What Is Third Wave Coffee? Understanding the Movement That’s Changing Your Daily Brew

What Is Third Wave Coffee? Understanding the Movement That’s Changing Your Daily Brew

A New Wave in Coffee Culture

You’ve heard of Third Wave Coffee, but what does it actually mean?

At MoFlo Coffee Co., we don’t just sell coffee—we believe in its story, its craft, and its power to connect people. Third Wave Coffee is part of that story, and it’s reshaping how we all experience our daily brew.


📚 A Quick History of Coffee Waves

To understand the Third Wave, let’s look at the three “waves” of coffee:

☕ First Wave:

  • Mass production of instant coffee (think Folgers)

  • Convenience over quality

  • No focus on origin or flavor

☕ Second Wave:

  • Big brands like Starbucks popularize espresso drinks

  • Introduced the café culture

  • Slightly better beans, but still mass-market

🌊 Third Wave (Where We Are Now):

  • Coffee as an artisanal product, like wine

  • Emphasis on single-origin, transparency, and sustainability

  • Roasters and cafés highlight flavor profiles

  • Customers are educated and care about how coffee is grown and processed


🎯 What Makes Third Wave Coffee Different?

Third Wave isn’t just about taste—it’s about intention.

✅ 1. Quality Over Quantity

Beans are specialty grade, carefully roasted to highlight natural flavor notes.

✅ 2. Transparency

You’ll often see:

  • Farm name

  • Region

  • Altitude

  • Processing method

This builds trust and supports ethical sourcing.

✅ 3. Ethical & Direct Trade

Third Wave roasters work directly with farmers to ensure fair pay and sustainable practices.

✅ 4. Flavor as Experience

Gone are the burnt, bitter notes. Instead, Third Wave beans shine with:

  • Citrus

  • Chocolate

  • Berry

  • Floral

  • Nutty undertones

Explore this with MoFlo’s Presence or Adventure blends.


💡 Why It Matters to You

If you care about:

  • What’s in your cup

  • Where it came from

  • How it was made

…Then you're already part of the Third Wave.

It’s not just about caffeine. It’s about connection—to the earth, to the farmers, and to the moment.


🧠 Coffee and Conscious Living

At MoFlo Coffee, we believe coffee can be part of your healing, mindfulness, and growth journey. The Third Wave aligns perfectly with our mission:

Intentional coffee. Real connection.

From Serenity to Just for Today, each roast has a story that invites you to slow down and sip with meaning.

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