Yuban Coffee Certified by the RainForest Alliance

I recently got the opportunity to try a new type of Yuban coffee that has a product label noting that it is certified by the RainForest Alliance (yes, RainForest is a combined word). Promoted as "the coffee that can make a difference", I wondered if being eco-friendly would result in a cup of coffee that was anything but friendly to my taste buds.

To find out more about this brand of coffee you can visit this web site: www.yuban.com

Here were the results for Yuban Breakfast Blend Coffee:

Yuban RainForest Alliance Coffee: Product Description and Claims

The package description suggests that Yuban coffee drinkers can have a great tasting cup of java and still feel like they are doing something good for coffee farmers and even the planet. Each line of Yuban is supposed to be grown according to Rainforest Alliance Certified standards and also use USDA organic coffee beans. So the product has two benefits, being better for the rain forest and also organic. The package description also includes information about there being a minimum of 30% Rainforest Alliance Certified Coffee in each bag which is meant to help conserve the environment and support coffee farmers.

What is Rainforest Alliance Certified Coffee?

To find out more about this, check out this link: www.rainforest-alliance.org/programs/agriculture/certified-crops/coffee.html

Without going into lengthy detail, the certification program does have to meet standards for water conservation, limited use of chemicals, a focus on community relations, treating workers fairly and principles of "sustainable agriculture". One area of concern to some eco-friendly organizations have been the lack of focus on preserving the shade of the rain forest or shade growing methods.

There are no specific standards for shade management but there is a focus on trying to protect biodiversity. Farms in the program are inspected yearly.

Yuban Coffee which is Rainforest Alliance Certified: Price

Normally, this product costs $27.42 for 6 twelve ounce bags. I got one bag free to sample. Occasionally, there have been special sales where customers can get as much as $10.00 off the price of 6 bags. Pods are also available for those who use Pod type coffee makers.

Yuban Rainforest Alliance Coffee: Aroma and Taste

As noted above, I got the Breakfast Blend Yuban Coffee, a mild combo of ground coffee beans.When I opened the bag, the smell was immediately distinctive and better than any I'd tried in either my local grocery store or gourmet markets. It was just a fresh and delightful smell, rich with a fresh ground coffee bean aroma. I was eager to taste it.

To be fair, I first tasted the coffee straight, no sugar or cream. It was just as mild as advertised and had no bitter after taste. I am not what could be called a coffee snob, being willing to grab whatever coffee is at hand, gourmet or not, when rushed. However, once I added my usual dab of cream and sugar to the coffee, it seemed like the subtle flavors became even richer. There was never a bitter or unpleasant taste. I enjoyed my cup of coffee, even relishing it.

Yuban Coffee - Breakfast Blend: Target Customer -

Clearly, this product is being aimed at people who want to feel that they are helping to preserve the environment and minimize or halt further damage to the Rain forest. Using at least thirty percent RainForest Alliance certified coffee is a step in the right direction but I had to wonder why it couldn't be more than that 30%.

Certified farms do have to help protect wildlife, plant trees in areas not suitable for crops, work to control erosion, manage or halt pollutants and pay certified farms fair wages and access to clean water and sanitation areas. At this point in time, over 400,000 farm families are supposed to be enjoying the benefits of the program.

The Yuban brand of coffee is aimed at trying to focus on conserving ecosystems, rewarding workers fairly and establishing training programs and farm management activities to produce coffee which tastes good and is also ecologically friendly (eco-friendly).

Yuban coffee: packaging

The coffee comes in what appears to be a standard 12 ounce bag, glossy. It did have a K for Kosher on the outside and a P for Parve. this might be of interest to those keeping Kosher or who have similar dietary restrictions. I could not find any indication about whether the bag was made of recyclable material.

For those looking for one alternative to standard coffees which may do the environment more good, this might be a better choice than your usual brand. As far as the taste went, I felt it was far superior to most that I normally buy so there is that advantage as well.