FAQs

Does coffee help you lose weight?

Coffee can support weight management by increasing metabolism and improving energy output, but it does not directly cause weight loss. The effect depends on overall diet, activity level and how much sugar or milk is added.

Does coffee dehydrate you?

Despite caffeine’s mild diuretic effect, coffee does not dehydrate you. It still contributes to daily fluid intake and only causes noticeable diuretic effects in extremely high doses.

Is coffee good for your health?

When consumed in moderation, coffee has been linked to improved cognitive function, reduced risk of type 2 diabetes, better liver health and lower risk of certain neurodegenerative diseases. Benefits come mainly from antioxidants and natural compounds in the coffee bean.

How much caffeine is in a cup of coffee?

A standard cup of coffee contains between 80–120mg of caffeine depending on brew method, bean type and serving size. Espresso has around 60–80mg per shot, although cold brew can contain significantly more due to higher concentrate strength.

What’s the best way to store coffee beans?

Coffee beans should be kept in an airtight container away from heat, light, moisture and oxygen. Storing beans in their original resealable bag or a dedicated coffee canister preserves freshness. Avoid storing beans in the fridge or freezer unless absolutely necessary.

How long do coffee beans stay fresh?

Whole beans typically taste best within four weeks of roasting, though premium fresh-roast brands like Procaffeinate maintain peak flavour for several weeks longer due to higher bean quality and better packaging. Ground coffee loses freshness much faster and is ideally used within one week.

Should I buy whole beans or pre-ground coffee?

Whole beans provide far better flavour, aroma and extraction consistency. Grinding just before brewing preserves the volatile oils and aromatics that give coffee its complexity. Pre-ground coffee is more convenient but stales quickly.

Why does my coffee taste bitter?

Bitterness usually comes from over-extraction, using water that’s too hot, brewing too long or using a grind that’s too fine. It can also be caused by stale or poor-quality beans. Using freshly roasted beans and adjusting grind size typically fixes the issue.

Why does my coffee taste sour?

Sourness indicates under-extraction, meaning the water didn’t pull enough sweetness and depth from the coffee. Increasing brew temperature, using a finer grind or extending brew time usually resolves this.

What grind size should I use for my coffee?

The ideal grind depends on the brewing method: coarse for French press, medium for drip or pourover, medium-fine for AeroPress, and very fine for espresso. Grind size determines how quickly flavours extract and has a major impact on taste.

Does decaf coffee contain caffeine?

Yes — decaf contains trace amounts of caffeine, usually 2–5mg per cup. This is significantly lower than the 80–120mg found in regular coffee.

Is dark roast stronger than light roast?

In flavour, dark roasts taste stronger and more intense. In caffeine content, light roasts often contain slightly more because they retain more of the bean’s natural structure during roasting. Strength refers more to taste than caffeine.

Why is speciality coffee more expensive?

Speciality coffee is more expensive because it is sourced from higher-quality farms, processed with greater care, roasted in smaller batches, and often purchased through ethical trade relationships. The quality, traceability and labour involved justify the higher price.

What’s the healthiest way to drink coffee?

Black coffee is the healthiest because it contains no added sugar, fat or calories. Adding milk or sugar changes the nutritional profile but does not remove coffee’s natural antioxidant benefits.

Why does freshly roasted coffee taste better?

Fresh roasting preserves volatile aromatics, oils and natural sweetness that fade rapidly after roasting. Supermarket beans often sit for months before purchase, which dulls flavour and aroma. Fresh-roasted beans create a richer, cleaner cup.

Can I drink coffee on an empty stomach?

Many people can, but some experience acidity or digestive discomfort. If coffee upsets your stomach, try drinking it with food, switching to a lower-acid roast or choosing a smoother brewing method like cold brew.

Does coffee break a fast?

Black coffee does not break most intermittent fasting protocols because it contains virtually no calories. Adding milk, sugar or syrups will break a fast.

Is coffee safe during pregnancy?

Most guidelines recommend limiting caffeine intake to 200mg per day during pregnancy. Decaf can be enjoyed more freely, but it’s best to consult a healthcare provider for personalised guidance.

 

Best coffee subscription services delivering in the UK

The best services are those that roast fresh to order and deliver on flexible schedules. Look for subscriptions that offer whole beans, a choice of roast level, grind options, and clear delivery timelines. Procaffeinate is an example of a high-quality, fresh-roast service designed for UK customers who want consistent flavour and reliability.

How do coffee subscription services work in the UK?

