Best Coffee 2020: Shopping Guide & Review

Getting up early isn’t easy for everyone, and some people handle it better than others. But one thing’s for sure: most of us have a specific routine to start the day on the right foot. Breakfast is a common morning custom, and this essential meal rarely goes without a cup of coffee. The properties of this drink help to shake away tiredness every morning.

There is a wide range of coffee on the market and multiple ways to prepare it. If you’re very fond of this drink, you probably stick to your favorite method to make it. However, you can bring more variation to your breakfast if decide to. All you need to do is learn more about the different varieties of coffee, and our shopping guide will help you do just that.

Key Facts

• You can find many types of coffee on the American market. This means everyone can find their favorite flavors.
• Every coffee has a unique taste. Their different nuances and hints can be appreciated by experts and aficionados alike. The aromas naturally depend on the variety of coffee you’re drinking.
• Aroma, taste, and price are not the only important factors to consider when choosing coffee. You also need to make sure that it is compatible with your machine. It is essential that the appliance you have at home allows you to get the most out of your coffee.

Our Selection: The Best Coffee on the U.S. Market

Knowing the best options among the incredible variety of coffee available out there is particularly useful. In that regard, the opinions from past buyers are a great guide to find the most successful brands. In the following section, you will discover our very own selection of the best types of coffee available right now on the market.

• The Best Colombian Coffee
• The Best Strong Coffee
• The Best Creamy Coffee
• The Best Dark Roast Coffee
• Dunkin’ Donuts Original Blend Coffee

The Best Colombian Coffee

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AmazonFresh Colombia Ground Coffee, Medium Roast, 32 Ounce


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$15.49

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AmazonFresh is, you’ll have guessed, an Amazon brand that specializes in delivering quality and affordable grocery products. It’s so good that this 100% Arabica coffee has become Amazon’s Choice in the category, and past buyers have praised its overall value for money. Each package contains 32 ounces of ground coffee — that’s a whole lot of delicious cups to enjoy.

This medium-roast coffee is roasted right here in the U.S. and will give you a well-balanced taste with a smooth finish on the palate. It comes from Colombia, one of the biggest producers in the world. AmazonFresh recommends using two tablespoons for every six ounces of water. Storage-wise, make sure to seal the bag thoroughly once opened to preserve its properties.

The Best Strong Coffee

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DEATH WISH COFFEE Dark Roast Coffee Grounds [16 oz.] The World’s Strongest, USDA Certified Organic, Fair Trade, Arabica, Robusta (1-Pack)


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$19.96

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Death Wish is a fan favorite when it comes to coffee, and the brand advertises its product as “the world’s strongest coffee”. And if you’re one to value other customers’ opinions, then you’ll probably believe this. This product is a truly unique blend of Arabica and Robusta beans, creating an incredibly powerful coffee through a slow roasting process.

It’s made from only fair trade and certified organic beans, too, and that’s something to love. Death Wish will give you real caffeine kick to go about your day with the energy you need. The intensity of this coffee doesn’t mean it’s bitter at all. As a matter of fact, this New York-roasted product features a bold flavor with delicious cherry and chocolate notes.

The Best Creamy Coffee

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Lavazza Super Crema Whole Bean Coffee Blend, Medium Espresso Roast, 2.2 Pound (Pack of 1)


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$21.50

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If you know you’re way around the coffee world, you’ve heard of Lavazza. This Italian brand of coffee products has been around since the 19th century, and its experience speaks for itself. Its Super Crema coffee is quite simply Amazon’s Best Seller for coffee beans. This is a blend of Arabica and Robusta beans from five of the best coffee producers in the world.

This mix is exactly what creates the mild and creamy roast that hundreds of customers have loved. While it is designed for espresso machines, the fact that the beans are whole means you can grind them just how you like it. The almond, honey and dried fruit notes of the Super Crema are a real delight, so don’t hesitate to buy 2.2 pounds for your home.

The Best Dark Roast Coffee

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Koffee Kult Coffee Beans Dark Roasted – Highest Quality Delicious Organically Sourced Fair Trade – Whole Bean Coffee – Fresh Gourmet Aromatic Artisan Blend (32oz)


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$26.99

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This South Florida company has a reputation for perfectly blending coffees from around the world into flavorful combinations, and that many high ratings can’t be faked. Koffee Kult’s Dark Roast is an expert mix of Arabica whole beans from Colombia, Guatemala, and Sumatra, which is then prepared by a roaster master right here in Hollywood, Florida.

Each batch of Dark Roast made is packaged straight after roasting to best preserve its properties, and the resealable packaging means you can do the same at home. This coffee has low acidity with cocoa and cinnamon flavors that are sure to entice you. Once your beans are ground, Koffee Kult recommends using one tablespoon of coffee for 4 to 6 ounces of water.

Dunkin’ Donuts Original Blend Coffee

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Dunkin’ Original Blend Medium Roast Ground Coffee, 12 Ounces


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$5.76

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If you didn’t know Dunkin’ Donuts sold its own coffee, you do now. And Americans love it so much that its Original Blend is Amazon’s Best Seller for ground coffee. This medium-roast product is made from 100% premium Arabica beans ground by the company for you to brew right away.

