Muffin Break

How ethical is Muffin Break?

Muffin Break is a coffee shop chain which has a below-benchmark score on The Good Shopping Guide’s Ethical Coffee Shops Ratings Table. Although Muffin Break has not yet met our ethical benchmark, we hope to see the brand make progress in the future.

We would have extra confidence in Muffin Break if it submitted itself to apply for Ethical Accreditation, whereby The Good Shopping Guide would make further detailed assessment and recommendations for ethical improvement. Find out more about the ethical issues facing the Ethical Coffee Shops sector.

What does Muffin Break do?

Muffin Break is a franchise of Foodco operating small coffee shops across Australia, New Zealand and the UK.

In which areas does Muffin Break perform poorly?

Muffin Break was marked down under our criteria for its Environmental Report, as although its parent company, Foodco, does have a brief Sustainability page, this is very basic and does not contain information specific to the UK. Muffin Break’s ‘About Us’ page does not contain any information relating to the environment, so it receives a bottom rating.

Muffin Break was also marked down for our Organic and Fair Trade criteria as it lacks any certification for either of these. it receives a middle rating for GM as it does not have a statement regarding their use. Find out more about how we rate by exploring our ethical criteria.

Past Criticisms of Muffin Break’s  record

In 2023 a Muffin Break franchise in Melbourne was served over 360 charges by the local child employment watchdog. It is alleged that the store employed three children under the age of 15 without a permit and failed to ensure they were supervised by an appropriate person.

In which areas does Muffin Break score well for its ethics?

Muffin Break scores well for its Reusable Cup Scheme. We found no criticisms relating to Nuclear, Fossil Fuels, Animal Welfare, Political Donations or Armaments, so Muffin Break scores well for these criteria.

How can Muffin Break improve its ethical rating?

The below-benchmark score that Muffin Break is awarded with on The Good Shopping Guide’s Ethical Coffee Shops Ratings Table is the result of an evaluation of multiple ethical criteria.

To reach our minimum ethical benchmark and qualify for Ethical Accreditation, Muffin Break has some issues to resolve, including its poor Environmental Report. If it applies for Ethical Accreditation, The Good Shopping Guide will be able to give Muffin Break some guidance to improve on these areas.

Were you aware that your brand could benefit from Ethical Accreditation? Brands accredited by The Good Shopping Guide can display our Ethical Mark, showcasing to consumers that it is an ethical and sustainable brand. If you’re interested in learning more, please contact us or complete a Free Initial Assessment form.