How Elephant Dung Coffee Is Made and Why It Costs So Much

If you’ve ever wondered why some coffees cost hundreds—or even over a thousand—dollars per kilogram, the answer might involve animal digestion. Two of the most famous (and controversial) examples are civet coffee and elephant dung coffee. But how are they really made, and what makes them so expensive? This article breaks down the facts, the process, and the price tags behind these rare brews.

One kilogram of civet coffee (kopi luwak) typically costs between $500 and $600, while elephant dung coffee (like Black Ivory Coffee) sells for around $1,100 per kilogram. Producing just 1kg of elephant dung coffee requires about 33kg of fresh coffee cherries.

What Is Civet Coffee and How Is It Made?

Civet coffee, also known as kopi luwak, starts with the Asian palm civet—a small mammal that loves to eat ripe red coffee cherries. The civet’s digestive system partially ferments the beans inside its stomach, then excretes the undigested seeds. Workers collect the droppings, carefully clean and remove the silver skin from the beans, wash them, and sun-dry the seeds before roasting. This fermentation process is believed to reduce bitterness and create a smoother cup.

What Is Elephant Dung Coffee?

Elephant dung coffee, commonly called Black Ivory Coffee, follows a similar concept—but with elephants. However, unlike civets that choose their own food, elephants are fed coffee cherries by handlers. These cherries pass through the elephant’s digestive tract, where enzymes break down proteins in the beans. Since protein is a major contributor to coffee bitterness, the resulting brew is known for being almost entirely free of bitter notes.

The Science Behind the Smooth Flavor

The key to both civet and elephant coffee’s unique taste lies in digestion. In the case of elephant coffee, the proteins in the coffee beans are broken down by enzymes during digestion. Protein is one of the main sources of bitterness in coffee. With less protein left in the bean after digestion, the cup tends to be smoother, sweeter, and far less bitter than conventionally processed coffee.

How Much Coffee Does It Take to Make a Kilogram?

To produce 1kg of elephant dung coffee, around 33kg of fresh coffee cherries are required. That’s a huge input-to-output ratio, partly explaining the extremely high price. Civet coffee also has a low yield but doesn’t require as many cherries per kilo as elephant coffee does.

Where Is Black Ivory Coffee Produced?

Black Ivory Coffee is produced at the Golden Triangle Asian Elephant Foundation in Thailand. The foundation works with elephants and local communities, and the coffee is processed on-site. After the beans are collected from elephant dung, they are cleaned, dried, and roasted. The entire operation is small-scale and labour-intensive, contributing to limited supply.

How Expensive Is It Really?

As of the latest data, a kilogram of civet coffee costs roughly $500–$600, while elephant dung coffee (Black Ivory Coffee) fetches around $1,100 per kilogram. In 2012, Black Ivory Coffee was first served at Anantara Hotels for $25 per cup, instantly placing it among the most expensive coffees in the world. Today, it remains available almost exclusively in luxury hotels and select retailers.

Why Is It Only Sold in Five-Star Hotels?

Because of the extremely limited production—just a few hundred kilograms per year—Black Ivory Coffee and similar products are not sold widely. They are usually available only in high-end five-star hotels or luxury markets. This exclusivity helps maintain their premium status and price point.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is elephant dung coffee made from?

Elephant dung coffee is made from coffee beans that have been eaten and passed through the digestive system of elephants. The beans are collected from the dung, cleaned, and roasted. The digestive process reduces bitterness by breaking down proteins in the beans.

How is civet coffee different from elephant coffee?

Civet coffee is made from beans eaten by civets, which naturally select ripe coffee cherries. Elephant coffee is made from beans fed to elephants by humans. Both rely on digestive processes to alter the bean’s flavour, but elephant coffee is specifically known for having almost no bitterness.

How much does 1kg of civet coffee cost?

One kilogram of civet coffee, also known as kopi luwak, typically costs between $500 and $600, depending on the source and quality.

How much does 1kg of elephant dung coffee cost?

One kilogram of elephant dung coffee, such as Black Ivory Coffee, costs approximately $1,100. The high price is due to the small yield and labour-intensive production process.

Why is elephant dung coffee less bitter?

Elephant dung coffee is less bitter because the elephant’s digestive enzymes break down the proteins in the coffee beans. Since protein is a major source of bitterness in coffee, removing much of it results in a smoother, sweeter cup.

Where can you buy Black Ivory Coffee?

Black Ivory Coffee is primarily sold in luxury hotels and select high-end retailers. It is not widely available due to its limited production and exclusive distribution model.

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