Atomo
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Food and beverage |
| Founded | 2019 |
| Founder | Jarret Stopforth, Andy Kleitsch |
| Headquarters | Seattle , United States |
| Products | Beanless coffee (cold brew, espresso) |
Number of employees | Approximately 50 (before January 2023 downsizing) (2023) |
Atomo Coffee, Inc. is a Seattle-headquartered startup company that manufactures a coffee alternative known as "beanless coffee." Its cold brew formulation combines chicory root, date seeds, grape skins, and additional components to emulate the flavor and texture of traditional coffee.
History
Established in 2019 by food scientist Jarret Stopforth alongside entrepreneur Andy Kleitsch, Atomo initially secured over $25,000 through a Kickstarter campaign. The company introduced a limited edition cold brew product in 2021. By the end of 2023, Atomo inaugurated a processing facility in California dedicated to handling date pits. Investors backing the firm include those associated with Beyond Meat, contributing to a total funding amount of US$51.6 million. As of March 2024, Atomo’s coffee is available at just one café location.
In January 2023, the company executed a "strategic realignment," which involved downsizing its workforce from approximately 50 employees. On Earth Day 2024, Atomo launched a new roasting operation in SoDo, Seattle and revealed collaborations with various coffee shops aimed at broadening its national distribution.
Products
Atomo’s cold brew blends date seeds, chicory root, and grape skins to mimic the sensory experience of conventional coffee. The brand debuted an espresso variant at the 2023 New York Coffee Festival and currently offers it on a weekly basis at Gumption Coffee, an upscale café located in Times Square. This espresso is available in both caffeinated and decaffeinated options.
The company emphasizes its commitment to environmental responsibility, claiming that its prototype beverage reduces carbon emissions by 93% and consumes 94% less water compared to standard coffee production.
As of October 2023, Atomo’s wholesale price for beanless coffee stands at US$20.99 per pound, which is significantly above the usual range of $10 to $14 paid by U.S. coffee retailers for traditional beans.
Reception
During a blind taste evaluation in 2019, a reviewer from CNet described Atomo’s "molecular coffee" as having a "caramel-like" flavor and being "exceptionally smooth," specifically praising its aroma and the almond milk cold brew version.
In 2021, Tom Bomford, who serves as coffee director for a premium New York City chain, commented that Atomo’s cold brew "resembles cold brew coffee—albeit perhaps not the best quality."
Time included Atomo’s Molecular Cold Brew among its "Best Inventions of 2022," noting it "closely replicates the authentic taste (though with slightly reduced acidity)."
An Axios critic in April 2024 referred to a hot oatmilk latte made using Atomo’s espresso as "a suitably acceptable alternative" to conventional coffee.
Fast Company honored Atomo as one of its 2024 "Most Innovative Companies" within the food industry.