We all have our favorite type of coffee. Whether you prefer a dark roast made from coarse grounds and a French press or something less strong and dark via your reliable Mr. Coffee, a cup of Joe is the best way to start your day. And like everything in life, there’s always room for improvement. Whether it’s owning a high-end coffeemaker or buying the right milk or milk frother, the ideal method for making the perfect cup of coffee is easier than you think. In addition to tasting great and kick-starting your day, coffee also promotes liver health and reduces your risk of Alzheimer’s disease.
While we’re all for coffee clubs and coffee subscription services, there will come a time when you need to be in charge of your coffee beans. We’ve done our research to bring you our comprehensive list of the best coffee beans that will surely please your palate and elevate your mornings. A word of advice: Coffee beans do expire, so don’t let them sit for too long in the kitchen. Oh, and keep your coffee pot clean, it'll lead to a better-tasting cup.
Water Avenue Coffee
Best Overall
Portland, Oregon, knows coffee, and Water Avenue has long been a model roaster in the caffeine-addicted city. The outfit reigns supreme in all facets, from flavor and variety to presentation and packaging. The beans are roasted so deftly that you can recreate the quintessential coffee shop experience at home with ease.
Stone Street Coffee Company
Best Dark Roast
New York-based Stone Street makes a mean cup of dark coffee. The company has an array of options along the darker end of the spectrum, equally delicious and from all over the global coffee map. Often, a dark roast coffee is too intense to drink without a heavy pour of milk, but that's not the case here.
Cognoscenti Coffee
Best Light Roast
It's no surprise a warm-weather town like Los Angeles would specialize in a lighter roast style of coffee. Cognoscenti turns out some of the best in the category, without sacrificing big flavor profiles. You'll fall for this lauded roaster if you're a fan of fruit and citrus-driven coffees.
Peet's Coffee
Best Budget
Peet's has done some cool things over the years, like collaborating with a brewery to create a coffee-infused IPA. Throughout, the roaster has produced quality beans at a great price. Stalwart options like Major Dickason's Blend continue to impress without putting a large dent in your bank account.
Onyx Coffee Lab
Best for Espresso
Award-winning Arkansas specialist Onyx Coffee Lab is always up to something creative in its roastery. While its coffee bean selection is strong and worth your time, the company is also behind some fantastic espresso beans. If you want to elevate your single shot or Americano game, check 'em out.
Java Pura
Best Flavored Coffee
Houston's Java Pura is doing great things in the Lone Star State for coffee. The company does fine cold brew, makes a surprisingly good batch of decaf (not that you don't need the caffeine), and even has a barrel-aged series of coffee beans. You can always count on big memorable flavors with this roaster, including a tasty espresso blend.
Intelligentsia
Best Variety
Intelligentsia has grown significantly over the years but without losing sight of its quest to produce top-notch coffee. The Chicago roaster has been at it since 1995 and has since developed relationships with growers all over the planet. In turn, it has created an impressive portfolio of coffees. If you're after diversity in origin and flavor, be a coffee tourist with Intelligentsia.
Stumptown Coffee
Best Whole Bean
Stumptown has become a real force in the coffee landscape and for good reason. The Pacific Northwest operation sources amazing beans and delivers them freshly roasted, so you can take on the joy of grinding at home. The company's whole bean lineup is noteworthy and generally as aromatic as it is flavorful.
Peace Coffee
Most Sustainable
Out of Minneapolis, Peace Coffee has become synonymous with fair trade practices and sustainable farming. You'll enjoy sipping the roaster's work as well as knowing your money is going to something worthwhile. Peace Coffee was founded by the Institute for Agriculture & Trade Policy, a nonprofit devoted to equity in farming and fair agricultural practices.
Coava Coffee
Best Single Origin
A trip to Coava's flagship coffee shop is a sensory joy. Fortunately, you can recreate that experience at home with the roaster's outstanding cast of single-origin offerings. You're bound to come away with a new favorite coffee region on top of a fantastic cup of joe.
Brooklyn Roasting Company
Best Ground
Brooklyn Roasting is one of the superior East Coast roasters. Even better, the company grinds just about everything it makes, and in a variety of coarse levels depending on how you like to make your perfect cup. The outfit makes some great beans and does so in a socially conscious way that's worth supporting.
Cafe du Monde
Best Canned Coffee
A New Orleans staple, chicory coffee is delicious and fun to drink. Cafe du Monde is the most iconic brand on the market, with its signature can and very bayou-style insignia. The taste will send you straight to morning along Bourbon Street, and you can hold on to the cool can when you're done and use it to store your coffee tools.
Kona Gold
Best Splurge
Sometimes you need to go with the really good stuff. Kona is a world-renowned brand in the coffee world, and its coffee is incredibly smooth and full of many delicate flavor layers. It's best to go with the real deal (aka 100% Kona), like Kona Gold. Consider it your special occasion coffee. You'll be sipping like you were staying in a fine Hawaiian resort.
Now you have all the tools to stay properly caffeinated. Better, you'll be drinking some of the best coffee available, which will give you a whole new appreciation of the stuff. After all, nobody deserves a mediocre cup of joe.
Editors' Recommendations
- The best flavors of LaCroix sparkling water, ranked
- The best tequilas you can buy for less than $20
- The 8 best protein shakes that are ready-to-go
- The best Irish whiskeys come in these 12 bottles
- The 10 best aprons for men: Cook your meals in style
