Editorial Disclosure & Ethics Policy

At Coffee Alternatives, transparency and editorial integrity are fundamental to our mission. This policy outlines our financial relationships, editorial standards, and ethical guidelines to ensure our readers have complete transparency about how we operate.

Financial Disclosure

Affiliate Relationships

Coffee Alternatives maintains affiliate relationships with select coffee alternative brands, including but not limited to:

• Amazon Associates Program (primary partner)
• Teeccino (herbal coffee alternatives)
• Four Sigmatic (mushroom coffee)
• Traditional Medicinals (herbal teas)
• Mountain Rose Herbs (bulk ingredients)

When you purchase through our affiliate links, we may earn a commission at no additional cost to you. These commissions help support our independent research, content creation, and website operations.

Revenue Sources

Coffee Alternatives generates revenue through:

• Affiliate Commissions: 70% of revenue
• Sponsored Content: 20% of revenue (clearly labeled)
• Newsletter Sponsorships: 10% of revenue

Editorial Independence

Content Creation Process

Our editorial process ensures complete independence:

1. Research First: Articles are researched and drafted before considering affiliate opportunities
2. Expert Review: All content is reviewed by our medical and nutrition advisory board
3. Fact-Checking: Independent fact-checkers verify all claims and statistics
4. Affiliate Disclosure: Any affiliate relationships are clearly disclosed

Sponsored Content Policy

Sponsored content represents less than 20% of our total content and is always:

• Clearly labeled as "Sponsored," "Advertisement," or "Paid Partnership"
• Subject to the same editorial standards as regular content
• Required to provide genuine value to our readers
• Never misleading or deceptive about the nature of the partnership

Product Testing & Reviews

Testing Methodology

We independently purchase and test products whenever possible. When we receive products for review, this is disclosed in the article. Our testing methodology focuses on:

• Taste and flavor profile
• Preparation ease and versatility
• Ingredient quality and sourcing
• Value for money
• Company transparency and practices

Review Standards

Our product reviews are:

• Honest: We share both positive and negative experiences
• Comprehensive: Multiple team members test each product
• Updated: Reviews are updated if formulations change
• Comparative: Products are evaluated against similar alternatives

Medical Disclaimer

Health Claims Policy

We are committed to responsible health communication:

• Evidence-Based: All health claims are supported by peer-reviewed research
• Qualified Language: We use terms like "may support" rather than definitive claims
• Individual Variation: We acknowledge that results may vary between individuals
• Medical Review: All health-related content is reviewed by licensed medical professionals

Data Privacy & Analytics

Information We Collect

Coffee Alternatives collects:

• Email addresses: For newsletter subscriptions (with explicit consent)
• Website analytics: Anonymous usage data via Google Analytics
• Comments: User comments on articles (with moderation)

How We Use Information

We use collected information to:

• Improve website content and user experience
• Send requested newsletters and updates
• Understand which topics are most valuable to readers
• Monitor website performance and technical issues

Corrections Policy

We strive for accuracy in all our content. When errors are identified, we:

• Correct them promptly and transparently
• Note the update date at the top of the article
• Announce significant corrections in our newsletter
• Maintain a public corrections log for major errors

Comment & Community Policy

We encourage respectful discussion but reserve the right to remove comments that are:

• Spam or promotional in nature
• Offensive or harassing
• Contain unverified health claims
• Off-topic or disruptive

Contact Information

For questions about this disclosure policy or our editorial practices, please contact:

Policy Updates

This disclosure policy was last updated on December 15, 2024. We may update this policy periodically to reflect changes in our practices or legal requirements. Significant changes will be announced via our newsletter and website.