There is coffee and there is coffee

Why Specialty Coffee Beats Supermarket Coffee - And Where to Find the Bests Brew in Sydney and Melbourne

For many Australians, coffee is more than just a morning routine - it’s a way of life. But if you’ve ever wondered why that cup from your favourite Sydney café tastes so much better than what you brew at home, you’re not alone. The difference lies in one key factor: specialty coffee vs. supermarket coffee.

At Captain&co, we’ve partnered with Single O, one of Sydney’s most respected specialty coffee roasters, because we believe everyone deserves a better coffee experience - whether you’re grabbing a cup from our mobile coffee cart or brewing it at home.

Let’s break down why specialty coffee is in a league of its own and why it’s worth every cent.

It Starts with the Beans: Quality Over Quantity

Supermarket coffee often uses commodity-grade beans. These beans are bought in bulk from different farms and blended to create a consistent, but often bland, flavour. They’re roasted for mass appeal, not for excellence.

Specialty coffee, on the other hand, is all about quality, traceability, and flavour. Single O sources beans that score 80+ on the Specialty Coffee Association scale - chosen for their unique tasting notes based on origin, altitude, and farming methods.

Freshness You Can Taste

Most coffee in supermarkets is already months old by the time you buy it. Even if it’s vacuum-sealed, coffee loses its vibrant flavour within weeks of roasting.

Specialty roasters like Single O roast in small batches, and their bags are stamped with a roast date - not just an expiry one. This means you’re getting fresher beans, full of the delicate flavours intended by both the grower and roaster.

Better Roasting = Better Flavour

To make their beans last longer, supermarket brands often roast them dark - resulting in bitter, burnt flavours.

Specialty coffee focuses on flavour development, not shelf life. Light to medium roasts are designed to highlight the bean’s natural character - whether it’s floral Ethiopian, fruity Colombian, or chocolatey Brazilian. It’s all about bringing out the best in each origin.

Ethical Sourcing and Sustainability

While supermarket brands may carry fair trade or organic certifications, transparency usually stops there. Specialty roasters go further.

Single O works directly with farmers and pays well above market rates to ensure fair wages, ethical practices, and environmental responsibility. From biodegradable packaging to carbon-neutral operations, they’re committed to doing things the right way.

A More Meaningful Coffee Experience

There’s a difference between drinking coffee to wake up - and truly enjoying a cup crafted with care.

Specialty coffee invites you to connect with the story behind the brew: the farm it came from, the process it went through, and the flavours it holds. That’s why Captain&co proudly serves Single O at every event, office function, or morning pop-up. It’s more than just coffee - it’s a curated experience.

Why It Matters for You

Whether you’re a coffee connoisseur or just someone who wants a better cup to start the day, making the switch to specialty coffee makes a real difference.

When you choose Captain&co, you’re not only getting expertly brewed, specialty-grade coffee - you’re supporting ethical sourcing, Australian businesses, and a culture that values craft over convenience.

Taste the Difference for Yourself

If you’re in Sydney or Melbourne, skip the supermarket shelf and try the real thing. Visit a Single O café, or better yet, book Captain&co for your next event, office gathering, or private function. We’ll bring the quality and care of specialty coffee straight to you.

Contact us today to learn more or book your next coffee experience.