It cannot be easy to select the best coffee beans choose from dozens of different brands. It is effortless to obtain a product that is stale or of poor quality.
Naturally, there’s the issue of quality. Pay attention to the origin of your coffee, the sorts of beans processed, and may or may not be certified organic when purchasing.
Considering all of the variables may rapidly become complex and intimidating, especially if you are inexperienced with all of the terminology.
Top 15 Picks of Best Coffee Beans
1. Stumptown Coffee Roasters, Hair Bender – Whole Bean Coffee
Highlights
- 100% Arabica Coffee
- Hair Blender Whole Bean Coffee
- Citric and Dark Chocolate Flavor Notes
- 1-12 Ounce Bag
- Freshly Roasted
- Caffeinated
Product Description
It all began with this sweet and well-balanced cup of joe. There’s a reason Hair Bender is our most selling coffee. No matter how you prepare it, it’s a mood-lifter.
Indonesia’s rich textures complement classic Latin American and African flavors in a cup of Hair Bender Blend. Citrus and dark chocolate flavors abound in this 100 percent Arabica cup of joe.
Whether you like it light or dark, single-origin or blended, we precisely roast coffee beans to bring out the best in each one.
If you don’t open them, our resealable bags preserve coffee fresh for up to three months. Most backpacks will have a “roast on” and “fresh by” date printed on them for easy reference. Within two weeks of opening, consume all coffee.
2. Bulletproof- The Original Whole Bean Coffee
Highlights
- 12 ounces of medium roast coffee
- Bulletproof Keto friendly
- 100% Arabica coffee
- Certified Clean Coffee
- Sourced from Guatemala
- Rainforest Alliance
- Colombia, and El Salvador
Product Description
As an organization, bulletproof stands out because of its original and one-of-a-kind products. Something that improves the quality of their coffee’s taste as well as its overall performance. In the meantime, let’s talk about the drink that’s going to be served with it.
Creating the best-quality and highest-performing coffee takes years of research and relentless desire. The result is their premium Bulletproof blend.
The coffee is made with organic, hand-picked seeds selected by expert coffee roasters. They are farmed without pesticides or chemicals.
It has been thoroughly investigated and developed to minimize the entrance of mold and pollutants that ultimately affect the coffee’s performance.
Their coffee is superb on its own. It helps you feel bulletproof, but they’ve developed a better formula for it, and that’s how they got the term.
3. Peet’s Coffee Dark Roast Whole Bean Coffee
Highlights
- Whole Bean Coffee
- Major Dickason’s Blend
- 18 Ounce Bag Dark Roast
- Contains Caffeinated Caffeine
- Arabica coffee is 100% Pure
Product Description
Major Dickason’s Blend, created by Mr. Peet and his most demanding customer, has become the coffee that best represents Peet’s distinctive flavor.
Rich, complex, and full-bodied, this world blend is incomparably good. It is roasted to a dark brown color. Arabica coffee is one hundred percent pure.
Alfred Peet was well-known for his blends, which brought together great coffees that each could stand alone. Look no farther than our unique mixes for unmatched nuance and complexity.
Hand-roasting in small amounts and maintaining the tightest freshness standards are how we obtain our characteristic-rich flavor. A 1- 18-ounce bag of Peet’s Major Dickason’s Blend Dark Roast Whole Bean Coffee.
4. VALHALLA JAVA Whole Bean Coffee
Highlights
- World’s Strongest Coffee
- High-Quality Caffeine
- Beans, including Arabica and Robusta
- Fair Trade USDA-Certified Organic
- Try it Risk-Free
Product Description
Valhalla Java whole beans are from Indonesia, Central, and South America’s fertile volcanic soil. Every bag of the world’s most robust coffee bursts with caffeine that will energize you from the first drink.
Enjoy every sip of artisan taste. After one cup of our finest whole bean coffee, you’ll never repurchase store-bought. Our entire coffee beans have a flavor intensity you won’t find anywhere else.
An earthy coffee aroma fills you up while leaving you feeling refreshed, motivated, and ready to take on the day.
You will hear from tens of thousands of happy consumers when they tell you how much they love and appreciate our coffee. However, we’ll leave the final decision to you. We’ll refund your money if you don’t like our coffee.
Each 340g Valhalla Java bag contains Sustainable Manufacturing practices USDA Certified whole coffee beans. When you purchase Valhalla Java, you’re empowering not only yourself but also other coffee bean producers throughout the world.
5. Organic Medium Roast Coffee by LifeBoost Coffee
Highlights
- 12 ounces of Whole Bean
- Aroma: Touches of Caramel and Woody Notes.
