Tag Archives: CoffeeTrends

Why Do Some Starbucks® Packaged Beans Say “Nestlé”?

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In 2018, Starbucks and Nestlé formed a long-term “Global Coffee Alliance” that lets Nestlé market, sell, and distribute Starbucks-branded at-home coffees (and many foodservice items) around the world. That’s why your grocery-store bag can read “Distributed by Nestlé.” It doesn’t mean Nestlé owns Starbucks, and it doesn’t change what you get in a Starbucks café. 

The 2018 Deal (in plain English)

Back in May 2018, Starbucks and Nestlé announced a sweeping partnership designed to get Starbucks coffee onto more kitchen counters globally. Nestlé paid $7.15 billion for the perpetual rights to market, sell, and distribute Starbucks-branded consumer packaged goods (think whole bean, ground, instant) and many foodservice items outside Starbucks coffee shops. In other words, Nestlé handles the grocery aisle and a lot of away-from-home placements; Starbucks keeps running its cafés. 

What Products Does Nestlé Handle?

Since the alliance kicked off, Nestlé has rolled out a broad Starbucks at-home lineup: whole bean and ground coffee, premium instant, Nespresso and Nescafé Dolce Gusto capsules, K-Cup pods, and even Starbucks creamers in many markets. If you’ve seen a Starbucks bag or pod on a supermarket shelf, there’s a good chance Nestlé put it there under license. 

What’s Not Included?

Two important carve-outs:

  1. Starbucks cafés: Drinks made in Starbucks stores aren’t part of the Nestlé deal. Those still belong to Starbucks. 
  2. Ready-to-Drink (RTD) in North America: Those bottled and canned Frappuccinos, Doubleshots, iced coffees, etc., are produced and distributed by the North American Coffee Partnership, a longstanding joint venture between Starbucks and PepsiCo (dating to 1994). That relationship continues today. 

Globally, Starbucks and Nestlé later expanded their collaboration to bring Starbucks-branded RTD beverages to Southeast Asia, Oceania, and Latin America—but that’s separate from the PepsiCo partnership in North America. 

So… Who Roasts the Beans?

The alliance is primarily about rights and distribution. Production can vary by product and region, but the key point for shoppers is that the brand standards, sourcing philosophies, and recipes are governed by Starbucks while Nestlé manages the retail reach. Practically, that’s why the bag in your cart might say “Starbucks®” on the front and “Distributed by Nestlé” on the back. 

A Quick Timeline

  • May 2018 — Starbucks and Nestlé announce the Global Coffee Alliance. 
  • Aug 2018 — Deal closes; Nestlé obtains perpetual global rights (outside Starbucks stores) for Starbucks consumer packaged goods and many foodservice products. 
  • 2019–2023 — Rapid rollout of Starbucks at-home products worldwide (beans, pods, instant, creamers). 
  • 2021 — Starbucks and Nestlé extend collaboration to RTD beverages in parts of Asia-Pac and Latin America. 
  • 2022 — Starbucks sells the Seattle’s Best Coffee brand to Nestlé, further aligning portfolios (separate from Starbucks cafés). 

How to Read the Label (and What It Means for Taste)

When you see “Distributed by Nestlé USA” (or a local Nestlé affiliate) on a Starbucks bag:

  • It reflects who gets the product into retail channels, not who “owns” Starbucks. Starbucks remains an independent company. 
  • It applies primarily to at-home products (whole bean, ground, capsules, instant, creamers). Your café latte still comes from Starbucks baristas, not Nestlé. 
  • Flavor profiles, blends, and sourcing ethics follow Starbucks’ brand standards; the alliance was built to scale distribution without reinventing the coffee fans already know. 

FAQs

Does this mean Nestlé owns Starbucks?No. It’s a licensing and distribution arrangement. Nestlé bought rights, not the company. 

Why did Starbucks do this?To rapidly expand Starbucks-branded coffee in grocery and foodservice channels worldwide while focusing on its café business and growth strategy. 

