Specialty Coffee vs Supermarket Coffee: What’s The Difference?

The UK’s coffee scene has grown exponentially in recent years. With a surge in artisanal coffee shops and independent roasters driving an increased interest in specialty coffee—it’s no surprise! Specialty coffee is a high-quality product that differs significantly from the coffee in supermarkets for various reasons, but what exactly sets these two types of coffee apart? Specialty Coffee vs Supermarket Coffee.

With insight from specialty coffee experts Howden Coffee, we learn what to expect when picking up coffee from the supermarket versus your local roasters.

Specialty Coffee: A Dedication To Quality & Craft

Speciality coffee is defined by its commitment to quality at every stage of production. From carefully selecting beans to meticulous roasting and brewing techniques, every step is designed to bring out the best in each coffee.

Howden Coffee said, “Specialty coffee beans are often sourced from single origins, allowing coffee lovers to experience the unique flavours of different regions. These beans are typically of higher quality, with rigorous standards for defects and grading. 

“Beyond the beans, specialty coffee shops and roasters take great pride in their craft. From roasters to baristas, passion and quality are present at every step. It ensures that each cup is perfectly prepared. This dedication to excellence and skill results in a coffee experience you only get from specialty coffee.”

Supermarket Coffee: A Focus On Quantity & Affordability

While supermarkets usually have a few bags of close-to-specialty coffee, the lion’s share is mostly otherwise. Supermarket coffee is sourced from large-scale producers, prioritising quantity and affordability over quality. At the end of the day, major coffee companies know that many consumers enjoy either instant or coffee pods, neither of which qualify as specialty. 

To achieve this, coffee is often a blend of beans from various regions with slightly lower overall quality. While this results in a consistent and usually familiar taste, it also sacrifices the unique characteristics of individual coffee origins.

Supermarket coffee typically sits on shelves for extended periods, losing freshness and flavour over time. It’s worth checking the packaging for a ‘roasted on’ date, as it helps you understand the freshness of the coffee. While there’s nothing wrong with buying supermarket beans, specialty is the only way forward if you’re looking for that extra ‘oomph’.

Key Differences – Specialty Coffee vs Supermarket Coffee

1. Bean Quality: Specialty coffee uses high-quality beans from specific origins, while supermarket coffee often uses slightly lower-grade blends.
2. Freshness: Specialty coffee is often roasted recently and fresher than supermarket coffee. Many specialty coffees will have a ‘roasted on’ date on the packaging.
3. Flavour: Specialty coffee offers a more complex and nuanced flavour profile, reflecting the beans’ unique characteristics and origin.
4. Expertise: Specialty coffee shops and roasters have extensive coffee production and brewing knowledge, ensuring a high-quality experience.

Why Choose Specialty Coffee?

Choosing specialty coffee is about more than just a better-tasting cup. It’s about supporting sustainable farming practices, ethical sourcing, and the skilled individuals who dedicate their lives to producing the best coffee. It’s about appreciating the craft and complexity of coffee and the unique flavours and aromas each cup offers.

Of course, specialty coffee often comes with a higher price tag. However, for many coffee enthusiasts, the enhanced flavour, quality, and ethical considerations make it a worthwhile investment.

Conclusion

Whether you’re a casual coffee drinker or a dedicated enthusiast, understanding the difference between supermarket and specialty coffee can help you make informed choices about your daily brew.

While supermarket coffee offers convenience and affordability, specialty coffee provides a more nuanced, flavourful, and enjoyable experience. Ultimately, the choice is yours, but exploring the world of specialty coffee can open up a whole new realm of enjoyment and appreciation for this beloved beverage.

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