Japan Turns to Coffee Alternatives Amid Climate Change Fears

Japan's love affair with coffee is well-known, but climate change has cast a shadow over the industry. Rising temperatures and declining rainfall are expected to cut global land suitable for growing major arabica varieties of coffee in half by 2050, according to the All Japan Coffee Association.

In response, companies like Asahi Soft Drinks and Coca-Cola (Japan) are developing coffee-free alternatives that still capture the essence of a latte or black coffee. For example, Mirai no Latte and Mirai no Black, scheduled for release in 2027, use other kinds of beans that are less susceptible to climate change effects.

Another company, MNH, has created a 'brown rice decaf' made by slowly roasting brown rice from various regions of Japan. It's brewed like coffee and has a roasted aroma and bitterness similar to traditional coffee. The acidity, body, and aroma vary depending on the rice variety used.