Coffee isn't just coffee. There are differences in score, origin, freshness, flavor, and choice between a bag from the supermarket shelf and a bag of specialty coffee. You can see them side by side below. This isn't a judgment, because not all supermarket coffee is the same.
The differences at a glance
| Aspect | Supermarket coffee (often) | Specialty coffee |
|---|---|---|
| Score | No flavor score on the bag | 80+ points out of 100 (SCA) |
| Origin | Often a blend from several countries | Known origin: country, region, producer, or cooperative |
| Freshness | Roast date often not listed | Roast date on the bag |
| Flavor | Focused on a consistent, familiar taste | Tasting notes such as fruit, chocolate, or flowers |
| Choice | A few standard options | Choose by flavor, roast, and processing method |
1. Score
With specialty coffee, certified tasters give the coffee a score from 0 to 100. At 80 points and above, we call it specialty coffee. Read more in our article What does 80+ on the bag mean?.
2. Origin
With specialty coffee, you know where the coffee comes from: the country, region, and often the producer or cooperative, too. A lot of supermarket coffee is a blend from several countries. Want to learn the difference between a single-origin coffee and a blend? Read Single origin vs. blend.
3. Freshness
A bag of specialty coffee shows the roast date, so you can see when the coffee was roasted. Read more about it in Coffee freshness and roast date explained.
4. Flavor
A lot of supermarket coffee is made for a consistent, familiar taste. With specialty coffee, tasting notes are listed on the bag, such as fruit, chocolate, or flowers. That way, you can choose a coffee that suits what you enjoy.
5. Choice
With specialty coffee, you choose the flavor, roast level, and processing method, such as natural or washed.
Would you like to taste the difference for yourself?
- Taste several coffees at once with the Sample pack.
- Choose for yourself from the Specialty Coffee collection.
