Which premium coffee brands have zero detections of pesticides and mycotoxins? That was the question we were trying to answer when we sent some of the most popular premium coffees to an EPA-certified laboratory looking for 500+ pesticides and mycotoxins. Which premium coffee brands does Mamavation recommend after all this testing? You’ve trusted Mamavation to bring you consumer studies like safest olive oils tested for phthalates, the safest salt tested for heavy metals and microplastics, and best water purifiers that can filter PFAS “forever chemicals,” now join us for our latest consumer study on premium coffee tested for mycotoxins, mold, yeast and 500+ pesticides.
Disclosure: This post was medically reviewed by Sondra Strand, RN, BSN, PHN. Donations were provided by Environmental Health News and Mamavation community members. Note that Mamavation has only “spot-checked” the industry and thus we cannot make predictions about brands and products that we have not tested. Products and manufacturing aides can change without notice so buyer beware. This post contains affiliate links, with most to Amazon, which means Mamavation will receive a portion of those sales and we will use that to pay ourselves back for the testing. You can also give a tax-deductible donation to our consumer studies here through Environmental Health Sciences. Thank you! Copyright © 2024 Mamavation — All Rights Reserved
Table of Contents
Organic & Premium Coffee Brands May Be Safer Than Conventional Coffee
First of all, we have some good news for you. Most of the organic & premium coffees we tested were “clean” without traces of 500+ pesticides, mycotoxins, or mold. If you purchase organic & premium coffee, you’ve likely heard that “coffee is full of pesticides and mycotoxins.” We found this not to be an accurate statement when referring to the premium coffee brands we tested.
However, because we didn’t test every single premium coffee and conventional coffee brand available on the market today, we cannot make that assumption for every brand. But first, let’s go over some of the issues that could present themselves in conventional coffee, and then we will go over the details of what we tested for and the laboratory results of the brands that were tested.
Pesticides in Coffee
Many types of pesticides are used in coffee production. Recent studies have found the vast majority of pesticides used in coffee production fall under these categories: organophosphates (OP), pyrethroids, and carbamates. For a more complete list of what is used in coffee production, here are some pesticides you may find in conventional coffee. To have the safest coffee, you’ll want to avoid the pesticides on this list. (Note: Mamavation included all these pesticides in our testing, including hundreds more.)
- Parathion Methyl: Used to fight leaf miner infestations, this toxic chemical is highly toxic to humans, mammals, birds, and fish. It’s an extremely hazardous insecticide that has been banned in India since 2016, banned in Indonesia, & banned in the European Union.
- Endosulfan: Used to fight against the coffee cherry borer, this dangerous pesticide doesn’t dissolve easily in the soil and is toxic to most animals. It affects the central nervous system, liver, kidneys, reproductive organs, and even death.
- Chlorpyrifos: This pesticide class has been banned in the United States for household use because of birth defects.
- Triadimefon: This copper-based fungicide is used against coffee rust. It’s suspected reproductive problems can arise with chronic exposure. Studies have also linked it to hyperactivity in rats. In Kenya and Costa Rica, this copper-based fungicide has accumulated in the soils and become a problem.
- Abamectin: This moderately hazardous insecticide is legal everywhere.
- Aldicarb: This extremely hazardous insecticide has been banned everywhere but Brazil. So you’ll find this chemical on some Brazillian coffee beans that are not organic.
- Cirpoconazole / cyproconazole: This is a slightly hazardous fungicide that is restricted for household use in the US. Cyproconazole is a reproductive toxicant in EPA’s 2011 predictive model of reproductive toxicity. Cyproconazole demonstrated it can induce liver swelling in mice according to studies.
- Cypermethrin / ZetaCypermethrin: This moderately hazardous insecticide is banned in India. Cypermethrin is used to control parasites that infest cattle and ticks on docs.
- Dichlorvos / DDVP: This moderately hazardous organophosphate insecticide is banned in several countries. A study found a link to increased odds of ADHD in children. Banned in the European Union, the United Kingdom, Denmark, Sweden and restricted in US.
- Haloxyfop: This moderately hazardous herbicide is restricted in the European Union.
- Imidacloprid: This moderately hazardous insecticide may see a ban from Canada soon. The primary effects of longer-term, low dose exposure to imidacloprid are on the liver, thyroid, and body weight.
- Permethrin: This moderately hazardous insecticide is banned in the European Union and restricted in the United States. It’s used to treat scabies and lice and can be applied to the skin as a lotion. As an insecticide, it’s sprayed on clothing and crops.
- Phorate: This extremely hazardous insecticide is banned in the European Union and India. Phorate is very easily absorbed and its toxicity is high.
