Coffee beans are of course the basis of all cups of coffee. Thankfully, there are literally thousands of blends out there to choose from if you have a very particular taste in mind
Or you may actually see this as a negative if you have no idea what to look for. From all of the different tastes and origins to the individual roasters and coffee requirements, there is a lot to take in, especially for someone buying their first-ever batch of beans.
So, we have compiled a guide of some of our personal favourites below, as well as notes on their particular USP’s if you’re looking for something particular.
Grab your coffee grinder and get ready to be taken on a journey of quality coffee…
Our Top Picks
Best Overall: Pablo’s Pride Guatemala
Details
Taste: Caramel, Cocoa
Origin: Guatemala
Type: Single Origin
Capacity: 907kg
Grind Choice: Beans
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Best Espresso: Lavazza Super Crema Coffee Beans
Details
Taste: Hazelnut, Brown sugar
Origin: South America/Indonesia
Type: Blend
Capacity: 1kg
Grind Choice: Beans
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Best Dark Roast: Taylors of Harrogate Hot Lava Java Coffee
Details
Taste: Coffee, Rugged, Smokey
Origin: Indonesia
Type: Single Origin
Capacity: 227g
Grind Choice: Ground
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The Best Coffee Bean Brands
1) Best Overall: Pablo’s Pride Guatemala
Specifications
Taste: Caramel, Cocoa
Origin: Guatemala
Type: Single Origin
Capacity: 907kg
Grind Choice: Beans
Pablo’s Pride Guatemala is rich and chocolatey with considerable depth of flavor, a very smooth velvety body, low acidity, and a clean caramel and cocoa finish.
The slight caramelization of the natural sugars in the bean give this medium-dark coffee a touch of roastiness, while it still retains its natural flavor character, giving it a sweet, pleasant aftertaste. 100% Arabica Whole Bean Coffee, Medium-Dark Roast, GMO Free.
2) Best Espresso: Lavazza Super Crema Coffee Beans
Details
Taste: Hazelnut, Brown sugar
Origin: South America/Indonesia
Type: Blend
Capacity: 1kg
Grind Choice: Beans
One of the most popular beans around the world, from a well-known brand which you can rely on.
If you’re looking for something which can give the ultimate crema, then this unique blend is perfect as there is a long-lasting foam created no matter which technique you use. They would be the absolute best if used in espresso, however, which isn’t dulled down by milk and other additions.
The use of Arabica/Robusta in a 60:40 ratio gives you the best of both worlds, and there are notes of hazelnut and brown sugar for a smooth taste. The beans have been medium roasted, so are just that right middle-level for everyone’s taste buds.
3) Patria Honduras Medium Roast Ground Coffee
Specifications
Taste: mild, sweet flavors with a robust brew
Origin: Honduras
Type: Multiple
Capacity: 250g
Grind Choice: Ground
One of the world’s great coffee growing regions.
The fertile farms of Central America and Southern Mexico are known for their near-perfect coffee growing conditions, producing Arabica beans that are treasured the world over. Patria Coffees are inspired by the unique characteristics each nation brings to the coffees it produces.
4) Death Wish Coffee Dark Roast Grounds
Specifications
Taste: Chocolate, Toffee
Origin: Multiple
Type: Blend
Capacity: 454g
Grind Choice: Ground Coffee
Get a pound of power & energy every morning with our dark roast coffee ground. This dark coffee is made of robust bold flavors. Wake up your senses with our dark coffee ground that’s rich, intense, black and bold coffee.
Transform your basic cup into an intense & delicious coffee. One sip of this best coffee will make you say yes to more of our coffee grinds. Choose premium artisanal coffee ground dark roast & feel alive every day!
5) Coffee Masters Flavored Coffee
Specifications
Taste: Dark, rich, decadent chocolate flavor
Origin: Guatemala, Kenya, Indonesia
Type: Blend
Capacity: 340g
Grind Choice: Ground
When you’re craving something sweet and decadent, reach for this dark chocolate flavored coffee.
