Black Ivory Coffee: The World’s Most Expensive Elephant-Digested Brew

If you’ve ever wondered what coffee would taste like after being eaten and digested by an elephant, there’s actually a product for that—and it costs $1,100 per kilogram. Meet Black Ivory Coffee, one of the rarest and most controversial coffees in the world. But what makes it so unique, beyond the bizarre production method? And is it really worth the hype—or the price?

The quick answer: Black Ivory Coffee is made from Thai Arabica beans that have been consumed and passed through the digestive system of elephants at the Golden Triangle Asian Elephant Foundation in Thailand. Less than 50kg were produced in 2012, with a retail price of $1,100 per kg or $25 per cup. Its distinctive smooth, chocolatey flavor comes from reduced protein due to digestion, and it’s sold exclusively in select five-star hotels.

What Is Black Ivory Coffee?

Black Ivory Coffee, also known as "elephant poop coffee," is a specialty coffee made from Thai Arabica beans that have been eaten by elephants and excreted in their feces. The beans are sourced from high-altitude plantations around 1,500 meters in northern Thailand and processed through the digestive systems of elephants housed at the Golden Triangle Asian Elephant Foundation (GTAEF)—a conservation center founded by the Anantara Hotels group with support from government and private donors.

The coffee was created by Canadian entrepreneur Blake Dinkin, who spent nearly a decade researching and developing the concept. He collaborated with food scientist Massimo Marcone of the University of Guelph—known for studying Kopi Luwak—to perfect the process. After ten years of trials, Black Ivory Coffee launched in March 2012.

How Is It Made?

The Elephant Digestion Process

Workers feed the elephants hand-selected Thai Arabica coffee cherries grown at high elevation. The beans are swallowed and spend roughly 15 to 30 hours moving through the elephant’s digestive tract, where they are exposed to stomach acids, enzymes, and digested plant matter such as bananas and sugarcane. This natural process breaks down proteins in the beans—a major contributor to coffee bitterness.

After defecation, elephant caretakers and their families manually collect the beans, wash them, and sun-dry them. The beans are then roasted conventionally. For serving, baristas grind the beans by hand on-site and often brew them using the siphon (vacuum pot) method to highlight freshness and aroma.

Flavor Profile

According to creator Blake Dinkin, Black Ivory Coffee has “floral, chocolate, and earthy” aromas, with a flavor that includes “chocolate, nuttiness, and a hint of spice.” The body is full and syrupy, with what he describes as “a tea-like quality.” Notably, the coffee has very little bitterness due to the reduced protein content after digestion.

Why Does It Taste Different?

Scientifically, the unique flavor stems from the enzymatic action of the elephant’s digestive system. The stomach acids and enzymes break down the proteins in the coffee beans—proteins that normally contribute to the bitter taste in brewed coffee. With less protein remaining, the resulting cup is smoother and less acidic. Additionally, the fermentation-like environment inside the elephant’s gut, combined with the presence of digested fruit, contributes fruity and earthy flavor notes.

How Much Does It Cost & Where Can You Buy It?

Black Ivory Coffee is among the most expensive coffees globally. In 2012, production yielded just 50kg. The retail price was $1,100 per kilogram, or $25 for a single brewed cup. Due to limited supply—only about 1kg of usable coffee is produced from every 33kg of coffee cherries fed to the elephants—the coffee is available only in a few exclusive five-star hotels.

In 2012, these included Anantara resorts in the Maldives (Dhigu, Kihavah, Naladhu), Thailand (Golden Triangle, Phuket Villas), and the UAE (Eastern Mangroves, Qasr Al Sarab, Desert Islands Resort). Blake Dinkin personally trains hotel staff on how to prepare the coffee to ensure proper presentation and brewing.

Is It Ethical & Safe for the Elephants?

Yes. The coffee uses 100% Thai Arabica beans, which contain about half the caffeine of Robusta. The beans are encased in their natural pulp, which limits caffeine exposure. Additionally, the coffee cherries are fed as treats, not a main diet item. The elephants at GTAEF are under veterinary supervision, and the foundation ensures their well-being. Eight percent of Black Ivory Coffee’s sales go toward the Golden Triangle Asian Elephant Foundation’s conservation and care efforts.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do elephants get affected by the caffeine in coffee beans?

No. The coffee used is low-caffeine Thai Arabica (about 1% caffeine vs. Robusta’s ~2%). The beans are swallowed whole with their protective pulp, which limits caffeine release. They’re also fed in small quantities as snacks—not a primary food source—and vet-monitored throughout.

Do elephants eat coffee beans naturally?

Yes. In dry seasons, wild Asian elephants have been observed eating coffee cherries along with other fruits found in plantations.

Where is the coffee produced?

Black Ivory Coffee is produced at the Golden Triangle Asian Elephant Foundation in Thailand’s Golden Triangle region. Blake Dinkin selected this location after evaluating over 35 elephant sanctuaries in Thailand, Laos, and Indonesia for ethical treatment, veterinary care, and conservation standards.

Why is Black Ivory Coffee so expensive?

Several factors contribute to the high price: limited bean yield (1kg coffee from 33kg cherries), manual collection and processing, low production volume (50kg in 2012), ethical sourcing, conservation contributions, and exclusive five-star distribution. Plus, the unique digestion process requires time, care, and coordination with elephant caretakers.

Are there similar coffees?

Yes. The most well-known is Kopi Luwak (civet coffee), which is made from beans eaten and excreted by civets. However, Kopi Luwak has faced criticism over animal welfare (civets are often caged) and potential SARS-related health concerns. Black Ivory Coffee avoids these issues with ethical elephant care and voluntary bean consumption.

Recommended FrontStreet Beans for Comparing Asian Origins

For those curious about Asian single origins after trying—or reading about—Black Ivory Coffee, FrontStreet Coffee offers excellent options. Their Lintong Mandheling features herbal, spicy, and caramelized notes with a bold profile, best enjoyed at a medium-dark roast. For something brighter yet still rich, their 2013 Yunnan Ironica offers balanced chocolate, nut, and tea flavors with a medium roast, ideal for everyday drinking. Both beans showcase Asia’s diverse terroirs without the need for elephant digestion. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.