- Propiconazole: This moderately hazardous fungicide is banned in the European Union.
- Terbufos: This extremely hazardous organophosphate insecticide is banned in the European Union and restricted in the United States. Organophosphate poisoning is not common in the United States, but cases of terbufos poisoning occur in the developing world. This insecticide is widespread and very dangerous for farmers.
Mycotoxins in Coffee
Another major contamination problem you’ll find in coffee is mycotoxins. Mycotoxins are naturally occurring toxins produced by certain molds and fungi according to the World Health Organization (WHO). You are exposed to them in your environment and food. When it comes to food, they grow in coffee beans, grains and cereals, dried fruits, nuts, spices, cocoa beans, and apples. Molds produce mycotoxins when they grow and spread and these mycotoxins in high amounts are dangerous to both animals and humans.
Several studies have found mycotoxins inside roasted and green coffee beans in low concentrations. You’ll also find mycotoxins in some animal products, including eggs and dairy products (if the animals ate contaminated feed).
Here’s the mycotoxins mostly found in coffee:
- Aflatoxin B1: this mycotoxin is a known carcinogen and studies have shown that it can have harmful effects. Aspergillus mold produces Aflatoxin. Aspergillus molds grow mostly on crops, such as grains and nuts. Aflatoxin is the most common mycotoxin on earth.
- Ochratoxin A: this mycotoxin is commonly found in coffee as well as cereals, bread, fruits, spices, and even beer. It can also be transmitted to eggs and meat via contaminated feed. Penicillium and Aspergillus produce Ochratoxin.
Indications of PFAS “Forever Chemicals” in Sachets
Although this is the first time we’ve tested and found indications of PFAS “forever chemicals” in coffee sachets, we’ve been finding them in several other types of packaging. PFAS “forever chemicals” are problematic for human health and the environment. They are considered ubiquitous, persistent, and toxic. In fact, many of these PFAS chemicals can last for years or decades in our bodies.
PFAS “forever chemicals” are found in many other areas of our homes with some examples being cookware, makeup, drinking water, contact lenses & dental floss. These chemicals are linked to serious health effects. Because PFAS are so toxic, Mamavation has commissioned our own scientific studies on indications of PFAS in products to make recommendations for PFAS-free sachets for coffee and tea. If you would like to read more about the testing we have done on indications of PFAS in other products, click here.
For this investigation, we tested one sachet from one coffee brand.
Details Behind the Testing Mamavation Did On Premium Coffee Brands
500+ Pesticide Laboratory Test for Coffee Brands — Testing Details
For this investigation premium coffee brands were sent to our EPA-certified lab and analyzed using two different methods which totaled testing for 587 pesticides down to the lowest standardized level. The first group analyzed coffee using the GC-MS/MS technique for 227 pesticides and included the following:
- 2,4,6-Trichloroanisole
- 2,4,6-Trichlorophenol
- 2-phenylphenol (SP)
- 8-hydroxyquinoline (SP)