Coffee Masters Flavored Coffee is a perfect blend of rich, bold coffee and velvety dark chocolate flavor. It’s a treat that’s sure to please your taste buds and give you the energy to get through your day.
This 12-ounce bag is enough for about 20 cups of delicious coffee!
6) illy Classico Coffee Beans
Specifications
Taste: Caramel, Orange blossom, Jasmine
Origin: Multiple
Type: Blend
Capacity: 250g
Grind Choice: Whole Bean
The classic medium roast taste from a brand who you will have likely had in a coffee shop once upon a time. Rather than trying to craft multiple coffees over the year, illy have put all of their time and research into creating this one which they believe is the finest possible.
Using Arabica beans originating from nine various growers around the world, the delicate sweetness and lingering taste profiles come through in abundance.
All the beans have been sustainably grown, and illy have direct relationships with the growers. They have even been on the list of the most ethical companies to work for every year since 2013.
We love how they come in a recyclable pressurised can as opposed to a bag, so they can remain fresh until used (recommended that this is within a month).
7) Taylors of Harrogate Hot Lava Java Coffee
Specifications
Taste: Coffee, Rugged, Smokey
Origin: Indonesia
Type: Single Origin
Capacity: 227g
Grind Choice: Ground
It’s time to try something new.
If you’re looking for a coffee that’s bold, rich, and full of flavor, look no further than Taylor’s Dark Roast Hot Lava Java Coffee!
With 227g of dark roasted coffee goodness, this product will make your morning routine even better. It’s smooth, it’s creamy and sweet, it’s everything you could ask for in a cup of joe.
8) Lavazza Espresso Barista Gran Crema
Specifications
Taste: Honey and roasted coffee
Origin: Ethiopia, Brazil
Type: Blend
Capacity: 1000g
Grind Choice: Whole Bean, Ground
Lavazza Gran Crema Italian whole coffee beans are the perfect way to start your day.
These beans are carefully blended and roasted in Italy, and they come packed in a 2.2 pound bag. They have a rich body, with a chocolatey aroma that is spicy and long-lasting. You’ll love the lingering crema!
These beans are non-GMO, so you can feel confident knowing that they won’t cause any harmful effects on your health or the environment.
9) Hugo Coffee Roasters
Specifications
Taste: Chocolate, Nut, Spice
Origin: Park City, Utah
Type: Single Origin
Capacity: 340g
Grind Choice: Ground
Designed for those who love the taste and ritual of coffee, but are done with caffeine for the day; Thoughtful bean selection, careful roasting and a unique and natural decaffeination process yields a delightfully strong decaf without the burnt, smoky chemical taste
ENJOY A CUP AND SAVE A PUP – Proceeds from every bag of Hugo Coffee sold support dog rescue organizations; We collaborate with our retail partners on adoption and education events, and hold our own fundraisers to give back
10) Cameron’s Coffee
Specifications
Taste: delicate spiciness with hints of chocolate
Origin: Ethiopia
Type: Single Origin
Capacity: 283g
Grind Choice: Whole Bean, Ground
Get your hands on Cameron’s Coffee Roasted Ground Coffee Bag, Jamaican Blend, 10 Ounce.
Jamaican blend is a medium-roast coffee that has a delightful, full-bodied flavor. It’s made from 100% Arabica beans and features notes of cocoa, nuts and spice. This blend will keep you going all day long!
This 10-ounce bag is perfect for those who want to try out this delicious blend before committing to a larger quantity.
11) Copper Moon Whole Bean Coffee
Specifications
Taste: herbal and almond notes mixed with a smooth, smoky character and pleasant earthy aroma.
Origin: Colombia
Type: Single Origin
Capacity: 907g, 2.27kg
Grind Choice: Whole Beans
You’re going to fall in love with the dark roast Sumatra blend from Copper Moon. This coffee is full of flavor, with a smooth finish and notes of cocoa and caramel.
Coffee enthusiasts will love the complexity of this blend, but even casual drinkers will enjoy the richness it adds to your morning cup.
This coffee is grown by small-scale farmers in Indonesia, who work tirelessly to produce some of the best beans on earth. These farmers are committed to providing their customers with the highest quality coffee possible, so they use only organic practices during cultivation and harvest.
