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If you love coffee, you’re not alone: 7 out of 10 Americans drink coffee weekly, and 62% of us drink it daily. Additionally, more than half of all coffee drinkers in the United States want to buy coffee that is good for the environment, farmers and their communities.
This is where certification programs like Fairtrade America, Fair Trade USA and Fair for life come into play. These organizations use independent evaluation and certification processes to verify that producers meet standards that include safe working conditions, fair wages, good agricultural practices and environmental stewardship. Some fair trade organizations also provide development funds, which accrue to farmers and workers so they can decide how to allocate them to community improvement projects.
We all have different tastes, so it’s impossible to find a unique flavor profile for every coffee drinker. But some companies are going above and beyond to protect farmers, communities and the natural habitats of birds and wildlife. Whether you drink your coffee drip, cold brew, or topped with a frothy crema, here are our top picks for the best fair trade coffees:
What to Look for in Fair Trade Coffee
seal of certification
Look for coffee that has a seal of certification by an independent third-party organization such as Fairtrade America, Fair Trade USA and Fair for life.
Grind type
Choose the appropriate grind for your preferred brewing method. For example, a fine grind is best for espresso machines, while a coarse grind is best for French presses. The coffee roaster often has advice on the website for the best type of infuser to use for each type of coffee.
Why trust Treehugger?
Treehugger wants to help you support fair wages and sound environmental stewardship for coffee farmers and their communities around the world. Arricca Elin SanSone is a health and lifestyle writer specializing in home, kitchen and gardening.
She researched the market based on fair trade certification processes and each company’s individual ethics. Treehugger team members have also suggested fair trade favorites.