Some of the best coffee projects we know of got their start on Kickstarter. From...
Walking into your local grocery store, you can find a multitude of coffee brands to be consumed on an everyday basis. So, how do they rate against each other? Are there any that give you a bang for not a lot of buck? Of course, there are some folks that will drink anything strong or with half and half, so for them, I present some guidelines for choosing a better coffee along with which ones fall into that category.
If you like your coffee black and with a robust flavor, you can be sure that any darker roast will do. Avoid ones with flavor. If you like your coffee with lots of cream, then you should also pick a darker roast. Lighter roasts are for coffee drinkers that want to taste the different bean varieties – this is easier to do with a lighter roast, though they are harder to find. Beans are always best when you can grind them as you go, if not, then the most airtight packaging around will do on already ground coffees (read how best to store your coffee for tips).
A few of the common suspects:
This one offers sweet and mild tones for a mass produced blend. A bit of a bite at the finish of a sip and a good blend for those who like black coffee. Not overly bright and creamers can dull the overall taste.
Awful and monotone in taste. It’s like the bean was somewhat dirty when it was processed. Unbalanced in aroma and taste. Unevenness may be masked with cream and sweeteners, but black coffee drinkers will not be satisfied; Almost burnt taste and slightly nutty at times.
Sweet and tasty; light cocoa taste that is faint, but not lost; a good mild blend with a slightly roasted finish.
A sweet blend of coffee from Sara Lee with a pleasant tone; distinctly mild and well balanced, but almost loses its aroma in the brewing process.
Absolutely dreadful aroma – musty and mildewy; the tone is bland and distasteful; However, not all is lost, the Royal Signature Blend is a good coffee showing brighter tones and flavor when sipped.
A blend of classic Latin American flavors; a mild roast with bright, fruity tones when it first hits the palate and finishes with a spicy and tangy taste; almost citrus-y tones.
I personally find that Starbucks over-roasts most of their beans, and this one is no different. Slightly charred taste with chicory aftertaste, somewhat smoothed by cream and sweetener. But some folks love their coffee strong and this will certainly quench that desire.
Thanksgiving Coffee Fair Trade Light Roast
Smooth and bright flavored coffee with a flavor that is delightful; a good balance of acidity and roasted flavors while not overpowering the total effect
Although this coffee review list isn’t exhaustive by any means and everyone’s tastes differ, believe me when I say this: a good coffee is one that you should support. I’ve seen many good blends (although not in the grocery store necessarily) fade into oblivion because no one would buy the beans themselves. Support your blend!
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lynn says
I live in Houston and recently tried coffee from an brewer right here in Brenhem, Texas. It’s Independence coffee co and the name of the coffee is Jet Fuel. It’s dark, robust and the smoothest coffee ever. Has great flavor!
jacquelyne jackson says
have had a oster for about a year now love the coffee maker but i am noticing a change of colour where my coffee maker sits counter top about a year old and now like a burn mark in that area not impressed with this at all counter top was not cheap and neither was the coffee maker
Kelly says
There is a great family-owned roaster in Austin, TX who grows their own beans in Nicaragua and sells their coffee retail under the name FaraCafe. This stuff is phenomenal! It is smooth, well-balanced, yet full of flavor. Not only is the coffee produced in an environmentally friendly way, its sells for $6-7 a pound! If you do not live in the Central Texas area—try some off their website http://www.faracafe.com
Tia Heckstall says
I found the best coffee club… try Camano Island Coffee Roasters (http://www.camanoislandcoffee.com). Probably the best coffee I’ve ever had after switching from Gevalia. I signed up for the coffee club and will let you know as I’m trying several of the international gourmet beans they are sending…
Kirah says
Gobean Coffee has great coffee. I love both their “OC” and “Decaf”
Find them online, they are a new Orange County/Family based company.
Gary says
It’s interesting that I just tried to find reviews online for SAVARIN that I just bought at my local Pathmark and can’t find ANYTHING! The can has two other names on it: Rowland Coffee Roaster & javacabana…but those names just brought up methods for buying it. Seems like Tetley owns it now. No ingredients on the can…is it 100% coffee? is it part arabica, robusto, sawdust?
Brian says
Hi, I just happen to love the coffee made by Dutch Bros. Does anyone know where to purchase the beans they use wholesale rather than retail?
Thanks
Joe Burgess says
Community Coffee Brand which is every bit as good if not smoother than Starbucks best Dark and Medium regular grinds and is far superior to all the others listed. It is the most consistant in my opinion and cost less than Starbucks.
Russ says
Cindy, most power cords are universal. Sears Appliance, Tru-Value, K-Mart, and older hardware stores usually carry them.
cindy mcfadden says
If anybody knows how to get a power cord for GE percolator coffee pot please let me know.
Dan Flint says
Love all World coffee!
Jon H. says
Target has fair trade coffees, and Trader Joe’s might have it as well.
srida says
There is this new convenient affordable gourmet coffee called Brew in cup “French Press”. Basically, gourmet coffee at home without the clean up. Bought it at Costcos and is manufactured by a company called Solobrew in houston, texas. check out the product at http://www.solobrew.com.
Russ says
Thanks, Paula. Someone else recommended Eight O’Clock as a decaf, too.
paula says
dunkin donuts has good decaf