Grab your passports, coffee lovers! We're going on a whirlwind, tongue-tingling adventure to explore the quirkiest coffee cultures across the world – all from the comfort of your kitchen with a TrueStart brew in hand! 1. Colombia: The Smooooth Operator How could we start anywhere else? Let's groove over to Colombia, a country known for producing some of the smoothest coffee in the world. Coffee here is typically enjoyed as 'tinto' – a small, black coffee served throughout the day. This no-frills approach allows the quality of the beans to shine through. We're always banging on about how incredible TrueStart tastes black, so if you usually add milk or sugar, try serving TrueStart black and take a moment to appreciate the stunningly smooth, energising taste - whether it's fresh or made in an instant! 2. Italy: Love at First Sip Blink and you'll miss it! Italians shoot back their espresso like they're late for a Vespa ride across Rome. Served up in a teeny-tiny cup, this concentrated delight packs a punch. Who needs sleep anyway, right? Try this at home with TrueStart coffee - just remember to savour the flavour, even if you gulp it down! 3. Sweden: Coffee, Cake and Chit-Chat Swedes take their coffee breaks so seriously; they even have a special word for it - "fika". It's all about hanging out with friends, munching on scrumptious pastries, and gulping down gallons of coffee. So, brew a pot of TrueStart, text your pals, and embrace the cosy comfort of a Swedish coffee break. 4. Ethiopia: Where Coffee is a Social Event Buckle up for a trip to Ethiopia, the birthplace of coffee. Here, coffee making is a ceremonial event and a chance to bond with the community. Try and replicate this at home by inviting friends over for a coffee date with TrueStart's Lively Ethiopian, and appreciate the shared joy of a good brew. 5. Vietnam: Like Dessert in a Cup Say "Xin Chào" to Vietnam, where coffee often gets confused with dessert. Here, a generous dollop of sweetened condensed milk is added to strong coffee, creating a divine combo that'll make your taste buds dance. Add a little condensed milk to your TrueStart and enjoy this sweet treat. 6. Turkey: The Mystic's Brew In Turkey, coffee isn't just a beverage; it's a fortune teller. After downing a cup of thick, strong coffee, the grounds left behind are used to predict the future. Not sure about future-telling, but your future certainly holds a robust cup of TrueStart. 7. Brazil: The Coffee-Champion's Classic Did someone say, "samba and coffee?" Welcome to Brazil, the world's largest coffee producer! Here, coffee is often enjoyed simply, as a strong brew paired with a slice of cake or a piece of bread for an afternoon snack, known as "cafezinho". This small, potent cup of coffee is served throughout the day, an indispensable part of Brazilian hospitality. So, pull out your brightest outfit, put on some samba beats, and brew a cup of TrueStart's Bright-Eyed Brazilian. It's time to party, Brazilian style! Whether you're shaking to the samba or quietly contemplating over a Swedish fika, the world of coffee is delightfully diverse. So, as you relish your TrueStart, take a moment to appreciate the global tapestry of coffee lovers, each adding their splash of uniqueness to this loved beverage. Bon voyage on your coffee-fuelled adventure!

We have kick started our Dive In Series! This series is all about our community and the voices & stories they bring to the world. We want to use our platform to give members of the TrueStart community a place to have their stories heard. This series aims to inspire, educate & break everyday inertia by listening to all sorts of lived experiences. So, our first guest having their "TrueStart Moment" is founder, adventurer & world record breaker Ben Smith. Ben came on the podcast to talk all things mental health, pride & love. We talk about his journey from childhood to the dark days in his twenties to becoming a proud member of the LGBTQ community & founder of mental health charity - the 401 Foundation. TW: This episode talks about suicide & bullying. Let's Dive Into Ben's story... Or listen to it on Spotify below:  https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/truestart-coffee/episodes/Dive-In-Series-Ben-Smith-on-mental-health--pride--love-e268c0k

