What’s the Difference Between Supermarket Coffee and Specialty Coffee?

If you’ve ever wondered why supermarket coffee doesn’t quite hit the mark, it’s not just in your head. That bag of coffee might have been sitting in a warehouse for months before it even made it to the shelf. By the time you brew it, it’s often well past its best. Lots of supermarket coffee comes from large corporations, often based outside the UK, where freshness and flavour aren’t always the top priority.

The beans themselves can be poor quality, often roasted at higher temperatures and for longer to hide imperfections. This can lead to coffee that tastes flat or bitter — not exactly what you want to wake up to.

Why Specialty Coffee is Worth It

Smaller roasters, like us here at Vendum Coffee, do things differently. We roast on demand, so your beans are as fresh as they can be when they arrive at your door. Freshness matters. Coffee is at its best within a few weeks of roasting, and by ordering smaller amounts frequently (say, once a month), you can keep your beans tasting fresher for longer.

What’s more, specialty coffee is all about quality. We carefully source beans from small farms, often paying higher prices to support better wages and sustainable practices. Each roast is tailored to bring out the best in the beans, whether that’s fruity, floral notes or rich, chocolatey flavours.

Support Local, Drink Better

By shopping with Vendum Coffee, you’re not just getting better coffee — you’re supporting a small South East London business. We’re proud to be part of the local community, and we think it’s time to give East London a run for its money. So, next time you’re reaching for that supermarket bag, ask yourself: why settle for stale when you could have fresh, specialty coffee delivered straight to your door?