- Tasting Notes: Rich, Full-Bodied, Earthy.
- Preferred Brewing Styles: French press, pour-over, Espresso
- USDA Organic
- Single-Origin Coffee with Low Acidity
- Free of Mycotoxins and Pesticides Tested by a Third Party
Product Description
Specialty coffee from high altitudes is used in the production of Lifeboost. The Specialty Coffee Association (SCA) classifies coffee as a specialty if it receives a score of 80 or higher.
Lifeboost buys beans from mountain plantations in Nicaragua. In high-elevation plantations, the coffee berries ripen longer due to the shadow of neighboring plants.
When coffee beans are allowed to mature over a more extended period, they absorb extra nutrients and develop a richer flavor.
The coffee is hand-picked at its ripest, sorted to remove impurities, roasted, and tasted by Q Graders, certified tasters.
These coffee beans not only taste great, but they are also low in acidity, free of GMOs and mold, and mycotoxins.
6. Blue Mountain Coffee from Jamaica
Highlights
- Arabica Bean Variety
- Cultivated in Jamaica
- Coffee is Roasted to a Medium-Darkness
- Overtones of Nuts and Fragrant Herbs.
- Flavor: Mild and Smooth with Vibrant Acidity
Product Description
The amount of coffee produced in Jamaica each year is limited, but not all originate from the Blue Mountain region. Coffee does, however, grow here, but it does so at a significantly higher elevation.
It has minimal production, and roughly 80% of the annual harvest is exported to Japan. The production of these beans is very time-consuming, as they must be hand-picked from the mountaintops.
Higher altitude, lower humidity, and volcanic soil contribute to a lengthier harvesting period of about ten months, making it unique among coffee-growing countries.
Due to the careful brewing process, the finished cup of joe will be well balanced with a whole body, medium acidity, and a moderately sweet flavor. Blue Mountain coffee has a reputation for being one of the smoothest brews around.
7. Death Wish Coffee- Best Dark Roast Coffee Brand
Highlights
- 100% Arabica Coffee Beans
- The Strongest in the World
- Bold Flavor
- Fair and Organic
- Try it Risk-Free
- Arabica and Robusta beans
- USDA Certified Organic
Product Description
You’ll be amazed at how much better your morning cup of joe will taste after using our whole coffee beans.
The world’s most fantastic entire coffee beans. After one cup of our finest coffee, you’ll never go back. With every drink of Death Wish Coffee, you’ll feel energized and flavored.
Take in a smooth, delicate, sweet-tart cherry and chocolatey flavor profile. We’ve chosen top Arabica and Robusta whole coffee beans worldwide to create a dark roast coffee beverage with a robust flavor.
In each 16-ounce bag of Death Wish Coffee, you’ll find Fair Trade and USDA Certified Organic whole coffee beans, providing you an organic caffeine boost you can feel good about.
Thousands of happy clients who can’t get enough of our whole Arabica beans love Death Wish Coffee. We’ll let you decide. If you don’t like our coffee, we’ll return your money.
8. Lavazza Super Crema Whole Bean Coffee
Highlights
- Blend of Whole Beans with Extra Crema
- Medium Roasted Coffee Beans
- 2.2 Pounds
Product Description
Lavazza has been producing world-renowned coffees since 1895. The company’s founder was passionate about discovering world-class coffees and combining them. Today, the family combines the best of arabica and Robusta beans.
Robusta’s and Arabicas come from Vietnam and Indonesia. It’s intentional, as each origin has its distinct flavor profile. Their coffee blends take sources into account to create something unique. This mix has a 4/5 scent rating, with notes of honey, almonds, and dried fruit.
Their coffee is not only aromatic and tasty but also pure. Their chemical-free approach ensures the cleanest, most precise, the healthiest result. They closely monitor each step and adapt as needed.
They’ve only known top-notch quality for almost a century, and they have no intention of changing that.
9. Volcanica Coffee Company – Dark Roast Blend
Highlights
- Arabica Blend
- Origin: Colombia, Guatemala, and Sumatra
- Dark Roast
- Best for Espresso
Product Description
To make this coffee, we used beans from three different coffee-growing regions: Colombia, Guatemala, and Sumatra, an Indonesian island.
There’s a good reason Volcanica selected these locations: each is known for producing superior coffee beans. Because coffee in Sumatra is entirely collected by hand, it’s much less likely that customers will receive damaged beans.
Colombian coffee beans add sweet and nutty flavors to the blend, while Guatemalan coffee beans add a rich, smokey aroma famous worldwide.