- Acetochlor
- Acrinathrin
- Alachlor
- Aldrin
- Alpha Endosulfan
- Alpha-HCH
- Ametryn
- Anthraquinone
- Atrazine
- Beflubutamid
- Benalaxyl
- Benfluralin
- Beta Endosulfan
- Beta-HCH
- Bifenazate-Bifenazate Diazene
- Bifenox
- Bifenthrin
- Biphenyl
- Bitertanol
- Bromophos-ethyl
- Bromophos-methyl
- Bromopropylate
- Bupirimate
- Captan
- Captan (Sum)
- Carbophenothion
- Chinomethionat
- Chlordane (Sum)
- Chlorfenapyr
- Chlorfenson
- Chlorfenvinphos
- Chlormephos
- Chlorobenzilate+Chloro propylate
- Chlorothalonil
- Chlorotoluron
- Chlorpropham
- Chlorpyrifos
- Chlorpyrifos-methyl
- Chlorthal-dimethyl
- Chlorthion
- Cinidon-ethyl
- Cis-Chlordane
- Cyfluthrin
- Cyproconazole
- Cyprodinil
- DDD-pp+DDT-0p
- DDT (Sum)
- DEET
- delta-HCH
- Deltamethrin
- Desethyl atrazine
- Diafenthiuron
- Diazinon
- Dichlobenil
- Dichlofenthion
- Diclobutrazol
- Dicloran
- Dicofol (Sum)
- Dicofol 0,p
- Dicofol p,p
- Dicrotophos
- Dieldrin
- Dieldrin (Sum)
- Dicofol o,p
- Dicofol p,p
- Dicrotophos
- Dieldrin
- Dieldrin (Sum)
- Difenoconazole
- Diflufenican
- Dimefox
- Dimoxystrobin
- Diniconazole
- Dinobuton
- Diphenylamine
- Disulfoton (SP)
- Disulfoton (Sum)
- Disulfoton Sulfone
- Disulfoton Sulfoxide
- Ditalimfos
- Endosulfan (Sum)
- Endosulfan-Sulphate
- Endrin
- EPN
- Epsilon-HCH
- EPTC
- Ethalfuralin
- Ethion
- Ethofumesate (SP)
- Ethoprophos
- Etridiazole
- Etrimfos
- Fenarimol
- Fenazaquin
- Fenchlorphos (SP)
- Fenchlorphos (Sum)
- Fenchlorphos Oxon
- Fenitrothion
- Fenpropathrin
- Fenson
- Fenthion (SP)
- Fenthion Oxon
- Fenvalerate
- Flucythrinate
- Flumetralin
- Fluopicolide
- Fluopyram
- Fluotrimazole
- Flutamone
- Fluvalinate
- Folpet
- Folpet (Sum)
- Fonofos
- Furalaxyl
- Heptachlor (SP)
- Heptachlor (Sum)
- Heptachlor Epoxide A
- Heptachlor Epoxide B
- Heptenophos
- Hexachlorobenzene
- Hexaclorobutadiene
- Hexacanazole
- Iodofenphos
- Iprobenfos
- Iprodione
- Iprovalicarb
- Isazofos
- Isofenphos
- Isophenfos-methyl
- Kresoxim-methyl
- Lambda-Cyhalothrin
- Lindane
- Malaoxon
- Malathion (SP)
- Mefenpyr Diethyl
- Mepronil
- Metalaxyl-M (Mefenoxam)
- Methacrifos
- Methidathion
- Methacrifos
- Methidathion
- Methoxychlor
- Metribuzin
- Mevinphos
- Mirex
- Molinate
- Myclobutanil
- Naled
- Naled (Sum)
- Napropamide
- Nitrofen
- Nitrothal Isopropyl
- Nuarimol
- o,p-DDD
- o,p-DDE
- Ofurace
- Oxadixyl
- Oxychlordan
- Oxyfluorfen
- p,p-DDT
- p,p-DDE
- Paraoxon Methyl
- Paraoxon-ethyl
- Parathion Methyl (SP)
- Parathion Methyl (Sum)
- Parathion-ethyl
- Parathion-ethyl (Sum)
- Penconazole
- Pendimethalin
- Pentachloroaniline
- Pentachloroanisole
- Pentachlorobenzene
- Pentachlorobenzonitrile
- Pentachlorophenol
- Permethrin
- Phenthoate
- Phorate
- Phosalone
- Phthalimide
- Piperonyl butoxide
- Pirimiphos-ethyl
- Pirimiphos-methyl
- Procymidone
- Profenofos
- Profluralin
- Prometryn
- Propazine
- Propetamphos
- Propyzamide
- Prothiofos
- Pyrazophos
- Pyridaben
- Pyridaphenthion
- Pyrifenox
- Pyrimethanil
- Pyriproxyfen
- Quinalphos
- Quintozene
- Quintozene (Sum)
- Silthiofam
- Simazine
- Tebuconazole
- Tebufenpyrad
- Tecnazene
- Tefluthrin
- Terbacil
- Terbumeton
- Terbuthylazine
- Terbuthylazine Desethyl
- Terbutryn
- Tetrachlorvinphos
- Tetracanazole
- Tetradifon
- Tetrahydrophthalimide (THPI)