Is Coffee Really At Risk of Going Extinct? The term "extinction" might sound dramatic, but it does help to underscore the scale of the challenges facing the global coffee supply in the decades that lie ahead. There are significant changes underway in our world, and if we don't address these proactively, our favourite brew might become a luxury that we can't afford or even access in just a few decades. There are several reasons behind this potential threat. First, coffee plants are rather picky; they need specific conditions to thrive, including stable temperatures, certain altitude ranges, and a precise amount of rainfall. Climate change is altering these conditions in many ways. Rising global temperatures, unpredictable weather patterns, and more frequent droughts and floods are all affecting the areas where coffee can be grown. A study last year from researchers in Switzerland predicts that, if climate change continues at its current rate, we could lose over half of the most suitable existing coffee lands by 2050. Second, coffee plants are vulnerable to a variety of diseases and pests, like coffee leaf rust, a fungus that has been damaging coffee plantations around the world, especially in Central and South America. Warmer temperatures have allowed these pests and diseases to thrive and move into new regions, where they weren't able to survive before, causing more damage and reducing supply. Another major factor is deforestation. Many coffee-growing regions, such as parts of South America and Africa, are losing forests due to agriculture expansion, logging, and urbanisation. This not only destroys vital habitats for coffee plants, but it also disrupts local ecosystems, affecting the sustainability and long-term viability of coffee cultivation.  Socio-economic issues also pose challenges for coffee growers. Smallholder farmers, who make up a significant part of the global coffee industry, often face low incomes, lack of resources and education, and limited market opportunities. These difficulties can discourage young farmers from entering the industry, leading to a decrease in overall coffee production. In order to adapt to these changing conditions, farmers need fair and sufficient pay. This includes adopting sustainable farming practices, agroforestry (where coffee is grown with other trees), and soil conservation methods to maintain healthy ecosystems. However, if farmers are struggling to even meet the daily needs of their families, they are unlikely be able to invest in these necessary adaptations, to ensure the long-term viabilitiy of their business. Let's talk about wild coffee The bulk of the coffee we drink comes from just two farmed species, Arabica and Robusta. Because of this narrow genetic pool, these species are more susceptible to diseases and pests, like coffee leaf rust. Preserving and exploring the diversity of other coffee species, currently wild and not farmed for consumption, is crucial for the future of the coffee industry. However, there are over 120 wild species of coffee plants that aren't being farmed yet. They might be able to produce coffee that we'd enjoy, but research by scientists at Kew Royal Botanical Gardens shows that 60% of these wild species are threatened by extinction due to deforestation, climate change, and the spread of fungal pathogens and pests. This highlights the importance of increasing biodiversity and protecting these species. So, what can coffee lovers do to protect their favourite brew? As consumers, we play a crucial role. We can choose to buy from brands that prioritise sustainability, support work to reduce carbon emissions, support fair pay, and invest in initiatives that benefit coffee farmers and their communities. For example, at TrueStart, we support various social and environmental projects. One such initiative is a carbon removal forestry project in Colombia, our primary coffee source. This project provides financial and technical support to local farmers, allowing them to adopt new, sustainable farming practices that can boost their resilience to climate change. The project also focuses on reforestation and agroforestry, enhancing biodiversity and contributing to carbon removal. We also need to push supermarkets to give more shelf space to independent brands that value ethical sourcing, quality, and the impact on people and the planet. What you buy truly matters. For instance, just two large corporations dominate 85% of the instant coffee market in UK supermarkets, often prioritising profit over long-term sustainability and the health of consumers. Supporting certified B Corps like TrueStart, which are verified to have met high standards of social and environmental performance, is a good alternative to buying from the many brands that are owned by the world's largest food and drink mega-corporations. It's not all doom and gloom! It's important that we don't take our daily brew for granted. But work is being done! In 2018, after years of searching, scientists rediscovered a rare species of coffee plant - Coffea stenophylla - that has the potential to ensure the future of great-tasting coffee under climate change. The plant has the unique combination of tolerance to high temperatures and a superior flavour. Dr Aaron Davis, head of coffee research at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew said: “This is a once in a lifetime scientific discovery – stenophylla could ensure the future of high-quality coffee.” The more we know about the challenges we face as our climate changes, the better we can adapt and protect the drink we all love.

