Good Morning - March 4th - Grab your favorite mug, because we’re officially entering one of the most chaotic months on the calendar. Are you ready? Like really ready? Because March is about to hit us with the holy trinity of themed chaos: St. Patrick’s Day, Pi Day, and March Madness—all back-to-back like a caffeine-fueled conga line. Guinness has coffee notes…that definitely counts. Cheers everyone!

This weeks grind:

• Alternative Creamers: healthier powdered creamer options for your morning cup.

• Apple Pie vs Poutine: Canada renaming ‘Merican Coffee

• Coffee Moving Up in Price: Will this affect your morning?

Pour Some Powdered Creamer on Meeeeeeeeh

When one of our readers reaching out with a hard hitting coffee question we jump at the opportunity to find answers. JTD reader, Curt, emailed in asking:

Curt brings up valid points. Adding cold cream or milk cools the coffee quicker. Not to mention some coffee lovers can’t do the dairy. So what are the options.

Halo Creamer: Gluten free, ut free, soy free, gmo free, and corn free. This functional coffee creamer delivers a creamy, angelic taste. All while boosting brain power and providing lasting energy. Made with only high-quality natural ingredients, it's the perfect addition to your routine.

Laird Superfood Creamer: Gluten free, non gmo certified, vegan, dairy free, soy free, and paleo friendly. Laird Superfood was born when pioneering big wave surfer Laird Hamilton set out to find a better morning routine to improve and sustain his performance on the waves. He began experimenting with adding healthy plant-based fats and other real-food ingredients to his morning cup, eventually perfecting a recipe that not only sustained his energy, but tasted incredible. Laird and Gabby Reece (pro volleyball) are the faces of this product. I recommend watching the classic 1987 coming of age surf movie North Shore.

Bulletproof Original Creamer: Contains MCT Oil and grass fed butter. This delicious, smooth keto creamer has grass-fed butter and MCT oil. All you have to do is add a scoop to your coffee and froth. When the quality fats blend with your brew, you get a satisfying coffee that supports sustained energy and brain function while reducing cravings. It's the perfect way to start your day.

Joi Almond Milk Plant Based Creamer: Gluten free, dairy free. If you’re allergic to nuts sit this one out. The “OG”, our flagship Almond Milk Base is made of just one ingredient: blanched California almonds. We use the entire nut (minus the skin), so you benefit from all the natural protein, fat and fiber of whole almonds. Blend with water for a clean label almond milk in seconds. Great in smoothies, paired with coffee, or for vegan baking and desserts. 

There was a short mention of Coffee Mate, non-dairy, creamer not being good for you. You’ll find plenty of articles talking about it being an unhealthy option. The options above claim to be much healthier. After researching these powders I may give them a shot. I love the taste of the black coffee we brew at home so masking it with creamer isn’t something I’m going to do on a daily basis. The 2 options with MCT Oil above caught my eye. I’m going to try them first.

These Flavors Don’t Run! Americano - North vs South.

As the story goes the “Americano” originated during WWII when American GI’s were in Italy. They didn’t like the bitter espresso served all over Italy so they started adding hot water to the espresso to try and capture the drip coffee they were used to back in the states.

Canada got bold after beating ‘Merica in the 4 country playoff a couple weeks back. That final game was awesome, but ‘Merica came up short in OT. Congrats. Fast Forward to these northern rascals changing the name of the Americano to the Canadiano. My guess is they’re throwing poutine gravy in it. Ey?

In a playful yet pointed response to trade tensions and political remarks, Canadian coffee shops have taken the traditional Americano and rebranded it as the “Canadiano” This lighthearted move, originally brewed up by Kicking Horse Coffee in British Columbia, aims to emphasize Canadian pride without making an overt political statement. While it may seem like a quirky adjustment, the change reflects the ongoing dialogue between the U.S. and Canada, particularly in light of import tariffs and cross-border negotiations. U.S. coffee culture has long influenced Canadian café menus, making the Canadiano an interesting twist on a drink that, ironically, owes its roots to American-style espresso.

Despite the cheeky renaming, the “Canadiano” craze highlights the strong cultural exchange that has long existed between the two neighbors. Americans, known for their love of bold, espresso-based drinks, have helped define the cafe experience on both sides of the border. While the rebranding might have originated in Canada, the underlying concept still borrows heavily from U.S. coffee traditions, showing that even in moments of lighthearted rebellion, the shared coffee culture between the two countries remains as intertwined as ever.

We’re in ‘Merica so we’re calling it ‘Mericano! You can call it whatever you want in your area. Germinano, Czechniano, whatever works.

Coffee Prices are Up & Water is Wet

So many stories of coffee getting more expensive. Everything is getting more expensive, but somehow coffee will make it to my morning cup every day. If you love coffee like we do, then I’m sure you’re the same way.

Brazil's coffee stockpiles have plummeted to unprecedented lows, thanks to one of the worst droughts on record. This climatic calamity has led to a significant reduction in coffee production, causing global prices to skyrocket. Over the past 14 months, arabica bean prices have surged by 70% in 2024 and an additional 20% this year, reaching an all-time high above $4.30 per pound on February 11. Similarly, robusta beans, often used in instant coffee, have seen a 72% increase in 2024, peaking at $5,847 per metric ton on February 12.

The diminished harvest has compelled Brazilian coffee farmers to deplete their stockpiles, selling nearly all their beans months ahead of the new crop. Major cooperatives like Cocapec and Cooxupe report historically low inventory levels, with Cooxupe estimating that 90% of the 2024 crop has already been sold. This scarcity has forced consumers to endure price hikes, with Starbucks increasing the price of a large cup of coffee by about 16% last year, reaching up to $3.85.Nespresso coffee-pod subscribers are also feeling the pinch, with prices set to rise from $1.30 to $1.45 per basic pod. As roasters grapple with soaring costs, there's a looming concern that coffee quality may decline as they seek ways to cut expenses.

This may limit your daily trip to the drive-thru coffee shop, but the good news is this may force you to become a better home barista!

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