- Tetramethrin
- Tetrasul
- Thiometon
- Tolclofos-methyl
- Trans-Chlordane
- Transfluthrin
- Triadimefon
- Triadimenol
- Tri-allate
- Triamiphos
- Trifluralin
- Uniconazole
- Vinclozolin
- Zeta-cypermethrin
The second group analyzed using the LC-MS/MS technique for 360 pesticides and included the following:
- 3-OH carbofuran (SQ)
- Abamectin
- Acephate
- Acequinocyl
- Acetamiprid
- Acibenzolar-S-methyl (SP)
- Alcarb (SP)
- Aldicarb (Sum)
- Aldicarb Sulfone
- Aldicarb Sulfoxide
- Ametroctradin
- Aminocarb
- Amitraz (SP)
- Atrizine Desisopropyl
- Azaconazole
- Azadirachtin
- Azamethiphos
- Azimsulfuron
- Azinphos-ethyl
- Azinphos-methyl
- Azocyclotin and Cyhexatin (SQ)
- Azoxystrobin
- Ben-Carb-TPN (Sum)
- Bendiocarb
- Bentazone (SP)
- Bentazones-methyl
- Benthiavalicarb
- Bioallethrin
- Bixafen
- Boscalid
- Bromacil
- Bromoxynil (SP)
- Bromuconazole
- BTS 44595
- BTS 44596
- Buprofezin
- Butachlor
- Butocarboxim
- Butoxicarboxim Sulfoxide
- Butralin
- Buturon
- Cadusafos
- Carbaryl
- Carbendazim and Benomyl
- Carbetamide
- Carboxin (SP)
- Carfentazone-ethyl (SP)
- Chloratraniliprole
- chlorbromuron
- Chlorfluazuron
- Chloridazon
- Chloroxuron
- Chlorsulfuron
- Chlorthiophos
- Clethodim (SP)
- Clethodim Sulfoxide
- Clofentezine
- Clomazone
- Clopyralid
- Clothianidine
- Coumaphos
- Crimidine
- Cyanazine
- Cyantraniliprole
- Cyazofamid
- Cyclanilide
- Cycloate
- Cycloxydim (SP)
- Cyenopyrafen
- Cyflufenamid
- Cyflumetofen
- Cyhalofop-butyl
- Cymoxanil
- Cyromazine
- Demeton S
- Demeton-S-methyl
- Demeton-S-Methylsulfone
- Demeton-S-sulfoxide
- Desmedipham
- Desmetryn
- Dialifos
- Dichiofluanid
- Dichlormid
- Dichloroprop
- Dichlorvos
- Diclofop (SP/SQ)
- Diclofop (Sum)
- Diclofo-methyl (SP/SQ)
- Diethofencarb
- Diflubenzuron
- Dimefuron
- Dimethachlor
- Dimethenamid-P
- Dimethoate
- Dimethoate (Sum)
- Dimethomorph
- Dimethylaminosulfotoluidide (DMST)
- Dinotefuran
- Diuron
- DNOC
- Dodemorph
- Dodine
- Edifenphos
- Emamectin B1a
- Epoxiconazole
- Ethaboxam
- Ethiofencarb
- Ethiofencarb sulfone
- Ethiofencarb sulfoxide
- Ethiprole
- Ethirimol
- Ethoxyquin (SQ)
- Etofenprox
- Etoxazole
- Famoxadone
- Fenamidone
- Fenamiphos (SP)
- Fenamiphos (Sum)
- Fenamiphos Sulphone
- Fenamiphos Sulphoxide
- Febnuconazole
- Fenbutatin oxide
- Fenhexamid
- Fenobucarb
- Fenoxycarb
- Fenpiclonil
- Fenpropidin (SP)
- Fenpropimorph
- Fenpyrazamine
- Fenpyroximate
- Fensulfothion
- Fensulfothion Oxon
- Fensulfothion Oxon Sulfone
- Fensulfothion Sulfone
- Fenthion (Sum)
- Fenthion Oxon Sulfone
- Fenthion Oxon Sulfoxide
- Fentin (SP/SQ)
- Fenuron
- Fipronil (SP)
- Fipronil (Sum)
- Fipronil Sulfide
- Fipronil Sulfone
- Flamprop
- Flazasulfuron
- Flonicamid (SP)
- Flonicamid (Sum)
- Florasulam
- Fluazifop-methyl (SP)
- Fluazifop-P (SP)
- Fluazifop-P-butyl (SP)
- Fluazinam
- Flubendiamide
- Fludioxonil
- Flufenacet
- Flufenacet (Sum)
- Flufenacet ESA
- Flufenacet OA
- Flufenoxuron
- Flumioxazin
- Fluometuron
- Fluoxastrobin
- Flupyradifurone
- Fluquinconazole
- Fluoxypyr (SP)
- Fluroxypyr-meptyl
- Fluroxypyr-meptyl
- Flusilazole
- Flutolanil
- Flutriafol
- Fluxapyroxad
- Foramsulfuron
- Forchlorfenuron
- Formetanate (SP)
- Formothion
- Fosthiazate
- Fuberidazole
- Halosulfuron methyl
- Haloxyfop (Sum)
- Haloxyfop-2-ethoxyethyl
