top of page

Specialty Coffee vs Commodity Coffee: What’s the Difference?

Writer's picture: Bryce MeadBryce Mead
The pour-over brewing method can highlight some of the best attributes of specialty coffee.
The pour-over brewing method can highlight some of the best attributes of specialty coffee.

I think it is safe to say we all take coffee for granted. Every morning, we shuffle into the kitchen and prepare a French press, automatic drip, pour-over, Nespresso, or Keurig – okay, you get the idea.


Regardless of your coffee drink and brew method of choice, I want to pose a question – Have you heard the terms Specialty coffee and Commodity coffee tossed around? Simply put, these two categories represent varying levels of quality, flavor, and even ethics in the coffee world.

Whether you’re a coffee lover who wants to dive deeper into the origins and qualities of your daily brew or a coffee newbie, brew yourself a cup and let’s break it down! 


What Is Specialty Coffee?

Specialty coffee generally refers to high-quality, arabica coffee. You can think of it like the “fine wine” of the coffee world. According to the Specialty Coffee Association (SCA), to be classified as Specialty, coffee must score above 80 points on a 100-point scale during a cupping process (essentially a quality control taste test). Specialty coffee encompasses all attributes of the process from crop-to-cup, including where the beans are grown and sourced, and how they are processed (natural, honey, washed, fermented, etc). This also extends to the cup, including the brew method and the ratio of coffee to water. 


Young arabica coffee plants thrive under the sun, arranged in neat rows on a lush hillside – a promising a future harvest.
Young arabica coffee plants thrive under the sun, arranged in neat rows on a lush hillside – a promising a future harvest.

Some key characteristics of Specialty coffee include:

  • High-Quality Beans: often grown in specific regions or at high altitudes where conditions are ideal for growing coffee with complex flavor profiles.

  • Single-Origin and Transparency: Many Specialty coffees are single-origin, meaning the beans come from one specific farm or region, allowing coffee drinkers to experience the unique flavors of that area. You’ll also often find detailed information about the farm, processing methods, and even the farmers who grew the coffee.

  • Roasting: Specialty coffee is generally roasted in smaller batches, as compared to Commodity coffee roasting. This allows the roaster to pay greater attention to bringing out the distinct flavor characteristics of the beans, which can range from fruity and floral to nutty and chocolatey.

  • Ethical and Sustainable Sourcing: Many roasters and importers emphasize direct trade relationships with farmers, paying them a premium for their high-quality beans to ensure sustainability and fair wages.


What Is Commodity Coffee?

Now, let’s look at Commodity coffee. This is the type of coffee you’re likely to find in bulk at your local supermarket. It’s often mass-produced, standardized, and focused on volume rather than flavor. Commodity coffee beans are typically lower-grade and may come from multiple regions blended together. This type of coffee is sold on the open market as a Commodity, just like wheat, oil, or other agricultural products. It can be Arabica and/or Robusta. 



Large coffee roasting facility featuring advanced industrial equipment and infrastructure.
Large coffee roasting facility featuring advanced industrial equipment and infrastructure.

Some key characteristics of Commodity coffee include:

  • Lower Quality Beans: Commodity coffee often includes beans that are of lower quality, typically Robusta or lower-grade Arabica beans, and may be harvested using less precise methods.

  • Blends and Consistency: To maintain consistency across large quantities, Commodity coffee often comes in blends that combine beans from different regions. The goal is to create a coffee that is consistent in flavor year-round, with little variation. If you were to purchase two bags of the same coffee, 6 months apart, it is quite likely they taste the same. 

  • Mass Production: Commodity coffee is roasted in large batches, often using automated systems that prioritize speed and efficiency rather than highlighting specific flavors. Beans are typically roasted much darker to maintain consistency and flavor.

  • Less Transparency: While there are certifications like Fair Trade and Certified Organic, the level of transparency and traceability tends to be much lower than with Specialty coffee. This can mean that while farmers are guaranteed the volume via contract, they might be paid less per lb. Several of the largest roasters own their own coffee farms. 


Flavor Profile: Specialty vs Commodity Coffee

Perhaps the most striking difference between Specialty and Commodity coffee lies in flavor. Specialty coffee has a wide range of complex flavors, ranging from fruity and floral to chocolatey and earthy. Because of the targeted sourcing and roasting process, Specialty coffee can have unique tasting notes that reflect the specific region, processing method, and even the altitude at which it was grown. Imagine tasting hints of tangy citrus, jam-like berries, dark chocolate, or even jasmine tea in your cup of coffee—it’s rather incredible if you think about it! 


