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The Best Coffee Beans: Evaluated by Bean Type, Origin, and Flavor Profile
We know that coffee enthusiasts are always looking for that perfect blend to kick-start their morning or fuel their day. The importance of quality coffee beans has never been more pronounced, with their unique flavors, aroma, and freshness significantly influencing the overall coffee experience. We spent some time researching and evaluating different kind of coffee beans by looking at factors such as bean type, origin, roast level, and flavor profile.
Our search led us to crown the Lavazza Super Crema Whole Coffee Beans as the best coffee beans of 2024. This blend stands out for its smooth, well-balanced flavor and rich, velvety crema, offering an unparalleled coffee-drinking experience. But if you're looking for something a little different, we have four other options on our list that might work for you.
Our Top Picks For Coffee Beans
View all ContentsOur Favorite Coffee Beans
Best Overall
The Lavazza Coffee Beans are an excellent choice for those looking for a rich and creamy cup of coffee. The light-medium espresso roast works wonderfully to bring out the aroma of hazelnuts and brown sugar. Our review team thinks that this blend of 60% Arabica and 40% Robusta is perfect for creating a unique taste in your favorite espresso machine.
For those looking to truly enjoy this blend, the 2.2-pound bag is just right. It’s not too small, which would mean that you’d have to buy more soon after opening up, but it’s also not too large, so you don’t end up with a lot of extra coffee. This coffee is intended for people who care about quality as it contains only pure coffee beans, free from any additives or preservatives. Whether you’re looking for an after-dinner treat or simply something to sip on while enjoying a light snack, this blend offers something for everyone.
Pros
- Mild and creamy flavor
- Comes in 2.2-pound bag
- No added ingredients
Cons
- Flavor is too bitter for some
Best Dark Roast
These Eight O’Clock Coffee Dark Italian Espresso Coffee Beans offer a bold flavor and a full-bodied, rich finish. Roasted in Maryland, USA, this espresso promises to deliver a true espresso experience with its winey notes and robust aroma. The flavor profile of these coffee beans features chocolatey and caramel notes which are enhanced by the dark roast. The boldness of the flavor is perfect for those who are looking for a strong cup of coffee.
For over 100 years, the Eight O’Clock Coffee brand has been delivering high-quality products with robust flavors, and these particular coffee beans are no exception. And we were impressed to see that the company is also committed to supporting coffee farming communities by partnering with different organizations with the goal of improving the lives of everyone involved in the supply chain.
Pros
- Great value
- Roasted in USA
- 100% Arabica beans
Cons
- Not flavorful enough for some
Most Balanced Flavor
San Francisco Bay’s Fog Chaser Whole Coffee Beans offers a unique combination of flavor, balance, and smoothness. The coffee beans are sourced from Arabica coffee, grown at high altitudes and are certified Kosher. It has a medium-dark roast that offers an enjoyable flavor profile that’s perfect for most coffee drinkers. This product is also sustainable and eco-friendly, ensuring a high-quality cup of joe every time.
The beans are handpicked to make sure they meet the company’s quality standards. Consumers can also rest assured knowing that this product has been made with a rich tradition of family-owned pride in the USA. When it comes to storing and grinding the beans, consumers should keep them in a cool, dark place and grinding right before brewing for optimum taste. After reading through reviews, we found that customers are happy with the taste, quality, value, and freshness San Francisco Bay provides.
Pros
- Rich, complex flavor profile
- High-quality, fresh beans
- Sustainable and eco-farmed
Cons
- Beans are a bit oily
Best Value
The Dunkin’ Original Blend Medium Roast Coffee Beans is a great option for coffee lovers looking for a classic cup of joe. Dunkin’ has been a name that’s synonymous with coffee (and donuts) for decades now, and the original blend is the one that made them famous. This rich and smooth blend is specially roasted to give you a taste unmatched by others.