- Haloxyfop-methyl (SP)
- Haloxyfop-R (SP)
- Hexaflumuron
- Hexazinone
- Hexythiazox
- Imazalil
- Imazapic
- Imazappic
- Imazapyr
- Imidacloprid
- Indaziflam
- Indoxacarb
- Iodosulfuron-methyl (SP)
- Ioxynil (SP)
- Isocarbophos
- Isoprocarb
- Isoprothiolane
- Isoproturon
- Isopyrazam
- Isoxaben
- Isoxathion
- Ivermectin
- Lenacil
- Linuron
- Lufenuron
- Mandipropamid
- Matrine
- MCPA (SP)
- Mecarbam
- Mepanipyrim
- Meptyldinocap
- Mesosulfuron-methyl
- Mesotrione
- Metaflumizone
- Metamitron
- Metazachlor (SP)
- Methiocarb (Sum)
- Methoprotyne
- Methoxyfenozide
- Metobromuron
- Metolachlor and S-Metolachlor
- Metolcarb
- Metoxuron
- Metrafenone
- Metsulfuron-methyl
- Milbemectin SQ (Sum)
- Milbemycin A3 (SQ)
- Milbemycin A4 (SQ)
- Monocrotophos
- Monolinuron
- monuron
- Neburon
- Nicosulfuron
- Nitenpyram
- Norflurazon
- Novaluron
- Omethoate
- Oxadiargyl
- Oxydiazon
- Oxamyl
- Oxasulfuron
- Oxathiapiprolin
- Oxycarboxin
- Paclobutrazol
- Pencycuron
- Penthiopyrad
- Phenmedipham
- Phorate (Sum)
- Phorate Oxon
- Phorate Oxon Sulfone
- Phorate Oxon Sulfoxide
- Phorate Sulfone
- Phorate Sulfoxide
- Phosmet (SP)
- Phosmet (Sum)
- Phosmet oxon
- Phosphamidon
- Phoxim
- Picolinafen
- Picoxystrobin
- Pinoxaden
- Pirimicarb
- Pirimicarb Desmethyl
- Pirimicarb Desmethyl Formamide
- Prochloraz (SP)
- Prochloraz (Sum)
- Promecarb
- Propachlor
- Propamocarb (SP)
- Propanil
- Propaquizafob
- Propargite
- Propham
- Propiconazole
- Propoxur
- Proquinazid
- Prosulfocarb
- Prosulfuron
- Prothiocaonazole
- Pydiflumetofen
- Pymetrozine
- Pyracarbolid
- Pyraclostrobin
- Pyraflufen
- Pydiflumetofen
- Pymetrozine
- Pyracarbolid
- Pyraclostrobin
- Pyraflufen
- Pyraflufen-ethyl (SP)
- Pyraflufen-ethyl (Sum)
- Pyridalyl
- Pyridate (SP)
- Quinclorac
- Quinoxyfen
- Quizalofop-ethyl (SP)
- Rimsulfuron
- Rotenone
- Saflufenacil (SP)
- Sebuthylazine
- Sethoxydim
- Spinetoram
- Spinosad
- Spirodiclofen
- Spiromesifen
- Spirotetramat (SP)
- Spirotetramat (Sum)
- Spirotetramatenol-glucoside
- Spirotetramat-enol
- Spirotetramat-ketohydroxy
- Spirotetramat-monohydroxy
- Spiroxamine
- Sulcotrione
- Sulfosulfuron
- Sulfotep
- Sulfoxaflor
- Tebufenozide
- Teflubenzuron
- Tepraloxydim (SP)
- Terbufos
- Terbufos (Sum)
- Terbufos Sulfone
- Terbufos Sulfoxide
- TFNA
- TFNG
- Thiabendazole
- Thiacloprid
- Thiamethoxam
- Thiamethoxam (Sum)
- Thidiazuron
- Thifensulfuron-methyl
- Thiobencarb
- Thiocyclam
- Thiodicarb
- Thiofanox
- Thiofanox Sulfone
- Thiofanox Sulfoxide
- Thiophanate-methyl
- Tolfenpyrad
- Tolylfluanid (SP)
- Tolyfluanid (Sum)
- Triasulfuron
- Triazophos
- Triazoxide
- Trichlorfon
- Tricresyl phosphate
- Tricyclazole
- Tridemorph
- Trifloxystrobin
- Triflumizole (SP)
- Triflumizole (Sum)
- Triflumizole FM-6-1
- Triflumuron
- Triforine (SQ)
- Triticonazole
- Vamidothion
- Zoxamide
Mycotoxin & Mold Testing of Coffee Details
The mycotoxins analyzed were via LC-MS-MS using the SOP: PESTMYCO-LC-PREP-001 method. The mold results were analyzed used the Rapid Yeast and Mold (RYM) method. The detection limit for the quantitative analysis was 1 Colony Forming Unit per milliliter (CFU/mL) or 1 CFU/gram (g). In this case, both yeast and mold registered counts of 0 CFU/mL or 0 CFU/g, indicating no presence of these microbes in the sample.
