What is Black Ivory Coffee? Differences Between Black Ivory Coffee and Other Types of Coffee
The world of coffee is full of wonders, and every day we encounter new beverages, from blended coffee to rare specialties. Black Ivory Coffee, also known as elephant coffee, ivory black coffee, or even elephant dung coffee, is one of the rarest types of coffee in the world. This drink is famous not only for its unique taste but also for its unusual production method. The astronomical price of this product means that very few people have the chance to taste it. A single cup of this exclusive coffee can cost up to $60 in luxury hotels, and purchasing one kilogram may cost around $1,100. This price places it among the most luxurious coffees globally and makes it a true Premium Specialty Coffee in Iran for aficionados seeking exclusive experiences.
History and Origin of Black Ivory Coffee
The initial idea for producing Black Ivory Coffee was inspired by Kopi Luwak, a beverage made from coffee beans digested by a type of civet cat. Canadian entrepreneur Blake Dinkin, after observing ethical concerns in Kopi Luwak production, decided to try a new method using elephants.
He invested over $300,000 in research and development to bring the first samples of ivory black coffee to market in 2012. Dinkin chose elephants because they have a single stomach and consume large quantities of food daily. He believed that coffee cherry fruits were likely a natural part of the elephants’ diet in certain areas. The Golden Triangle region in northern Thailand, home to free-roaming elephants, became the main production center of this beverage.
How Elephant Dung Coffee is Made (Processing Coffee with Elephants)
- The production process starts with selecting the best Specialty Coffee Beans in Iran, grown in regions with an optimal climate for coffee cultivation, specifically high-quality Thai Arabica beans.
- These beans are usually mixed with rice and other fruits and then fed to the elephants.
- The elephants’ digestive enzymes affect the coffee beans, naturally altering them over 15 to 70 hours. During this time, the enzymes break
- down proteins in the beans, reducing bitterness and creating a unique flavor profile.
- Local women carefully separate the beans from the elephant dung and wash them by hand.
- This meticulous process ensures the beans are collected hygienically.
- After collection, the beans are thoroughly washed, dried, and sent to Bangkok for roasting. Many beans are lost during digestion, so from 35 kilograms of beans eaten by elephants, only about one kilogram of final Roasted coffee beans for cafés is produced.
This extraordinary process makes the coffee highly exclusive, and for businesses looking to source high-quality beans, Arabica coffee beans exporter in Iran and suppliers of arabica ground coffee wholesale in Iran or Famous coffee brands in Iran can provide premium alternatives inspired by such rare methods.

Unique Flavor and Aroma of Black Ivory Coffee
Black Ivory Coffee offers a taste completely different from other coffees. Unlike regular coffee, its bitterness is significantly lower, with flavor notes reminiscent of chocolate, malt, and spices, accompanied by a subtle grassy aroma. Drinkers of this coffee note that there is no trace of the burnt taste often found in regular coffee. This distinctive flavor comes from the breakdown of proteins during the elephant’s digestive process, which are normally responsible for coffee’s bitterness.
Its aroma is also unique and layered, combining scents of chocolate, cherry, leather, and spices, creating a memorable sensory experience. Enjoying a cup of Black Ivory Coffee is a distinctive and special experience, even for those who are not coffee experts. Alongside this exclusive product, coffee enthusiasts can enjoy a variety of Specialty Coffee Beans in Iran from high-quality brands like Diamante Coffee, Introducing Specialty Coffee options, these brands offer. which offer delightful flavors and innovative blends.
Health Benefits of Black Ivory Coffee
1. Unique and Smooth Flavor
Thanks to the natural fermentation in the elephant’s digestive system, many of the bitter compounds in the coffee are broken down. The result is an exceptionally smooth taste, free of bitterness, with notes of chocolate, spices, and dried fruit.
2. Lower Acidity
Compared to regular coffee, Black Ivory Coffee has milder acidity, making it suitable for those with sensitive stomachs.
3. Natural Antioxidants
Like other coffees, Black Ivory Coffee contains antioxidants such as polyphenols, which help reduce inflammation and support heart health.
4. Lower Caffeine Content (Compared to Some Coffees)
Due to partial breakdown of caffeine during the elephant’s digestive process, the caffeine content in Black Ivory Coffee is slightly lower than in regular coffee.
5. Natural Processing Without Chemicals
Since the elephant’s digestive process acts as a natural fermentation, this coffee is processed without the need for any additives or chemicals. It is a truly pure Premium Specialty Coffee in Iran, ideal for those seeking naturally processed, high-quality coffee.

Why Black Ivory Coffee is the Most Expensive Coffee in the World
The astronomical price of Black Ivory Coffee is due to several factors. First and foremost, its production is extremely limited. Only about 200 kilograms are produced annually, most of which are reserved for five-star hotels. In addition, the production process is very time-consuming and costly. From selecting the beans to collecting, Coffee Roasting, and preparing them, every step requires great care and significant time. The cost of maintaining the elephants also contributes significantly to the final price. Another factor is the low yield.
To produce one kilogram of finished coffee, elephants must consume around 33 to 35 kilograms of coffee cherries, much of which is lost during digestion.
Furthermore, the rarity of this coffee and its unique flavor have created high demand. Part of the revenue from its sales also goes toward supporting the welfare of the elephants, which is another reason for its high price.
Conclusion
Black Ivory Coffee, or elephant coffee, is one of the most unusual and expensive types of coffee in the world. Its special production method, distinctive taste, and scarcity make it one of the most remarkable products in the coffee world. This coffee reminds us of how combining human ingenuity with nature can result in truly unique and exceptional products.
Looking at the story of Black Ivory Coffee production, it becomes clear that the best innovations often arise from unusual, even strange, ideas. From Black Ivory Coffee to a variety of high quality coffee brands in Iran, The coffee world offers a wide spectrum of choices for different tastes, including Types of Robusta Coffee and specialty blends. For businesses or enthusiasts interested in sourcing rare or premium coffee, a reliable Wholesale coffee supplier for trade events or a trusted Coffee company for international exhibitions can provide exclusive options inspired by such unique production methods.