Coffee Comparisons
Comparing coffees from different coffee makers or sellers is a really hard process for the uneducated palate. If you’ve ever had to switch from Coke to Pepsi (or vice versa) and dreaded the thought, only to switch allegiances a week later when you get used to the new product, you know how much habit plays a part in your buying choices.
But that’s not to say we can’t give it a shot.
Before we get to taste, we should look over which companies are the most civically responsible, and in that situation, the answer may surprise. At the bottom of the list sit Coca Cola and Nestle, two companies that are voracious coffee consumers but do the least to help their suppliers financially, socially and environmentally. Phillip Morris (or as they prefer to be known in today’s post-tobacco settlement world, Altria) at least look after the environment, but are dogs when it comes to human rights. Procter and Gamble (Folger’s) have issues at both ends of the candle, but less than the big boys by a considerable amount, as does Sara Lee (Chock Full O’Nuts).
But the king of the bunch, in terms of large companies, is Starbucks. It seems odd to say, but they spend more on their suppliers than any other large coffee user, they take the environment into account, and they make plenty of charitable donations. And here we were, thinking Starbucks was a bunch of evil bastards bent on getting us hooked to fatty drinks!
It turns out, when you try every commercially available brand of coffee out there, that Starbucks has some good options. We particularly like the winterblend, breakfast blend, and the aged Sumatra beans, which always seem to be simply good coffee. The house blend (the stuff they normally pawn off on you) is burnt for effect, and though long time Starbuckers are used to it and thus want nothing less, it really is a trashy, weak way to make coffee.
Chock Full’o'Nuts makes a great New York Decaf, Maxwell House make nothing but crap, and though we enjoy the product from Seattle’s Best a good deal, it’s owned by Starbucks which sours some of the taste (come on, number 1 and number 2 under the same umbrella? Weak stuff).
Godiva does a superb creme brulee blend, which you should really try if you get the chance, but for our money there’s really only one coffee that survives the rest and remains king. Peets.com produces a coffee known as Major Dickason’s Blend, which will show you what a great coffee can be. That’s our pick for the best option out there today.
January 21st, 2009 at 10:11 pm
I really enjoy you’re website….you have so much good information!! It is disappointing that you occasionally choose to use profanity. I teach school and grow weary of trying to encourage students to express themselves appropriately. Thanks for any consideration you may give this. Have a great day!
February 5th, 2009 at 4:11 pm
The best cup of coffee is the one you prefer. I hate Starbuck’s coffee, it always taste burnt. I had a cup at BK yesterday and it was good, even though it was disappointing in times past. I prefer the coffee I make at home, simple American brewed Joe. But I admit there are times when a restaurant serves a superb cup. It makes the dining experience worthwhile.
February 28th, 2009 at 10:23 pm
you gringos need to try Bustello, Pilon or Goya brand, Spanish coffee has it all over American brands! I’ve been drinking it since age 5!
March 1st, 2009 at 3:01 am
Tauria, you are right about Spanish coffees. When I worked for an international firm we literally had three pots of coffee available; German, American, and Spanish. By far the Spanish was better, albeit brewed more robustly.
March 10th, 2009 at 1:10 am
Can someone recommend a good decaf brand?
March 10th, 2009 at 4:11 am
Tauria, Agreed! Pilon, Bustello and Goya definitly make a better coffee than anything I have ever tried, European blends included. Coffee from Ethiopia seems to be the only coffee that comes close. If you buy these Spanish brands as whole beans you can grind them to brew in a regular brewer for an excellent alternative to what’s out there.
May 5th, 2009 at 12:38 am
Mexican coffee is good stuff…better fresh roasted. I don’t care if the coffee is Lauk, Blue Mtn or Aussie. If it’s been roasted and sitting around for weeks, it is going to taste pretty bad. I also agree with the 1st comment, I like your site, but I think trying to contain the profanity would be good. Thanks
May 5th, 2009 at 3:30 pm
Believe it or not, for everyday coffee I buy a very inexpensive brand called McDaniels. It is marketed by Sav-a-Lot stores and costs less than a dollar a pound. I heard a coffee buyer on NPR a couple of years ago talking about the quality of coffee. Most major brands, because they need volume and consistency, buy a “B” grade coffee. The “A” grade coffees are generally passed by due to limited and variable supplies, and it is these coffees that are purchased to make the less expensive brands. Ironic.
June 6th, 2009 at 4:22 am
Hey Russ I agree.That McDAniels coffee is great!Save-A Lot close down where I live.I MISSSSSSSSSSS It sOOOOOOOOO much.Where can I get McDaniels Coffee Now? Shelley
June 17th, 2009 at 3:06 pm
Shelley,
We tried McDaniels coffee from Save-A-Lot on the recommendation of a neighbor and found it to be quite good. We later discovered Wal Mart’s pure Arabica (about same price or cheaper), and were really surprised at how good it is. Give it a try. If you liked McDaniel’s, I’m sure you won’t be disappointed. It’s a great everyday coffee. Maybe not for the upper end afficianado, but just plain good for us average coffee drinkers. If you do feel like splurging, try Jamaican Blue Mountain.
June 18th, 2009 at 2:35 pm
Thanks for the information on the spanish coffees. I intend to give them a try. At the expense of being booed out of the forum, I’m going to recommend another commercial coffee that I find very good- Dunkin Donuts Original whole bean. Good stuff.
June 26th, 2009 at 11:11 pm
hay mcdaniels coffee is great. i just discovered it and will make sure i use it from now on……it actually tastes so much better than the top brands…..
July 11th, 2009 at 6:41 pm
Starbucks blows.
August 24th, 2009 at 8:40 pm
Trader Joes made me the coffee snob I am today, they carry such a variety its mind boggling. I only drink coffee I brew myself, I use distilled water which is a must, you will immediately notice a difference. Tanzania Peaberry, Ethiopian and coffee’s grown at high altitudes in volcanic rich soil are simply WOW. I highly recommend Trader Joes for pricing and variety, from shade grown, to rare blends its a great way to teach your pallet the differences, you will be amazed at how quickly you learn. Maxwell House, Folders, Chock full-o-nuts, Yuban the list goes on are simply weak excuses for real coffee IMO. Also if you are a blond and sweet (cream and sugar) drinker like me, my advice is to ONLY use quality cream or half and half, and quality sugar if your going to drink fine coffee’s. There is a symmetry between the oil of the bean and cream that is superb. I use white cane sugar as to not disrupt the taste of the coffee with molasses rich sugars. I use to be a Yuban and powdered creamer type, all of what I am now is due to Trader Joes. Evolution Baby!
As for all the boo hoo profanity whiners, GROW UP. The word bastard is not classified as profanity, as are many other words which one might think are profane..Teacher needs to do her homework.
August 24th, 2009 at 8:56 pm
I apologies as I forgot to comment on the Spanish coffee’s. I am wondering if you are referring to ones from Spain or Mexico? I was curious and purchased the Pilon Bean coffee, unfortunately it was a very HARD bean to grind, I ruined my costly grinder and was rather upset. I have purchased coffee from spain and Mexico, and found them to be just as diverse as others. Oh and Peets coffee brand is the ONLY one I buy at grocery or retail stores. There are several brands mentioned here I haven’t tried, but I will certainly give them a shot.
August 30th, 2009 at 3:05 am
Hello, does anyone in this forum know where a person can find the coffee beans that Dutch Bros. uses without going through them to pay retail? I want to start a coffee shop and this would be a big help.