Coffee is a staple in many people’s daily routines. Whether you need a quick pick-me-up in the morning or a mid-day boost, coffee is millions worldwide’s go-to beverage.
However, finding the perfect blend can be daunting, especially if you’re on a tight budget. In this article, we’ll explore the best cheap coffee options to help you satisfy your caffeine cravings without breaking the bank.
Top Picks
1. Best Overall- Tim Horton’s Arabica Original Coffee
A delightful and balanced blend of Arabica beans that delivers a rich and smooth coffee experience.
2. Best Budget- Lavazza Super Crema
The Best Coffe Blend on a Budget for a Rich and Creamy Experience.
3. Best Tasting- Verena Street – Mississippi Grogg
A flavorful and indulgent coffee with caramel, pecan, and rum notes for a delightful tasting experience.
11 Best Cheap Coffee Options
1. Best Overall- Tim Horton’s Arabica Original Coffee
Price: $30
Highlights:
- Made with 100% Arabica Beans
- Available in Different Formats
- Sustainably Sourced Beans
Tim Horton’s 100% Arabica Original Coffee is a classic coffee blend that coffee enthusiasts worldwide love.
It is made from 100% Arabica beans, carefully selected and roasted to perfection to bring out their rich and smooth flavor.
The coffee is available in various sizes, including ground coffee for drip machines, whole bean coffee, and K-Cup pods for single-serve brewing.
Pros:
- Rich and Smooth Taste
- Reasonably Priced
Cons:
- Lighter-roasted coffee drinkers may not like it.
2. Best Budget- Lavazza Super Crema
Price: $22.31
Highlights:
- Arabica and Robusta Beans
- Medium Roast Coffee
- Used for a Variety of Brewing Methods
- Comes in Whole Bean Form
Lavazza Super Crema is a premium coffee blend that combines the best Arabica and Robusta beans worldwide.
The beans are carefully selected and roasted to a medium level, resulting in a smooth and creamy coffee with a balanced flavor profile.
This versatile coffee can be used for various brewing methods, making it an excellent choice for home or commercial use. The whole bean form allows for maximum freshness and customization of grind size to suit individual preferences.
Pros:
- Smooth and Creamy Flavor Profile
- Optimal Freshness and Customization
Cons:
- It may not suit darker or stronger coffee drinkers.
- It may cost more than other brands.
3. Best Tasting- Verena Street – Mississippi Grogg
Price: $11.99
Highlights:
- A blend of Caramel, Butterscotch, and Hazelnut Flavors
- 100% Arabica Beans
- Available in Different Formats
- Sourced by Sustainable Farms
Verena Street’s Mississippi Grogg is a flavored coffee combining caramel, butterscotch, and hazelnut flavors to create a rich and indulgent taste.
The coffee is made using 100% Arabica beans from sustainable farms worldwide and roasted in small batches to ensure freshness and quality.
The coffee is available in whole bean, ground, and single-serve pod options, making it convenient for different brewing methods.
Pros:
- Rich and Indulgent Taste.
- It ensures Freshness and Quality.
Cons:
- Some regions may not have coffee.
- The flavor may not suit everyone.
4. Best Organic- Death Wish Coffee Dark Roast
Price: $17.48
Highlights:
- World’s Strongest Coffee
- Organic and Fair-trade Coffee Beans
- Certified by USDA Organic and Kosher
Death Wish Coffee is a dark roast coffee made from a blend of Arabica and Robusta beans. The beans are sourced from organic and fair-trade farms worldwide and roasted in small batches to ensure optimal flavor and aroma.
This coffee has a bold and robust flavor profile, with notes of chocolate and cherry and a smooth finish. Death Wish Coffee is available in ground, whole bean, and single-serve formats.
Pros:
- High Caffeine Content
- Bold and Robust Flavor
Cons:
- Higher Price Point
- High caffeine content may not be suitable for everyone.
5. Best Affordable- Eight O’clock Coffee
Price: $26.20
Highlights:
- 100% Arabica Coffee Blend
- Variety of Flavors and Roasts
- High-Quality Beans
This brand has been around since 1859 and has been a favorite for many coffee lovers on a budget. Their 100% Arabica beans deliver a smooth and rich taste.
