FAQs - Frequently Asked Questions
Are you interested in the bean?
Below you will find frequently asked questions.
If your question is not answered here, please contact us using the contact form!
Generally
What does “organic farming” mean?
In organic farming, chemical pesticides, artificial fertilizers, and genetic engineering are taboo. This not only protects nature but also our health. And best of all: You can taste the quality in every cup.
Is organic the same as organic?
Not always. The quality of organic products can vary greatly, even among certified products. Our organic coffees are grown according to the highest standards and are strictly controlled. This way, we guarantee that you'll receive only the best from organic farming.
What material is the coffee packaging made of?
Our coffee packaging is made from a combination of materials, with a metallized film serving as a barrier.
Choosing the material was not easy, as many aspects had to be considered, including environmental compatibility, recyclability, protection from UV rays, and a reliable aroma barrier to optimally preserve the quality of our coffee.
Although aluminum is often viewed with skepticism, it still offers the best barrier protection. Alternatives like EVOH, which are considered recyclable, are rarely recycled in Germany and are often shipped abroad.
After extensive research, we therefore opted for a metallized PET film. This is produced by vapor-depositing ultrapure aluminum powder and contains significantly less aluminum than conventional films with a full aluminum layer. At the same time, it offers excellent protection against moisture, oxygen, and UV radiation, and is recycled in Germany.
By making this decision, we are reducing our aluminum consumption and creating packaging that is recycled in Germany without compromising on the quality of the coffee.
Can I also buy ALTOMAYO coffee products in stores?
Yes, our products are available at select partner stores highlighted on our website. If you don't find a store near you, please contact us and we'll help you find a retailer in your area.
Products and quality
Are ALTOMAYO products treated with radiation or other storage protection agents used?
No, our products are neither irradiated nor treated with chemical preservatives. This is strictly prohibited by the EU Organic Farming Regulation. We also conduct regular pesticide and herbicide checks to ensure the highest quality.
Do ALTOMAYO products contain genetically modified organisms?
No, our products do not contain genetically modified organisms. This is strictly prohibited by the EU Organic Food Regulation. With us, you can be sure: pure nature, without genetic engineering.
Are ALTOMAYO decaffeinated products suitable for pregnant women?
Yes, our decaffeinated products are a good choice for pregnant women. Thanks to the decaffeination process, they contain a maximum of 0.1% caffeine, which is significantly less than regular coffee. This allows pregnant women to enjoy several cups a day without exceeding the recommended caffeine limit. It's an ideal way to continue enjoying the taste of coffee without worrying about potential caffeine side effects.
Are ALTOMAYO products still edible after the best-before date?
Our coffee has a minimum shelf life of 16 months, and our hot chocolate has a minimum shelf life of 18 months. We guarantee the best taste and quality within this time frame when stored properly.
If the best-before date has passed, it doesn't automatically mean the product is spoiled. Simply do a smell, taste, and visual test. If you don't notice any abnormalities during the sensory tests, there's nothing wrong with eating it.
I always buy the same coffee. Why does it taste different this time?
Our coffee is subject to strict quality controls to ensure you always receive the quality you expect. However, since coffee is a natural product, climatic fluctuations from harvest to harvest can slightly influence the taste. This is completely normal and can lead to slight differences in aroma without affecting the quality.
By the way: The same applies to cocoa.
How much caffeine does my coffee contain?
The caffeine content of Arabica beans ranges between 0.8% and 1.5%. Approximately 80% to 85% of this ends up in the coffee brew. The caffeine content also depends on the preparation method: the more water comes into contact with the coffee grounds, the more caffeine is dissolved.
Why does ALTOMAYO hot chocolate dissolve poorly in cold milk?
Our hot chocolate doesn't contain any emulsifiers, so it's harder to dissolve in cold milk. If you'd like to enjoy it cold, first dissolve the powder in a little warm milk or water and then top up with cold milk. Of course, this also works with plant-based milk alternatives like oat milk.
Does decaffeinated mean caffeine-free?
In short: No! One thing to keep in mind: decaffeinated does not necessarily mean caffeine-free!
Our DECAFFEINATED products are coffee beans from which the caffeine has been almost completely removed.
Just as “alcohol-free” beers contain up to 0.5% alcohol in their composition, decaffeinated coffee contains up to 0.1% caffeine in its composition - and instant coffee even up to 0.3 percent.
So, with our decaffeinated products, we can guarantee that they contain no more than 0.1% caffeine. Unfortunately, we can't guarantee more than that.
