Is Organic Coffee Actually Better?

Is organic coffee truly better than its conventional counterparts?

It's a fair question.

Beyond the label and price tag lies a choice that affects farmers, ecosystems, and your daily cup. Let's explore what makes organic coffee different, and why that difference matters.

What Makes Coffee Organic?

First, let’s take a closer look at what makes coffee organic.

Organic coffee certification requires strict standards at every step of production. To be considered organic, coffee producers must meet the following criteria:

• Clean land - The soil must be free from synthetic chemicals for at least three years before harvest.

• Natural nourishment - Organic farmers focus on keeping the soil healthy by using natural techniques like crop rotation, cover crops, and composting. Some approved synthetic materials can be used, but only within strict limits.

• Pest and disease control - Instead of synthetic pesticides, organic farmers must use physical, mechanical, and biological methods to deter pests. 

• Organic seeds and planting stock - Organic farmers use seeds and plants that are also grown organically whenever possible. Organic crops cannot be genetically modified or engineered.

This organic standard extends beyond the farm. Every stage of processing and packaging must also meet certification requirements. Organic coffee, for example, must be processed in organic facilities, with equipment that only handles organic produce.

Learn more: Demystifying Organic Coffee: What Makes It Special? – Better Grounds 

What Makes Organic Coffee Better?

Organic coffee farming practices don’t just create a cleaner, better product. It also has a positive impact on the people who plant the coffee, the environment, and the future of the industry. 

Better for the Environment

Organic coffee supports sustainable ecosystems.

Instead of clearing forests for farmland, most organic coffee farms use shade-growing methods. This helps maintain natural forest environments that support local flora and fauna.

Research shows that organic farms support more bird species than their conventional counterparts. With their habitats intact, birds and other animals can act as natural pest deterrents and provide fertilizers for coffee plants.

Organic planting methods also play a crucial role in preventing soil degradation. Without synthetic pesticides and fertilizers, local water systems stay cleaner and more suitable for reuse. Studies also support that organic farms use water more efficiently than conventional farms. 

These are just a few examples of how organic coffee farming benefits the environment.

Better for Farmers

The benefits of organic coffee go beyond a business standpoint for farmers— it’s also better for their overall health, safety, and community.

Let’s set the scene. When one works in a conventional coffee farm, they are constantly exposed to a myriad of harmful chemicals.

“They’re also stuck with the ever-increasing bill of being reliant on chemical herbicides, pesticides, and chemical fertilizers,” says James Chapman, co-founder of Black Coffee Roasting Co. 

The runoff from these synthetic substances taints the surrounding community’s water supply. Chapman shares that he has been to farms where water supplies were undrinkable and even considered unsafe for washing.

Organic farming methods significantly decrease the farmers’ exposure to these harmful chemicals and health hazards. It doesn’t just give them fair wages — it also allows farmers to work in a safe, healthy environment.

“While the organic certification may have its imperfections,” shares Chapman, “It is a solid start at cutting out a huge toxic component in people's lives.”

Related: October 2021: Five Good Minutes with Black Coffee Roasting Co | Missoula, Montana 

Better Flavor

Organic growing conditions can enhance coffee's natural flavors — starting with the soil.

Organic farmers enrich their soil naturally through composting, crop rotation, and integrating nitrogen-fixing plants. This creates a living ecosystem teeming with beneficial microorganisms that help coffee trees absorb nutrients more effectively. With access to rich, balanced nutrition, they produce cherries with more complex flavor profiles.

Sun exposure is also a big factor in creating nuanced flavor profiles in organic coffee.

Conventional coffee farms grow their coffee under direct sunlight to speed up ripening. While this method creates higher yields, it prevents the coffee cherries from breaking down those sugars and compounds. Shade-grown coffee, on the other hand, takes its time. It develops more slowly, allowing complex flavors to naturally develop.

Common flavor characteristics of organic coffee include:

• Clean, bright acidity

• Natural sweetness

• Distinct fruit and chocolate notes

• Well-balanced taste profile

Better for Your Body

Beyond flavor, organic coffee also offers a cleaner cup.

Unlike conventionally grown coffee, organic coffee contains no synthetic pesticide residues or chemical fertilizer traces. Studies also indicate organic coffee often contains higher levels of beneficial compounds like polyphenols, which have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. 

Organic coffee offers several health-related benefits like:

• Increased antioxidant content

• Higher food safety and quality due to the absence of chemical fertilizers and pesticides

• Reduced mycotoxin presence

• Better preservation of coffee's natural compounds

Bottomline: every organic cup gives you coffee's benefits without unwanted chemical extras.

Better for the Future

Organic coffee farming helps protect tomorrow's coffee supply. Using natural growing methods promotes long-term sustainability by:

• Building soil fertility

• Preserving coffee plant diversity and resilience against diseases

• Maintaining natural habitats and supporting diverse ecosystems

• Protecting water sources

• Helping fight climate change through carbon storage

• Promoting better health and safety for farming communities

Organic farms show better resilience to climate challenges. Their healthy soil and diverse shade trees help protect coffee plants from extreme weather. This matters as traditional growing regions face increasing climate pressure.

The better choice

Your coffee choice creates ripple effects. Choosing organic supports environmental stewardship, farmer welfare, and sustainable agriculture. The price difference reflects real investments in better farming practices and fair compensation.

Each organic purchase encourages more farmers to adopt sustainable practices. Your daily cup can help build a better coffee future.

Where to buy organic coffee

Better Grounds works with organic coffee producers and roasters who pour their hearts into every harvest. Browse our thoughtfully sourced collections and discover how rich coffee can taste when grown sustainably.

Frequently Asked Questions About Organic Coffee

What is the difference between regular coffee and organic coffee?

The key differences are in cultivation methods. Organic coffee is grown without synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, or herbicides, using natural farming practices. Organic coffee also emphasizes environmental sustainability and soil health.

What are the benefits of organic coffee?

Organic coffee offers multiple benefits: reduced chemical exposure, potentially higher nutrient content, support for sustainable farming practices, better environmental protection, and often superior taste. It promotes healthier ecosystems and supports small-scale farmers using traditional agricultural methods.

How do you know if coffee is organic?

The USDA Organic Certification seal indicates the coffee meets strict organic production standards. However, many small organic farmers and roasters can’t afford the steep costs of certification. Check for third-party certifications, transparent sourcing information, and details about the farm's growing practices to verify its organic status.

Where to buy organic coffee?

Better Grounds offers responsibly sourced organic coffee beans from impact-driven roasters. Browse our extensive collection of organic coffee here or subscribe to get signature roasts delivered on your schedule.