Leslie! Yes I’m familiar with Oostburg! Hope you find a clean coffee you love ☕️
Thank you for the research and this post! I’ve been drinking organic coffee for years and can tell a huge difference. My go-to right now is Wicked Joe. I’m wanting to incorporate a diet free from molds and toxins and this article has been very beneficial!
I’m glad to hear that, Patricia!
Im confused Taylor asked about Fabula and you said you did not try but you have a write up say it is one of your top 3 and you even state a 25% off coupon???
I added it to the guide after trying it based on her suggestion!
Hi, I’m so happy to find a list of clean coffees, thank you! Just curious about your thoughts on creamer? I don’t do dairy but I also have a hard time drinking black coffee, anything that actually tastes good and is still on the healthy side?
Honestly I have not really come across a non-dairy one that actually tastes good and has good ingredients (a lot have weird gums or flavors in them). NutPods are pretty popular but they taste kind of fake to me to be honest! I usually do black or add dairy so I’m not much help haha. I would say maybe blending it up with coconut butter and maple syrup might be yummy!
I can only drink decaf espresso to avoid heart burn. I’ve tried some mainstream “cleaner” non espresso brands, like bulletproof but they didn’t work. Do you know of any espressos that are also clean?
Hi! For each of the brands, I list roast options that they have available. Some have espresso roasts, like Lifeboost and Fabula.
Hi Laura! We only do dairy-free creamer in my house. We prefer an Oatmilk creamer over soy and almond. Our favorites have been Chobani and Silk. We did not like nutpods, Starbucks, Califica or Oat planet. I hope this helps!
Thank you for this article! It was exactly what I’ve been looking for. I just ordered some coffee via one of your links and I’m very excited to try a new option 😆 ☕️☕️ Cheers!
Yay! What brand did you grab to try?!
I don’t know how I stumbled upon your blog, but thank you for the extensive list. I am on the search for a coffee with no mold and no pesticides and this review HELPED A TON. We tried one, and didn’t care for it much, but our second one arrived yesterday and both my husband and I are pleased with the flavor. THANK YOU! PS- We live in your neck of the woods and didn’t even realize it when I was going through your site. lol
Well yay, so glad you’re here! I love hearing from locals too! 🙂
Love your article!
I’m in Central Illinois. Bedridden from black mold in our home. Spent $50,000 on remediation and now doctors tell me I have to move out because of the mycotoxins still lingering. Mold has ruined my vision so I can’t read all of your article at once.
What would be a coffee that tastes more like good old Folgers? Something smooth. I really don’t like the taste of Starbucks.. Want to avoid strong aftertaste.
I’m on a very limited income but I want to order a few brands and get rid of the mold.
This is all new to me. Right now I drink Chuck Full of Nuts or Maxwell House medium blend. Not a fan of real dark coffees. Bless you dearheart.
Hi Robin, you might like the Fabula medium roast. It’s on the smoother side and not too dark. Code ORGANICALLYBECCA will also get you a discount at checkout.
Thanks for your quick response! We’ll give it a try.
The Institute for Functional Medicine has MD’s who can help with mold and micro toxins detox. There might be some in your area. My husband and I had to do that.
Hi Robin, I find adding a little organic cinnamon powder can help cut the “bite” of the strong taste as well, just a thought.
Hi Becca!! Great list!! Aldi sells organic fairtrade coffee ..have you ever tried it or looked into it? Its $7 for 12oz. Was hoping it would be on this list.
Hi Andrea! I haven’t tried the Aldi coffee. If it’s organic that’s great! But I’m not sure if they go the extra step to test for mold and mycotoxins. Would have to look into it!
I noticed that many of the different coffees listed mentioned a chocolate or cocoa taste. Do these coffees contain or are processed with chocolate? I am allergic to chocolate. Thank you. Peggy
Hi Peggy! No, coffee beans just can have a natural chocolate taste to them depending on how they are roasted. But they’re not made with actual chocolate.
Thank you for your quick reply!!
Hello Becky, I keep referring back to your list after looking at other lists. You did a wonderful job digging up the needed information.
Do you happen to have an opinion on which is the least acidic? I’m leaning toward Purity, but Top shelf intrigues me as well.
Thank you, Lisa
Hi Lisa, I’d say it depends on the roast, a darker roast will be less acidic generally. But Fabula, Natural Force, and Lifeboost all claim to be lower acidity. I definitely think Natural Force had more of a dull taste and no acidic kick.
I have been buying Healthy Bean coffee. semi-dark, organic, low acid blend infused with matcha, chia, and rooibos tea. Have you tried it or evaluated it?
Hi! I do have a bag of Healthy Bean right now that I’m testing and will add to this guide soon!
Thank you so much for sharing this list! So helpful
Is Newmans Own coffee brand clean?
It’s organic which is a great start but I’m not sure if they do the testing for mold, mycotoxins, etc. you might want to reach out to them and ask!
Thank you. This is very helpful. Can’t get some of these in Canada, but just bought bulletproof and Lifeboost to give them a try.
Me too looking. Did you find a clean espresso coffee
Hi! A couple of the brands have espresso roasts which I have noted under each “roast option” section. Like Fabula and Lifeboost.
Beyond helpful. Thank you so much!!!
I drink organic coffee daily. I was wondering if you had information on which of your top coffee brands has the highest level of chlorogenic acid. Reading about the health benefits of CGA I would like to purchase coffee with high levels of same. Thank you Becca. Anthony Lojo.
Hi Anthony, I don’t know the exact levels of CGA for each of these but in general, lighter roasts have higher CGA. I know the Purity Protect roast was made specifically to have higher CGA so you could start there!
hello Becca, what coffee bean grinder do you use? I would like to get one, but when I start looking and reading reviews I get confused!
Hi Anna, I use a conical burr grinder!