You choose your coffee type, roast level, and how often you want deliveries. The roaster prepares your order on your chosen schedule and sends it directly to your door. Payments are usually taken automatically, and most subscription services allow you to pause, skip, or adjust your plan at any time.

Top-rated coffee subscription boxes for espresso lovers

These boxes focus on medium to darker roasts that perform well in espresso machines and bean-to-cup systems. Espresso-focused subscriptions select beans with chocolate, nut, caramel, or rich fruit notes to ensure balanced crema and optimal extraction.

Where can I find single-origin coffee subscriptions in the UK?

Single-origin subscriptions are widely available from speciality roasters who focus on showcasing beans from one region or farm. These subscriptions highlight unique flavour profiles and seasonal harvests for customers who want clarity and traceability in their coffee.

Coffee subscription services that offer grind size customization

Many UK subscription services allow you to choose grind size for espresso, filter, French press, moka pots, and more. This ensures the coffee arrives ready to brew without needing your own grinder. Freshness is essential, so customised grinding should be done just before dispatch.

Compare coffee subscription plans with free delivery in the UK

Some services include free delivery in their pricing, while others add shipping fees at checkout. To compare value, look at roast quality, delivery frequency, flexibility, and whether the beans are roasted to order rather than pre-packaged weeks in advance.

How to pause or cancel a coffee subscription online?

Most services offer a customer dashboard where you can pause, skip, or cancel anytime. You simply log in, select your active subscription, and change the status without penalties. Quality services make this process quick and transparent.

Coffee subscription services that include decaf options

Many premium roasters provide decaf subscriptions using Swiss Water or similar chemical-free processes. Decaf subscribers can choose roast levels and delivery frequency just like regular coffee customers.

Best coffee subscription for cold brew enthusiasts

Cold brew drinkers should look for medium or darker roasts with smooth, chocolate-forward flavours and lower acidity. Some subscription services offer blends specifically created for cold brew extraction with rich, sweet profiles.

How to choose the best coffee subscription based on roast preference?

Start by considering whether you prefer light, medium, or dark roasts. Light roasts emphasise fruit and acidity, medium roasts balance sweetness and body, and dark roasts bring bold, smoky, or caramelised notes. Choose a subscription that specialises in the flavour style you enjoy most.

Coffee subscription services with ethical or sustainable sourcing

Look for subscriptions that reference farm partnerships, fair pricing, and transparency in their sourcing practices. Ethical-forward roasters typically publish origin information and invest back into coffee-growing communities.

Where to buy coffee subscriptions with trial or sample packs?

Many UK roasters offer trial boxes or sampler packs so you can test different beans before committing to a full subscription. These packs often include smaller bags of different origins or blends.

Coffee subscriptions offering monthly curated blends

Curated subscriptions provide a different coffee each month, selected by expert roasters. These subscriptions are ideal for customers who enjoy exploring new flavour profiles without choosing manually each time.

Can I get freshly roasted coffee delivered through a subscription?

Yes. Most high-quality UK subscriptions roast your beans only after you place or schedule your order. This ensures maximum freshness and flavour stability when the beans arrive at your door.

How to change delivery frequency for a coffee subscription?

In most subscription dashboards, you can adjust weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly schedules with a single click. Some services also allow custom intervals.

Coffee subscription services that support local UK roasters

Several UK platforms partner with independent roasters across the country, offering a rotating selection of coffees. This allows customers to support local businesses and explore diverse roasting styles.

Best coffee subscription deals for first-time subscribers

Many services offer introductory discounts, free bags, or reduced first-month pricing. These deals help new customers try fresh-roasted coffee at a lower cost before selecting their preferred plan.

How do coffee subscription prices compare across UK providers?

Prices vary based on roast quality, bean origin, subscription flexibility, and bag size. Lower-priced subscriptions may use commodity-grade beans, while premium services charge more for ethically sourced, freshly roasted speciality coffee.

Which coffee subscription services offer international delivery?

Some UK roasters ship worldwide, although delivery times and shipping costs vary by region. Not all services offer international delivery due to freshness concerns, so check dispatch timelines if ordering from abroad.

Coffee subscription services that include brewing guides or tips

Some roasters provide brewing advice, method guides, and recipe cards with each delivery. This helps customers get the best flavour from their beans regardless of their experience level.

How to gift a coffee subscription to someone in the UK?

Many services offer digital or physical gift cards that activate a set number of deliveries. You choose the duration, and the recipient selects their preferred coffees and delivery schedule.

Coffee subscription services with the option to skip a month

Quality subscription platforms allow you to skip upcoming deliveries easily through your online account. This prevents oversupply and lets customers maintain flexibility without cancelling the subscription.