Thailand Launches High-End Elephant Dung Coffee

If you've ever wondered how coffee can command a price tag nearing fine wine or caviar, here's your answer. In a bold move that blends wildlife, luxury, and specialty brewing, a new coffee has hit the premium market with a unique origin story that’s literally hard to digest.

Anantara Hotels launched 'Black Ivory' coffee in Thailand on the 25th, selling each cup for $25. The coffee is made from beans excreted by Thai elephants, with a retail price of $1,100 per kilogram, making it one of the world’s most expensive coffees.

What Is Black Ivory Coffee?

'Black Ivory' is a luxury coffee blend primarily composed of beans that have been eaten, digested, and expelled by elephants in Thailand. According to Anantara Group, this digestive process results in a notably smooth cup profile, distinguishing it from conventional beans.

How Digestion Affects Coffee Flavor

The journey through an elephant’s gut is said to naturally ferment and alter the beans in ways that reduce acidity and mellow bitterness. While the exact chemical changes aren’t detailed, the result is promoted as exceptionally smooth and refined—traits often sought in high-scoring specialty brews.

How Much Does It Cost?

At $25 per cup and $1,100 per kilogram, Black Ivory positions itself among the priciest coffees globally. For comparison, Indonesia’s kopi luwak (civet coffee) and Jamaica’s Blue Mountain No.1 also command high prices and limited availability, often driven by unique processing methods and scarcity.

Why Is This Coffee So Expensive?

Beyond the digestive process, several factors contribute to the steep pricing. The limited number of elephants involved, the variability of natural digestion, manual collection of beans from dung, and the small batch production all add to both cost and exclusivity. Each step requires careful handling to maintain quality and safety.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Black Ivory coffee?

Black Ivory coffee is a luxury coffee made from beans that have been consumed and excreted by elephants in Thailand. It is known for its smooth taste and is sold at $25 per cup and $1,100 per kilogram.

How is elephant dung coffee made?

Elephant dung coffee is made by feeding coffee beans to elephants, allowing their digestive systems to process the beans, and then collecting the beans from their feces. The beans are then cleaned, roasted, and brewed.

Why does coffee processed through elephants taste different?

The digestive process is believed to ferment and alter the beans, reducing acidity and bitterness, resulting in a smoother cup. However, the exact flavor changes are not scientifically detailed.

How much does Black Ivory coffee cost?

Black Ivory coffee costs $25 per cup and $1,100 per kilogram, making it one of the most expensive coffees in the world.

Is this the only coffee processed through animals?

No, other animal-processed coffees include kopi luwak (civet coffee) from Indonesia and Jamaica’s Blue Mountain coffee, both of which are also rare and expensive.

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