The 10 Best Coffee Beans of 2021
Photo: Koffee Kult
Any baristas know that the coffee bean is at the heart of any good cup of coffee.
Indeed, the way your coffee tastes will depend directly on the coffee bean that you use. Two of the most common coffee beans on the market are whole bean coffee beans and ground coffee.
Whole bean coffee will require a coffee grinder and coffee machine to prepare while ground coffee is easier and quicker to use. Moreover, coffee beans come in different roast types that dictate their flavor, brightness, and taste.
If you are fresh on the market for the best coffee beans that money can buy, then you have come to the right place! Let’s start with our review below and find out which type of coffee bean you need to buy.
You can also read other product reviews of whole bean coffee, ground coffee, espresso bean, organic coffee, light roast coffee, low acid coffee bean.
10 Best Coffee Beans – Review
IMAGE | PRODUCT | FEATURES | |
|---|---|---|---|
 | 1. Death Wish Coffee Co, Dark Roast, Whole Bean (One of the Strongest Coffee Beans In The World) | ||
 | 2. Café Don Pablo, Medium-Dark Roast, Whole Bean (Natural with Sweet and Chocolate Undertones) | ||
 | 3. Cafe Don Pablo Signature Blend, Dark Roast, Whole Bean (2 lbs of Very Affordable Coffee Blend) | ||
 | 4. Lavazza Super Crema, Medium Roast, Whole Bean (One of the Best Espresso Coffee Beans) | ||
 | 5. Koffee Kult Gourmet, Dark Roast, Whole Bean (Low Acidity and No Bitterness) | ||
 | 6. CoffeeBean Direct Indian Monsooned, Medium Roast, Whole Bean (5 lbs of Freshly Roasted Beans) | ||
 | 7. Death Wish Coffee Co, Dark Roast, Ground (Strong and Easy to Use Ground Coffee) | ||
 | 8. Folgers Classic, Medium Roast, Ground (Very Tasty and Highly Aromatic) | ||
 | 9. Kicking Horse Kick Ass, Dark Roast, Ground (Highly Affordable Ground Coffee) | ||
 | 10. AmazonFresh Colombia, Medium Roast, Ground (Fresh Coffee that Comes In a Pack of 3) |
PRODUCT |
|---|
1. Death Wish Coffee Co, Dark Roast, Whole Bean (One of the Strongest Coffee Beans In The World) |
2. Café Don Pablo, Medium-Dark Roast, Whole Bean (Natural with Sweet and Chocolate Undertones) |
3. Cafe Don Pablo Signature Blend, Dark Roast, Whole Bean (2 lbs of Very Affordable Coffee Blend) |
4. Lavazza Super Crema, Medium Roast, Whole Bean (One of the Best Espresso Coffee Beans) |
5. Koffee Kult Gourmet, Dark Roast, Whole Bean (Low Acidity and No Bitterness) |
6. CoffeeBean Direct Indian Monsooned, Medium Roast, Whole Bean (5 lbs of Freshly Roasted Beans) |
7. Death Wish Coffee Co, Dark Roast, Ground (Strong and Easy to Use Ground Coffee) |
8. Folgers Classic, Medium Roast, Ground (Very Tasty and Highly Aromatic)  |
9. Kicking Horse Kick Ass, Dark Roast, Ground (Highly Affordable Ground Coffee) |
10. AmazonFresh Colombia, Medium Roast, Ground (Fresh Coffee that Comes In a Pack of 3) |
Whole Bean Coffee
1. Death Wish Coffee Co, Dark Roast, Whole Bean – One of the Strongest Coffee Beans In The World
Photo: Death Wish Coffee Co
- Origin: USA
- Roast: Dark
Many expert baristas in regard Death Wish as one of the best dark roast coffee beans on the market. This is because this coffee bean is very strong in caffeine levels despite being dark roasted. Moreover, it does not have a bitter taste and is quite smooth since it is made from 100% Arabica beans.
This coffee bean has many labels like USDA and fair trade that means that it respects standards and quality cultivation. And if you are a heavy coffee drinker, then no problem because you get 1 lb of Death Wish coffee bean with this purchase.
It is also fully organic, and no pesticides have been used in its cultivation. It is perfectly safe to drink.
All in all, if you are looking for a strong coffee bean that will wake you up in the morning, then Death Wish is an excellent choice. Moreover, it is very smooth in taste and has plenty of aromas and flavors which makes it quite delicious.
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2. Cafe Don Pablo, Medium-Dark Roast, Whole Bean – Natural with Sweet and Chocolate Undertones
Photo: Cafe Don Pablo
- Origin: Honduras
- Roast: Medium Dark
Cafe Don Pablo is a popular coffee that is known worldwide for naturally sweet and rich chocolate taste. What demarks this coffee bean from others is that you get no less than 2 lbs of coffee. This makes quite a value for money, especially considering than Café Don Pablo is not a very expensive coffee in the first place.