The coffee is made from high-quality, hand-picked beans roasted in small batches to ensure freshness. Their prices are also reasonable, with a 12 oz bag typically costing around $6.
Pros:
- Smooth and Rich Taste
- Variety of Flavors and Roasts
Cons:
- Some customers may have experienced inconsistent quality from bag to bag.
- Eight O’clock Coffee is not as environmentally sustainable as other coffee brands.
6. Best Classic Roast- Folgers
Price: $76.99
Highlights:
- Classic Medium Roast
- 100% Pure Coffee Beans
- Different Packaging Options
- Used in Different Coffee Makers
Folgers Classic Roast is a famous ground coffee blend lovers have enjoyed for many years. It is made from 100% pure coffee beans that are carefully selected and roasted to provide a rich and smooth taste.
The medium roast provides a perfect balance of flavor and aroma, making it suitable for everyday consumption and special occasions. In addition, the coffee can be used in various coffee makers, including drip coffee makers, French press, and pour-over.
It is available in different sizes and packaging options, including a canister, vacuum-sealed bricks, and single-serve packets.
The packaging is designed to maintain the freshness and aroma of the coffee for a longer time.
Pros:
- Rich and Smooth Flavor
- Affordable
Cons:
- Organic and Fair-Trade coffee drinkers may not like it.
- Packaging may create plastic waste.
7. McCafé Premium Roast Cheap Coffee
Price: $13.49
Highlights:
- 100% Arabica Beans
- Sustainably Sourced
- Consistent Quality
- Available in Different Forms
McCafé Premium Roast is a medium roast coffee made from 100% Arabica beans. The beans are carefully selected and roasted to create a rich, smooth flavor for everyday consumption.
It’s an excellent option for those who prefer a more medium roast. Prices are also reasonable, with a 12 oz bag costing around $7.
This coffee is available in both ground and whole bean formats, allowing customers to choose the option that best suits their needs.
Pros:
- Customizable
- Affordable
- Perfect for on the Go
Cons:
- It may not be suitable for customers with caffeine sensitivity.
8. Maxwell House Original Roast
Price: $8.98
Highlights:
- Classic Original Roast
- High-Quality Beans
- Available in Instant and Ground Forms
Maxwell House Original Roast is a medium roast coffee blend with 100% pure coffee beans.
The beans are carefully selected from different regions worldwide and roasted to perfection to bring out the rich, full-bodied flavor and aroma coffee lovers crave.
The coffee is available in both ground and instant forms, so customers can choose the method that best suits their preferences.
Their prices are also very reasonable, with a 30.6 oz can typically costing around $8.
Pros:
- Full Bodied Flavor
- Affordable Option
Cons:
- Low-acid or decaffeinated customers may not like the coffee.
9. Amazon Fresh Colombia Whole Bean Coffee
Price: $13.74
Highlights:
- Premium Quality
- Single-Origin
- Whole Bean Freshness
- Sustainable Sourced
Amazon Fresh Coffee brings Colombian coffee’s rich and distinctive flavors to your cup. Sourced from the renowned coffee regions of Colombia, this coffee is carefully selected for its exceptional quality and taste.
The beans are left whole until you’re ready to brew, preserving the freshness and aroma that make Colombian coffee so beloved.
The single-origin nature of this coffee means that it captures the essence of Colombia’s diverse coffee-growing regions. Each sip embodies the flavors and nuances unique to this origin, from the lush mountains to the optimal climate.
Whether you prefer a bold and full-bodied cup or a mellow and balanced profile, Amazon Fresh Colombia Whole Bean Coffee offers various flavors to suit different preferences.
In addition to delivering an exceptional coffee experience, Amazon Fresh prioritizes sustainable sourcing practices. By working directly with coffee farmers and cooperatives, they ensure fair prices and support community development initiatives.
This commitment to sustainability enhances the product’s overall value, allowing customers to enjoy their coffee with a sense of environmental and social responsibility.
Pros:
- Qualitative and Distinct Flavors
- Versatile Grind Options
Cons:
- Whole bean freshness requires a coffee grinder.
- It may cost more than pre-ground coffee.
