Coffee, but hold the beans

As Americans drink record-breaking amounts of coffee, one food startup is offering what it calls a sustainable "beanless espresso" in Austin.

Why it matters: Coffee farming is linked to deforestation, shipping beans creates carbon emissions and research suggests climate change could impact the global coffee supply.

What to expect: Instead of coffee beans, Seattle-based Atomo Coffee uses millet, guava, fructose, date seeds, ramon seeds, pea protein, baking soda, sunflower seeds, lemon and fenugreek to get a coffee-like flavor.

• Some of those ingredients would otherwise become plant waste, according to Atomo.

Try it: Atomo's product is available in Austin's Madrone Coffee as of Monday.

Between the lines: The milk-based drinks that use Atomo's espresso alternative will cost extra, similar to the way other specialty sips, like mushroom coffees, have been sold.

• Atomo's grounds sell for $20.99 per pound wholesale.
• Each shop determines its own pricing, according to Atomo.