There are intense chocolate and caramel overtones in this blend because of the dark roasting profile. Consider checking out our guide to the best dark roasted coffee beans instead if this is your cup of tea.
10. Stone Street Cold Brew
Highlights
- Blend of Strong and Smooth Coffee
- Cold Brew Coffee
- Coarsely ground
- Colombian Single Origin
- Dark Roast
Product Description
Cold brew coffee is a versatile technique of brewing that many people enjoy. Many struggles to perfect cold-brew due to a strong urge for it. It would be best if you had the correct roast and coarseness to enhance the flavor and satisfaction.
Stone Street Cold Brew is dark roasted for maximum flavor. It’s also coarsely milled for excellent cold brew extraction. Every time, you get a smooth, robust, and tasty cup of cold coffee.
Stone Street is a specialty small-batch roaster, which means each batch is closely checked for quality and freshness. Also, all roasting takes place in Brooklyn, New York.
They are proud of their close and ethical relationships with their leading choices – a diverse group of coffee farms worldwide. Their dedication to small-batch roasting and sourcing strengthens the ability to say their coffee beans are among the best available.
Aside from their exceptional cold brew, they provide a good selection of coffees. Their Espresso, for instance, is excellent, and you can get it whole or ground. If you want unroasted green coffee beans, they have those too.
11. Spirit Animal Coffee – Medium Roast Pick
Highlights
- Whole Bean Coffee
- Catuai & Bourbon Coffee
- Medium Roast Coffee
- Honduran Coffee Beans that Are 100% Pure Bred
- Non-Gmo and Low Acid Coffee Beans
Product Description
This low-acid coffee is made from a carefully selected combination of medium-roasted coffee beans. Enjoy the best Honduran coffee of 2021 with a thick, creamy chocolate flavor.
Spirit Animal coffee is far less acidic than ordinary coffee, making it softer on the stomach. Our coffee is ideal for those who suffer from gastric reflux certainly prefer a healthy cup of coffee.
Indulge yourself in a cup of fresh, pure coffee. Using the Specialty Coffee Association’s coffee quality scale, our whole coffee beans are sourced from high-end Honduran single-origin micro-lots and have obtained a 90.5 rating.
Our organic coffee beans are darker in color in high-altitude micro plots. After carefully selecting the top 1percent of an overall of beans, they are meticulously washed to retain their superior taste.
Enjoy your specialty coffee while it’s still hot. Because our coffee beans are prepared in Honduras, they arrive at you with the finest, freshest flavors and fragrances possible. They are then packed and sent through 2-hour air freight.
12. Intelligentsia El Gallo Organic
Highlights
- Breakfast Blend Made with Organic Ingredients
- Medium-Roasted
- Whole Bean Coffee
- USDA Organic
- 11-ounce bag from Direct Trade
Product Description
It has a smooth, candied flavor and a round mouthfeel like our House Blend, but it’s organic. Citrus and stone fruit flavors mingle with undertones of milky nougat and caramel in this delightful morning cup.
Citrus, dried fruits, and caramel flavors can all be found in El Gallo. This is a great way to start your day!
Every year, we add new ingredients to our blends to keep them fresh. We support the profiles up-to-date while also ensuring freshness and quality.
Although direct trade techniques are popular right now, we brought them to the coffee sector instead of adopting them. Since we’re committed, we can work with our growers to improve quality by leveraging data and best practices.
13. Four Sigmatic Mushroom Ground Coffee
Highlights
- Mushroom Ground Coffee
- Dark Roast Coffee
- Lion’s Mane Grounds
- Immune Support
- Perfect for all diets
- No Mushroom Taste
Product Description
Unlike most mixes, this one not only tastes great, but it has a slew of additional health advantages as well. Everyone trying to improve their nutritional intake and general health should consider it.
For starters, it’s USDA organic, which indicates it’s grown and harvested without using any chemicals or pesticides. This is the foundation of all good coffee, and you don’t want chemicals ruining it.
However, Lion’s Mane, Chaga, and fungus powder are used for an extra kick in this blend. Coffee can benefit from each of these additions.
For starters, the reduced caffeine concentration of this combo promotes creativity and focus. Lion’s Mane is a natural adaptogen that has been shown to improve memory, attentiveness, and focus. This is the ideal way to start your morning.
Additionally, the organic Chaga fungus includes antioxidants that are beneficial to the immune system.
14. Kicking Horse Coffee, Three Sisters- Whole Bean
Highlights
- Medium Roasted Whole Bean
- Tasting notes, as well as brewing instructions
- Origin: Indonesia, Central America, and the Caribbean
- Certified Organic
- Weight: 2.2 Pounds
- Arabica coffee that’s free-trade, kosher, and shade-grown.