10. Dunkin’ Donuts Original Blend
Price: $7.96
Highlights:
- Iconic Original Blend
- 100% Arabica Beans
- Consistent Quality
Dunkin’ Donuts Original Blend is a classic option for those who prefer a medium roast coffee. This brand is known for its smooth and rich flavor, with notes of caramel and nuts.
It’s an excellent option for those who like their coffee with a bit of sweetness without adding additional flavorings. Dunkin’ Donuts is also known for its affordability, with a 12 oz bag of ground coffee typically costing around $8.
This brand is widely available in supermarkets and online, making it an accessible option for those looking for the best cheap coffee. Top of Form
Pros:
- Flavorful and Smooth
- Customizable
Cons:
- Limited Selection
- Moderate Acidity
11. Peet’s Coffee Major Dickason’s Blend
Price: $43.64
Highlights:
- Rich and Bold Flavor Profile
- Blended Premium Coffee Beans
- Consistent and Reliable Quality
Peet’s Coffee Major Dickason’s Blend is a renowned and popular coffee blend that offers an exceptional coffee experience to its customers.
This blend is a testament to Peet’s Coffee’s commitment to delivering high-quality and delicious coffee crafted with meticulous attention to detail.
One of the critical strengths of Major Dickason’s Blend is its full-bodied nature. As a result, customers can experience a robust and intense coffee flavor that lingers on the palate with every sip.
In addition, the blend offers a delightful combination of deep, dark chocolate notes, hints of fruitiness, and a smooth finish.
Consistent and reliable quality is another standout feature of this blend. Peet’s Coffee takes great care in sourcing, roasting, and blending the beans to ensure that every cup of Major Dickason’s Blend meets its high standards.
As a result, customers can rely on this blend’s consistent flavor and quality, making it a go-to choice for coffee enthusiasts.
Pros:
- Well Balanced Taste
- Reliable Consistency
Cons:
- Strong coffee may be too much for some.
- Some may find the strong flavor overpowers milk or sweets.
12. Best Medium Roast Cheap Coffee- Caribou
Price: $12.28
Highlights:
- Medium Roasted Ground Coffee
- 100% Arabica Coffee
- Rainforest Alliance Certified
Caribou Medium Roast Coffee offers a rich, smooth coffee experience with a well-balanced flavor profile and a pleasant aroma. It caters to coffee enthusiasts who appreciate the versatility of brewing methods and desire consistent quality in each cup.
While it may not provide an intense caffeine kick or offer an extensive range of roast options, it remains a reliable choice for those seeking a satisfying and flavorful coffee experience.
Pros:
- Balanced Flavor Profile
- Smooth Finish
- Consistent Quality
Cons:
- Moderate Caffeine Content
- Limited Roast Options
13. Seattle’s Dark Roast Ground Coffee
Price: $43.41
Highlights:
- 100% Arabica Coffee Beans
- Dark Roasted Ground Coffee
- Rich and Bold Flavor
Seattle’s Dark Roast Ground Coffee offers a solid and flavorful cup of coffee that deeply satisfies those who enjoy a bolder taste. It perfectly balances bitterness and richness, leaving a lasting impression on your palate.
The coffee is made from carefully selected Arabica beans, known for their superior quality and distinctive flavor characteristics. This ensures that each cup of Seattle’s Dark Roast Ground Coffee is consistently delicious and of premium quality.
The coffee is suitable for various brewing methods, making it a versatile choice for coffee lovers. Whether you prefer a drip coffee maker, French press, or espresso machine, this dark roast coffee will deliver a consistently excellent taste.
Seattle’s Dark Roast Ground Coffee contains a higher caffeine content than lighter roasts, providing a more vital and refreshing energy boost. It can help kick-start your day or provide a mid-day pick-me-up.
Pros:
- High-quality Beans
- Wide Compatibility
- Energizing Effect
Cons:
- The intense flavor might not suit everyone.
14. Starbucks Dark Roast Ground Coffee
Price: $38.19
Highlights:
- Dark-Roasted French Coffee
- Premium Ground Coffee
- 100% Arabica Coffee Beans
Starbucks Dark Roast Ground Coffee offers a robust and intense flavor profile that is perfect for those who prefer a strong cup of coffee. Its deep and smoky notes create a satisfying and memorable taste experience.
This dark roast blend is crafted using high-quality Arabica beans from different regions worldwide. The beans are carefully selected and expertly roasted to produce the best flavors and aromas.
