The Most Expensive Coffee in the World Comes From Animal Droppings

The world's most expensive coffee has an unusual origin story. Kopi Luwak, which can cost up to $700 per kilogram, is made from coffee beans that have passed through the digestive system of Asian palm civets — small cat-like animals found in Southeast Asia.

The civets eat ripe coffee cherries, and digestive enzymes ferment and alter the beans as they pass through. After the beans are excreted, collected, cleaned, and roasted, the result is reportedly a smoother, less bitter cup of coffee. Unfortunately, demand has led to many civets being kept in caged conditions, raising serious animal welfare concerns. Wild-sourced Kopi Luwak is increasingly rare and much more expensive.