So, You Want to Know: Is Coffee Vegan?.

The simple answer to the question “Is coffee vegan?” is yes. Coffee is made by brewing roasted and ground coffee beans, which are found inside the fruit of the Coffea plant. This means that coffee beans are essentially the same as any nut, fruit, or vegetable and are therefore vegan, right?

The more complicated answer is… it depends.

If we were asking “is coffee vegetarian?” the answer would almost certainly be affirmative, because vegetarianism is generally the avoidance of consuming animal flesh. Vegans, however, avoid all animal-derived products, including dairy, eggs, and even honey, for moral, ethical, and environmental reasons. So how do these principles impact coffee consumption?

Perhaps the most obvious hurdle for vegans when it comes to coffee is milk. Lattes and cappuccinos are espresso-based beverages that are ideal for those who enjoy coffee but dislike the strong bitterness of black coffee. The fats and sugars in cow’s milk balance the acidity of coffee, creating a smooth, sweet drink that’s gentler on the palate.

As veganism has become more mainstream in the UK, alternatives to cow’s milk—such as oat, coconut, almond, and pea milk—have become widely available in supermarkets and coffee shops. Many manufacturers even offer “barista” editions of their products, which contain added oils and sugars to replicate microfoam, the bubbles formed when cow’s milk is steamed, giving latte milk its smooth, velvety texture.

However, some coffee shops charge extra for plant-based milk, and not all offer vegan alternatives, making it less accessible. In workplaces, it can also be challenging to accommodate alternative milk options. Many fresh milk coffee machines only take one type of milk, and even dual-milk machines present the risk of wastage for perishable products that may only be consumed by a small number of employees.

Our Solutions for Office Coffee Machines:

• Dual fresh milk machine – Ideal for businesses with a high demand for milk alternatives.
• Granulated milk alternatives – Suitable for both fresh and powdered milk commercial coffee machines, this option works well for businesses that want to offer a milk alternative but are concerned about wastage due to low demand.

Veganism is often adopted out of a strong moral commitment to doing no harm to other living beings, including the environment.

Coffee has a turbulent history rooted in colonialism, leading to deep inequalities between coffee farmers and consumers. The pressure to meet global demand can push coffee growers into using harmful pesticides, herbicides, and artificial fertilisers, which can have destructive consequences for local ecosystems.

These chemicals also degrade soil quality, leading to deforestation as more land is cleared for plantations. Deforestation is a major contributor to animal extinction due to habitat destruction and food source depletion. It is also a significant factor in climate change.

Thus, while coffee itself is not an animal product, unethical coffee production can harm ecosystems and may be a concern for vegans.

How to Buy Ethically Produced Coffee

• Choose Fairtrade or B Corp-certified coffee to ensure that your coffee brand sources beans responsibly and provides fair wages and working conditions for growers.
• Research companies to verify that they use sustainable farming practices, such as shade-grown coffee to reduce pesticide use and organic fertilisers to minimise environmental impact.

Support brands that go the extra mile. Companies like illy invest in community support, environmental protection, and supply chain transparency to ensure ethical sourcing

While coffee itself is plant-based, its ethical and environmental impact should be considered. By choosing brands that actively contribute to sustainability and fair labour practices, you can ensure your coffee aligns with vegan and vegetarian ethics.