Henri Kunz reminisces about sipping Caro—an instant coffee alternative—while growing up in 1980s West Germany. Now, he foresees a shift away from traditional coffee due to climate change's impact on growing regions. By 2050, suitable coffee land could diminish by over half, with rising temperatures increasing plant vulnerability to pests and diseases. As coffee demand soars globally, Kunz predicts a supply crisis.
To combat this looming coffee apocalypse, scientists are developing climate-resilient coffee varieties. Kunz, founder of Stem—a flavor engineering firm—proposes growing coffee cells in labs instead of trees. Meanwhile, startups like Atomo, Northern Wonder, and Prefer are reinventing historic coffee alternatives using sustainable ingredients. Dubbed "beanless coffee," these blends often incorporate legumes, promising the same flavor and kick of traditional coffee while reducing environmental impact.
Arabica coffee, beloved for its specific growing conditions, faces existential threats from climate change. With extreme weather events already affecting Brazil's coffee market, prices hit an 11-year high in 2022. As farmers explore new territories, deforestation accelerates, jeopardizing biodiversity and exacerbating carbon emissions.
Historically, coffee scarcity spurred inventive substitutes brewed from chicory, chickpeas, and date seeds, offering purported health benefits. Today's beanless coffee pioneers, like Northern Wonder and Atomo, modernize these concepts using lupin beans, date seeds, and fermentation techniques. These innovative approaches promise familiar flavors and energy boosts, appealing to coffee connoisseurs and eco-conscious consumers alike.
The era of traditional coffee may be waning, but innovative alternatives ensure the caffeine fix lives on, reshaping morning rituals for a sustainable future.
Source: Slate
Photo: Getty