Crafting the Perfect Non-Toxic and Clean Cup of Coffee at Home

There is nothing better than a cup of coffee in the morning but did you know these key components to making your at home coffee less toxic? From the plastic components in coffee machines to pesticide-laden beans, there are several factors to consider when aiming for a non-toxic and clean cup of coffee at home. Here are the best practices to brew a pristine cup of coffee that is non-toxic at home.

Choosing BPA-Free Coffee Equipment:

When it comes to brewing a clean cup of coffee, the equipment you use matters. Many home coffee machines contain plastic components that may contain Bisphenol A (BPA), a synthetic compound used in making plastics. When exposed to heat, these plastics can leach harmful chemicals into your coffee. To minimize exposure, opt for coffee makers made from glass or stainless steel, and ensure that any plastic parts that come into contact with hot water are labeled BPA-free. In coffee machines, BPA can be present in components like water reservoirs, tubing, piping, seals, and gaskets that come into contact with water or brewed coffee.

French Press (glass or stainless steel):

• Bodum Chambord French Press (glass / best bang for buck)

• FORLIFE 827 Coffee Press (glass / smaller size)

• Mueller French Press (Stainless Steel, affordable)

• Yield French Press (pricey, colorful glass)

• Frieling Stainless Steel French Press (pricey, colorful stainless steel)

Pour Over (make sure the dripper is stainless steel mesh that doesn't require the filters):

• COSORI Speed-Boil Electric Tea Kettle

• COSORI Electric Gooseneck Kettle

• OXO Brew Cordless Glass Electric Kettle

• Bodum Bistro Burr Coffee Grinder

• SHARDOR Coffee Grinder Electric

• Maranello Caffé Pour Over Coffee Dripper Stainless Steel

• LHS Pour Over Coffee Dripper Stainless Steel

• Unbreakable Pour Over Coffee Maker

• Chemex Pour-Over Glass Coffeemaker

Coffee Machine:

• Breville Barista Express Espresso Machine, Brushed Stainless Steel

• OXO Brew 9 Cup Stainless Steel Coffee Maker

• Presto 02811 Stainless Steel Coffee Percolator, 12 cup

• Breville Nespresso The Creatista® Pro, Brushed Stainless Steel (The Vertuo is not BPA free)

• Technivorm Moccamaster

Maintain Cleanliness in Your Coffee Machine

Regular cleaning of your coffee machine is crucial to prevent the growth of mold and bacteria. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for cleaning, which often involves running a vinegar-water solution through the machine to remove mineral deposits and residue. Additionally, allow the machine to air dry thoroughly after each use to discourage mold growth.

Selecting Organic Coffee Beans:

The foundation of a clean cup of coffee is using high-quality, organic coffee beans. Conventional coffee beans that are NOT organic are often heavily sprayed with pesticides, herbicides, and synthetic fertilizers. By choosing organic beans, you can minimize your exposure to these chemicals while supporting more environmentally friendly farming practices. 

In addition to choosing brands that are USDA Organic, you want beans that come from higher elevation and are grown in the shade, and are 3rd party tested to be mold and mycotoxin free.

Tips:

• Dark Roast
• Arabica beans
• Certified Organic
• Stay away from blends
• Fresh beans 
• Keep in a dark cool place
• Countries: Ethiopia, Columbia, Kenya, Guatemala, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Honduras, Mexico Altura

Best Organic Coffee Bean Brands:

• Sprouts Organic French Roast Coffee
• Kion Coffee
• Blue Bottle Three Africas Blend
• Purity Specialty Grade Organic Whole Bean Coffee
• Bulletproof Coffee
• Aldi’s Simply Nature Organic 
• Kicking Horse Organic Three Sisters
• Lifeboost Organic Single Origin Medium Roast Coffee

Other 3rd party Certifications you can look for:

• USDA Organic

• Bird Friendly

• Rainforest Alliance Certified / UTZ 

• Fair Trade

Choose Decaf Wisely

Beware when drinking decaf coffee, the process to remove the caffeine often involves chemical solvents. If you prefer decaffeinated coffee, opt for brands that use the Swiss Water Process. This method uses water to extract caffeine from the beans, avoiding the use of chemicals typically involved in other decaffeination processes.

• Lifeboost Decaf Coffee Beans
• Kicking Horse Decaf Coffee
• 365 Organic Everyday Value Decaf Coffee
• Fabula Decaf Coffee
• Bulletproof Decaf Coffee
• Purity Decaf Coffee
• Natural Force Decaf Coffee

Using Clean Milks without Fillers:

If you enjoy adding milk to your coffee, choose clean milk options without fillers or additives. Opt for organic, grass-fed, or plant-based milks with minimal ingredients. 

For those who enjoy adding nut milks, opt for clean brands without filler ingredients like carrageenan or artificial sweeteners. Look for options with minimal ingredients, or consider making your own nut milk at home for a fresher and healthier alternative.

Skip the sugary and flavored creamers and experiment with natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup in moderation, or simply appreciate the natural flavors of the coffee itself. Coffee Mate is one of the worst options so please skip this one entirely as it is filled with partially hydrogenated oils (trans fat), corn syrup, dangerous preservatives like carrageenan, and other refined sugars.

Clean Nut Milks:

• Malk
• Three Trees
• Elmhurst

Whole Milk Brands:

• Raw Farm
• Alexandre
• Straus Organic
• Tickling Spring
• Organic Valley
• Maple Hill
• Kalona

Creating the perfect, clean cup of coffee at home involves a combination of using high-quality, organic coffee beans, selecting BPA-free equipment, opting for clean milks, and adhering to proper brewing practices. By following these guidelines, you can savor a cup of coffee that's not only delicious but also free from harmful chemicals and molds.