For many of us, coffee isn’t just a beverage—it’s a ritual. It signals the start of the day, offers a moment of peace, and provides that much-needed jolt of energy to tackle our ever-growing to-do lists. In fact, coffee consumption has become such a staple of modern life that it's now more widely consumed in the U.S. than even water. According to the National Coffee Association, a staggering 67% of American adults report drinking coffee every single day.

With numbers like that, it’s no surprise the coffee industry is booming—valued at over $200 billion and still climbing. From pour-overs to espresso shots, the love for this bean-derived brew spans cultures and continents. But behind that comforting aroma and bittersweet flavor lies a growing concern that most coffee drinkers know little about: mold in coffee.

Before you panic and toss your French press, let’s unpack what this actually means—and, most importantly, how to keep mold out of your mug while still enjoying your favorite brew.

How Mold in Coffee Happens in the First Place 

It might be hard to imagine something as seemingly clean as roasted coffee harboring mold. But unfortunately, the risk is real—and it begins long before beans ever make it to your grinder. From farm to cup, coffee goes through a complex, moisture-heavy process that creates several opportunities for mold to grow and thrive.

1. The Growing Stage: A Tropical Breeding Ground for Mold in Coffee

Coffee is primarily grown in humid, equatorial climates—regions that are warm, wet, and rich in organic material. These are the same exact conditions that mold loves. Add in natural mold spores floating through the air and soil, and you’ve got an environment where contamination can occur before the beans are even harvested.

2. Processing Methods That Invite Mold in Coffee

Once harvested, coffee beans undergo one of two main processing methods: wet or dry.

Wet Processing: Beans are soaked and fermented to strip away the fruit layer. However, if they aren't dried quickly and evenly afterward, moisture gets trapped in the beans. That lingering dampness is an open invitation for mold in coffee to develop.

Dry Processing: Beans remain inside the fruit as they dry in the sun—a process that can take weeks. If this drying isn't consistently monitored, mold can easily take hold due to the prolonged exposure to heat and humidity.

3. Storage Issues That Amplify the Problem of Mold in Coffee

Even if beans are successfully dried, the battle against mold isn’t over. Coffee beans are often stored for months before they’re roasted or sold. If these beans are kept in warm, humid warehouses without proper airflow or moisture control, mold in coffee bags can develop.

Even worse, these colonies often go unnoticed, contaminating batches with mycotoxins—toxic byproducts produced by certain molds. These microscopic compounds can remain even after roasting, posing a risk to your health long after the mold itself is gone.

What Are Mycotoxins—and Why Should You Care?

You might be thinking, “Well, at least the roasting process kills the mold, right?” Yes—and no.

While high temperatures during roasting can destroy living mold, they do not eliminate mycotoxins. And these toxins are a cause for serious health concerns.

Also, according to the EPA, even dead mold fragments can trigger adverse health effects, and when it comes to mycotoxins, the consequences can be even more serious. 

So no, roasting isn’t the silver bullet for ensuring that mold in coffee is not impacting our health.

Two of the Most Common Mycotoxins in Coffee:

Continuing with mycotoxins, these tiny toxins can cause a long list of adverse health reactions. Let’s look at two of the most common culprits. 

Aflatoxins: Produced by Aspergillus species, these toxins are linked to liver damage, digestive distress, immune suppression, and even cancer.

Ochratoxin A: Found in a significant portion of coffee beans worldwide, this mycotoxin is a known carcinogen and has been linked to kidney disease, immune suppression, and cognitive issues.

One study actually found that 45% of commercially available coffee contained Ochratoxin A, while up to 55% of green coffee beans tested positive for Aflatoxins. That’s not exactly what you want to be sipping with your morning toast.

Coffee Mold Symptoms to Look Out For

Depending on the level of exposure and your personal sensitivity, consuming mold in coffee can lead to both immediate and long-term symptoms.

Short-Term Symptoms of Mold Exposure:

• Headaches
• Brain fog and fatigue
• Digestive discomfort (bloating, cramping, diarrhea)
• Sinus issues or runny nose
• Itchy or watery eyes
• Nausea or vomiting
• Increased heart palpitations (beyond typical caffeine effects)
• Persistent coughing or throat irritation

Long-Term Health Risks:

• Weakened immune function
• Hormonal imbalances
• Chronic inflammation (such as joint pain)
• Skin rashes
• Mood disorders or heightened anxiety
• Sleep disturbances
• Heightened food sensitivities

These effects are particularly concerning for individuals with mold sensitivity, compromised immune systems, or chronic inflammatory conditions. And because the symptoms often overlap with other health issues, coffee-related mold exposure can be hard to pinpoint.

