What’s More Expensive Than the World’s Most Expensive Coffee?

If someone asked you what the most expensive coffee in the world is, you might say Blue Mountain—or worse, Kopi Luwak. But neither holds the crown anymore. There’s a little-known, even more exclusive coffee that costs significantly more and is produced in minuscule amounts. It’s not widely documented, but it exists: a bizarre variation on Kopi Luwak known informally as 'cat vomit coffee.'

The straightforward answer? This rare coffee—produced when the Asian palm civet regurgitates the beans instead of excreting them—costs around $1,200 per kilogram. That’s roughly $200 more per kilo than standard Kopi Luwak, with an annual production of just 10 kilograms worldwide.

What Is 'Cat Vomit Coffee'?

Despite the crude nickname, 'cat vomit coffee' refers to a real, if extremely scarce, coffee bean that has been eaten and then vomited by the Asian palm civet, the same animal behind Kopi Luwak. Unlike typical Kopi Luwak beans, which are excreted, these beans are regurgitated. The exact mechanism or reason for regurgitation isn’t fully understood, but the outcome is a coffee bean that is said to be even rarer than its more infamous cousin.

How Rare and Expensive Is It?

The production of this vomit-processed coffee is incredibly limited, with an estimated global output of only 10 kilograms per year. In terms of cost, it trades at approximately $1,200 per kilogram. That’s about $200 more than standard Kopi Luwak, which typically sells for around $1,000 per kilo. The price reflects both the scarcity and the unusual processing method.

What Makes It Different From Regular Kopi Luwak?

According to the original report, the most striking difference is in the physical state of the beans. 'Cat vomit coffee' beans have very clean shells—unlike the often soiled appearance of fecal-processed Kopi Luwak beans. Visually, the raw, green beans are nearly indistinguishable in color from regular Kopi Luwak. However, the taste profile remains unreported, as no confirmed public cuppings have been documented.

Why Does This Even Exist?

The existence of regurgitated coffee beans likely stems from natural digestive rejection or partial regurgitation by the civet. While no definitive scientific studies explain why some beans are vomited rather than excreted, the result is a coffee that is even harder to collect than traditional Kopi Luwak. The small quantities and unusual origin make it a true oddity in the world of specialty coffee.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is 'cat vomit coffee' exactly?

'Cat vomit coffee' is a colloquial term for coffee beans that have been eaten by the Asian palm civet and then regurgitated, rather than excreted like in normal Kopi Luwak production. It is an extremely rare phenomenon and not a commercially recognized coffee type.

How much does cat vomit coffee cost?

Cat vomit coffee costs approximately $1,200 per kilogram, which is about $200 more expensive per kilo than standard Kopi Luwak coffee, based on the reported figures.

How is it different from regular Kopi Luwak?

The main differences are in the processing method—regurgitated versus excreted—and the bean appearance. Cat vomit coffee beans have cleaner shells and are visually similar in color but much rarer, with an estimated annual production of only 10 kilograms.

What does cat vomit coffee taste like?

The taste of cat vomit coffee is not documented in the source material. No tasting notes or public cupping reports are available, so its flavor profile remains unknown.

Why is it so expensive?

The extreme rarity—just 10 kilograms per year—and the unusual, labor-intensive collection process contribute to its high price, along with its novelty compared to more common Kopi Luwak.

Where does this coffee come from?

The coffee originates from beans consumed by the Asian palm civet, the same animal involved in Kopi Luwak production. The beans are regurgitated, collected, and processed, though the exact regions or farms are not specified in the report.

Recommended FrontStreet Beans for Specialty Coffee Lovers

For those curious about rare and specialty coffees, try FrontStreet Coffee’s Ethiopia Humbera for floral and citrus brightness, Kenya Little Tomato for bold berry acidity, or Jamaica Blue Mountain No.1 for smooth, balanced profiles. These beans showcase the diversity and quality of well-processed single origins without the extreme rarity—but with exceptional flavour. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.