Use fresh, high-quality coffee beans: The quality of the beans is critical in making a great espresso. Look for beans that have been recently roasted and have a rich, full flavor. Grind the beans just before brewing: Espresso requires a very fine grind, and the longer the coffee grounds sit, the more the flavor and aroma diminish. Invest in a high-quality burr grinder and grind the beans just before brewing. Use the right amount of coffee: Using too little coffee will result in a weak, watery espresso, while using too much will make it bitter and over-extracted. A standard double shot of espresso requires about 14 grams of coffee. Brew at the right temperature and pressure: Espresso is brewed using hot water under high pressure. The ideal temperature for brewing espresso is around 200 degrees Fahrenheit, and the pressure should be between 9 and 10 bars. Pay attention to the timing: A perfect shot of espresso should be pulled in about 25-30 seconds. If it takes longer, the coffee will be over-extracted and bitter. If it takes less time, it will be under-extracted and weak. Pay attention to the timing and adjust the grind, amount of coffee, or tamping pressure as needed to get the perfect shot.

The best type of coffee for espresso is one that has a rich and strong flavor profile, with a balanced acidity and sweetness. Generally, coffee beans that are used for espresso are roasted to a darker roast level to bring out the full flavor and aroma. Some of the most common types of coffee beans used for espresso include: Arabica: Arabica beans are known for their mild, fruity, and slightly acidic flavor. They are often blended with other types of coffee beans to create a well-balanced espresso. Robusta: Robusta beans are known for their strong, bitter flavor and high caffeine content. They are often used in blends to add depth and crema to the espresso. Blends: Many espresso blends are a combination of Arabica and Robusta beans, with varying proportions depending on the desired flavor profile. Blends are often crafted to produce a unique taste that sets them apart from single-origin coffees. Ultimately, the best type of coffee for espresso is one that you enjoy the taste of. Experiment with different types of beans and blends to find the one that suits your taste preferences.

You may have seen our epic truck, Sunny, out on the road, at a parkrun event or at a cold water swim. If so, we're SURE you can't have missed the big roof tent on top. Introducing Latitude Tents.. Just down the road from our garden HQ, this Frome-based company that elevates your camping experience; ready to take you on the best adventures on any car, at any time.  We're all about making people feel amazing & diving into life and what better way to do that than to get out into nature! Name a more iconic duo than coffee & camping.. How do they work? Check out our camping trip reel:  Our favourite thing about them? The Latitude Family. It's an awesome community of people who want to get out and about to explore our backyard! Latitude runs epic road-trips with it's customers and we can't wait to get on one ourselves this summer 🏕 Charlie, the founder of Latitude Tents, has also done an awesome job with Latitude HQ. You can pop to the warehouse, check out the tents, have a chat and a TrueStart.  They'll fit your tent onto your car for you and run you through how to do it yourself then send you on your way with local and far flung roadie recommendations! So if you're looking to level up your exploring in time for spring then look no further than Latitude - the coffee's already on waiting for you.  