What changed for consumers?More Starbucks-branded choices at home (beans, pods, instant, creamers), often in more countries, plus some Starbucks RTD options in markets outside North America through the Nestlé collaboration. 

What about Seattle’s Best Coffee?In 2022, Starbucks sold the Seattle’s Best Coffee brand to Nestlé, so that brand is now part of Nestlé’s portfolio. 

Please note that if you purchase from clicking on the link, some will result in my getting a tiny bit of that sale to help keep this site going. If you enjoy my work, perhaps you would consider donating to my daily cup of coffee, thank you.

Single-Origin Coffee: A Journey of Flavor, Transparency, and Sustainability

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Single-origin coffee has evolved from a niche preference into a flourishing global phenomenon, captivating coffee enthusiasts everywhere. Today, savoring coffee goes beyond the beverage itself—it’s about embracing the stories behind each cup, from the region where it grows to the dedicated hands that nurture every bean.

The single-origin coffee market is experiencing impressive growth. Valued at approximately $14.82 billion in 2025, it’s projected to soar to $23.19 billion by 2034, marking a compound annual growth rate of 5.10%. In the U.S., the market stood at $3.38 billion in 2024, with expectations to reach $5.69 billion by 2034, growing steadily at 5.34% annually. This surge reflects a growing consumer appetite for distinctive flavors, along with heightened demands for transparency and traceability.

At its heart, single-origin coffee focuses on the precise location of cultivation, from broader regions and countries down to individual estates or specific coffee varietals. Among these, micro lots stand out by offering extraordinary precision. Typically sourced from a small, clearly defined section of a farm, micro lots score between 87 and 89 points on the Specialty Coffee Association (SCA) scale. They empower producers to highlight their best beans, command higher prices, and build lasting partnerships with discerning buyers.

At the peak of exclusivity lie nano lots, consisting of merely one or two 60-kilo bags of coffee, each scoring above 90 points on the SCA scale. These coffees epitomize ultimate traceability, showcasing distinct characteristics influenced by unique soil conditions, sunlight exposure, and precise rainfall patterns—factors integral to achieving exceptional coffee quality.

The traceability revolution of single-origin coffee provides detailed insights into cultivation and processing methods. Consumers learn specifics about elevation, coffee varietals, and processing techniques, enriching their coffee experience. Unlike blends, single-origin coffees clearly articulate their origins, meeting contemporary demands for accountability and authenticity.

Sustainability is deeply woven into this movement. As more consumers actively seek fair trade and organic certifications, protecting the environmental, social, and economic vitality of coffee-growing communities has become paramount. The Specialty Coffee Association notes that 65% of consumers now favor brands with environmentally responsible practices, encouraging coffee shops to actively educate their customers about coffee origins and the communities behind each brew.

Recent insights from the Specialty Coffee Transaction Guide reveal a significant trend: small-lot coffee contracts (less than 1,000 pounds) rose from 19% in 2016 to 25% in 2023. This underscores the increasing fascination with exclusive, highly traceable coffees. As prices rise, coffee drinking transitions from a daily routine to an engaging hobby filled with exploration and storytelling, where enthusiasts eagerly discuss details such as altitude, varietal, and processing methods.

Looking ahead, innovation in coffee processing and varietals is thriving. Producers now explore advanced techniques like anaerobic fermentation and cultivate unique hybrids such as Geisha. Exotic tasting notes—once niche—like hibiscus, jasmine, and tropical fruits are captivating a broader audience, marking a new chapter in coffee’s flavorful journey.

Single-origin coffee isn’t merely a passing trend—it’s a vibrant movement rooted in community, transparency, and the pursuit of unparalleled flavors. As the coffee landscape continues to evolve, single-origin offerings promise to enrich our daily cups with deeper stories of creativity, sustainability, and the committed individuals who bring exceptional coffee from farm to cup.

