Introduction
Love great coffee but don't have time to boil your own beans? No problem! Look into store-bought beans. There are tons to choose from – whatever your taste or budget.
- Bold dark roast?
- Light, fruity medium roast?
Find the best store-bought beans here. Get caffeinated goodness without the effort!
Types of Coffee Beans
Coffee beans – what a variety! Roasts, flavors, and origins – oh my! With so many choices, selecting the right one for you is not a simple task. Let's explore the different types of beans and how to make the best pick.
Arabica
Coffee beans come in many varieties. The two main species are Arabica and Robusta. Arabica beans have a more subtle flavor, smoother texture and complex flavor compounds. They are cultivated in high altitudes and are labeled ‘organic' from regions that follow organic growing standards.
When choosing coffee beans, pick whole bean Arabica for maximum flavor and freshness. The most popular Arabica coffees are:
- Columbian – grown between 4-11K ft on volcanic soils in Colombia, it has milk chocolate and nutty notes, plus bright citric acidity.
- Ethiopian Yirgacheffe – grown at 8K-15K ft in Ethiopia’s Minch region with a floral aroma and fruity tones.
- Sumatra – grown on Sumatra between sea level and 6K ft near Mount Kerinci volcano, this batch often produces wet processed earthy tones with herbal accents.
- Brazilian – cultivated on small farms just above sea level (3K ft) in Brazil’s Cerrado region with flavors of hazelnuts, caramelized sugars, dried fruits, spices, chocolates and citrus hints.
Robusta
Robusta coffee beans are grown mainly in Indonesia, Vietnam, India, and Brazil. They're high in caffeine (2.7%), and produce coffee with a strong, full-bodied flavor. Dark roasts, like Italian and French, take to them well. This makes them great for espresso, cappuccino, and some dark brewed coffees.
Robustas are known for their earthy taste, and low acidity. This can make them a nice accompaniment to milder, more acidic Arabica beans from Central America. The lower price point of Robustas is why they're often used to cut costs for commercial pre-ground coffee, or large-scale instant coffee products.
Factors to Consider When Buying Coffee Beans
Finding the perfect store-bought coffee beans? It's not easy! Origin, roast, flavor and cost – all must be considered. To help you get the best beans, let's check out these factors!
- Origin – Where the beans were grown.
- Roast – How the beans were roasted.
- Flavor – The unique flavor of the beans.
- Cost – The price of the beans.
Roast Level
Coffee beans can drastically change the flavor of your cup. When shopping for store-bought coffee, look at the roast level.
- Light roasts are kept in their original state and are labeled “Light City,” “Half City,” “Cinnamon Roast,” or “New England”.
- Medium roasts are sweet and are labeled “American,” “City,” or “Breakfast”.
- Medium dark roasts are sweeter, darker, and oilier and are labeled “Vienna” or “Full City”.
- Darker roasts have smokiness and oils and have names like “High Roast” or Mayan/Turkish “Espresso Roast”.
There's something for everyone!
Origin
When picking coffee beans, it is essential to know their origin. Beans used in blends come from various areas. These regions produce coffees with special characteristics. Acknowledging the bean's source will give you insight into its flavor. There are many places worldwide that make top-notch beans. Here are some popular ones and their attributes:
- Africa – African coffees usually have a powerful and rich taste with spice and citrus notes. Or they may have floral hints or tastes of fruit such as tangerine or passion fruit.
- Central/South America – South American coffees have simple flavors and sweetness with cherry and apricot acidity. The brighter acidity produces a mild and full-bodied cup with cocoa tones at the end.
- Indonesia – Indonesian coffees have intense body and soft acidity. You will find fruity and smoky notes in the aftertaste, particularly in Sumatran coffees.
Processing Method
The way coffee beans are extracted from the coffee plant fruit influences the flavor of the final product. Processing methods include: dry, semi-wet, and wet. These methods affect how beans are roasted and thus, can significantly modify the taste.
- Dry-processed beans retain their outer skin and inner parchment. Thus, they absorb more sunlight and heat during the drying phase, leading to darker roasts. These beans are usually full-bodied, low in brightness, and have notes of fruit and chocolate.
- Wet-processed beans are washed in water where the fruit remains are removed before drying. They usually have bright flavors, less sweetness, but can contain rich tones depending on how they are roasted. These beans usually have a lighter color than dry-processed ones.
