Creating a Sustainable Coffee Alternative from Leftovers
The Journey to a Caffeine-Free Coffee Alternative
For months, a team of innovators experimented with various ingredients to create a sustainable coffee alternative. Led by Tan, the team used gas chromatography mass spectrometry to identify and analyze the molecules responsible for the desired taste. After months of trial and error, they zeroed in on the perfect combination: stale bread from bakeries, soybean pulp from tofu making, and spent barley grains from local breweries.
The Magic of Fermentation and Roasting
The team combines the ingredients in roughly equal amounts, ferments them for 24 hours, and then roasts the mixture. This process yields a naturally caffeine-free coffee alternative that can be enjoyed with plant-based or regular milk. Without milk, the drink tastes a little more chocolatey and retains the notes of herbaceous bitterness.
Adding a Kick with Caffeine Powder
For those who need a caffeine boost, the startup adds caffeine powder from tea leaves. Tan explains that using tea leaves is a more sustainable option as they are more plentiful than coffee berries. This innovative approach not only reduces waste but also provides a more sustainable solution for coffee lovers.
Scalability and Expansion
Currently, Prefer Coffee sells its brew in Singapore only, but the company hopes to expand to other locations while continuing to upcycle local waste. In the Philippines, for example, leftover cassava, sugarcane, or pineapple might be used, requiring adjustments to the fermentation process.
Conclusion
Prefer Coffee’s innovative approach to creating a sustainable coffee alternative not only reduces waste but also provides a unique taste experience. With its scalable and adaptable process, this startup has the potential to make a significant impact on the coffee industry.
FAQs
- What is Prefer Coffee’s main ingredient?
- A combination of stale bread from bakeries, soybean pulp from tofu making, and spent barley grains from local breweries.
- Is Prefer Coffee caffeine-free?
- Yes, but a caffeine powder from tea leaves can be added for those who want a kick.
- Where is Prefer Coffee currently available?
- Singapore, with plans to expand to other locations.
- How does Prefer Coffee’s fermentation process work?
- The team combines the ingredients, ferments them for 24 hours, and then roasts the mixture to create a unique coffee alternative.