Moreover, since this coffee has been cultivated in the low plains of Honduras, it is naturally low in acid levels. Not to mention that it’s also fully organic and GMO-free.
But what we like about the Café Don Pablo is its naturally sweet taste. It has chocolate undertones as well. If you are the type of person who cannot consume a lot of sugar but still want to enjoy a delicious cup of coffee that is naturally sweet, then this is one of the best coffee beans in this review.
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3. Cafe Don Pablo Signature Blend, Dark Roast, Whole Bean – 2 lbs of Very Affordable Coffee Blend
Photo: Cafe Don Pablo
- Origin: Colombia, Guatemala, Brazil
- Roast: Medium Dark
The Signature by Café Don Pablo is another reputable product. This is a coffee blend which is basically a mixture of coffee beans that comes from Colombia, Guatemala, and Brazil. But what is really great about this coffee is its affordable price and the amount of coffee that you get.
Indeed, if you are a heavy coffee drinker, then you will love this product because it is very affordable as well as comes in a pack of 2 lbs. which will easily last you a full month. Even if you drink multiple cups of coffee every day. Also, it is fully organic and GMO-free.
Not to mention that it is comprised of 100% Arabica coffee beans, so it is quite smooth and mild in taste as well. What is exceptional about this coffee bean is that it does not have a bitter taste despite being medium to dark roasted. It is not as strong as other coffee is because it does not have as much caffeine, but it is still quite decent, even when used as a morning coffee.
Notes
We recommend that you store this coffee bean in an airtight container like a glass jar so as to prevent it from getting rancid
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4. Lavazza Super Crema, Medium Roast, Whole Bean – One of the Best Italian Espresso Coffee Beans
Photo: Lavazza
- Origin: Italy
- Roast: Medium
The Lavazza is a medium roasted coffee bean that is known as being one of the best whole bean coffee for Espresso. In fact, even the manufacturer recommends this coffee bean to be used in a Nespresso machine for espresso.
Moreover, the packaging is quite premium and airtight as well. But what really makes this coffee bean extraordinary is its smooth and fruity taste. Indeed, it has the taste of honey, almonds and other dried foods mixed together.
If you are the type of person who loves your coffee with a fruity taste, then the Lavazza is an excellent choice. Moreover, you can still use this coffee bean with other types of brewing methods if you so wish. It is quite versatile this way. The only caveat we note with this product is that the price could have been a little bit more competitive.
Notes
You may find a few small rocks mixed with the coffee beans. This probably happened during the roasting process and can easily be filtered out. It does not affect the taste at all.
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5. Koffee Kult Gourmet, Dark Roast, Whole Bean – Low Acidity and No Bitterness
Photo: Koffee Kult
- Origin: Colombia, Guatemala, Sumatra
- Roast: Dark
If you normally suffer from acid reflux when consuming coffee, then this product by Koffee Kult is an excellent choice.
This is because it is dark roasted, so it is low in acidity levels. Furthermore, the coffee beans come from places like Colombia, Guatemala, and a Sumatra and have been cultivated in low areas.
Therefore, those beans naturally have a low acid content. Moreover, you get 907 g of whole coffee beans with this purchase. You definitely do not get as much when compared to other products in this review, but it is still more than enough especially for casual users to last a month.
All in all, if you normally suffer from acid reflux, then Koffee Kult is one of the best coffee beans for your need. It is smooth in taste, has lower caffeine levels and very low acidity.
Notes
You do not need to use a lot of sugar with Koffee Kult because it has a naturally chocolaty taste
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6. CoffeeBean Direct Indian Monsooned, Medium Roast, Whole Bean – 5 lbs of Freshly Roasted Beans
Photo: CoffeeBean Direct
- Origin: Colombia, Sumatra, Kona
- Roast: Medium
There are some people who usually consume a lot of coffee every day. For those types of people, they usually have to purchase multiple packs of coffee in order to sustain their need. This is where products like the Coffee Bean Direct comes into play.
Indeed, with this product, you get no less than 5 lbs of coffee beans which should be enough to last you a whole month, even if you are a heavy coffee drinker who is taking multiple cups of coffee concentrate every day.
But where this coffee also demarks itself from the rest is in its strong and flavorful taste. The beans of this coffee come from places like Columbia, Sumatra, and Kona so they are quite smooth and yet bright and flavorful at the same time.
