Coffee lovers everywhere give importance to quality coffee. It is the top source of antioxidants. It’s no surprise that 54% of people drink an average of two to three cups a day. Just imagine the impact on your overall health if those two daily cups of coffee contain artificial pesticides!
However, as premium coffee, especially Arabica, becomes more popular and expensive, there has been an increase in coffee fraud. Dishonest sellers frequently mislabel or mix inferior products, which results in customer dissatisfaction and wasted money.
There are about 120-130 types of coffee, but they mostly fall into two main groups: Arabica and Robusta.
Arabica coffee tastes better and costs more because it’s harder to grow. People pay 20-25% more for it, so producers label their coffee “100% Arabica” to charge higher prices.
Robusta coffee tastes more bitter and is cheaper, but it’s easier to grow and more resistant to pests and bad weather.
Because Arabica sells for more, some companies lie about their coffee being “100% Arabica.” This label doesn’t always mean the coffee is high quality, and sometimes it’s not even true.
Let’s discuss what all measures a buyer should take to avoid falling victim to coffee powder fraud.
Read the Labels carefully
Be aware of fake labels. 100% Arabica in the label doesn’t always mean it’s original. It doesn’t guarantee quality either. Look for detailed information like the country of origin, roast date (avoid coffee with no roast date), roast level (medium, dark or light). If the bag has organic certification, it’s a big thumbs up!
Watch out for unrealistic deals
It’s easy to fall into the trap of unrealistic deals because we often see the low price as a great bargain. However, this can be a big trap. High-quality coffee like 100% Arabica is usually more expensive. If the price is very low, it might mean the coffee is mixed with lower-quality beans or is fake.
Buy from Reputable Sellers
Try to buy coffee from reputable sellers rather than from sellers you find while scrolling through Instagram or Facebook. Established brands and specialty coffee shops are less likely to sell fake products.
Consider Buying Whole Beans if possible
Whole beans are less likely to be tampered with than pre-ground coffee. Grinding your own beans keeps them fresh and lowers the chance of buying mixed or fake products. It also lets you enjoy the full aroma and taste of freshly ground coffee.
Be Wary of Bulk Purchases
It might be tempting to buy coffee in bulk to save money. But it’s important to be cautious at the same time. Large quantities of coffee sold at extremely low prices are undoubtedly a red flag for poor quality or have been mixed with something else. Stick to reasonable quantities from trusted sources.
Ask questions
If the sellers are fake, they might not be able to answer all your questions. If they do, you can often catch inconsistencies with your knowledge and common sense. Reputable sellers should be able to provide detailed information about their products, so never hesitate to ask questions!
Understand the Impact of Pesticides
There can be many fake sellers who aim to make money by selling coffee beans with pesticides. The chemicals sprayed on coffee are not only highly toxic but can also cause cancer. One common herbicide used on Brazilian coffee farms is glyphosate, known as Roundup, which is widely used to kill weeds.
So next time you’re buying coffee beans, consider these tips! As regular consumers, we deserve quality, original coffee!
So there you go! Have a nice day!
Consider consulting with a coffee export company or coffee industry experts. They can provide valuable insights into coffee powder quality and other details, helping you stay vigilant and avoid coffee powder fraud.