Specialty Coffee vs. Commercial Coffee – 3 Major Differences

As a coffee enthusiast, you might have reached here searching for the differences between specialty coffee and commercial coffee. Search no more. You have reached the very right place. Your quest to gather information related to differences between specialty coffee and coffee might end here. So, continue reading this guide to explore the differences between specialty coffee and commercial coffee.

Differences between Specialty Coffee and Commercial Coffee
Let's get started in exploring the differences between specialty coffee and commercial coffee.

1. The Packing Method
Specialty coffee is considered an artisanal method of preparing coffee. Hence, specialty coffee is packaged either in bags or airtight containers. Specialty coffee beans are meant to be ground to retain the freshness and allow the consumers to enjoy all the hints, flavors, and aromas grown and harvested naturally.
On the flip side, commercial coffee is a legacy of the first wave of coffee, and it does things differently. This coffee comes in prepackaged bags and tin cans that are pre-ground and darkly roasted. Commercial-grade coffee is just coffee and is packaged in a method that is conducive to mass production.
Commercial coffee comes in bottles of already ground and packed in a tin or a collapsed, plastic-encased brick. On the other hand, specialty coffee is delivered as whole beans, in one-pound bags or bulk, and needs to be ground before it is brewed.

2. Roasting Method
The second difference between specialty coffee and commercial coffee is the roasting method employed. Specialty coffee is usually roasted depending on the customer’s choice or in a way that synergizes with a type of bean.
On the contrary, the commercial roast is comparatively dark roasted and can be mass ground more quickly. Commercial grade coffee is usually roasted and ground by big-name corporations and is shipped worldwide, while specialty coffee employs artisanal and traditional roasting methods. There is nothing like pre-ground specialty coffee; instead, specialty beans are roasted traditionally and sold in smaller factories, stores, and private roasters.

3. Taste Preferences
If you consider an individual's taste preferences, specialty coffee wins the competition. Specialty coffee beans are selected from their place of origin and aren't blended; however, they can be blended for specific reasons. Also, the bean roasting type more nuanced with specialty coffee. On the other hand, commercial coffee limits the customer's choice in a great deal.
 
Final Words
There are significant differences between specialty coffee and commercial coffee. The differences mentioned might make it difficult for you to choose the best among the two for yourself. Although commercial coffee is cheaper, easily accessible, and convenient, and sold in massive bulk, we recommend you go for specialty coffee because it offers a unique taste and numerous health benefits.
Also, commercial coffee plenty of drawbacks, most of which are not visible. For example, it isn't good for the farmers because they do not get paid fairly or livable wages. It also poses environmental damage when too much coffee is hastily prepared. That's why the wisest decision is to go for specialty coffee instead of commercial coffee. It is suitable for the planet, the coffee farmers and is great for your taste buds.