Meanwhile

Coffee Industry Shakes Up with Awards, Challenges, and a Bold Pricing Shift

Coffee Industry Shakes Up with Awards, Challenges, and a Bold Pricing Shift

The coffee world is buzzing with big news, from prestigious awards to a brewing revolution. A blind tasting this fall crowned the 2026 Good Food Awards finalists, spotlighting names like Equator Coffees and Little Waves Coffee Roasters—proof that specialty coffee is finally getting its due. Meanwhile, Onyx Coffee Lab’s semifinalist status for a James Beard Award marks a seismic shift: coffee bars are no longer an afterthought in the culinary world. These wins signal a broader cultural shift, where coffee isn’t just a drink but a craft, and its makers are earning their place at the table. But the industry…
Read More
Where to Find Gourmet Coffee Without Breaking the Bank

Where to Find Gourmet Coffee Without Breaking the Bank

Get ready to sip on this: High-quality coffee doesn’t have to come with a high price tag. While gourmet beans often command premium prices, savvy shoppers can unlock exceptional flavors without emptying their wallets. The secret lies in places that blend affordability with care—where traceable beans, small-batch roasting, and sustainable practices meet budget-friendly deals. From dollar stores to wholesale clubs, here’s how to satisfy your coffee cravings without compromising on quality. Dollar Tree and Ocean State Job Lot are hidden gems for budget-conscious connoisseurs. At Dollar Tree, brands like Harry & David and Victor Allen offer 100% Arabica beans roasted…
Read More
Your Morning Brew Could Be Leaking Microplastics

Your Morning Brew Could Be Leaking Microplastics

Imagine sipping your coffee while the world wakes up. That cup in your hand, warm and familiar, might be doing more than delivering caffeine—it could be silently releasing plastic particles into your drink. A new study reveals that takeaway coffee cups, especially those made of plastic or with thin plastic linings, shed thousands of microplastics when heated. These tiny fragments, invisible to the naked eye, are already infiltrating our food, water, and even our bodies. The science is clear: heat is the silent culprit behind this crisis. When we pour hot liquids into plastic cups, the material warms up, softens,…
Read More
Little While Coffee’s Quiet Revolution in San Diego

Little While Coffee’s Quiet Revolution in San Diego

If you haven’t heard yet, San Diego’s coffee scene just got a quiet but deliberate upgrade. Little While Coffee and Pastries isn’t chasing trends—it’s redefining what a cafe can be. Nestled in North Park, this 1,200-square-foot space isn’t just about coffee; it’s about crafting an experience where every sip, bite, and glance feels intentional. The design leans into natural wood, soft lighting, and creamy whites, but the real magic is in the details: a Stronghold S9X roaster, Mazzer Kony SG grinders, and a La Marzocco Linea PB that’s as much about precision as it is about passion. The team behind…
Read More
The 2025 Coffee Roasting Revolution: Tech That’s Heating Up the Industry

The 2025 Coffee Roasting Revolution: Tech That’s Heating Up the Industry

Here’s what you need to know: 2025 wasn’t just another year in coffee—it was a turning point. As roasters grappled with tariffs, supply chain chaos, and the relentless march of AI, the industry found itself at a crossroads. Yet, amid the turbulence, innovation surged. From AI-driven roasting systems to modular machines that redefine efficiency, the year delivered tools that are as disruptive as they are precise. The spotlight belonged to the Mago Maga P3000, a fluid-bed roaster priced at €32,900 and limited to 100 units. Its five automated profiles, adjustable for batches of 150–300 grams, signaled a shift toward precision.…
Read More
Emerging Markets Are Redefining Specialty Coffee—Here’s What Mature Roasters Can Learn

Emerging Markets Are Redefining Specialty Coffee—Here’s What Mature Roasters Can Learn

Here’s something to stir your curiosity: The world’s coffee obsession is shifting. While Europe’s consumption stagnates, China’s branded coffee shops now outnumber the U.S., and India’s market is set to double in value by 2030. These aren’t just numbers—they’re signals. For roasters in mature markets, the rise of emerging specialty coffee scenes offers more than just competition. It’s a blueprint for rekindling passion in a sector increasingly defined by cost-cutting and efficiency. Emerging markets like Indonesia, Saudi Arabia, and Jordan are proving that specialty coffee isn’t just a trend—it’s a cultural movement. In India, where coffee shops are growing at…
Read More
The Midwest’s Coffee Scene Just Got a Lot More Interesting

The Midwest’s Coffee Scene Just Got a Lot More Interesting

This is worth savoring: The Midwest’s coffee scene just hit a new peak in 2025, with 10 fresh arrivals that blend innovation, culture, and a dash of rebellion against the usual. From roasters turning their focus to brick-and-mortar sanctuaries to cafes that double as art galleries, these spots are redefining what coffee can be. They’re not just about the brew—they’re about the stories, the community, and the quiet confidence of people who know how to make a cup count. Silverbird Coffee & More in Minneapolis is a masterclass in quality and comfort. The 1,800-square-foot space, owned by U.S. Coffee Roasting…
Read More