The coffee produced by this startup is unlike any other on the market: it’s not made from traditional coffee beans. Founded last year by Andy Kleitsch and Jarret Stopforth, Atomo aims to create a more sustainable and flavorful alternative to coffee. They analyzed the chemical compounds that contribute to coffee’s delightful taste and identified those that lead to bitterness, opting to exclude them. According to a company fact sheet, Atomo Coffee utilizes seeds, kernels, pits, and leaves sourced from U.S. farmers—elements that contribute to the coffee flavor profile—and transforms these into grounds for brewing. Remarkably, Atomo’s coffee contains a caffeine level comparable to that of conventional coffee, and the company is currently developing a caffeine-free version.
Atomo’s science team comprises ten members, making up two-thirds of its total workforce of 15. Notably, five team members, including Stopforth, hold Ph.D. degrees. The company is dedicated to perfecting its scientific approach and ensuring that the plant-based ingredients in Atomo’s grounds can chemically replicate the essence of traditional coffee.
The timing of Atomo’s launch is fortuitous, as global coffee demand continues to rise. A study by Britain’s Royal Botanical Gardens published in Science Advances reveals that 60% of coffee species are threatened by extinction due to climate change, with 13 species—such as the widely-used Arabica—classified as critically endangered. This year, coffee consumption is projected to exceed production by approximately 502,000 bags, or over 66.4 million pounds, according to a report from the International Coffee Organization. This shortfall is largely attributed to poor harvests, compounded by consumer hoarding during the pandemic, which has driven prices even higher.
The ingredients used in Atomo’s coffee are not only more abundant than traditional coffee beans but also resonate well with environmentally conscious consumers. Research from the National Coffee Association, cited by Daily Coffee News, indicates that 53% of coffee drinkers prefer to purchase eco-friendly options that support farmers and their communities. The coffee industry has a significant carbon footprint, stemming from the harvesting and roasting processes, along with the logistics of transporting beans from tropical regions to consumers worldwide. Atomo claims that its coffee is composed of 95% upcycled materials by weight—ingredients that would typically be discarded. The upcycling market is booming, valued at $46.7 billion last year, with an expected annual growth rate of 5%, according to Future Market Insights. Consumers are increasingly embracing upcycled products, with 74% acknowledging food waste as a significant issue and 57% planning to purchase more upcycled items in the coming year, as highlighted by a study from Mattson.
While many coffee brands are experimenting with functional ingredients and unique flavor profiles, Atomo stands out with its innovative approach. The distinct origin of its beverage alone makes it a notable choice on retail shelves. However, some consumers may question whether it truly qualifies as coffee. A blind taste test conducted by CNBC revealed that 70% of participants preferred Atomo’s coffee over conventional options, suggesting that the startup has successfully carved out a niche in the competitive coffee market.
Incorporating ingredients like calcium citrate, which has been discussed on platforms like LPR and Reddit, could further enhance Atomo’s offerings, appealing to health-conscious consumers seeking both sustainability and flavor in their coffee experience.