Don’t Dump Your Coffee Just Yet—There Are Health Benefits

It’s not all doom and gloom. When consumed in moderation and sourced with care to avoid mold in coffee, this caffeinated beverage can actually be a fantastic addition to a healthy lifestyle.

Scientifically Backed Benefits of Coffee:

• Antioxidant Powerhouse: Coffee is one of the richest sources of antioxidants in the modern diet, which helps fight free radicals and reduce inflammation.
• Brain Boosting: Studies suggest that moderate coffee consumption may help protect against neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.
• Heart Health: According to the British Heart Foundation, drinking 2–3 cups of coffee a day may lower the risk of heart disease, stroke, and arrhythmia.
• Chronic Disease Prevention: Research has linked coffee to reduced risks of type 2 diabetes, liver disease, and even certain cancers.
• Mood and Energy Enhancement: Caffeine stimulates the central nervous system, boosting alertness, mood, and cognitive function.
• Potential Longevity Benefits: Some studies, including those from Johns Hopkins, suggest coffee drinkers may live longer due to its protective effects across multiple body systems.

Just remember, more isn’t better. Downing a full pot each day can overtax your nervous system, increase anxiety, and cause digestive issues. Stick with a reasonable amount—ideally 1–3 cups a day—and focus on quality over quantity.

How to Choose Mold-Free Coffee Brands: Tips for Safer Sipping

Now for the good news: you can keep your coffee habit and your health. You just need to be a more mindful consumer to avoid mold in coffee. Here’s how to choose mold-free coffee brands:

1. Opt for Specialty Coffee

Specialty coffee beans are typically grown under more controlled conditions and are held to higher quality standards. Like wine producers, specialty coffee growers focus on taste, aroma, and purity—meaning mold contamination would ruin the flavor they’re striving for. While not a guarantee of safety, it’s a promising starting point for avoiding mold in coffee.

2. Support Brands with Responsible Sourcing

Look for companies that prioritize transparency and sustainability. Reputable brands often work with farms that use stringent processing and storage methods. Certifications like Organic or Fair Trade can indicate cleaner sourcing practices, although they don’t guarantee the absence of mold or mycotoxins.

3. Choose Coffee That’s Been Third-Party Tested

This is the gold standard. Some forward-thinking brands go beyond basic safety measures and voluntarily submit their products for independent lab testing. These tests screen for mold spores and mycotoxins, ensuring the beans you’re brewing are genuinely clean.

If your coffee brand doesn’t mention testing anywhere on its website or packaging, it’s worth asking questions—or switching brands.

Creating a Clean Routine to Avoid Mold in Coffee 

You don’t have to give up your morning coffee ritual to stay healthy. You just need to take a few proactive steps to make sure the beans you’re using support your well-being rather than jeopardize it.

Here’s your simple checklist to help avoid mold in coffee and reap those health benefits:

• Choose high-quality, specialty-grade beans.
• Research the company’s sourcing and processing practices.
• Prioritize brands that provide third-party mold and mycotoxin testing.
• Stick to moderate consumption (1–3 cups daily).
• Listen to your body—if coffee makes you feel worse, investigate the source.

Another important point? Keep your coffee maker clean! Mold in the machine will contaminate your coffee, eliminating all of the benefits of choosing mold-free coffee brands. 

When you combine intentional choices with better-quality beans, you’re not just enjoying a great cup of coffee—you’re protecting your long-term health.

Looking for Mold-Free Coffee Brands You Can Trust?

Thankfully, there are various coffee brands out there that fit the brief! Here are a few: 

• Purity Coffee: Offers third-party tested, organic coffee with high antioxidant content.
• Kion Coffee: Specialty grade coffee rigorously tested for mold and mycotoxins.
• Lifeboost Coffee: Single-origin, shade-grown coffee tested for toxins.
• Bulletproof Coffee: Utilizes a proprietary process to minimize toxins.
• Natural Force Clean Coffee: Lab-tested for mold, mycotoxins, and over 150 pesticides.
• Danger Coffee: Infused with trace minerals and tested for contaminants.
• Java Planet Organic Coffee: USDA Organic Certified and Rainforest Alliance Certified.

We personally recommend MBG Clean Coffee, a brand that meets all the criteria for quality, purity, and transparency. MBG Clean Coffee is third-party tested for mold and mycotoxins so that you can enjoy your brew with confidence. 

It’s the smarter, safer way to get your daily dose of caffeine without compromising your health—and it tastes amazing! 

The Morning Brew

Coffee is one of life’s great pleasures—but it should never come at the cost of your health. With a little awareness and a few intentional swaps, you can keep your mornings energized, delicious, and clean.