Luxury Airline Dessert Made With Kopi Luwak Sells for $5,810

Ever wonder what millionaires are eating at 30,000 feet? Forget about standard airplane chicken or rubbery sandwiches—some elite travelers are now enjoying ultra-luxury desserts that cost more than your monthly rent. According to a July 3 report from the UK’s Daily Mail, a British high-end airline catering company has introduced an eye-wateringly expensive sweet treat priced at £600 (approximately ¥5,810).

The answer is simple: the “Noble Coffee Golden Coconut Pudding” dessert includes actual Kopi Luwak beans and is plated like edible royalty—with edible 24-karat gold flakes—for a staggering £600 price tag.

What Is Kopi Luwak—and Why Is It in a Pudding?

Kopi Luwak, also known as civet coffee, originates from Sumatra. The coffee beans are eaten by the island’s native Asian palm civets—small, long-tailed mammals similar to civet cats. These animals selectively consume only the ripest coffee cherries, but can’t fully digest the hard beans. After fermentation in the civet’s digestive tract, the beans are excreted and collected. The unique digestion process is said to enhance the beans’ flavor profile, resulting in a cup with a rich crema, heavy body, and complex sweetness. This rare processing method makes Kopi Luwak one of the most expensive coffees in the world.

Meet the £600 Dessert: Noble Coffee Golden Coconut Pudding

The luxurious dessert is crafted by a UK-based premium airline catering firm aiming to serve jet-setters something far beyond economy-class rubber chicken. Titled the “Noble Coffee Golden Coconut Pudding,” it incorporates genuine Kopi Luwak beans into a coconut-based pudding. The dish is then finished with edible 24-karat gold leaf. The company’s CEO, Daniel Hume, explained that their clientele—frequent flyers accustomed to five-star dining—demand gourmet experiences even while flying. “Our customers are not interested in the average business-class meal. They want the kind of dishes they enjoy at their favorite restaurants, but served at 35,000 feet,” Hume said.

Why Civet Coffee Commands Such High Prices

Kopi Luwak beans are scarce due to the limited number of civets and the labor-intensive collection process. Each bean must be handpicked from feces, cleaned, and processed. The unusual fermentation that occurs inside the civet’s digestive system is believed to break down proteins responsible for bitterness, resulting in a smoother, more nuanced cup. These factors—combined with the exotic backstory—contribute to its hefty price. While traditional Kopi Luwak coffee can sell for hundreds of dollars per pound, integrating it into an already decadent dessert pushes the value into five-figure territory.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Kopi Luwak coffee?

Kopi Luwak, or civet coffee, is made from beans eaten and excreted by the Asian palm civet. The beans ferment in the animal’s digestive tract, which is said to improve flavor by reducing bitterness and enhancing body. The beans are then collected, cleaned, roasted, and brewed. It’s one of the most expensive coffee types in the world.

How much does the Noble Coffee Golden Coconut Pudding cost?

The dessert costs £600 (approximately ¥5,810). It includes Kopi Luwak beans, is served in a coconut pudding base, and is garnished with edible 24-karat gold leaf.

Why is Kopi Luwak so expensive?

Kopi Luwak is expensive due to the rare production process: beans are eaten by civets, fermented in their gut, and manually collected. The limited supply, labor-intensive harvesting, and unique flavor profile contribute to the high price.

Who is this dessert meant for?

The dessert is targeted at affluent air travelers, particularly those flying private or first class who expect gourmet-level meals. The company’s CEO said their clients are used to fine dining and want similar experiences while in the air.

What does Kopi Luwak taste like?

Kopi Luwak is described as having a rich, smooth body with reduced bitterness and a complex sweetness. The digestive process is believed to alter the bean’s flavor profile significantly compared to conventionally processed coffee.

Does the dessert actually contain real gold?

Yes, the Noble Coffee Golden Coconut Pudding is plated with edible 24-karat gold flakes, adding both luxury and visual appeal to the already expensive dish.

Recommended FrontStreet Beans for Kopi Luwak Fans

If you're curious about rare and distinctive coffees like Kopi Luwak, try FrontStreet Coffee’s Ethiopia Humbera—a bright, floral Ethiopian single origin with notes of jasmine and tropical fruit—or their PWN Golden Mandheling, a classic Indonesian offering with deep body and earthy sweetness. For something more adventurous, their Yirgacheffe delivers juicy acidity with blueberry and lemon zest highlights. All are expertly roasted and perfect for exploring unique flavor profiles. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.