Northern Wonder, a Dutch company that develops food technology solutions to fight deforestation, has created a new product called Coffee Free Coffee. This product is a sustainable alternative to regular coffee, as it uses ingredients that are not grown in the tropics, such as lupine beans, chickpeas, and blackcurrants. These ingredients are roasted and mixed to create a coffee-like taste and smell. The product also has a much lower environmental impact than regular coffee, using 95% less water and producing 76% less CO2 per cup. Coffee Free Coffee comes in both caffeinated and decaffeinated options, and can be prepared with filter, espresso, or capsule machines.
The product was introduced to the market in late 2022 by Northern Wonder. In September 2023, the product became available at Albert Heijn, the biggest supermarket chain in the Netherlands. The product offers four varieties: Filter Blend Light Roast, Filter Blend Dark Roast, Espresso Ground Dark Roast, and Capsules Dark Roast. The prices vary from €4.99 to €5.99 for a 250g pack of filter or espresso grounds, and from €3.99 to €4.49 for a 10-pack of capsules. The product can also be ordered online through the company’s website.
Chickpea-Based Ground Coffees
NorthernWonder's 'Coffee Free Coffee' is a Sustainable Alternative
Trend Themes
1. Sustainable Coffee Alternatives - The development of chickpea-based ground coffees provides a sustainable alternative to regular coffee, with a lower environmental impact.
2. Non-tropical Ingredients - Using ingredients like lupine beans, chickpeas, and blackcurrants, coffee manufacturers can create unique coffee-like tastes and smells without relying on tropical crops.
3. Reduced Water and CO2 Footprint - The production of chickpea-based ground coffees significantly reduces water usage by 95% and CO2 emissions by 76% per cup, making it an environmentally friendly choice.
Industry Implications
1. Food Technology - The development and production of sustainable coffee alternatives using non-tropical ingredients present opportunities for innovation in the food technology industry.
2. Coffee - The introduction of chickpea-based ground coffees offers the coffee industry a disruptive opportunity to expand its product range and cater to eco-conscious consumers.
3. Retail - The availability of chickpea-based ground coffees in supermarkets and online platforms opens up new market segments and sales channels for retailers.