The medium roast profile gives you the perfect balance of flavor and strength to ensure that you’ll enjoy it in any form — hot or iced. For those who own a grinder, all you need to do is grind it up, brew as usual, and enjoy! Plus, it comes in a variety of sizes, so you can try out a small bag or stock up if it’s your favorite roast. As we looked over reviews, we found that customers appreciate the aroma, quality, freshness, taste, and value this blend offers.
Pros
- Smooth and balanced flavor
- Reasonably priced
- Available in different sizes
Cons
- Not strong enough for some
The Best Coffee Beans Buying Guide
When it comes to selecting the perfect coffee beans, there are many factors to consider. This buyer’s guide will provide insight into some key product features you should keep in mind so you can create the perfect cup of coffee.
Roast Level
When selecting coffee beans, consider the roast level to match your taste preferences and brewing method. Light roasts offer fruity acidity and a complex flavor profile, while medium roasts strike a balance with nutty sweetness. Medium-dark roasts bring out bolder flavors with caramelization, and dark roasts offer intense, smoky notes and minimal acidity. Espresso roasts, ideal for concentrated shots, provide a rich, velvety texture with dark chocolate undertones. Experiment with different roast levels to discover your preferred balance of flavor, body, and intensity.
Origin
It’s important to consider what country the coffee beans come from, as this can significantly influence the flavor and cup quality of the coffee. For example, coffee from Central American countries is typically known for its sweet notes, while African coffees tend to have complex acidity and bright, fruity flavors.
Flavor Notes
Flavor notes refer to the characteristics of the coffee that you can taste or smell — such as sweetness, acidity, body, etc. Different coffee regions produce different types of flavors, so it’s essential to determine ahead of time if you’re looking for a particular flavor profile before making your purchase.
Roast Date
The roast date refers to the date when the coffee beans were roasted. Freshness significantly impacts the flavor of coffee, so it’s generally recommended to purchase beans within a few weeks of their roast date for optimal taste.
Bean Type
Coffee beans come in two main varieties — Arabica and Robusta — that have their own unique flavor profiles and characteristics. Arabica beans produce a sweeter and more aromatic cup with notes of chocolate and nuts while Robusta beans have a stronger flavor with a higher caffeine content that’s ideal for espresso-based drinks or lattes.
Quality
Quality is determined by inspection and testing for flavor, cup quality, and aroma, so it’s important to know how rigorous these checks are before buying any type of bean. Specialty grade coffee is generally high quality with few defects; premium grade usually has fewer defects than a standard grade; commercial grade usually has more defects such as sourness or bitterness in flavor.
Freshness
It’s essential to find out how old the roasted beans are before purchasing them since freshness is crucial in achieving great-tasting coffee! Look for clearly labeled dates on bags so you know exactly when they were roasted.
Brand Reputation
It’s always good practice to read up on reviews and customer feedback about any company or brand prior to making any purchases. This will help ensure that you’re making an informed decision about this specific brand.
People Also Asked
How do I properly store coffee beans?
To keep your coffee beans fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. Avoid exposing the beans to air, moisture, heat, and light to maintain their flavor and freshness.
How long do coffee beans last?
Unopened coffee beans can last up to a year. Once opened, it's best to use them within a month or so for the freshest taste.
How should I grind my coffee beans?
The way you decide to grind your coffee beans depends on how you plan to brew your coffee. For example, a coarse grind is suitable for a French press, while a fine grind works better for an espresso machine.
Why does my coffee taste better when the coffee beans are freshly ground?
Coffee usually tastes better when the beans are freshly ground because grinding coffee accelerates the staling process. Once the coffee is ground, it begins to lose flavor due to exposure to air and moisture.
Are there any ethical considerations when buying coffee beans?
Many coffee consumers prioritize purchasing beans that are sustainably sourced and ethically produced. Look for certifications like Fair Trade or Rainforest Alliance to ensure that the coffee you buy supports fair wages and environmental conservation efforts.
How can I tell if my coffee beans are stale?
Stale coffee beans may lose their aroma and develop a flat, dull taste. They may also appear more brittle or faded in color. Using your senses of smell and taste is a good way to determine if your coffee beans are past their prime.
