Best Coffee Shops in Amsterdam: Coffee with a Sustainable Touch
Amsterdam is a city known for its beautiful canals, rich culture, and warm hospitality. But let’s not forget its coffee culture, which is thriving with unique and cozy coffee shops. What makes Amsterdam even more special is that many of these cafes are not only serving amazing coffee but also taking steps to be environmentally conscious. They focus on sustainability by supporting fair trade practices, using eco-friendly products, and reducing their carbon footprint.
If you’re planning a visit to Amsterdam or you’re just a coffee lover at heart, here’s a guide to the best coffee shops in the city that combine delicious coffee with sustainable initiatives.
1. DopHert Café & Concept Store
Located in the trendy Westerpark area, DopHert is more than just a coffee shop—it’s a lifestyle concept store that promotes vegan and sustainable living. Their coffee is plant-based and served alongside tasty vegan treats like cakes, sandwiches, and smoothies. The café uses eco-friendly packaging and ingredients sourced from sustainable farms. You can even shop for cruelty-free products like clothing, skincare, and homeware while sipping your coffee.
Sustainability Highlight: DopHert avoids single-use plastics and encourages customers to bring their own reusable cups. They also focus on organic and locally sourced products.
2. Back to Black
Back to Black is renowned for its specialty coffee made from carefully selected beans roasted in-house. This charming café has two locations in Amsterdam, and both offer a warm, homey vibe. The café takes pride in its focus on sustainability, like using biodegradable packaging and recycling coffee grounds. They work directly with coffee farmers to ensure fair wages and ethical practices.
Sustainability Highlight: Back to Black grows vegetables and herbs in their own garden, which helps minimize their reliance on external suppliers and lowers their environmental impact.
3. Sweet Cup
For coffee lovers who prefer a minimalistic yet cozy café, Sweet Cup is the perfect spot. Their focus is on high-quality coffee served with precision and care. They work with small coffee farms and roasteries that adhere to sustainable practices. The café uses environmentally friendly materials in its design, making it a great stop for those who appreciate eco-chic aesthetics.
Sustainability Highlight: Sweet Cup sources coffee beans from farms that practice water conservation and avoid harmful pesticides to protect the environment.
4. Freetown Espresso
Tucked away in the lively De Pijp neighborhood, Freetown Espresso is a hidden gem for coffee enthusiasts. They combine African-inspired flavors with local coffee traditions, bringing something unique to Amsterdam’s coffee scene. Freetown Espresso is committed to sustainability by sourcing beans from ethically-run farms and actively reducing waste in their operations.
Sustainability Highlight: Their coffee bean suppliers focus on regenerative farming techniques that improve soil health and biodiversity.
5. Café de Ceuvel
Café de Ceuvel is more than just a coffee shop—it’s a hub for sustainability and innovation. Situated on a reclaimed industrial site, this eco-friendly café embodies sustainable living. They serve organic coffee, locally-sourced food, and even have a mission to be energy-neutral. The café often hosts workshops and events focused on sustainability, making it an inspiring spot to learn something new while enjoying your coffee.
Sustainability Highlight: Café de Ceuvel has a composting system to turn food waste into soil and minimize its impact on the environment.
6. Koffie Academie
Koffie Academie is a favorite among Amsterdam locals for its top-notch coffee and welcoming atmosphere. They use beans roasted on-site to ensure freshness and quality. The café is committed to educating its customers about coffee origins and ethical sourcing. They also promote sustainable practices like reusing coffee grounds and offering discounts for customers who bring their own cups.
Sustainability Highlight: The café collaborates with suppliers who prioritize fair trade and eco-conscious production.
7. Beter & Leuk
This colorful and cheerful spot in East Amsterdam offers more than just coffee—it’s a space for healthy living. Beter & Leuk features vegan and vegetarian options paired with fair-trade coffee. They even sell handmade products like eco-friendly bags and pottery made by local artists. The café focuses on reducing waste by offering reusable options and avoiding mass-produced goods.
Sustainability Highlight: Beter & Leuk organizes neighborhood workshops that focus on zero-waste living and sustainable practices.
Why Sustainable Coffee Matters
Sustainable coffee is about supporting practices that protect the environment, respect farmers, and improve community livelihoods. By choosing coffee shops with sustainable initiatives, you’re contributing to these positive efforts. It’s a small step that can have a big impact over time.
Plan Your Coffee Tour in Amsterdam
Next time you’re in Amsterdam, take the time to visit one (or all!) of these amazing coffee shops. Each spot offers a mix of delicious coffee, cozy vibes, and inspiring efforts to care for the planet. Whether you’re looking for expertly brewed espresso or a place to relax with a latte, Amsterdam’s coffee shops are a gateway to mindful consumption and sustainable living.
So grab your reusable cup and embark on a coffee adventure—you’ll discover fantastic flavors while doing some good for the planet! Isn’t that a win-win?
