If you've read the hype about Bulletproof Coffee made with Upgraded Coffee Beans, you know there's a difference in this type of coffee -- specifically, how the coffee is grown and processed, and also how it's prepared.
Undoubtedly, Upgraded Beans are great for this type of performance-focused coffee -- they're sold by the creator of the Bulletproof Coffee Protocol, after all.
But what if you just can't/don't want to spend over $20 for ONE 12 Oz. Bag of Coffee?
I couldn't bring myself to do it, clean and clever as Dave Asprey's marketing is (I am a fan of his). The videos fascinated me for sure -- I had to try the stuff. But my frugal-factor kicked in and I just couldn't feel good about spending $30/lb+ after shipping for coffee, even for this "SuperCoffee."
So I searched for some alternatives to bulletproof coffee -- options out there that are similar to Dave's Upgraded beans at maybe 40-60% less price.
I tried several options, and there was really one company that stood head above the rest: The Organic Coffee Co.'s Single-Origin Organic Beans.
I ordered two 12 Oz. Bag's of their Panaman "Santa Barbara" Organic Coffee -- price came to just under $24 with shipping (See New Customer Discount).
I must say, it fulfilled every expectation I had for Bulletproof Coffee. It gave an incredibly clean, clear-feeling boost. I had incredible focus on everything I put my mind to -- from reading a book to working on projects. The performance-boost sustained for hours and came off very gently, with no sense of "crash" whatsoever. I couldn't believe that this guy was right about the toxins in most coffees, even delicious Organic varieties I adored when I lived in Oregon.
Before this experience, I'd never drunk coffee daily because of the jittery, anxious feeling it gave me. It was basically an occasional treat for the taste/experience, not the performance boost.
Now that I've tried these delicious, clean beans, I enjoy it much more often.
If you're looking for a less expensive alternative to Upgraded Coffee Beans, I suggest trying Organic Coffee Co.'s Guatemalan Maya Lake or Nicaraguan Single Origin Beans. Both are Organic and similarly processed to their recently discontinued Panama "Santa Barabara" line. I enjoy the Maya Lake very much, and I've heard that a few loyal OCC customers actually prefer these two to the once very-popular Santa Barbara beans (some of these customers are Bulletproof Coffee drinkers, and use this coffee as a perfect substitute for Upgraded Beans).
Whether or not you decide Bulletproof Coffee in it's true preparation is for you, you'll be perfectly satisfied with the delicious taste and clean boost of these beans.
Where to buy
There are two main options: Amazon.com OR Organic Coffee Co.'s Website.
Here's my experience with the two buying options: if you're really set on a small quantity of beans (say, one or two 12 Oz. bags), Amazon MAY be less expensive (prices and stock do fluctuate), IF you have Prime or otherwise qualify for free shipping. They also have 2 lb. bag options that can be really economical -- about $12/lb (see links below).
If you're able to commit to slightly more coffee in one buy, I'd suggest ordering from OCC directly. If you take advantage of their New Customer Discount, you can get (2) 2lb. bags of beans (mix and match your preference of Maya Lake and Nicaraguan) for about $35, shipped. That's after a special first-time customer discount and free shipping offer -- again, see New Customer Discount.
-->>That brings these beans to about $9/pound -- VERY reasonable for specialty-grade coffee, let alone a variety processed in the way intended for Bulletproof Coffee.
Which is the better place to purchase?
Amazon's fast, I'll give you that. But all else being equal, I'd suggest buying from OCC's Website. The reason is that you're likely to get more freshly-roasted beans. I've been happy with my Amazon purchases of this product as well, but if you're buying from Amazon with Prime, remember that those beans had to be roasted, shipped to Amazon, stored until you place your order, and then shipped to you. Buying direct gives you a better chance of getting beans of a very fresh roast batch. Just a thought.
There are other options out there for Bulletproof Coffee that are alternatives to Dave Asprey's Upgraded Beans, but these are the best I've found (and most affordable, too). Nothing against Dave, of course. I think his work is inspiring. This is just the result of a market-driven economy -- competition. If his beans come down to $12/lb shipped, I'm sure I'd give them a shot! Otherwise, I'll stick with Maya Lake.