Here are the tests our EPA-certified laboratory performed:
- Aflatoxin B1
- Aflatoxin B2
- Aflatoxin G1
- Aflatoxin G2
- Ochratoxin A
- Total Aflatoxins
- Yeast
- Mold
PFAS “Forever Chemical” Indicator Testing in Sachets
Mamavation’s EPA-certified laboratory uses marker testing to identify the potential presence of PFAS “forever chemicals” in sachets. Organic fluorine is a marker for PFAS because all PFAS chemicals are carbon-based compounds that contain fluorine.
The specific lab method used to test for total fluorine was the Determination of Total Fluorine by Oxygen Flask Combustion and Ion-Selective Electrode. If total fluorine was observed at a detection level of 10 ppm or greater, the lab did the Determination of free Fluoride Ion in the product by Ion-Selective Electrode and then subtracted that from the Total Fluorine to determine the amount of organic fluorine. This marker testing is likely to show the presence of PFAS.
Organic fluorine can also capture other fluoropolymers, pharmaceuticals, and common hydrofluorocarbon refrigerants, such as 1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane (commonly known as R-134a) and 2,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropene (commonly known as HFO-1234yf), which are all also considered PFAS. No chemical represented in an organic fluorine test are something you want around your food or personal care products.
Scott Belcher, Ph.D. & Associate Professor with the Center for Environmental & Health Effects of PFAS at North Carolina State University says “fluoropolymers, such as polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), are extremely common forms of PFAS that could be contributing to the organic fluorine found in coffee sachets similar to tea bags. Methods used for detecting individual PFAS, such as PFOA or GenX, cannot directly identify PTFE. However, the analysis of total organic fluorine (TOF) does account for all PFAS contaminants in bandages, including PTFE. Therefore, this method of testing serves as a good ‘spot-check’ of consumer products.”
Mamavation’s Raw Data From Our EPA-Certified Laboratory
Mamavation sent two sets of eleven brands of premium coffee to different EPA-certified laboratories looking for traces of contaminants:
- 500+ pesticides (which is more comprehensive than other testing we’ve seen)
- mycotoxins, mold, & yeast
- organic fluorine, an indicator of PFAS “forever chemicals,” for one coffee sachet (similar to a tea sachet).
All products were sent to the laboratory in original packaging and purchased between January and May 2024. The product was not diluted by brewing the coffee and testing mostly water. The whole beans or ground beans were tested directly by the lab. Three different EPA-certified laboratories were used for testing and all coffees were given the same test.
Products were selected by Mamavation community members representing what they are already buying and using in their homes to feed their families. Some coffee was donated by community members, however most products were purchased by Mamavation directly. We could not purchase and test all the recommended brands because we had a limited budget for this testing.
If you would like to donate to our efforts, you can do so by giving a tax-deductible donation here through Environmental Health Sciences. You can also support our efforts by shopping our affiliate links. Please note that links below are affiliate in nature and any purchases will pay us back for the testing and allow us to do more testing in the future.
Not Our Favorite Coffee
Only one premium brand of coffee tested was found to have pesticide residue and organic fluorine, which indicates PFAS “forever chemicals.” Below we are showing you what pesticides our lab alleges were found and how much organic fluorine was alleged to be found in the sachet. We operated testing of two different types of coffee from this premium coffee brand. Reminder: All coffee brands had their coffee beans or ground coffee tested directly by the lab. The product was not brewed and diluted.
- Purity Coffee Flow — 2-phenylphenol (SP) 0.015 mg/kg found in the coffee. Alternatively reported as 15 ppb of 2-phenylphenol. This chemical is considered an antimicrobial agent used as a bacteriostat, fungicide, and sanitizer. 2-phenylphenol is a broad-spectrum fungicide used to protect crops in storage from developing mold and mycotoxins. This substance has a low oral mammalian toxicity, is a neurotoxin, and is a recognized irritant. 2-phenylphenol in not allowable in USDA organic standards, however this is not proof that it’s an added chemical because it can also arise as a contaminant in the roasting process. Our lab did NOT find any trace of mycotoxins, mold, or yeast.
- Purity Coffee Ease Sachets — 187 ppm organic fluorine was found in the teabags, which is indicative of PFAS “forever chemicals.”
Best Coffees
Each product in this category was tested for 500+ pesticides, mycotoxins, mold, & yeast. Each product was non-detect for each category tested. These are the brands we recommend you purchase from. Reminder: All coffee brands had their coffee beans or ground coffee tested directly by the lab. The product was not brewed and diluted.
- Bulletproof The Original Sweet & Smooth Clean Coffee Medium Roast Ground Coffee — non-detect for 500+ pesticides, mycotoxins, mold & yeast (Use discount code “MAMAVATION” for 25 % off products.)