Product Description
Kicking Horse characterizes this coffee as having tastes of sweet nicotine, stone fruit, and cocoa that are smooth, savory, and seductive.
The Canadian Rocky Mountains form a striking trio in the song “3 Sisters.” Pay your respects to these majestic peaks.
Sweet tobacco, stone fruit, and cocoa flavors combine to create a well-rounded and nuanced flavor. French press, dripping machine, pour-over, and cold brew are all recommended methods of brewing coffee.
It is produced by farmers who practice sustainable economic practices while also being socially and environmentally responsible.
Roasted beneath the jagged Canadian granite mountains, it’s all rich, dark, and wonderful.
15. Real Good Coffee Company
Highlights
- Organic Dark Roast Coffee Beans
- Whole Beans
- 2 lb. Bag
- Beans that are 100% Arabica
- Grind Your Own
Product Description
This straightforward, back-to-basic coffee won’t disappoint. It’s USDA organic, making it one of the healthier selections due to the lack of fertilizers and pesticides.
The beans come from a single source and are made entirely from Arabica. They are then freshly roasted in limited quantities in Seattle, Washington, in the United States of America.
This roast’s flavor qualities are intended for individuals who prefer hotter coffee over sweet. It has undertones of cedar, green peppers, and lemon acidity. It’s a bold but classic way to start the day.
A passionate team of coffee lovers runs the company. They strive to provide an authentic and honest experience. Their primary packaging and lack of gimmicks or outrageous promises help. A coffee roaster for over 30 years, they have been enthusiastic about their product.
They make simple, professional, high-quality coffee in a variety of ways. They assure their coffee beans can be roasted to fit any coffee maker or brewing method.
Also Read: Top 11 Best Coffee Beans in the World – Guide
Pros and Cons of Best Coffee Beans
Pros: Pronounced Flavor, Subtle Complexity
When stored properly, whole bean coffee retains its quality and flavor for a longer time. Whole beans will cure your Morning blues if you prefer the full subjective perception of a great cup of black coffee.
The flavor and aroma of coffee are derived from the oil that covers the entire bean. When coffee beans are ground, the vital oils begin to evaporate, reducing the freshness and flavor of the resulting coffee.
Try a cup of pre-ground coffee, then a cup of freshly ground coffee. That distinct taste? That subtlety? That’s whole bean coffee. And when you combine a tasty whole Bean Coffee with an excellent coffee bean grinder, magic happens.
They are supplied inhomogeneous, medium-fine grinds for the average home coffee machine. If you use too fine or big coffee grinds, your morning cup will quickly lose flavor. By crushing your whole beans, you may customize your coffee maker.
For the French press, coarse grind. For Espresso, use an excellent grind. No more sour or acidic coffee because your bean grinds are too large or little for your household coffee machine.
Cons: Time Is Money
They are supplied inhomogeneous, medium-fine grinds for the average home coffee machine. If you use too fine or big coffee grinds, your morning cup will quickly lose flavor. By crushing your whole beans, you may customize your coffee maker.
Because of its sweet and zesty characteristics, this coffee is referred to as a “fruit bomb.” This single-origin coffee’s high altitude, rich soil, and medium roast give it a distinctive flavor profile.
Beans Variety: The Difference Between Arabica and Robusta
Arabica and Robusta blends are two terms you’re likely to see on labels. Everything sounds great, no doubt. Nonetheless, what exactly does it all entail?
Even though there are over a hundred distinct varieties of coffee, the business is dominated by just two. Arabica and Robusta are, of course, the two varieties in question.
Arabica Beans
75% of the coffee we drink is Arabica, which is the most prevalent variety. It isn’t, surprisingly, because they’re so easy to grow. Robusta beans are easier to raise, whereas Arabica is much more difficult.
Due to their higher altitude, they are more prone to pest infestations. These qualities make it more difficult to keep the trees healthy and collect their fruits and nuts.
The cherry on top is that they have a lesser yield as well.
Despite this, Arabica beans have a softer, more palatable flavor than Robusta beans, which are significantly bitter.
Robusta Beans
However, although Robusta beans require less maintenance and are grown at lower altitudes than Arabica beans, they remain a relative unknown in the world of coffee.
Because they have a harsh, bitter taste, they are not as popular as they once were. ‘100% Arabica,’ thus, is often seen flashing on labels.