- Lastly, semi-wet or “honey” processed beans are between dry- and wet-processed. They have a balance between brightness and sweetness, like a mix of both processes – yum!
Best Store Bought Coffee Beans
Ah, nothing better than the smell and taste of freshly roasted coffee beans! That's why many people buy store-bought. But with all the options out there, what are the best beans to buy? This article will explore types of store-bought coffee beans. Plus, discover the best options available!
Koffee Kult Dark Roast
Koffee Kult offers some of the tastiest store-bought coffee beans. Grown in the shade on small farms in Guatemala, Ethiopia and other regions, these medium to dark roast Arabica beans give you a special flavor experience. The delicious taste comes from slow roasting at low temps. This yields a smoky and chocolatey profile with slight hints of cherry and caramel.
These beans are pesticide and solvent free. Plus, they're certified organic. They come preground. But, grinding them right before brewing gives you the freshest flavor. Koffee Kult is traded fairly. This means that customers know their money is helping empower people in far-off places. Get a dark or light roast for any occasion. Enjoy a perfect cup that'll have you humming!
Death Wish Coffee
Death Wish Coffee is one of the most popular store bought brands. This blend is chosen from the top 5% of the best Arabica beans in the world. It has twice as much caffeine as regular coffee and a bold flavor with sweet undertones.
Only 100% USDA-certified organic Arabica beans are used. These beans are from sustainable, certified farms across the world. No synthetic fertilizers or pesticides are used, so you can be sure the coffee is ethically produced.
Death Wish Coffee is locally roasted in New York. It has an intense flavor and smoky taste with every sip. If you're looking for coffee with maximum flavor, Death Wish Coffee is your go-to choice!
Volcanica Coffee Co. Sumatra Mandheling
Volcanica Coffee Co. offers Sumatra Mandheling coffee beans! Smoothly roasted, they are a top choice for home-baristas. These beans come from Lintongnihuta, Indonesia, known for its superior coffees.
This medium dark roasted blend has a bold aroma and packs a heavy body of flavor. It's earthy and woodsy with balanced herbal notes. There's also bourbon undertones that linger on the palate, followed by dark chocolate. It's great for cold brewed methods or espresso machines.
Freshness sealed bags are available at Volcanica Coffee Co. in 1/2 lb and 1lb sizes. Get an affordable price on great tasting store bought coffee beans with Sumatra Mandheling!
Lifeboost Medium Roast
Lifeboost Medium Roast is known for its perfect balance of sweetness and complexity. It's made with highest-grade Arabica beans from around the world. Roasting them with ethical and sustainable practices creates a smooth, mild flavor. It has hints of chocolate and nutty tones, with no bitterness. Enjoy its inviting cup free of acidity.
For optimal flavor, use freshly ground beans with freshly filtered water. Grind size and extraction time are important factors when brewing. Adjust brewing variables properly to get the full effect. Our guidebooks help home baristas get the most out of the amazing medium roast.
Conclusion
Want intense espresso? Mild & sweet light roast? Something in-between? It's no problem! Good coffee beans can be found. Varieties & roasts are plentiful. Consider your flavor & roast preferences to find your perfect bean.
Building relationships with local roasters is another way to get quality fresh coffee. Shopping local or online, you'll find it easy to satisfy even the most discerning palate!
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are the best store-bought coffee beans?
There are many great options for store-bought coffee beans, but some of the top brands include Starbucks, Lavazza, Peet's Coffee, and Dunkin' Donuts.
2. Should I buy whole bean or ground coffee?
It's generally recommended to buy whole bean coffee as it will preserve the flavor and aroma better. However, if you don't have a grinder or prefer convenience, pre-ground coffee is still a viable option.
3. How do I store my store-bought coffee beans?
Store your coffee beans in an airtight container in a cool, dry place away from sunlight. Avoid storing in the refrigerator or freezer as this can cause moisture to form and impact flavor.
4. What roast level should I choose?
This really depends on personal preference. Light roasts have a milder flavor while dark roasts have a bolder, richer flavor. Medium roasts fall somewhere in between.
5. How long do store-bought coffee beans last?
Unopened coffee beans can last up to 6-9 months while opened beans should be consumed within 2-4 weeks for optimal flavor. Storing in an airtight container will also help prolong freshness.
6. Can I find organic or Fair Trade certified store-bought coffee beans?
Yes, many brands offer organic or Fair Trade certified coffee beans. Look for these certifications on the packaging or do some research online to find a brand that aligns with your values.