Whether you prefer a French press, drip coffee maker, or espresso machine, Starbucks Dark Roast Ground Coffee can be brewed ideally using your preferred brewing method.
Its versatility allows you to enjoy a consistent and delicious cup of coffee, regardless of your brewing equipment.
Pros:
- Rich and Bold Flavor Profile
- Aromatic and Inviting Aroma
- Well-balanced and Smooth Finish
- Wide Availability
Cons:
- Expensive
Buyer’s Guide: Buying the Best Cheap Coffee
When it comes to finding the best cheap coffee, there are a few factors to consider to ensure you get the most value for your money.
While affordable, finding a coffee that offers decent flavor and quality is still possible. Here is a buyer’s guide to help you navigate the options and make an informed decision:
Roast Level
Determine your preferred roast level. Coffee beans can be light, medium, or dark roasted, each offering a distinct flavor profile.
Light roasts tend to have a brighter and more acidic taste, while dark roasts have a bolder and more robust flavor. Experiment with different roast levels to find your preference within the budget range.
Coffee Type
Decide on the type of coffee you prefer. There are two main types: Arabica and Robusta.
Arabica beans generally have a smoother, sweeter taste, while Robusta beans are more bitter and have higher caffeine content.
Arabica beans are often considered higher quality, but Robusta beans are typically more affordable. Consider your flavor preferences and budget when choosing between the two.
Ground or Whole Bean
Determine whether you want pre-ground coffee or whole beans. Whole beans retain their freshness and flavor longer, providing a better taste when ground before brewing.
However, pre-ground coffee may be more suitable if convenience is a priority. Remember that pre-ground coffee tends to lose flavor faster due to increased surface area exposed to air.
Packaging
Pay attention to the packaging of the coffee. Look for options in airtight containers or resealable bags to preserve freshness and prevent moisture from seeping in.
Opt for packaging with a one-way valve to release carbon dioxide while preventing oxygen from entering, as this helps maintain the flavor and aroma.
Brand Reputation
Research and consider the reputation of the coffee brand. While affordability is important, reputable brands often have quality control measures to ensure a consistent and enjoyable coffee experience.
Look for brands with positive customer reviews and a commitment to sourcing and producing good-quality coffee, even within a budget.
Flavor Notes
Some cheap coffees may lack complexity in flavor compared to more expensive options. However, some brands still manage to offer pleasant flavor notes.
Look for descriptions of flavor notes on the packaging or product descriptions. For example, hints of chocolate, nuts, citrus, or other flavors may enhance your coffee experience.
Trial and Error
Understand that finding the best cheap coffee may require some trial and error.
Different brands and blends offer varying tastes and quality, so be open to experimenting until you find the one that suits your preferences within your budget.
Remember, the best cheap coffee is subjective and dependent on personal taste.
While budget-friendly options may not always match the flavor profile of higher-priced coffees, with some research and experimentation, you can still find a satisfying cup of coffee that fits your budget.
Conclusion
Finding the perfect cup of coffee doesn’t have to be expensive. With so many great options for cheap coffee available, you can satisfy your caffeine cravings without breaking the bank.
Remember to look for a well-balanced flavor profile, quality beans, and an affordable price.
So, whether you prefer a classic roast or a unique blend, there’s a cheap coffee for everyone. So, enjoy your cup of joe and save some money in the process.
Also, don’t forget to try out some of the specialty options for a unique coffee experience.
Remember, just because you’re on a budget doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice quality. With the proper knowledge and resources, you can find the best cheap coffee that fits your taste and budget.
FAQs
How much should I expect to pay for a bag of cheap coffee?
Prices for cheap coffee can vary, but you should be able to find a good quality bag of coffee for around $6 to $8.
Is it possible to find ethically sourced cheap coffee?
Yes, many brands offer ethically sourced coffee at an affordable price, including Amazon Fresh Colombia Whole Bean Coffee.
What should I look for when buying cheap coffee?
When buying cheap coffee, look for a well-balanced flavor profile, quality beans, and an affordable price.
Can I use a French press for cheap coffee?
Yes, a French press is a great way to brew cheap coffee and can help bring out the flavor notes in the beans.