The brand recommends using 1 1/2 tablespoons of its ground coffee per 6 ounces of water to achieve the Dunkin’ taste you love. The mild, smooth and flavorful aroma of this product is also ideal to get creative and prepare different types of beverages. If you like iced coffee or cappuccino, Dunkin’ Donuts’ Original Blend is perfect!

Shopping Guide: Everything You Should Know About Coffee

We hope that our rating of the best coffees on the American market allowed you to discover some characteristics you weren’t too familiar with. Before you settle for a specific product, there are other key criteria that you should learn about. We’ll tell you everything you need to know to purchase a coffee that will satisfy your taste buds.

Coffee is one of the most popular beverages in the world.
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What is coffee exactly?

Coffee is one of the most popular drinks in the world. It comes from the berry seeds of a shrub called coffee tree. These seeds are then roasted in order to obtain the raw material used to prepare this beverage. Coffee is very versatile and can be consumed hot or cold. It is also found as an ingredient in countless recipes, both sweet and salty.

The coffee plant needs a warm and humid climate to grow. It contains caffeine, a natural stimulant that can help you fight sleep and tiredness. This beverage will provide a sense of well-being within minutes of being consumed.

The acidity, aroma, body, and taste are all key aspects of coffee. And don’t forget to consider its different varieties.

What are the types of coffee beans?

There are two main varieties of coffee based on the bean. The first is Arabica coffee, whose cultivation originates in Eastern Africa, Central America, South America, and Asia. Robusta coffee, on the other hand, is mostly grown in Africa, although you can find it in Brazil and some parts of Asia. Here are some other interesting facts:

• Arabica coffee. It comes from Ethiopia, in Africa. It has different subtypes but doesn’t contain a large percentage of caffeine. Its taste and aroma are intense. A high altitude — between 900 and 2,000 meters — is required to cultivate this type of coffee. Washed beans are added to give this intense touch, as well as natural ones.
• Robusta coffee. Originally from Zaire, it doesn’t grow at such high altitudes — generally between 200 and 600 meters — but needs greater temperatures. A cup of this Robusta coffee has twice as much caffeine as Arabica. It’s slightly bitter to the taste.

What are the different types of coffee roasting?

You have to keep in mind that the entire process of producing coffee starts with the harvesting of the berries. The seeds are extracted from inside and then left to dry. Once dry, the next step is to roast them. This phase is actually the one that will most influence its final taste. We can identify three types of roasting in terms of intensity: light, medium, and dark.

Lighter coffee will contain more caffeine. The type of roast will not only determine the intensity, but also the taste of the coffee. In natural coffee, the beans are roasted as soon as they are harvested; this allows them to better maintain their original flavor. The Torrefacto process, on the other hand, consists of roasting them with sugar; this gives a slightly different taste to the drink. You can also find a blend of natural and Torrefacto beans.

Did you know that Nordic countries were the biggest consumers of coffee in the world?

What is honey-processed coffee?

Seeds are obtained from the harvesting of the fruit of the coffee tree. The beans are then extracted, dried, and roasted. As we’ll talk about later, the extraction process is done using water (wet process), or leaving it in the sun (dry process). However, there is a third method that is considered to be an intermediate: the honey process.

The husk is removed from the seed, and some of the mucilage is left behind. More is removed for the white and yellow honey processes. The golden, red and black keep more mucilage, giving more body to the coffee. The latter three also need to dry for longer. The darker the color of the bean is, the longer the process will have lasted. Coffee is dried in the sun during the golden honey process, but in the shade for all others.

How are coffee beans in each harvesting region?

The place of origin of coffee also plays a big part in its final taste and aromas. The final result will be strongly influenced by the continent, and even the country, in which it is harvested. In the table below, we’ve listed the main coffee producers, as well as the characteristics of the coffee each country produces. Pay attention, as this will help you choose the right coffee for your home:

Country	Region	Characteristics
Brazil	South America	Mild and sweet taste, with a light aroma.
Mexico	Central America	Subtle, somewhat acidic and high-quality taste.
Colombia	South America	Bitter taste, great body, intense aroma, and medium acidity.
Costa Rica	Central America	Intense flavor with fruity notes and great body.
Tanzania	Africa	This coffee has great acidity and quite intense aromas.
Ethiopia	Africa	Acidic beans with an intense flavor and a fruity touch.
Kenya	Africa	Its aroma stands out, as do its acidic notes.
Yemen	Asia	Their mochas are famous, with a slight chocolate flavor.
Java	Asia	Its intense bitterness most stands out.
Sulawesi	Asia	Its flavor and acidity are very intense.

In what forms is coffee sold?

Coffee is found in four main types of presentation on the American market, each of which is tailored for specific situations. This will also influence its taste and aroma to a certain extent. In the following table, you’ll learn more about these different forms and their specificities. This should help you make the perfect purchase.

