Kiid Coffee, founded by David Sanborn and his son Ethan, offers a beverage designed for children that provides essential nutrients without the high caffeine content found in traditional coffee. The company started as a personal solution for Ethan’s nutritional needs and evolved into a business that challenges the standards of children’s beverages. With a focus on organic ingredients and a nutrient-rich formula, Kiid Coffee introduces an alternative to sugary drinks and standard multivitamins.
David Sanborn, an entrepreneur with a background in polymer and fiber engineering from Georgia Tech, founded his first consumer brand in 2012. After experiencing moderate success, he shifted his focus to consumable products, launching a line of pet food seasonings in 2016. He successfully scaled and sold the business in 2020. His experience in product formulation and e-commerce positioned him well to create Kiid Coffee.
Ethan Sanborn, who was seven years old when the company was conceived, played a significant role in its development. After breaking both of his tibias within a year, his family realized that conventional children’s foods and multivitamins were not meeting his nutritional needs. Since Ethan enjoyed the taste of coffee mixed with milk, his father experimented with a blend of decaffeinated coffee, cacao, and essential vitamins and minerals to create a balanced drink. When friends and family expressed interest in the beverage, the concept for Kiid Coffee was born.
Kiid Coffee launched in April 2024, following its founding in July 2023. The company quickly gained traction, generating $50,000 in sales within the first four months. Available in three flavors—Original Coffee, Caramel, and Chocolate—each version contains organic, decaffeinated Arabica coffee, raw cacao, prebiotic fiber, and a blend of vitamins and minerals essential for children’s growth. The coffee is processed using a water decaffeination method, ensuring that it is 99.9% caffeine-free without the use of chemicals.
The company emphasizes transparency in its ingredient sourcing. The organic Arabica coffee is freeze-dried to preserve nutrients, while raw cacao retains its natural antioxidants and flavonoids. The vitamin and mineral blend includes calcium, magnesium, iron, zinc, and vitamins A, C, D3, E, B6, and B12. Additionally, organic agave inulin serves as a prebiotic fiber to support gut health. Organic natural flavors of vanilla and caramel are used to enhance taste and mask the naturally bitter flavors of certain minerals.
Kiid Coffee is dairy-free, soy-free, gluten-free, and non-GMO. It is produced in a facility that does not handle peanuts or tree nuts, making it a suitable option for children with dietary restrictions. While most of the ingredients and the manufacturing facility meet kosher standards, the company is awaiting official kosher certification for its instant coffee component.
Preparing Kiid Coffee is simple. Consumers add one scoop of the powdered mix to one ounce of hot milk or water, stir to dissolve, and then add five ounces of warm or cold milk. It can be adjusted for taste by increasing or decreasing the amount of the mix. The beverage is suitable for children aged four and older, and parents are encouraged to consult with pediatricians if they have concerns.
The company’s mission extends beyond providing a nutritious beverage. Kiid Coffee aims to educate children about business and nutrition while challenging misleading claims in the food and supplement industry. Ethan and his younger brother, Logan, participate in taste-testing each batch to ensure the flavors meet their standards. Their input has helped refine the flavors to appeal to kids, with the Chocolate variety resembling hot cocoa and the Caramel flavor offering a sweet but balanced taste.
Kiid Coffee is available online and offers an option for parents seeking a nutritious, low-caffeine alternative to traditional coffee. The company continues to expand its reach, promoting its blend as a convenient and beneficial addition to a child’s diet.
