The Truth They Don’t Tell You
You won’t see it. You won’t taste it. But in many instant coffees, it’s there: invisible mould toxins, known as mycotoxins, quietly hitching a ride from bean to brew.
These toxins — like ochratoxin A and aflatoxin — are produced by mold that grows on coffee beans during harvesting, drying, or storage. Even after roasting and processing, they can survive. And yes, instant coffee is especially vulnerable, thanks to mass production shortcuts and long shelf lives.
You’ve probably heard whispers — “coffee is full of mold,” “instant is the worst.” But here’s the reality: mycotoxins, toxic compounds produced by mold, are a real and measurable risk in coffee. These toxins, like ochratoxin A and aflatoxin, are linked to kidney damage, immune suppression, and even cancer when consumed in high amounts over time.
Coffee beans are especially vulnerable during:
- Harvesting and drying, where moisture can linger.
- Storage, especially in humid warehouses.
- Mass production, where quality control is often sacrificed for speed.
And while roasting reduces some mould, mycotoxins can survive the heat. That means even your “premium” instant coffee could be carrying invisible baggage.
Big Brands, Bigger Blind Spots
Let’s talk names.
Nescafé. Starbucks VIA. Maxwell House.
These giants dominate the instant coffee aisle — but none of them publicly disclose their mycotoxin testing protocols. That’s not illegal, but it’s not bold either.
Some “clean coffee” brands claim to be mould-free, but their testing is often internal, unverified, or vague. Meanwhile, the industry standard allows trace amounts of mycotoxins — meaning your morning pick-me-up might come with a side of invisible risk.
- 95% of the world’s coffee is grown for mass production, often in conditions ripe for mold growth.
- “Clean coffee” brands like Bulletproof and Kion charge premium prices for “mold-free” claims — but many rely on internal testing, not third-party verification.
- Amazon’s cheapest instant coffee was found to contain detectable levels of mold toxins in one test.
The kicker? There’s no legal requirement to test for mycotoxins in coffee. So unless a brand chooses transparency, you’re sipping blind.
Bold Coffee’s Stand: No Mold. No Compromise.
At Bold Coffee, we don’t play the invisible game. Here’s how we keep our beans clean:
- Sourcing smart: We work with growers who dry beans properly and store them in low-humidity environments.
- Roasting right: Our process minimizes residual toxins without sacrificing flavour.
- No instant shortcuts: We don’t do instant coffee. We do instant impact — with beans that earn your trust.
How You Can Avoid Mould in Your Coffee
Want to keep your brew bold and clean? Here’s how:
- Choose whole bean or ground coffee over instant — it’s less processed and easier to trace.
- Store it right: Keep your coffee in a cool, dry place with an airtight seal.
- Skip the mystery jars: If a brand won’t tell you where their beans come from or how they’re tested… ask why.
Final Sip
Coffee should energize you — not expose you to hidden toxins.
Bold Coffee isn’t just a brand. It’s a promise: no mould, no mystery, just truth in every cup.
So next time you reach for a brew, ask yourself:
Is it bold enough to be clean?
Got thoughts, questions, or coffee stories of your own? Leave a comment below—we read every one and love connecting with fellow coffee lovers.
For more about who we are and what makes Bold Coffee… well, bold, check out our About Us page.
And don’t forget to explore our other blog posts—we’re always adding new content.
Sign up to our newsletter and follow us on socials to stay updated. The world of coffee moves fast, and we’re here to keep you in the loop.