Coffee Facts

Expert guides on coffee brewing, roasting, beans, and equipment. Master your coffee journey with in-depth articles.

The Coffee Industry’s Big Moves and Brewing Challenges

The Coffee Industry’s Big Moves and Brewing Challenges

Time to spill: The coffee world is heating up—literally and financially. From climate-driven experiments to corporate pivots, the specialty coffee scene is shifting faster than a pour-over’s bloom. The Specialty Coffee Association’s World of Coffee is heading to New Orleans in 2027, but the real action is already unfolding in cafes and labs worldwide. Coffee’s price surge is outpacing inflation, climbing 18.4% in the past year alone. A pound of roast now costs $9.46—double what it was in 2020. This isn’t just a trend; it’s a crisis. Retailers are scrambling, and consumers are feeling the pinch. Meanwhile, Brazil’s researchers are…
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Liverpool’s Café Culture: Where Coffee Meets Community

Liverpool’s Café Culture: Where Coffee Meets Community

The verdict is in: Liverpool’s café culture isn’t just about coffee—it’s a mirror of the city’s soul. While London dominates the UK’s coffee narrative, Liverpool’s scene thrives on a different rhythm, shaped by its history as a port, its musical legacy, and a social fabric that prizes connection. Cafés here aren’t just stops for a drink—they’re third spaces where the city’s energy slows down, revealing its layers. From bustling urban hubs to quiet coastal corners, these spots reflect Liverpool’s identity: a blend of grit, creativity, and unspoken solidarity. Liverpool’s coffee scene is rooted in its past as a global trading…
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The Art of Pouring Lattes With Plant Milk

The Art of Pouring Lattes With Plant Milk

The rise of plant-based milks has redefined latte art, turning once-unlikely ingredients into coffee’s new standard. No longer an afterthought, alternative milks now dominate specialty cafes, with nearly half of all coffee drinks featuring nondairy options. This shift isn’t just about trends—it’s about science, precision, and the barista’s craft. From oat milk’s creamy rise to pistachio’s bold whisper, the world of plant milk is rewriting the rules of coffee artistry. Plant milk’s ascent is rooted in demand. Gen Z and millennials drive the market, seeking ethical, sustainable, and health-conscious choices. Yet the real magic lies in the science behind these…
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Coffee’s 1% Deforestation Blame: A New Study Challenges the Narrative

Coffee’s 1% Deforestation Blame: A New Study Challenges the Narrative

This is worth savoring: Coffee isn’t the villain in the deforestation story. A fresh study in Nature Food reveals the crop accounts for just 1% of agriculture-driven forest loss—a figure that upends years of industry anxiety. For years, coffee has been unfairly singled out as a deforestation driver, but the data now suggests the real culprits are far more menacing. The DeDuCE model, developed by researchers at Chalmers University of Technology, tracks 184 commodities across 179 countries over two decades. By mapping 9,332 unique footprints, it paints a precise picture of land-use shifts. The results? Coffee’s footprint is minuscule compared…
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A Taste of Europe in New York’s Coffee Culture

A Taste of Europe in New York’s Coffee Culture

Get ready to sip on this: New York City isn’t just a hub for coffee innovation—it’s a stage for Europe’s most storied brewing traditions. From Viennese Einspänner to Swedish iskaffe, the city’s coffee scene is brewing a quiet revolution. No need to board a flight; these six spots deliver the rich, ritual-driven flavors of Italy, France, Sweden, and beyond, reimagined for Manhattan’s discerning palates. At Embriago Coffee on the Lower East Side, the Oat Shaken Espresso redefines the Italian shakerato. Frothed with ice, oat milk, and simple syrup, this iced brew balances bold espresso with creamy texture. The Einspänner, a…
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The Coffee Omakase Revolution: How Cafés Are Turning Beans into Experiences

The Coffee Omakase Revolution: How Cafés Are Turning Beans into Experiences

Coffee is no longer just a morning ritual. In specialty cafes across the country, it’s becoming a curated journey—one that demands attention, curiosity, and a willingness to surrender control. Enter coffee omakase, a practice borrowing from Japan’s revered dining tradition, where guests trust chefs to guide them through a sequence of courses. Now, baristas are doing the same with coffee, transforming single cups into multi-course tastings that highlight origin, processing, and flavor. This isn’t about speed or convenience; it’s about slowing down, savoring, and understanding. At its core, omakase is about trust. Patrons hand over their preferences, and baristas take…
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The Future of Coffee Tech Unveiled at World of Coffee San Diego

The Future of Coffee Tech Unveiled at World of Coffee San Diego

Here's what you need to know: The 2026 World of Coffee San Diego is shaping up as a seismic shift in coffee tech, with innovations that redefine how we brew, roast, and experience coffee. From industrial grinders to smart sensors, the show is a playground for the next generation of tools that promise to elevate every cup. While the event itself is a whirlwind of activity, the real story lies in the products emerging from the booths—each a glimpse into a future where precision, automation, and data converge. At the heart of the action is Pinecone Swiss’ Redwood, a machine…
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Aussie Coastal Charm Meets Minneapolis Coffee Culture

Aussie Coastal Charm Meets Minneapolis Coffee Culture

Here’s what you need to know: A new coffee shop in central Minneapolis is rewriting the rules of café culture by transplanting the laid-back, sun-soaked vibes of Australia’s Sunshine Coast into the heart of the Midwest. Barra, a multiroaster café with a distinctly Aussie flair, is doing more than just serving coffee—it’s curating an experience that feels like a coastal escape, complete with citrusy refreshments, mineral-rich water, and a menu that’s as concise as it is bold. The café’s signature Lemon, Lime and Bitters (LLB) drink—a citrusy, slightly spicy sipper—hints at its roots in Australia, where it’s as common as…
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Italian Espresso Isn’t What You Think: A Data-Driven Reality Check

Italian Espresso Isn’t What You Think: A Data-Driven Reality Check

Listen up: The idea that Italian espresso is a burnt, bitter relic of the past is a myth. My trip to Italy—armed with a refractometer and a skeptic’s eye—revealed a coffee culture that’s anything but outdated. The real story is more nuanced. Northern Italy’s espresso is a revelation. Shots measured between 9.39% and 10.40% TDS, with a balance of cocoa, nuts, and chocolate that’s smooth, not harsh. The secret? Dark roasts blended with Robusta for low acidity and high solubility. This isn’t about complexity—it’s about comfort. Baristas here treat espresso as a ritual, not a performance. They’ve mastered the 1:2…
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The Cold Truth About Coffee Bean Storage

The Cold Truth About Coffee Bean Storage

Pour yourself a cup for this one: the debate over coffee bean storage isn’t just about temperature—it’s about preserving flavor, avoiding staleness, and respecting the craft. If you’ve ever wondered whether to freeze or refrigerate your beans, you’re not alone. But here’s the kicker: the answer hinges on timing, roast method, and how you handle them post-roast. Luciano Repetto, co-owner of San Francisco’s Graffeo roastery, cuts through the noise with hard-earned wisdom from decades of roasting. The first rule? Don’t rush. Freshly roasted beans aren’t ready to grind. “They need time to degas,” Repetto explains. Think of it like letting…
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