Please note that if you purchase from clicking on the link, some will result in my getting a tiny bit of that sale to help keep this site going. If you enjoy my work, perhaps you would consider donating to my daily cup of coffee, thank you.

Baileys Launches Dairy-Free Oat Milk Liqueurs for Coffee Fans

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Baileys, a staple among many coffee lovers, has just introduced a delicious surprise that will excite dairy-free enthusiasts. For the first time in nearly a decade, the iconic liqueur brand is launching two plant-based options crafted from oat milk, tapping into the rising demand for dairy-free indulgences.

First up is Coffee Toffee, a rich, comforting blend of roasted coffee and sweet caramel flavors, offering the perfect complement to your favorite coffee drinks. Whether you prefer sipping it neat, pouring it over ice, or stirring it into your latte, this new flavor promises a enjoyable twist to your coffee experience.

Next is Cookies & Creamy, blending creamy oat milk with chocolate cookie and vanilla flavors. This option brings the beloved cookies-and-milk experience for dairy-free coffee drinkers, pairing nicely with espresso-based beverages or enjoyed simply on its own.

Baileys’ move into dairy-free territory not only taps into growing consumer demand but also invites everyone to enjoy a creamy experience regardless of dietary restrictions or preferences. These oat milk-based liqueurs mark a delicious new chapter for coffee lovers seeking plant-based indulgence.

While I do not have dairy drinking challenges, these sounded like something to try and compare to the other coffee drinks Baileys has made memorable. 

Please note that if you purchase from clicking on the link, some will result in my getting a tiny bit of that sale to help keep this site going. If you enjoy my work, perhaps you would consider donating to my daily cup of coffee, thank you.

AI and Coffee: How Smart Technology Could Elevate Our Brew

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So much news about the many updates happening to AI assistants these days. Many manufactures are jumping on board with adding some of that assistance to our daily home tools. I can image AI’s integration into coffee making is set to bring a host of possibilities. Here are some potential future developments I thought that could enhance how we enjoy our coffee. I think our coffee pots are safe from an AI going rogue and taking over our house.

Integration with Work Calendars

Imagine a coffee maker that syncs with your work calendar. On busy days with back-to-back meetings, it could brew a stronger cup to give you that extra boost of energy. Conversely, on lighter days, it could prepare a milder brew for a more relaxed start. This level of integration ensures that your coffee not only tastes great but also fits perfectly with your daily schedule.

Voice Control and Virtual Assistants

Voice control is already transforming smart home devices, and coffee makers are no exception. Future coffee makers could integrate seamlessly with virtual assistants like Alexa, Google Assistant, or Siri. You could start brewing your coffee with a simple voice command, adjust brewing parameters on the fly, or ask for recommendations based on your mood and preferences. Voice control makes the entire coffee-making process more convenient and interactive.

I can imagine going mute on a call to tell the voice assistant “start a medium strength cup of coffee” so it is ready when things wrap up.

Mood and Health Monitoring

By integrating with wearable devices and health apps, future coffee makers could monitor your mood and health metrics. If your wearable detects that you didn’t sleep well, the coffee maker could prepare a stronger brew to help you wake up. If your health app shows high stress levels, it might suggest a calming blend. This personalized approach ensures that your coffee not only tastes great but also supports your overall well-being.

Another perspective of good sleep may be that the wearable device AI tracks what helps you have a calm night sleep and warns against the things and actions that may actually harm your ability to recharge your body. It might not be coffee for everyone. If the AI sees the sleep it is tracking is impacted by a coffee within a window of time before bed, it could warn you to find another even beverage. 

Customizable Coffee Profiles

AI could allow for highly customizable coffee profiles that cater to individual preferences. These profiles could include specific settings for brewing strength, temperature, and even the type of milk or sweetener used. You could have different profiles for different times of the day, occasions, or even family members. This level of customization ensures that everyone gets their perfect cup of coffee every time.