Presentation	Characteristics
Coffee beans	This is the most natural type of coffee. Remember that you will need to grind the coffee beans before being able to consume it. It offers a more intense taste and aroma.
Ground coffee	The beans are already ground, and the powder obtained is packaged hermetically. This allows for better preservation of the aroma. Coffee makers use this type of coffee.
Instant coffee	It can be prepared with water or milk, and you won’t need any type of coffee machine. It is obtained by dehydrating the coffee through evaporation or a cold process.
Decaffeinated coffee	This type of coffee has the same flavor and aroma as regular caffeine coffee. In this case, the green beans are extracted before roasting.

Should I buy whole beans or ground coffee?

As we just mentioned, coffee beans will provide you with a more intense flavor and aroma. It won’t lose its body and has a fresher taste. On the other hand, keep in mind that ground coffee is more practical, since you can prepare it immediately. Ideally, you should grind your coffee beans before each use, but you will have to use it all within a month if you grind the whole package. That way, you will make the most of its properties.

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What should I know when tasting coffee?

You should take a series of key aspects into account when tasting coffee. If you don’t pay attention to them, they will certainly go unnoticed and you won’t truly enjoy the drink. Knowing and tasting each of these criteria is absolutely essential for both connoisseurs and amateurs alike. Here are the four key aspects that every coffee lover should know:

• Body. This is what the drink passes on when it comes into contact with your palate. You should be able to perceive whether it is lighter or more intense.
• Acidity. As you now know, its cultivation very much influences this factor. The higher the altitude of the area in which the coffee is harvested, the more acidic the coffee will be.
• Aroma. Arabica coffees are soft and delicate, while Robusta products have a stronger and more bitter aroma.
• Flavor. This aspect is extremely personal and each palate will interpret it differently. You can find milder coffees or more intense ones. Some offer fruity notes, for instance, while others have caramel or chocolate hints. Ultimately, what truly matters is that you enjoy your coffee.

You can find many affordable coffee products.
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What are the advantages and disadvantages of coffee?

If you’ve made it this far in our article, you should already have discovered a wide array of new aspects to take into account when you’re deciding which coffee to buy. You know that the variety will strongly influence the final taste of the product. We’re not quite done yet, and you may still have some questions to be answered. But first, here is a quick recap of the main benefits and disadvantages of coffee:

Advantages

• You can find very affordable options
• It helps keep you awake
• Many people find this drink delicious
• There is an incredible variety of coffees

Disadvantages

• Some people become restless when drinking it
• It can deteriorate your rest
• Not everyone likes its taste

Shopping Criteria

We’re nearing the end of our shopping guide, but we can’t let you go without emphasizing on five key aspects that we strongly encourage you to consider. You probably buy coffee at least once a month, but it’s such an essential product in many people’s lives that we want you to get it right. Here are the five criteria we’ll be discussing in the following section:

• Caffeine Levels
• Processing
• Altitude
• Packaging
• Packing Date

Caffeine Levels

Every coffee includes a different amount of caffeine. In that regard, you’ll need to know how caffeine affects you, as well as your personal taste. Don’t hesitate to change for a coffee with less caffeine if you notice that the quality of your rest is affected. This is particularly true if you drink it at night, in which case you may want to opt for decaffeinated. As you know, more caffeine will keep you awake.

Processing

Coffee can go through two different types of processing: washed or natural. This should generally be indicated on the product’s package. If the coffee you buy has been washed, it will offer a light flavor and an intense acidity. Natural coffee, on the other hand, tends to be more fruity, with a powerful aroma and a few hints reminiscent of wine. While these are the main processes, remember that others exist.

Altitude

As we discussed earlier, the altitude at which the coffee is cultivated also determines its final taste. Products harvested above 1,500 meters are more acid and a slight sweetness. Lower altitudes will create softer acidity and a more natural flavor. This will help you know which country the coffee originates from.

Packaging

It is important that the coffee’s package gives you a certain amount of key information. These include the packing and expiration dates, as well as the origin, the manufacturer and the batch. You’ll also find it useful if it features the variety of coffee used, whether or not it is natural, and how to best preserve it. In most cases, the packaging also indicates the type of grinding. This is a very helpful factor you shouldn’t overlook.

There are many types, flavors, and aromas of coffee from which you can choose the one you like best.
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Packing Date

We’ve just mentioned that most products indicate the packing date on the packaging. You want to opt for a coffee that has been recently packed, as this means that it will better retain its properties. You are not advised to keep several packages at home. If you buy your coffee only when needed, it will be fresher and therefore better.

Summary

Coffee is a must for most people. If that’s your case too, remember all the important aspects that we’ve discussed throughout our article. You should always choose the presentation form and roasting that you prefer. The origin of the coffee is naturally another key criterion. As a matter of fact, most of the properties of your drink will depend on this single information. We also encourage you to opt for quality products.

This is why you should pay attention to the packaging of the coffee, where you can learn various interesting data. Try and buy the freshest product possible. You will also want to adapt the caffeine levels to your personal tastes and needs. But in the end, what you really want is a coffee from which you will enjoy every single sip.

Did you find the information in this guide useful? If that’s the case, feel free to share our article on your social media. You can also leave us a comment in the section below, and we’ll be happy to answer any doubt you may have!

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