There's a lot of talk about caffeine levels in coffee at the moment. We've been banging on about this for almost 8 years now, and it's great to finally see the media picking it up!  Yes - caffeine in coffee varies wildly! Why does the caffeine level vary so much in coffee? Loads of variables impact the caffeine level in coffee - everything from the brew method to the species of bean (Robusta, Arabica or a blend) to the altitude and even the rainfall on that particular crop. We're talking about a natural product after all, so there is a lot of intrinsic variation.  There was a BBC study a few years ago of high street coffee shops which found a crazy variation from 50mg to 700mg per cup - and if you add another espresso shot because you're feeling extra tired that morning, then you can easily be drinking 600mg caffeine in one coffee without realising. That explains why you can feel so different after drinking one cup of coffee versus another; sometimes you may feel jittery, other times you may not have much of any feeling at all! You wouldn’t be happy with such a massive variation with alcohol. Imagine buying a bottle of wine and not knowing whether it was 4% or 40%! This variation is why we created TrueStart - to have a clean, reliably caffeinated coffee that makes you feel great every time. It was the first coffee in the world with a regulated, stable level of caffeine, because we couldn’t believe that the norm was so varied and unpredictable.  So how much caffeine should we be drinking? 300mg of caffeine per day is the safe limit suggested by most health organisations around the world, which is 4 cups of TrueStart Barista Grade Instant Coffee. This suggested limit drops to 200mg if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding. Caffeinated coffee is not bad for you though, the opposite is true. There’s a lot of research that has proven the health benefits - including reduced risk of chronic heart diseases, having even Alzheimers and Parkinson’s disease. A Nurses' Health Study, associated drinking 4 or more cups of coffee each day was with a 20% lower risk of stroke compared with non-drinkers. Coffee is also a dense source of antioxidants and contains soluble fibre, which is important for your gut health. Coffee can become bad for you when you drink it with loads of milk and sugar, which is common in high street coffee shops. Drinking clean, reliably caffeinated coffee has health benefits.  When in the day should we stop drinking caffeine? The important question here is when it starts affecting your sleep. We do not all metabolise caffeine at the same rate - there is actually a gene (called CYP1A2), which dictates whether you’re either a slow metaboliser of caffeine or a fast one. I am a fast metaboliser, so I feel the effects of caffeine quickly then they disappear quickly. If you feel post-caffeine jitters for hours after one cup of coffee, you’re probably a slow metaboliser.  The key is knowing your own brain and body - how do you feel physically, mentally, emotionally after you drink coffee and a few hours after. Some experts recommend switching to decaf at 2 or 3 pm as caffeine has a half life of about 4 to 6 hours, but the key is getting to know your own brain and body.  If you know how much caffeine is in your coffee, like with TrueStart, you can regulate your intake and know you’re going to feel great every time. Drink the amount of coffee that you can rely on, and feels right for you.

It's that time of the year where the world tries to tell you it's a sucky time. The weather doesn't help. Nor does the news. But we had a trick up our sleeves..  The 16th Jan is traditionally the saddest day of the year. Not this year. INTRODUCING..TRUE MONDAY. Jog on Blue Monday - we're here to spread all the good vibes.  We gave out sachets of our Barista Grade Instant Coffee at four Co-op's across Bristol to hundreds of customers. It was awesome to be out & about spreading positive energy and meeting faces that already had our coffee stocked in their own cupboard! QUEEN SQUARE RUN CLUB We teamed up with our buddies at Queen Square Run Club to give out our delicious coffee at their 5.30pm Harbourside Run too. QSRC puts on a couple of different runs a week so if you're nearby then come & join us! Everyone's welcome 🚀 We are firm believers in the fact that getting out and about is fantastic for the old noggin' so watch this space for more and more runs with QSRC throughout the year! We want to showcase that every day you can beat the blues by celebrating the small things and by spreading positive energy everywhere you go. We know everyone isn't going to feel 100% all of the time but we will always aim to make you feel that little bit better every day through our delicious coffee and good vibes!   

We all love Spotify wrapped but here's your coffee version..  2022 has been MEGA and it's all thanks to you team 💛 Check out the Instagram here.. - You dived boldly into the world of TrueStart in 2022.. - Your ethical coffee consumption added up to around 8 million cups of TrueStart this year.  - Out of these there were 5 favourites which stood out to you all.. - Taking the #1 spot was the Barista Grade Instant Coffee. - Following that was our Energising Colombian Fresh Coffee. - Another fave was our Strong Coffee Bags. - Keeping things cool at number four was the Salted Caramel Iced Coffee.. - Then rounding our top 5 off was our new 100g tin of the Barista Grade Decaf Instant Coffee!  We got our coffee listed in 5 major retailers this year!   - You can now find TrueStart in Co-op, Booths, Morrisons, Center Parcs and SPAR. - As well as Wholefoods, Touts, H&B, Blue Diamond Garden Centres, local farm shops.. the list goes on!  Check out where to find your nearest store to you here..  - We became Carbon Negative and with your help invested in four carbon avoidance and removal projects in our coffee producing nations.  - We rebranded! How do you like our new look? 👀 - We visited 60 different events and tastings this year.  - We donated coffee, cans and money to over 10 different local and national causes because of your support. - We made 3 new products this year and you are going to LOVE what's coming next year..  - Whatever your coffee personality this year, there was a TrueStart for that 🚀 2022 has been a belter and seeing you love your TrueStart and how it makes you feel has been incredible! Bring on 2023..

