Coffee Concentrate: The New Travel Essential for Australian Jet-Setters
Imagine waking up to the serene view of the South Pacific Ocean, with palm trees swaying gently and a hammock inviting relaxation. The first moments are pure bliss—until that familiar craving for a quality coffee hits. For many Australian travellers, this scenario often leads to disappointment when local brews fail to meet expectations. However, a growing trend is changing the game: coffee concentrate is emerging as a must-pack item for globetrotters.
From Honeymoon Necessity to Travel Staple
The inspiration for this travel innovation came from a real-life experience. Sophie and Jake, a coffee-obsessed couple from Australia, faced this exact dilemma during their honeymoon in Fiji. As self-proclaimed coffee enthusiasts who struggle to function without their morning fix, they found the local offerings at the Outrigger Beach Resort in Sigatoka lacking. Their solution? Packing a bottle of coffee concentrate, which allowed them to enjoy a delicious brew anywhere, requiring only milk or hot water.
This wasn't just a one-off experiment. Since that trip, coffee concentrate has become a non-negotiable item in their travel kit. Their preferred brand, Dosed, is a small business based in Melbourne, Australia's coffee capital. Founded by Catherine and Brendan Gillen, Dosed offers a 200ml bottle containing 15 doses of potent coffee concentrate, distinct from weaker cold brew options.
Why Coffee Concentrate Stands Out
Unlike powdered coffee, which often loses its natural aromas and richness during dehydration, coffee concentrate maintains its full flavour potency. Dosed, in particular, boasts a simple ingredient list of just water and coffee beans, with no preservatives or acidity regulators commonly found in supermarket alternatives. It's also noted to be three times stronger than other concentrates available in Australia.
Brendan Gillen explains that while travel wasn't the initial focus for Dosed, its adoption in this space has been remarkable. "We've seen a lot of customers packing it for overseas trips because they can't reliably find good coffee where they're going," he says. The product has gained popularity among various travellers:
- Airbnb guests and short-stay accommodation visitors lacking proper coffee setups
- Caravaners seeking easy yet high-quality options
- Hiking groups in New Zealand prioritising lightweight and reliable solutions
- Resort-goers in Bali avoiding subpar coffee experiences
To cater to this demand, Dosed has introduced a travel-size bottle suitable for carry-on luggage, making it even more convenient for jet-setters.
Beyond International Adventures
Contrary to assumptions, coffee concentrate isn't limited to overseas trips. During a recent staycation at The Esplanade Hotel, the author had the chance to try Dosed firsthand. Initially hesitant as a fan of sweetened coffee orders, the experience was surprisingly positive. This highlights how travel essentials vary for everyone, whether it's for international journeys or local getaways.
For Australian travellers accustomed to exceptional coffee standards, this innovation offers a reliable solution to avoid disappointing brews abroad. As the trend grows, coffee concentrate is solidifying its place as a modern travel essential, ensuring that no matter where you are, a quality cup is always within reach.