Commodity coffee, on the other hand, tends to be much more flat and one-dimensional. For some, it may be drinkable, but the flavors are often more basic and lack depth as compared to Specialty coffee. Think of it as a one-size fits all approach—designed to appeal to a wide range of tastes while providing consistency no matter where it is purchased or how it is brewed. 


Coffee cupping set-up under the Costa Rican sun.
Coffee cupping set-up under the Costa Rican sun.

Price: Why Does Specialty Coffee Cost More?

The MILLION DOLLAR QUESTION! Specialty coffee is priced significantly higher than Commodity coffee; but there is a good reason. Specialty coffee requires more work and attention at every step of the process—from farming to processing, roasting, and brewing. These additional efforts contribute to the higher cost, but they also produce a much higher-quality product. Many Specialty coffees also come from small, family-owned farms, so while you enjoy a quality cup of coffee, your dollars are supporting that farmer's livelihood. 

We could compare this to shopping at a farmers market for farm-fresh produce. It might be more expensive than standard supermarket fare, but you know exactly where it comes from and you might even be purchasing directly from the hands of the farmer that harvested it. The same applies to clothing and textiles. Why do we spend more on certain clothing items and decor? Because we appreciate the quality product, of course. Below is a Coffee Value Comparison chart: 


How to Choose: Specialty Coffee or Commodity Coffee?

So, how do you decide which one to choose? Well, it all depends on what you hope to gain from your coffee experience:

  • Do you value flavor complexity, quality, and ethical sourcing? Specialty coffee is the way to go. It’s perfect for those who enjoy exploring different flavors while appreciating the nuances of a well-crafted cup, and supporting farmers who are paid fairly for their work.

  • Are you looking for a quick, affordable, and consistent cup of coffee? Commodity coffee may be more up your alley. It’s great for those who don’t mind a more basic flavor and just want something familiar to get them through the day.


The great news is that there’s room for both types of coffee in the world, and whether you prefer the nuanced flavors of Specialty coffee or the affordability of Commodity coffee, you can enjoy your cup however you like. But for those who want to truly dive into the world of coffee and explore the intricate flavors and stories behind each bean, Specialty coffee is a whole new level of appreciation.


Café Muse in Budapest, Hungary – a cafe and roastery.
Café Muse in Budapest, Hungary – a cafe and roastery.

Where can I buy Specialty Coffee?

1. Local Coffee Shops & Roasteries

  • Independent cafés that source high-quality beans

  • Specialty coffee roasters who roast in small batches

  • Third-wave coffee shops often carry beans from award-winning roasters

2. Farmers’ Markets & Co-ops

  • Local coffee roasters often sell fresh beans retail

  • Cooperative markets that support ethical sourcing


When you travel away from home, take the time to try a new coffee shop and bring home a bag of locally roasted coffee. This is a fun way to add more destinations to your coffee travel map!

 

In Conclusion

At the end of the day, whether you prefer Specialty or Commodity coffee boils down to the taste you desire in your coffee cup. Specialty coffee is about quality, complexity, and ethics, while Commodity coffee is more about accessibility, affordability, and consistency. Neither is right or wrong. If you’re curious to explore new flavors, try out some of our Specialty coffees and discover what resonates with your taste buds. Who knows? You might just discover a whole new world of coffee you never knew existed!


Happy brewing! ☕



 

About The Author


Hi, I’m Bryce! 


I am passionate about sharing knowledge and educating others about my passion – coffee! There are a lot of sources and information out there, and it can be difficult to find something that is easy to read and digest. My goal is to have an array of interesting topics, presented in an approachable, straightforward fashion. Please be sure to check out our youtube channel smallbeanzcoffeeco, where you can find short, easy to understand videos on all your favorite coffee topics!

4 views1 comment

1 Comment

Rated 0 out of 5 stars.
No ratings yet

Add a rating
Rated 5 out of 5 stars.

Crazy to think the mainstreem coffee is said to be the best. Glad someone is out there sharing helpful info for the good stuff!

Like

 All Rights Reserved

©2023 by small beanz coffee co. 

Proudly created with Wix.com

bottom of page