Immediately after the caffeine is removed from our coffee, an analysis is also carried out to check the caffeine content remaining in the beans.
The coffee is too bitter for me. Why?
Our coffee naturally has a low bitterness level. If it still seems too bitter to you, it's probably because the water was too hot during brewing. Different aromas are released depending on the water temperature. The optimal temperature is between 92 and 96°C. Boiling water can release too many bitter compounds. If the water is too cold (below 85°C), the coffee often tastes watery or sour.
The coffee is too sour for me. Why?
Arabica beans are naturally low in acid and contain only 3–6% chlorogenic acid, in contrast to the more acidic Robusta beans.
It might have been poorly roasted, but that's definitely not the case with us. Our coffees are gently roasted in drum roasters to reduce acidity and develop the aromas.
If your coffee tastes too sour, it could be due to a coarse grind or improper preparation. Try using finer ground coffee next time to balance the flavor.
How long does the coffee last?
Our coffee products have a minimum shelf life of 16 months. This means that, if stored properly, the coffee will retain its full flavor and aroma within this period.
How is ALTOMAYO decaffeinates coffee?
Our decaffeinated coffee is primarily produced using the CO2 process. This process gently extracts caffeine from the beans using highly compressed carbon dioxide (CO2). This process is considered particularly effective because it preserves the full aroma and is completely chemical-free.
In certain cases, such as when our partner's capacity for the CO2 process is exhausted, we use the Swiss Water Process as an alternative. This involves soaking the coffee beans in water, which dissolves the caffeine. It is then removed using special activated carbon filters. This process is also chemical-free and based on natural principles, thus not compromising the quality of the coffee.
Both methods guarantee a caffeine content below 0.1%, which meets legal requirements for decaffeinated coffee. They also ensure that the full aroma is preserved and the beans are processed without chemicals.
No matter which process is used, you can rely on consistently high quality and a first-class taste experience.
When was my coffee roasted?
The roasting date is not currently indicated on our packaging. However, you can estimate it by subtracting 16 months from the best-before date (BBD) to get the roasting month. If you would like to know the exact roasting date, please contact us, and we will provide you with the information.
What is the best way to store my coffee?
To preserve the aroma and freshness of your coffee, store it in a cool, dry place away from light. Ideally, store it in an airtight container or container. Avoid the refrigerator, as moisture and odors can impair the flavor.
Online Shopping
Did my order work?
You'll know your order has been successfully placed by the "Thank you" confirmation page that appears (after a successful transaction via credit card, Sofortüberweisung, or PayPal). You'll also receive an order confirmation email within a few minutes.
If you have an account in our online shop, you can also view a summary in your customer account under "My Orders."
How can I check the status of my order?
Registered users can view the status of their order in their customer account under "My Orders." There you will find the current order status and, once shipped, the tracking URL.
As a guest, you will receive a separate email from our shipping partner with the tracking URL as soon as the package is shipped.
Can I still change an order I've already placed?
As a rule, submitted orders cannot be changed. Please contact bestellung@premiumfoods.de as soon as possible to discuss the options for adjustments.
How can I redeem a voucher?
You can enter your voucher code in your shopping cart. Make sure to add the code before submitting your order, as it's unfortunately not possible to redeem it afterward.
I sent my order with an incorrect address.
Please contact us as soon as possible by phone at +49 (30) 616 587 30 or by email at bestellung@premiumfoods.de. If the order has already been handed over to our shipping service provider, we are unfortunately unable to change the address.
What can I do if my shipment could not be delivered?
Please check the delivery address provided. Please email us the results along with your order number to bestellung@premiumfoods.de so we can resolve the issue as quickly as possible.
Where is my shipment?
If you received a shipping notification with tracking details, please use the link included to check the shipping status. If you haven't received a notification and more than three business days have passed, contact us at bestellung@premiumfoods.de with your order number.
Can I order as a guest?
Yes, you can order as a guest. We only need your delivery information to process your order. However, for easier and faster processing, we recommend creating a customer account.
Do you also deliver outside of Germany?
Yes, we also ship to the Netherlands and Austria. You can find shipping costs and delivery times on our shipping page. For deliveries to other EU countries, please contact us directly so we can review your request individually.
I had an account in the old ALTOMAYO online shop. Do I need to create a new account in the new online shop?
Yes, you'll need to create a new account for the new online store. Don't worry, it's quick and easy. This way, you can take advantage of all the benefits of our online store and process future orders even more conveniently.