Frequently Asked Questions

What Is Specialty Grade Coffee?

Specialty coffee is defined as beans evaluated by professional tasters that earn a score of 80 or above on a 100-point rating system. These coffees stand out for their distinctive taste notes, verifiable sourcing, and environmentally responsible cultivation techniques. Here at Mental Bean Coffee, every selection we provide upholds these elevated benchmarks, guaranteeing a superior brew with each sip.

Our Roasting Process

At Mental Bean Coffee, we have partner with a local SoCal family roaster that roast coffee beans in frequent small batches to ensure your coffee is at peak quality when it ships. Many times, the roasting process starts when your order is placed. Their roasting schedule is guided by customer demand, not warehouse inventory so your coffee isn’t sitting around waiting to be sold. 

Shipping

Given that our partners roast coffee in small batches and at times when the order comes in, it takes about 1-3 business days to get the order ready for shipping. After the coffee is roasted, it takes about 3-5 business days to ship it out depending on demand. We are a small business and we not only value high quality but also value our employee's personal time. This is why we do not work on weekends. Any order placed on weekends will be processed the following business day. Thank you for your understanding. 

Returns

Given that coffee is a food product, we do not accept any returns. If we make a mistake (we are humans, it happens from time to time) and you received the wrong order, please contact us and show us a picture of the wrong item received and we will send you the correct order. 

What is Coffee with Mushrooms?

Coffee with mushrooms also known as functional coffee is our specialty-grade roasted coffee blended with Lion’s Mane, Cordyceps, and Reishi mushrooms. The result is a smooth, full-bodied cup with subtle earthy notes from the mushrooms. These ingredients have been enjoyed in traditional cultures for centuries, and today they’re valued for adding depth and character to your daily coffee ritual.

Lion's mane has been shown to support brain health and cognitive function, may help reduce stress, is anti-inflammatory, antioxidant effects, improve gut health, and digestive support. 

Cordyceps has been shown to increase energy, stamina, improve exercise performance, respiratory support, and improve immune system.

Reishi has been shown to help improve your immune system, stress reduction, increase calmness and support heart health. 

Subscription Service

This is a service we are working on and will be launching soon. 

Commitment to Sustainability and Ethical Practices

We take pride in our efforts to ethical sourcing and sustainable practices:

  • Eco-Friendly Packaging: We offer compostable bags for all our teas, coffee with mushrooms, and most of our shipping materials are recycled or recyclable.
  • Community Support: Our mission is to support organizations that provide mental health services and raise awareness on the importance of mental well being. 

 

GENERAL QUESTIONS ABOUT COFFEE

    Is Specialty Grade coffee good for your health?

    Absolutely! The FDA links moderate coffee intake to a lower risk of issues like Type 2 diabetes, Parkinson's disease, and liver conditions. This affirmation confirms what avid coffee fans have always suspected: your daily brew can be both a pleasure and a health booster. Plus, the wellness advantages of coffee often depend on its caliber, which is why Q Grading is so crucial. Beans earning top Q Scores (over 80) deliver superior taste while preserving key antioxidants and nutrients through superior farming and handling techniques. With the FDA now officially recognizing coffee's positive impacts, prioritizing high-quality, Q-certified specialty beans means you're maximizing every sip for flavor and well-being.

    What is the best way to brew coffee at home?

    The “best” method depends on your taste preferences and lifestyle. If you love bold flavor and body, try a French press. For clean and nuanced cups, pour-over is ideal. If convenience matters, drip coffee makers or pod machines work well. Want rich, intense coffee? Espresso machines or an AeroPress can deliver that. Experiment to find what you love most.

    How much caffeine is in a cup of coffee?

    Caffeine content varies by brew method, coffee type, and serving size. On average:

    • Drip coffee: 95–200 mg per 8 oz
    • Espresso: 63 mg per 1 oz shot
    • Cold brew: 100–200 mg per 8 oz (can be higher due to concentration) Robusta beans contain nearly twice the caffeine of Arabica.

    How should I store coffee beans to keep them fresh?

    Keep beans in an airtight container away from light, heat, moisture, and air. Avoid the fridge or freezer (unless freezing long-term in vacuum-sealed bags). Use beans within 2–4 weeks of opening for optimal flavor.

    What grind size should I use for different brewing methods?

    Matching grind size to brew method is crucial for good coffee. Here’s a quick guide:

    • Coarse: French press, cold brew
    • Medium-coarse: Chemex
    • Medium: Drip machines, AeroPress (with longer brew times)
    • Fine: Pour-over, AeroPress (with short brew times)
    • Extra fine: Espresso, Moka pot
    • Turkish: Powder-like grind

      What makes specialty coffee different from regular coffee?

      Specialty coffee is scored 80+ on a 100-point scale by certified tasters and involves:

      • High-quality Arabica beans
      • Traceable origins
      • Ethical sourcing
      • Meticulous roasting and brewing It’s about flavor, transparency, and sustainability—not just the caffeine hit

      What do roast levels mean – and which should I choose?

      Light roast: Bright, acidic, highlights origin flavors. More caffeine.
      Medium roast: Balanced acidity and body. Popular and versatile
      Dark roast: Bold, smoky, with lower acidity. Sometimes bitter.
      Choose based on flavor preference, not caffeine myths—light roasts actually retain more caffeine than dark!