Coffee labels have you confused? There is so much to think about when choosing your cup of Joe, and with other certifications and seals on the label this just adds to the confusion. Here's your guide to some of the most common certifications that you'll find on coffee today. 

Fair Trade Certified: Fair Trade’s mission is to support a better life for farming families in the developing world through fair prices, access to direct trade, and community development.


Environmental initiatives are not a primary focus in Fair Trade. Fair Trade is traceable from roaster to producer and it also guarantees a minimum market price plus 10 to 20 cent premium per pound.  The premium is paid to cooperatives to either distribute to farmers or use for community development projects.

Rainforest Alliance (RA): RA, is an NGO with programs in several areas that promote standards for sustainability. Their mission is to integrate biodiversity conservation, community development, workers’ rights and productive agricultural practices to ensure comprehensive sustainable farm management. Certification is awarded based on a score for meeting a minimum number of an array of criteria, and it can be traced from roaster to producer. Certification helps farmers learn how to negotiate for themselves and compete in an increasingly complex and globalized marketplace.  Read the seal on the package carefully. Rainforest Alliance allows use of the seal on coffee that contains only 30% certified beans.

The percentage should be indicated.

Bird-Friendly, “Shade-Grown”: In 2000, the Smithsonian Migratory Bird Center launched the shade-grown coffee certification program to promote the growth of sustainable coffee. Coffee grown in the shade of tree canopies, rather than on land cleared of other vegetation, provides a habitat for a number of species, including migratory birds, orchids, insects, mammals (such as bats), reptiles, and amphibians. Shade-grown coffee is given the Smithsonian's Bird Friendly label if the growing conditions meet certain criteria – the most robust of all the coffee criteria. Price differential is generally an additional 5 to 10 cents per pound (sometimes more, depending on coffee and producer/buyer).

Utz Certified: This on-product label emphasizes transparency and traceability in the supply chain and efficient farm management. The label guarantees that coffee is grown on farms that use agrochemicals properly, where workers and their families live in adequate housing, have access to healthcare, schools and training, and that their labor rights are protected. The goal is to empower farmers with professional coffee growing and marketing techniques, so they can access more markets and develop better relationships with their buyers. It’s traceable from roaster to producer.

4C Common Code: This is not product claim or seal, although you might notice an on-package membership statement the 4C Code of Conduct is a useful frame of reference.  A business-to-business membership driven organization of coffee farmers, trade and industry and civil society; its members work jointly towards improving economic, social and environmental conditions through more sustainable and transparent practices for all who make a living in the coffee sector.

So the next time you reach for your cup of coffee, check out what types of certifications it has and remember the hard work that went into your brew!