8 best whole bean coffees for a cup you can count on every time

Almost everyone can agree that most shoppers are met with an overwhelming number of options when it comes time to buy whole bean coffee rather than ground coffee. At the end of the day, we all want the same thing: a delicious and reliable cup of coffee. The kind of coffee that makes you want to get up and out of bed in the morning.

There’s nothing worse than trying a new brand (and getting pulled in by its packaging) only to find the quality is less than ideal. Luckily, we’ve done the work for you and narrowed down eight of the best whole bean coffees on the market — so you don’t need to waste your time (or money). From organic to low-acid options, these eight best whole bean coffee brands offer something for every coffee drinker. After all, everyone deserves to enjoy a delicious cup of coffee (and avoid disappointment).

What to consider

Shopping for coffee is a personal experience. There’s plenty of factors to consider, but at the end of the day, every coffee drinker will have a difference of opinion. I recommend shoppers consider the following aspects: * Preferred roast (light, medium, dark roast) * USDA organic preferences * Size of bag preferred (how quickly will you use the whole bean coffee?) * Sustainable roasting practices * Preferred tasting notes

How we tested

These best whole bean coffees were chosen with the needs of the average coffee drinker in mind. We’ve narrowed down the most reliable and trustworthy brands, as well as those that are committed to sustainable coffee-sourcing practices. These whole coffee beans come from the top brands in the industry that are known for stellar taste, quality, and reliability. Each of the tested coffee products were enjoyed for a minimum of one week to test for reliability and consistency in every cup.

Verve Coffee Roasters Aster Blend

All of Verve Coffee Roasters blends are impressive, but I was particularly impressed with the Aster whole bean coffee. Immediately upon tasting this coffee, the Aster blend feels like just the right balance for a medium roast. While not as strong as some medium roast coffees I’ve tried, it’s a great option for those who love a balanced cup. Sourced from Ethiopia, you can definitely tell that this quality coffee. I know stale, poor-quality coffee when I taste it and this was certainly not that.

Overall, I feel Verve Coffee Roasters’ Aster blend deserves the title as the top pick because its the type of coffee you can serve to any coffee drinker. If you’re having a group over, every coffee drinker will enjoy this coffee. It’s not too bold but not too light. I would describe this coffee blend as one that is tried-and-true and one that makes you want to have a second (and a third) cup every day.

Klatch Coffee WBC World’s Best Espresso

When you try a coffee called the “World’s Best Espresso,” it’s safe to say you enter the experience with high hopes. Luckily, Klatch Coffee’s WBC World’s Best Espresso lives up to its name. This bold, rich espresso whole bean coffee is a great value. Offered in three bag sizes and available on a discounted subscription program, these beans translate to a delicious cup of coffee — every time.

Each time I made a cup of this coffee during the testing period, I found myself thoroughly impressed. The deep, rich flavor comes through, along with the notes of sweet dark chocolate. I can’t say I noted citrus or berry notes, yet I still loved every sip. You can also taste the freshness of this coffee, which is roasted right before it’s shipped. It’s easy to see why this competition espresso has won the honor in over 45 countries where it competed for the WBC title.

Four Sigmatic Focus Organic Coffee

I’m not one to stray from my normal coffee, but if I’m going to drink mushroom coffee, here’s the one for me (and you, too). Four Sigmatic’s Focus Organic Coffee blends organic coffee features a special blend of powerful focus-enhancing mushrooms and organic dark roast whole bean coffee. As a coffee drinker that’s also passionate about health, I try to drink a mushroom coffee like this one at least a few times per week.

Unlike other mushroom coffees, the taste of this coffee doesn’t stray too much from the norm. The added health benefits, such as the enhanced energy and focus, are always appreciated in my busy lifestyle. You can taste notes of dark chocolate in this bold, well-balanced roast.

Sightglass Organic Toketee Blend

Sightglass’ Organic Toketee Blend features an elevated take on the classic drip blend, showcasing carefully curated, seasonally rotating coffees from Central and South America, as well as the Pacific. This whole bean coffee blend is also available in ground form, if you don’t have the time (or the grinder) to grind your own beans. Either way, this blend is fresh, consistent, and perfect for those who enjoy a medium roast coffee.

Blue Bottle Bright Roast

If you enjoy a light and floral-inspired blonde roast coffee, you’ll enjoy the Blue Bottle Bright Roast. Available in 12-ounce bags of whole bean coffee, this USDA organic blend is sourced from select producers in East Africa. Each cup delivers consistent, premium quality and purchasers get the additional assurance of knowing the brand is committed to sustainable sourcing practices.

Stumptown Coffee Roasters Holler Mountain

Stumptown Coffee Roasters Holler Mountain is a well-known roast by the brand; and for good reason. These medium-roast beans have creamy and caramel notes, ideal for the coffee drinker who wants something balanced and simple. As an added bonus, this blend is USDA organic, roasted without pesticides or additives. The subscription program also adds to the appeal here, giving you the option to have the blend regularly delivered right to your door.

Kicking Horse 454 Power Horse Roast

As the name suggests, the Kicking Horse 454 Power Horse Roast is a go-to whole bean coffee for when you need something bold and strong. This 100% Arabica dark roast coffee is roasted right below the Canadian Rocky Mountains for a reliable, delicious cup of coffee every time. The medium-fine coffee ground size is great for use with cold brew methods as well as traditional drip coffee.

Volcanica Coffee Peru Coffee

Also known as “Tres Cumbres,” Volcanica Coffee Peru Coffee features a complex, full-bodied flavor complete with low acidity. This coffee, sourced from Peru, has smoky overtones and a clean finish for a reliable cup of coffee every time. This brand is well known in the world of whole coffee beans, known for it’s low-acid coffees that are sensitive on the stomach. If coffee causes you stomach upset, I highly recommend giving these low-acid coffees a shot. The Peru medium roast won’t disappoint.