Also, to ensure that you get the freshest coffee bean possible, the manufacturer always roasts it at the last time before packaging. Neat! Indeed, this coffee is one of the best roasted coffee beans on the market as the manufacturer puts a lot of effort in the roasting process.
Notes
You will need to store this coffee bean in an airtight container because the packaging is simply not good enough to store such large quantities of coffee
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Ground Coffee
7. Death Wish Coffee Co, Dark Roast, Ground – Strong and Easy to Use Ground Coffee
Photo: Death Wish Coffee Co
- Origin: USA
- Roast: Dark
We have already covered the whole bean version of this best-rated coffee bean above. This time, we have the ground coffee version which is made for people who are busy and do not have a lot of time to pre-grind their coffee and prepare a coffee the traditional manner.
If you are busy in the morning and yet require a strong coffee, then this Death Wish ground coffee is an excellent choice for you.
It has the same amount of caffeine level, which is very high despite being dark roasted. Additionally, there is no bitterness in this coffee. Since it is ground coffee, it is very versatile and can be used in almost any type of coffee brewing processes.
And what is even more incredible is that you get 1 lb of ground coffee so it should be enough to last you a whole month, as long as you are a casual coffee drinker. Moreover, this coffee comes with many certifications like USDA and fair trade, so you are guaranteed to get a high-quality coffee here.
Notes
You may want to use this ground coffee with moderation when brewing because adding too much of this ground coffee will produce a brew that may be too strong for most people
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8. Folgers Classic, Medium Roast, Ground – Very Tasty and Highly Aromatic
Photo: Folgers
- Origin: USA
- Roast: Medium
Folgers is a company that is known for making some of the best tasting coffee beans on the market. The Folgers Classic is no different except that it is a ground coffee that is very easy to prepare by even absolute beginners. Moreover, what makes this ground coffee unique is that it comes in an airtight plastic container with an interlocking system.
Since this ground coffee is a medium roast, the caffeine level is very high, and it also has its natural flavors and aromas preserved. This Folgers coffee will produce a bright-bodied coffee that is full of taste and highly aromatic.
And if you are a heavy coffee consumer, then you have nothing to worry about because you get no less than 864 g of ground coffee with this purchase.
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9. Kicking Horse Kick Ass, Dark Roast, Ground – Highly Affordable Ground Coffee
Photo: Kicking Horse Coffee
- Origin: Indonesia and South America
- Roast: Dark
Kicking Horse is a popular brand here in the USA as well as abroad. This ground coffee is made from coffee beans that come from Indonesia and South America, so you are guaranteed to get the highest quality coffee with this purchase. Moreover, since it has been dark roasted, it has lower caffeine levels in a more full-bodied taste than other coffee.
Also, what differentiates this ground coffee from others is its naturally sweet taste. Indeed, you will experience molasses, sweet, licorice and a chocolate flavor with this coffee.
This means that you do not have to add a lot of sugar when brewing it. If you are a person who has been prohibited from consuming a lot of sugar, then this Kicking Horse ground coffee is an excellent choice for you.
In addition, this ground coffee is quite versatile and can be used in almost any brewing process that exists.
Not to mention that this product is also highly affordable and in fact, the cheapest that you will find in this review. Indeed, we do not expect anything less from one of the best coffee bean brands on the market.
Notes
You may want to purchase 2 or more packs of this brand because you get only 284 g of coffee which may not be enough if you drink more than 2 cups of coffee every day
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10. AmazonFresh Colombia, Medium Roast, Ground – Fresh Coffee that Comes In a Pack of 3
- Origin: Colombia
- Roast: Medium
With this purchase, you get 3 packs of ground coffee for a total of 340 g. This is quite adequate for any casual coffee drinker who intake one or 2 cups of coffee every day. If you drink more than this, then consider purchasing more packs.
In addition, the coffee beans are a roasted-on demand and as soon as your order. This is to ensure that you get the highest quality coffee bean for your money.
Moreover, since the coffee is medium roasted, you will get a lot of natural flavors and aromas as well as a fairly high caffeine level with this ground coffee.
If you need a ground coffee that will wake you up in the morning, then this model by AmazonFresh is the best coffee bean for the money.
Notes
Serving suggestions are printed to the side of the packaging of this ground coffee
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How to Buy the Best Coffee Beans
1. Arabica vs. Robusta
Coffee beans come in basically 2 types: Arabica and Robusta.
What makes those coffee beans different from one another is the amount of caffeine they contain.
Arabica is a more mild and smooth coffee bean while Robusta has a higher caffeine concentration level. This makes it a stronger coffee but also more bitter in taste because caffeine is usually bitter in large amounts.
Therefore, if you require a strong coffee that will wake you up in the morning, then a coffee bean like Robusta is usually best.