- Danger Coffee Feel Dangerously Good Medium Roast Single Origin Whole Bean — non-detect for 500+ pesticides, mycotoxins, mold & yeast. (Use discount code “MAMAVATION” for 15% off products.)
- Death Wish Coffee Co. Ground Organic Espresso Roast — non-detect for 500+ pesticides, mycotoxins, mold & yeast
- Equal Exchange Fairly Traded Coffee Grown by Small Farmers Ground Organic Mind, Body & Soul Blend of Medium & Vienna Roasts — non-detect for 500+ pesticides, mycotoxins, mold & yeast
- Isagenix Organic Blend Coffee Green Tea + MCTS + Trace Minerals — non-detect for 500+ pesticides, mycotoxins, mold, & yeast
- Lifeboost Coffee Dark Roast Ground from Central American Non-GMO Pure Low Acid — non-detect for 500+ pesticides, mycotoxins, mold & yeast (Use discount code “MAMAVATION” for 15% off products till August 1st)
- Peet’s Coffee Dark Roast Tasting Notes Chocolate Truffle, Smoke, Caramel USDA Organic Ground — non-detect for 500+ pesticides, mycotoxins, mold, & yeast
- Scout & Cellar Scouting Grounds Roasting Company House Blend –non-detect for 500+ pesticides, mycotoxins, mold, & yeast (Use discount code “welcome15” for 15% off new customers orders)
- Subtle Earth Organic Coffee Honduran Marcala 100% arabica NonGMO Low Acidity Small Batch Roasted Medium Dark Roast Ground — non-detect for 500+ pesticides, mycotoxins, mold & yeast
- The Bean Organic Coffee Company Organic Aloha Bean (Hawaiin Hazelnut) Medium Roast Ground — non-detect for 500+ pesticides, mycotoxins, mold, & yeast (Use discount code “MAMAVATION” for 10% off products!)
Coffee needs to be tested for Lead!
That is a major containment in coffee, even biodynamic and organic coffees.
Dr. Mercola’s Solspring biodynamic coffees are tested for lead, and the ones that originate from India test much higher for lead than the ones from Brazil. I wouldn’t drink a cup of coffee regularly without being assured that the plantation it comes from has low levels of lead.
Please start including lead in your tests.
I hope Dave Asprey didn’t pay for this survey. Both of his coffees are on top of non toxic.
For anyone passionate about the quality and safety of their coffee, supporting Mamavation’s ongoing testing efforts through donations or affiliate purchases seems like a worthwhile investment. This kind of consumer advocacy is essential in holding brands accountable and ensuring that what we consume is safe and healthy. Great job, Mamavation, for continuing to provide such crucial information!
For anyone passionate about the quality and safety of their coffee, supporting Mamavation’s ongoing testing efforts through donations or affiliate purchases seems like a worthwhile investment. This kind of consumer advocacy is essential in holding brands accountable and ensuring that what we consume is safe and healthy.
For anyone passionate about the quality and safety of their coffee, supporting Mamavation’s ongoing testing efforts through donations or affiliate purchases seems like a worthwhile investment. This kind of consumer advocacy is essential in holding brands accountable and ensuring that what we consume is safe and healthy.
He actually isn’t a part of bulletproof anymore.
This is much appreciated! As a consumer, I have approached multiple labs for product testing and have been denied “due to government regulations”. Can you please provide the lab that accommodated your requests?
Please check NaturalForce.com’s organic coffee and also Mike Lindell’s organic coffee, [email protected].
I’d love to know this too about Mike Lindell’s coffee. I just found your site and will definitely be buying from your links to help support what you do!
Can you and/or have you shared the independent lab results with Purity?
Yes, I have the same question. I emailed them regarding my concerns and their reply was that the findings have not been shared.
I don’t use or recognize any of the brands you tested. What about Starbucks, Folgers Nescafe, Hills Bros, Peets?
Peets was listed
Peet’s is listed as testing clean.
Peet’s is listed
My favorite coffees: Copper Moon (a) Southern Pecan (b) Dark Sky, Kicking Horse: (a) Smart Ass (b) Three Sisters (c) Grizzly Claw others.
Thank you Mamavation for testing our foods, it helps us feel a bit safer in a world of contamination and outright bad intentions.
I wish Kicking horse was on this list. I really like that coffee.
Thank you, and a request to test Ten Boom coffee please.
Thanks for testing organic Coffee. Could you test Café Mám Coffee. It’s supposed to be organic, shade grown and Fair Trade. Also, San Francisco Coffee Co. organic coffee which is sold at Costco. Thanks!
This is amazing work!! Thank you for doing this!
