Why Specialty Coffee Costs More

Why Specialty Coffee Costs More – And Why It’s Worth It

Ever wondered why a bag of specialty coffee costs more?

We hear this question a lot, and it’s a good one. It’s true—specialty coffee comes with a higher price tag. But here’s the thing: what’s in that bag is so much more than just coffee. It’s the story of farmers picking cherries by hand, of expert roasters fine-tuning every batch, and of communities built around hope and sustainability.

The sticker shock is real—so what’s behind it?

We get it. Seeing that price tag—$22 for a 12oz bag—can make you pause. You might wonder, “Why spend so much when I can grab a bag of coffee at the store for half the price?”

The thing is, most people don’t see what’s behind those numbers. They don’t see the steep hillsides where coffee grows, the farmers who carefully pick only the ripest cherries by hand, or the meticulous drying and processing that transforms those cherries into your morning brew.

They also don’t see how, in many parts of the world, coffee farmers live in poverty—despite coffee being a billion-dollar industry. Or how big companies can sell you a latte for $5.25 but pay farmers just cents for each cup’s worth of beans.

So yes, specialty coffee costs more. But it’s not because it’s trendy—it’s because it’s built on hard work, fairness, and the belief that every cup should tell a story of respect and care.

What specialty coffee really means

Specialty coffee isn’t just coffee. It’s a commitment to quality and fairness at every step of the journey.

• Single-origin excellence: Specialty coffee often comes from a single region or farm, grown in unique conditions like high altitudes and rich soil that slow down the ripening process, creating complex flavors you can’t find in mass-market coffee.
• Labor of love: Instead of machines, farmers hand-pick only the ripest cherries—time-consuming, painstaking work that ensures each cup is bursting with flavor.
• Meticulous processing: From washing and fermenting to carefully drying the beans by hand, each step is done with care to preserve those unique characteristics.
• Roasting artistry: Once those beans arrive at the roastery, they’re roasted with precision to bring out the sweetness, brightness, and character of the coffee—something that takes years to master.

And it doesn’t stop there. Specialty coffee pays premiums directly to farmers, supporting livelihoods and communities. It’s a model that values people and sustainability just as much as it does great taste.

The real math—why it’s worth it

So, how does this all come together—and how does it make sense for your wallet?

Let’s break it down. That $22 bag of specialty coffee might seem expensive upfront. But when you brew it at home, it’s actually a smart investment. Each 12oz (340g) bag can make around 23 cups of coffee, using about 15 grams per cup. That’s roughly 97 cents per cup—less than a dollar!

Compare that to buying a latte at a café, which can cost you an average of $5.25. That’s a big difference.

Beyond the cost, you’re also getting a coffee that’s been cared for at every stage—hand-picked, carefully processed, and roasted to highlight its unique flavor notes. You’re supporting a chain of fairness, from farmers to roasters, instead of paying into a system that often leaves producers underpaid and undervalued.

The care that goes into that $22 bag? It’s why it tastes so good, why it feels so right to support it, and why—ultimately—it’s worth every penny.

Here’s what we believe at Etho Blend

Here’s the bottom line: When you choose specialty coffee, you’re investing in something bigger than just what’s in your cup. You’re paying for hand-picked beans, roasted with care, and a promise that farmers get a fair shot at a better life.

At Etho Blend, we believe coffee should be about more than just caffeine—it should be about connection, hope, and a shared journey. Every bag we sell supports children and families who deserve more. Every brew tells a story of possibility.

So here’s the ask: Give it a shot. Brew a cup. See for yourself how much more there is to coffee when you buy with purpose.

Because at the end of the day, it’s not just about what’s in your mug—it’s about the hands and hearts behind every bean.

Try a bag today. Taste the difference. Feel the impact.