🚀 WE'VE LAUNCHED OUR INSTANT COFFEE'S INTO CO-OP NATIONWIDE 🚀 The rocketship has landed and we are thrilled to be working alongside Co-op as a values led retailer who are truly walking the walk.  You can now find our Barista Grade Instant Coffee & Decaf Instant Coffee in 1,500 stores ALL across the UK 🤯 Of course, in TrueStart style, we made a video about it! You can hit play on it below.. but we also wanted to make a blog touching on the gravity of this milestone for us.  Ready for take off? 🚀 We are incredibly excited by this launch because it means that it's easier than ever for you to enjoy a healthy, ethical, sustainable and delicious instant coffee from the comfort of your own home. Let's face it.. Instant Coffee isn't the sexiest of products. It's not changed massively for years and it's alienated a lot of coffee lovers. We are here to change this, for good! 🔥 Our Instant Coffee exists to make you feel good. It's delicious. It's healthy. It's ethical. It's premium quality. AND it costs you as little as 10p a cup. Now THAT'S a sexy offering if we ever saw one. TrueStart was born 8 years to the day that we got our order from Co-op. So it was pretty mind blowing to sit for a second and realise how far we've come with your support. However if you think that this is it for us, our "we made it" moment.. then don't worry - that's far from the case. This is just the beginning of this journey into space. We won't stop till you are always able to easily get your hands on a TrueStart... even if we're living on Mars 👽 Much love to you x

We’ve told you about our B Corp status and our Carbon Negative status but we haven’t let you in on one of the main ways we achieved those… our recyclability!  You may have noticed in our Carbon Negative blog that 92.6% of our range is recyclable but what makes up the 92.6%? How come it’s not 100%?  This blog aims to answer those questions by examining our whole range product by product so you can easily see how to dispose of your favourite coffee when you’re done.  We want to make it easy for you to put your TrueStart packaging straight back into the system because it has a positive ripple effect throughout the supply chain So let's dive in.. 💦 Barista Grade 100g Instant Coffee 100% Recyclable and looking 100% better... our new packaging for our Instant Coffee looks good on the shelf and good in the recycling bin.      Barista Grade 500g Instant Coffee Tub We're super happy to announce that since we launched the new packaging for these big boys in October they too are 100% recyclable! Using them in the office? Put them in the green bin from now on!        Cold Brew Coffees Always have been and always will be 100% recyclable. Aluminium requires 95% less energy recycle rather than produce it raw so don't want these in the bin that would be a waste! Coffee Bags We love this one. We worked super hard to find materials for this product that were as green as possible after seeing that other coffee bags on the market at the time weren't as environmentally friendly! The outer box goes in with your card. The bag itself goes in your food waste or straight out to your compost. The plastic film is recycled at all large supermarkets and in some parts of the UK, is collected curbside - check your council!  Ground Coffee / Coffee Beans  Here's one of the ones we're working on, we're currently in the process of swapping these bags out for fully recyclable ones. Why didn't we do it before? At the time of launching this product, there was no recyclable option on the market. Recently, a recyclable film has become available and now that our volume has increased we can buy into that system.  The new ones are on their way by the end of the year and they will have our updated branding on too... double whammy!      Instant Coffee Sachets This is something we're working on and if you're reading this and you think... hmm.. I know someone who makes these then please let us know! In the meantime though we are unaware of any material that exists on our planet which can keep our coffee delicious, fresh & dry whilst also going in the recycling.  What's the plan? Once our fresh coffee range has gone recyclable then our whole range by weight will be 98% recyclable which is awesome. This is due to be completed by the end of 2023! However it's not 100%, so until we hit the hundred we will not stop searching for solutions.  

The aim of this blog is not only to leave you with a head buzzing with new knowledge but also some questions that you can challenge us with. We’re not perfect.. but, we’ll always be transparent and open to learning more. So with that in mind let’s dive in 💦