Climate change is threatening traditional coffee cultivation with rising temperatures and extreme weather events. Specialty crops like Coffea arabica are particularly at risk, which may lead to a shortage of coffee and higher prices. Startups are responding by creating "beanless coffee" alternatives using various ingredients such as pits, roots, seeds, grains, and legumes. These alternatives, some of which are produced from agricultural waste products, offer a more sustainable and climate-proof option. Although they lack the rich aroma and exact taste of coffee, consumers might grow accustomed to them if coffee becomes scarce or too expensive. These companies are betting that the demand for sustainable and affordable alternatives will grow, as the effects of climate change continue to impact coffee production.
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