Coffee is a staple in many people’s lives, providing the jolt of energy needed to wake up and take on the day. Unfortunately, while there are many options on the market to choose from, they’re not all created equally.

To ensure the coffee you’re starting your day with is both delicious and ethical, your best bet is buying from Fair Trade coffee brands. But what does that mean, exactly?

When a company has a Fair Trade Certified label (something that’s given to agriculture products, like coffee, chocolate, and fruit), that means the products were produced with fair wages and safe working conditions. That also ensures there was no child labor involved, and the farmers were held to international environmental standards.

When you buy from Fair Trade coffee brands, you can enjoy every sip knowing you’re supporting companies that truly care about people and the planet. Here are some of our favorites to start with.

9 Fair Trade Coffee Brands to Shop

1. Equal Exchange

Equal Exchange, a worker-owned company, started out just selling coffee. Now you’ll find other goods too, like chocolate, tea, and nuts. All of its products are made using certified organic crops. There’s multiple different coffee types and roasts to choose from, and you can even buy them in bulk.

2. Chamberlain Coffee

Chamberlain Coffee was founded by Emma Chamberlain, a popular YouTuber. When she dreamt up her brand, she definitely had sustainability in mind. The coffee is ethically-sourced, certified Fair Trade, USDA Organic, and roasted at a facility in California. Sustainable packaging is also a focus, as everything is packed with eco-friendly materials.

3. Public Goods

Public Goods coffee is Fair Trade certified, gluten-free, and non-GMO. The coffee production process is also free from preservatives and pesticides. Made up of 100% Arabica Coffee, it contains unique notes of berries, cocoa, and spices. (One note: You’ll need a Public Goods membership to purchase it.)

4. Grounds & Hounds

Grounds & Hounds has an impressive selection of coffee. There’s different roasts (light, medium, dark), types (cold brew, decaf), countries of origin, and flavors (with lots of seasonal blends thrown in the mix). The coffee is USDA Organic, Fair Trade, and 20% of its profits go to animal rescue organizations.

5. ZenBunni

ZenBunni was featured in our February Favorites podcast because of its smooth and creamy flavor. Aside from the coffee being organic and Fair Trade, it also comes from regenerative and Certified Biodynamic farms and is roasted in a way that keeps the coffee’s antioxidants intact. Also cool: The packaging is made from omnidegradable materials and uses eco-friendly ink.

6. Equator Coffees

Equator Coffees is a USDA Organic, Fair Trade certified coffee company. The brand has it all: instant coffees, bundles, cold coffees, espresso blends, single origins, decaf, various roasts, and more. It’s also a certified B Corporation with a wealth of awards under its belt. 

7. Maud’s Coffee and Tea

Along with several other certifications, Maud’s is Certified Fair Trade and only uses high-quality, 100% Arabica coffee. Shop ground coffee, instant pouches, espresso, cold brew, and more.

8. Death Wish Coffee

For those who need a little extra oomph in the morning, Death Wish is twice as caffeinated as your typical cup of coffee. The brand is both certified USDA Organic and Fair Trade.

9. Hugo Coffee Roasters

Hugo Coffee Roasters fundraises for non-profits, so every time you make a purchase, you’re giving both people and animals a better future. Of course, the coffee is also organic and fair trade, since having a “paws-itive” impact is important to the company.

Conscious Consumerism, Fair Trade, Sustainable Coffee