Where facts come from
| Topic | Sources we use | Rule |
|---|---|---|
| Caffeine | USDA FoodData Central, the FDA consumer page on caffeine, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health | Ranges, not single numbers; the FDA 400 mg line is quoted as FDA guidance and never as advice for you |
| Brewing ratios and times | National Coffee Association brewing guides, SCA brewing guidance as quoted by retailers, maker pages | Two sources where we can find them; a single-source row is labelled "1 source" |
| Cleaning and descaling | The maker's manual or support page for your model | No maker source, no steps; vinegar is covered only where makers allow it |
| Product specs | Maker pages, manuals, amazon.com listings | Dated; see How we choose |
| Drink definitions | Roaster and barista-education pages, and reference sites for definitions | Different cafés make drinks differently; we say so |
Health and safety wording
We make no health-benefit claims. On caffeine pages we cite the FDA reference of about 400 mg a day for most healthy adults and say that limits differ in pregnancy, breastfeeding, for children and teens, with heart conditions and with some medications, so ask your doctor. Cleaning pages tell you to unplug and cool the machine first and to read your manual.
When we are unsure
- A claim with a single source is labelled; a claim with none is removed.
- Where sources disagree, such as grams in a tablespoon of coffee, we show the range and the working figure we used.
- We say "we chose", never "we tested". We publish no star ratings, reviews or testimonials.
Corrections
Write to hello@baristabetter.com with the page and what you think is wrong. The "Updated" date on a page moves only when its content changes.
Related: About, How we choose, editorial disclaimer.