Real-Time Feedback and Learning

Future coffee makers could provide real-time feedback on the brewing process. Using sensors and AI algorithms, they could adjust brewing parameters on the fly to ensure optimal flavor extraction. Over time, these machines could learn from your feedback, refining their brewing techniques to match your evolving taste preferences.

As I mentioned in several previous articles here, the temp and weather pressure can impact the coffee flavor so an AI learning local impacts could adjust the brewing process to assure a quality cup of coffee. No matter if it is rainy night or warm morning. 

Sustainable Brewing Practices

AI can play a significant role in promoting sustainability in coffee brewing. Future coffee makers could use AI to optimize water and energy usage, reducing waste. They could also recommend sustainable coffee beans and brewing methods, helping you make eco-friendly choices without compromising on taste.

Different choices of coffee beans could be chosen by an AI when it automatically orders beans to keep enough beans in the house. That will most likely be made easier with Amazon but if a standard was found it could be tied into many different bean roaster’s web sites.

Enhanced Social Sharing

For coffee enthusiasts who love to share their passion, AI could enable enhanced social sharing features. Imagine being able to share your custom coffee recipes with friends and family through an app. You could even join a community of coffee lovers, exchanging tips and discovering new brewing techniques. This social aspect adds a fun and engaging dimension to your coffee experience.

Not really fitting into any of my groups is if the pot of the future is tied into other parts of a house automation. When person picks up their coffee cup from the brewer in the evening, perhaps the lights dim. Or, in the morning, when the coffee cup is done brewing, the window shades open a touch to let in the morning light.

Through the many advancements in AI, the future of AI in coffee making is full of possibilities. From integrating with work calendars to providing real-time feedback and promoting sustainable practices, AI is set to revolutionize our coffee rituals. As these technologies continue to evolve, they will undoubtedly make our daily coffee experience more personalized, convenient, and enjoyable. The perfect cup of coffee is just a smart coffee maker away.

Please note that if you purchase from clicking on the link, some will result in my getting a tiny bit of that sale to help keep this site going. If you enjoy my work, perhaps you would consider donating to my daily cup of coffee, thank you.

Velvet Brew: Unveiling the Magic of Nitro Coffee

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Nitro coffee is a different take on cold brew coffee though recently I’m seeing hot coffee mentions too. Which intrigued me to research the process and what impacts people say nitro infusion has. This process starts by creating a cold brew, which involves steeping coarse coffee grounds in cold water over a period of 12 to 24 hours to produce a familiar smooth, rich concentrate. 

The key transformation happens when this concentrate is infused with the nitrogen, typically using a pressurized valve or nitrogen tank in commercial settings, though at-home brewers might use nitrogen capsules or keg systems.

Most options found online use gas cartridges, requiring a subscription. A kickstarter project that doesn’t need the cartridges is what finally pushed me to dig in a bit. OK… maybe in the excitement of researching Nitro, I found this ‘pocket’ version that is calling my name.

The serving method also plays a crucial role. Nitro coffee is dispensed through a special tap that maintains high pressure, similar to those used for stout beers. This tap forces the coffee through a restrictor plate, creating tiny nitrogen bubbles that give the coffee a creamy texture and a frothy, sort of like a Guinness head.

This nitrogen infusion process has several effects on the coffee. It changes the beverage’s texture to a silky, smooth mouthfeel, distinct from both regular coffee and traditional cold brew. The tiny nitrogen bubbles create a less acidic drink with a smoother taste, often perceived as sweeter and less bitter, despite the absence of added sugars or sweeteners. 

The visual aspect of nitro coffee is also notable, with a cascading effect of nitrogen bubbles as the coffee settles, adding to its appeal. The inherent creaminess and reduced acidity mean many people say they enjoy nitro coffee without any additional dairy or sweeteners.

Please note that if you purchase from clicking on the link, some will result in my getting a tiny bit of that sale to help keep this site going. If you enjoy my work, perhaps you would consider donating to my daily cup of coffee, thank you.