What is vegan coffee?
Is coffee vegan? While black coffee is naturally vegan, as it is simply water and coffee beans, the term "vegan coffee" often comes into play when considering additives and accompaniments like milk, cream, and sweeteners. Vegan coffee refers to coffee that is prepared and consumed in a way that avoids the use of animal products or by-products.
What makes coffee vegan?
Coffee in its basic form is inherently vegan, as it is derived from coffee beans, which are plant-based. However, when considering what makes a coffee beverage vegan, there are several factors to keep in mind:
Milk and cream alternatives
Many coffee drinks include milk or cream, which are animal-derived and not vegan. Vegan coffee uses plant-based alternatives such as almond, soy, oat, coconut, rice milk or any other vegan coffee creamer.
Additives and Flavorings
In many coffee preparations, additives such as milk, cream, and certain flavorings are used. To make a coffee vegan, these additives must be plant-based. Non-dairy milk alternatives like almond, soy, oat, coconut, or rice milk are commonly used. Additionally, flavorings or syrups should be checked to ensure they don't contain any animal-derived ingredients.
Sweeteners
While sugar is plant-based, the refining process for some sugars involves bone char (from animals) for decolorization. Vegans often opt for unrefined sugars, agave nectar, maple syrup, or other vegan-friendly sweeteners to ensure the coffee is vegan.
Processing and Filtration
Some coffee processing methods might use animal products. For example, certain specialty coffees might be filtered or processed using animal-based products. Vegans who are strict about their consumption might look into diverse vegan coffee shops to see how their coffee is processed to ensure it aligns with vegan standards.
Ethical Sourcing
While not directly related to the ingredients, many vegans consider the ethical aspects of their food and drink. This includes ensuring the coffee is sourced ethically, supporting fair trade and sustainable farming practices, which align with the broader vegan ethos of minimizing harm to all beings and the environment.
Vegan coffee benefits
Vegan coffee offers several benefits among which are health, environmental, ethical considerations. Plant-based milk alternatives like almond, soy, or oat milk generally contain fewer calories and less fat than cow's milk, making vegan coffee a healthier choice for those watching their calorie intake. Moreover, plant-based milks and additives are cholesterol-free, benefiting cardiovascular health.
On top of that, many of them are fortified with vitamins and minerals such as calcium, vitamin B12, and vitamin D, which are essential for good health.
The production of plant-based milks typically requires less water and land and generates lower greenhouse gas emissions compared to dairy farming, thus marking one of its most crucial environmental benefit. Ethically sourced vegan coffee often supports sustainable farming practices, which have a lesser impact on the environment.
Support for Fair Trade: Many vegan coffee enthusiasts also prioritize fair trade products, which ensure better economic support and working conditions for coffee farmers.
TASSIMO's vegan coffee options
TASSIMO offers solutions for pure black coffee and indulgent drinks. Currently, we don't have vegan options in our milky/indulgent portfolio. However, since our coffee is already vegan, you can purchase a Tassimo black base coffee from your supermarket and add some vegan/plant-based milk to make it a delightful vegan drink! Delivering a portfolio of indulgent drinks that are also suitable for vegans is a top priority for us, so stay tuned for future launches!
Concluding Sip
Vegan coffee, made without animal products, is more than just black coffee. It extends to additives like plant-based milks (almond, soy, oat) and vegan sweeteners. Beyond ingredients, vegan coffee includes ethical sourcing and sustainable practices. It's not only healthier, but also kinder to the environment, reducing the carbon footprint compared to traditional dairy farming. At TASSIMO, we not only resonate with vegan values but also meet the preferences of TASSIMO's vegan customers, showing a commitment to both sustainability and quality.
Explore black coffee varieties with TASSIMO and enter a world of rich, aromatic flavors with us.
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