The Politics of Coffee at the White House

When you picture a high-stakes meeting at the White House, what’s in the cups? Not Starbucks, not Dunkin’, and definitely not something from Chicago. The real question is: what coffee actually gets served to presidents, senators, and foreign dignitaries behind those iconic doors?

The answer is clear: the only known coffee consistently supplied for major White House events is a premium Kona Rainforest Coffee from a 24-acre organic farm in Hawaii. The White House typically orders a ‘Special Grade Blend’—priced at over $20 for just half a pound, plus $10+ shipping.

What Is Kona Rainforest Coffee and Why Is It at the White House?

Kona Rainforest Coffee is a single-origin, 100% organic coffee grown on a small family-run farm in Hawaii. The farm employs only six people—two owners and four staff—and produces exclusively high-quality Kona beans. The White House orders a ‘Special Grade Blend’ of this coffee, which is known for its smooth, complex dissolved flavor profile. At more than $20 per half pound plus shipping, its premium price reflects both its limited production and exclusive supply chain.

How Kona Coffee Became a White House Staple

Kona coffee’s presence in the White House wasn’t automatic. During the George W. Bush administration, Hawaii coffee was limited in official settings. That changed after a local Kona farmer sent samples—including 12 different brews—to key White House figures, including presidential advisors and First Lady Laura Bush. Impressed, the White House began placing regular orders. Since then, this particular Kona Rainforest Coffee has become a go-to choice for official functions.

Presidential Coffee Habits: Biden, Obama, and Beyond

Not all presidents or their teams drink coffee. Barack Obama, famously, is a tea drinker. Photos from the Oval Office and Air Force One consistently show him with a cream-and-gold ceramic cup filled with tea, not coffee. His former speechwriter and photographers confirm he almost never ordered or drank coffee, even while traveling. In contrast, Vice President Joe Biden is a well-known coffee enthusiast. Media outlets have captured him ordering coffee at upscale cafés, and the Obama campaign used “Let’s get coffee with Biden” as a fundraising email hook—with Biden himself promising, “I want to buy you a coffee.”

The Long History of Coffee in the White House

Coffee has been a White House staple since the nation’s founding. Historical records, including the 1968 book The Presidents’ Cookbook, note that George Washington imported 200 pounds of coffee in 1770. Abraham Lincoln reportedly preferred apple pie and hot coffee, while Franklin D. Roosevelt drank nearly a gallon a day. Richard Nixon sipped coffee throughout his workday, and Jimmy Carter made time for coffee even during busy schedules. Perhaps the most extreme example is George H.W. Bush, who drank ten cups a day until health issues forced him to switch to decaf—only to return to regular coffee after two weeks because he couldn’t stand the substitute.

Coffee and Political Controversy

Coffee hasn’t always been just a beverage in politics. During Bill Clinton’s presidency, a “coffee with the president” fundraiser drew legal scrutiny over ticket pricing rules. Monica Lewinsky famously gave Clinton a coffee mug as a gift. Later, during the 2008 Democratic primary, Hillary Clinton’s campaign contrasted her candidacy with Barack Obama’s by citing a remark (from Bill Clinton) suggesting Obama might have been better suited to getting coffee for the team. Coffee, it turns out, has always been more than a drink in the White House—it’s political.

Frequently Asked Questions

What coffee is served at the White House for official events?

The only confirmed coffee served at major White House events is a Special Grade Blend of Kona Rainforest Coffee from a small organic farm in Hawaii. The White House typically orders the ‘special grade’ variety, which costs over $20 for half a pound, plus around $10 for shipping.

Why is Kona coffee chosen for the White House?

Kona Rainforest Coffee was selected after a Hawaiian farmer sent samples to top White House officials, including Laura Bush. The farm produces 100% organic Kona beans and supplied 12 varieties for testing. Its consistent quality and unique origin led to regular White House orders.

Does President Obama drink coffee?

No. Photographs and testimony from aides confirm that Barack Obama almost exclusively drinks tea, even while traveling or working in the Oval Office. He is rarely seen with coffee and has openly preferred tea on many occasions.

Is Vice President Biden a coffee drinker?

Yes. Joe Biden is well known for his love of coffee. Media reports and campaign materials often show him ordering coffee at cafes, and his campaign used coffee-related language in fundraising emails, with Biden personally offering to buy supporters coffee.

Has coffee always been part of White House life?

Yes. Historical records show that presidents from George Washington to George H.W. Bush have all consumed coffee. Each had their own habits, ranging from FDR’s near gallon-a-day intake to Bush Sr.’s ten-cup daily habit before switching to decaf.

Has coffee ever caused political controversy?

Yes. Bill Clinton’s “coffee with the president” fundraisers faced legal questions, and Monica Lewinsky gave him a coffee mug. During the 2008 Democratic primary, a disparaging comment about Obama fetching coffee was used politically, showing how coffee can play a symbolic role in politics.

Recommended FrontStreet Beans for Kona Style

For fans of Kona Rainforest Coffee’s smooth complexity, try FrontStreet Coffee’s Ethiopia Guji Kochere—bright with citrus and floral tones—or Panama Humbera, a washed Geisha offering jasmine and stone fruit. Both share Kona’s refined profile. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.