It’s cheaper to buy Robusta beans because they have a higher caffeine level, and that caffeine content makes them ideal for use in instant coffee. There is an 83% increase in caffeine in Robusta beans compared to Arabica beans and more antioxidants in their less desirable cousin.
After all, the flavor is the most important determining factor when it comes to coffee! The Arabica bean will continue for a long time, but don’t forget about Robusta’s place in the world.
Roasting Grade and Degree Explained
Weak Roasting
Much to the Danish concept of “happiness,” this Scandinavian practice is now spreading more and further all around the globe.
As a result, the fruity and citrus flavors that roasting generally hides are brought to light. Instead of using roasting to extract more flavor, this method relies on the natural flavor of the freshly roasted raw coffee bean.
Recall that lighter roasts have more caffeine in them than their darker roasts.
Medium Roast
The level of roasting known as a medium is both common and popular.
Roasted coffee has more flavor complexity and body than unroasted coffee. It also has lower caffeine content.
Medium-dark roast: Medium-dark roasts provide a richer, more fragrant flavor than lighter roasts because they are darker in color.
Roasting intensifies the flavor of the bean because it now begins to expel oils.
Dark Roast
French, Italian, or Espresso roasts are all options you may be familiar with; this type is distinguished by its dark roasting, in which the roasting process dominates any native flavors.
To sum it up: smokey, charred (in an excellent way), and bitter (if you’re into that kind of thing).
Darker roasts have less caffeine, as previously stated. The stronger flavor does not usually mean more caffeine, so don’t be misled.
Coffee Beans Terminology
Flavored – Coffee’s “flavor” refers to the bean’s endemic characteristics. The roasting procedure has varying degrees of effect on these ingredients.
Organic – Grown without using poisons, chemical fertilizers, or any other synthetic chemicals.
Origin – What region grew the coffee bean? The term “single-origin” refers to the coffee bean originating from a single region or country. There are times when it relates to a specific piece of land.
Acidity – Acidity in coffee refers to a flavor profile that includes a nice tartness and a sweet taste.
*Not to be misunderstood with pH—coffee has less acidity than other widely consumed drinks. Low-acid coffee is designed to reduce stomach acidity and discomfort in sensitive people.
Caffeine – Coffee contains a molecule called chlorogenic acid, which acts as an antioxidant on the neural system, causing you to feel more alert and less weary.
Frequently Asked Question (FAQs)
What is the Best Whole Bean Coffee?
It’s preferable to buy whole bean coffee that’s fresh-roasted, sold by a reliable company, and uniform in size (e.g., discoloration, chips, cracks, and coffee rust).
The beans on this list are superb whole bean coffee because they are grown in places known for producing premium coffee. It’s not about the coffee kind, but about the farming and processing.
Why are there different Grinds for Coffee?
Coffee grinds come in various sizes and types, depending on the brewing process. For French presses or other brewing equipment with large gauge filters, a coarse grind is desirable.
Most drip coffeemakers can handle medium to fine grinds, but for Espresso, you’ll need excellent grinds. If you want a substantial Turkish coffee, the beans should be grinded until they resemble flour.
Do Some Kinds of Coffee Have More Caffeine Than Others?
Yes. Usual coffee has more nicotine than decaf. Concerning naturally occurring caffeine, the Arabica bean, which is used for most mixes and specialty coffees, contains less than half the found naturally found caffeine in the less taste Robusta beans.
Robustas are low-quality bitter beans commonly used in mass-produced coffees sold in huge plastic containers at supermarkets.
Is It Okay To Grind Your Beans in Advance?
Many roasters indeed offer ground coffee; however, most roasters give ground coffee with the expectation that you will utilize it within a short time. Invest in a Burr grinder. A Conical Burr grinder is preferred. You’ll appreciate it.
Keeping unground beans cool and dry in an airtight container will retain them healthy and flavorful for several weeks.
Whole beans can be frozen for up to a month if divided into one day around one portion and stored in sealed Ziploc baggies rather than used Chinese food boxes.
What Beans Should I Choose for A French Press?
The best beans for a French press are medium or dark roast, coarsely ground. Choosing the appropriate bean is crucial since the French press filtration allows oils from the beans to remain in your cup.
Conclusion
Grocers have a better chance of supplying you with delicious and best coffee beans since they concentrate on sourcing from local producers and importing top-notch coffee from around the world.
Direct purchases from well-known roasters are always the best. Find out when they roast their coffee and when it will be available to buy and deliver by contacting them directly.
You’ll save a lot of money by eliminating the middlemen, and the roaster will benefit from this as well. Also, buy in bulk, so you always have a supply of fresh coffee on hand.