On the other hand, if you are planning to drink multiple cups of coffee throughout the day and required a smooth tasting coffee that is mild and flavorful, then Arabica is the right choice.
Also, there are some coffee brands that offer you a mix of both Arabica and Robusta in the bag. This ensures that you get the best of both worlds in terms of taste and caffeine strength.
At the end of the day, whatever type of coffee bean you choose, it will depend on your need, taste, and purpose.
More detailed: Arabica vs. Robusta
2. Single Origin vs. Blend
The difference between a single origin coffee bean and a blend of coffee bean is usually found in its price. Indeed, a single origin coffee bean is usually pricier than a blend.
However, single origin coffee beans are also significantly higher quality and have more flavors and tastes that are typical of the country where the coffee bean is cultivated.
Many expert baristas, and even amateur ones can easily trace the origin of the coffee bean simply from its taste. This is not possible when using the blender coffee bean. Indeed, in terms of taste, a coffee bean with a single origin is usually the best coffee bean that you can buy.
If you are short on cash but still want a decent coffee tastes, then a blend from a reputable coffee manufacturer is more than acceptable.
But, if you require only the best of the best in terms of taste and quality, then you cannot beat the single origin coffee bean.
Look for coffee beans that are cultivated in places like Brazil, Honduras, Sumatra, Indonesia, Central, and South America for the highest quality coffee beans.
3. Acidity vs. Bitterness
The acidity and bitterness of the coffee bean are directly related to the roast type of the bean. The more the coffee bean is roasted, the fewer acid levels it will contain.
This is because the acidity in a coffee bean is usually found on the outer layers of the coffee bean.
When the coffee bean is roasted with a high temperature, this coating is evaporated and therefore, the roasted coffee bean and sub having fewer acidity levels.
In turn, a coffee bean with less acidity is better for someone with a weak stomach as it can be ingested in larger quantities without causing stomach cramps or acid reflux.
Therefore, if you are the type of person with a weak stomach, then you must choose a medium to a dark roasted coffee bean that will automatically contain less acidity.
Bitterness is also a function of the roast type as well as the type of coffee bean used. The higher the roast level of the bean, the more bitter it will be.
This is because oils and other substances that make a coffee bean bitter rise from the center of the coffee bean to reach the outer layers in high temperatures.
4. Organic or Non-Organic
As its name suggests, an organic bean is a coffee bean that has been grown organically, without the use of synthetic pesticides.
Synthetic pesticides are usually used to promote the growth of a coffee bean and kill harmful insects that attack the beans.
When an organic coffee bean is cultivated, pesticides are still used, but they are organic pesticides that do not have harmful substances.
The only disadvantage of an organic bean is that it cost more than non-organic.
This is because there is more hard work involved in cultivating an organic coffee bean than a non-organic one.
Organic beans are usually labeled by terms like GMO-free, 100% organic, or pesticide free.
5. Roast
There are 3 main roast types when it comes to the coffee bean. The light roast, medium roast, and dark roast.
Out of the 3, the light roast has a brighter taste as well as the highest acidity level.
It also has more natural flavors and aromas. So, if you like your coffee to be strong in caffeine levels and flavorful, the light roast is the best whole bean coffee for the money.
Nevertheless, it still has a high level of acidity which is not good for those who suffer from acid reflux.
If you need a bolder tasting coffee with lower caffeine levels and lower acidity, then the medium, or preferentially the dark roasted coffee bean is the ideal choice.
6. Your Brew Method
Of course, the brewing method also plays a significant role in the taste of your coffee.
The French Press is one of the easiest and yet most flavorful brewing method. There are several others like the Pour Over which is equally easy and very beginner-friendly.
One of the best things about coffee beans is that the manufacturer already tells you the best brewing method for their coffee bean.
This information is normally found printed to the side of the packaging of most reputable coffee beans.
7. Your Taste
Eventually, your taste will dictate the type of coffee bean that you will need.
The only way to know which type of coffee bean best suit your need and tastes are to experiment. Try different brands of coffee beans and also different brewing methods so as to know your preference.
Once you do, you will find that you constantly gravitate towards a specific brewing method or specific coffee bean. It is then that you will know that you have found the right bean for your need.
Conclusion
As we can see, the essential part of brewing a tasty coffee is the coffee bean itself.
Indeed, everything will rotate around the coffee bean, ranging from the taste, color to the flavor.
Therefore, if you want to make the tastiest coffee possible, you better get the highest quality coffee bean on the market.
In fact, our coffee beans review above does just that. It lists some high-quality coffee brands that are loved by millions of people around the world.
Sources
- Coffee Basics: Types, Roasts and How to Store it - The Spruce Eats