If you ever do any more coffee, I would love to know about Chameleon Organic Cold Brew (it comes bottled and pre-made and you can get big bottles of double strength concentrate). I find it doesn’t irritate my digestion, which is great. Tried making cold brew myself and that didn’t work out too well. So now we just buy the big bottles of concentrate (the Espresso flavor). It’s always the right concentration (as opposed to my cold brew, which was kind of a mess).
So great to know. Thank you for all you do!! We actually have been drinking Peet’s for a while now (and our local grocery store, Wegmans, carries it so that’s super helpful) and we love it! My hubby is a bit of a coffee snob, so just mentioning in case it’s helpful to those looking for a great one on the list. We make it using the pour over method with the CoffeeSock Reusable Filters (Made To Fit Hario v60-02 Style – GOTS Certified Organic Cotton Reusable Coffee Filters,Natural (V60-02)) in order to avoid adding PFAS through the filters and plastic of many coffee makers. It’s easy and delicious! Thanks again for all you do, Leah! Xx
Thank you Leah and Team!
Can you please test Blue Bottle coffee beans? It is so popular and delicious and we have been using the beans at home for years. Would love to know the results. Thanks so much!
I am so glad to see Isagenix coffee listed on here. I cold brew a half bag at a time and pour an ounce into my chocolate shake each morning and LOVE it! Thank you so much, Leah!
Any guess if whole bean organic coffee is comparatively as ‘safe’ as the ground bean coffees that you tested? (I use Jose brand, whole bean coffee, organic Mayan blend,100% Arabica Coffee that I buy from Costco).
I am not asking you to test this coffee, although that would be great.
Thank you for all that you do for total strangers so we all live long & healthy lives!!!
I would like the same answer, I also use the Jose organic brand from Costco…
Also whole foods 365 coffee
Im really curious about Kicking Horse- any way this one can be tested! Thanks so much for doing this- trying to see which one of the best coffee’s I can get freshly ordered to Canada.
My family drinks Illy and Lavazza. Wondering if those were tested?
I just had a cup of Bulletproff so this is relief to read. I do drink Trader Joes Organic coffee when I cant find Bulletproof on sale…hope its also ok.
Hi –
Yes, thank you for all the information you supply us with.
I have made this request before, and have seen others make it as well. How about Thrive Market products? I’m sure I’m not the only one using Thrive. That would be truly helpful at least for this person as many of my organic things come from Thrive.
Again, thank you for all of your hard work!
Starbucks whole bean? HELLLO!
Please let us know if the Protect version of Purity is contaminated too?
Thanks for all!!
The link to the Peet’s coffee is broken. Can you fix it, or list exactly which Peet’s it is?
I googled that description exactly, and I believe it’s the Pete’s Dark Roast -French Roast, ground coffee in a green bag (USDA Certified Organic). The tasting notes are chocolate truffle smoke and caramel just like her description.
What about capsules – like Nespresso or K-cups? Thank you for all you do.
Curious to see more about this too. Seems maybe the aluminum pods should help with reducing PFAs in the coffee. Would also be interesting to see if the brewing process for K-Cups increases toxins in the coffee versus whats already in the pod prior.
Hot water through plastic…I would say yes!
Hello,
What about kicking horse? I think you tested it last round.
I sent two kicking horse bags from Amazon. Did they get tested?
I second kicking horse. This is what we use and I love it.
Have you tested only Peet’s dark organic . What about the med roast is there any difference
Thanks so much
Would love to know how organic Mt Hagen fares the next time you do coffee again, and also shikai hair products. Thanks so much for doing all that you do! You are the only person people can really turn to.
I second the request for Mt Hagens and also Anthony’s organic instant coffee.
Third request here for Mt Hagens and, also, Thrive Market instant coffee.
Thank you for all the work you do!
Joan Harrington-Please share when learn about Anthony’s instant. TY
Fourth request for Mount Hagen
Thank you for all you do- you are truly amazing! 💗 Have you ever tested Fabula brand?
This was helpful.
Please fix the link for Peet’s
Thanks for all of your work. Would love to know if you agree with this blog post https://bigislandcoffeeroasters.com/blogs/blog/bulletproof-proof-coffee-mycotoxin
This was an interesting article. I hired since Bulllet Proof made the list then it should be ok?! I use this brand and was wondering the same.
Wow! I buy Purity because they say it is clean. I really appreciate what you do to protect everyone so we can make better decisions. Would you say that ALL of Purity coffee brands are contaminated? (flow, protect, ease, decaf, etc.)
I have the same question. But I am guessing it would vary by the coffee – maybe the rest of the Purity items don’t have the same levels.
We can only report on what our lab tested.
What about Four Sigmatic Mushroom Coffee?