You can feel good about buying this product because you’re supporting local business owners and helping them continue their mission of providing delicious coffee beans for all!
11) Kicking Horse Coffee
Specifications
Taste: Heavy body, sweet tobacco, earthy with a black licorice finish
Origin: INDONESIA, CENTRAL & SOUTH AMERICA
Type: Single Origin
Capacity: 284g
Grind Choice: Whole Bean
You don’t need to be a rocket scientist to see that Kicking Horse Coffee, 454 Horse Power, Dark Roast, Whole Bean, 10 oz – Certified Organic, Fairtrade, Kosher Coffee is the best coffee you’ve ever had.
This certified organic, fair trade, kosher dark roast is crafted with care and precision to give you the best possible cup of coffee. It’s not just good for you—it’s good for everyone involved in its production.
This delicious beverage comes from Kicking Horse Coffee’s 454 Horse Power blend that has been carefully crafted over years of research and development by one of Canada’s most renowned coffee roasters. With this product in your pantry or refrigerator (or wherever else you keep your favorite beverages), you’ll never have to worry about getting up early again—just ask your local barista for a cup of this powerful brew and enjoy life as it was meant to be enjoyed: on the edge of your seat!
The Ultimate Coffee Bean Buying Guide
How To Choose Your Coffee Beans
Above, we have some of our favourites, and a pick for pretty much every flavour profile, method and preference. But how do you narrow it down to what you want?
Ask yourself three simple questions – which method are you using, which flavours are you seeking and what kind of coffee drinker you are.
Method
- French Press – Medium to dark roast for a full bodied taste
- Cold Brew – Light roasted, higher-acidity beans. Single origin is great for maximum taste. We have listed our favourites here
- Espresso Machine – You want a dark roast for more flavour without milk and sugar
- Pour Over/Drip – If you don’t add milk, choose an exotic single origin bean with stand-out flavour notes of your choice which will be intense
- Pod Machine – You can’t use any of the beans above (unless you prepare your own pods using a fine ground). Look at our picks of the best Nespresso pods instead
Any other method, such as bean to cup, is pretty flexible and can adhere best to your tastes
Flavours
- Fruity, Floral Exotic Flavours – Opt for light roast single origin coffee. Best drunk without milk and using a drip method
- Full Bodied Coffee Taste – After the classic palate? Go for dark roast coffee. You are flexible with aftertastes, and can add milk
- Fruity Picks – Something medium roast from Africa, or a speciality house blend, will likely give you this. You can choose between berries, citrus or floral picks
Circumstances
How do you drink your coffee? As mentioned above, if you use milk, a darker roast is best so the coffee flavours still emerge through the dairy. Anybody who needs something quick may be best buying pre-ground, and using a cafetiere or automatic coffee machine, so pick accordingly.
When you drink the coffee can also have an impact. You may want an invigorating strong roast in the morning, but something more mellow with hints of caramel for a post-lunch perk.
Grind Choice
We have included this information because despite being a page for the Best Coffee Beans, you don’t necessarily have to buy them as beans.
While we would always recommend buying beans and grinding them just before use, this does require a grinder or bean to cup machine, so it is easier for a lot of people to buy it pre-ground, even if it means it has to be used within ~two weeks.
Capacity
A 250g bag will give you around 15 cups. By this following, a 1kg bag will be enough for around 60 cups.
Think about how much coffee you drink. Freshly roasted beans should ideally be used within a month, so if you are only partial to a coffee rather than drinking two or three per day, a small bag will be plenty.
Origins
There are two things to bear in mind here – country, and blend.
Where the coffee bean was grown can have a big effect on taste. Ethiopian coffee has distinct fruity flavours, like berry, with floral notes. Guatemalan coffee has chocolate hints in the aftertaste, with nutty hues when being drunk. El Salvador coffee can see plum or red fruit.
This isn’t to say your coffee will definitely have these flavours because of where they come from, but it is used as a good guide.
The blend can either be single origin or house blend. Single origin means one bean, from one grower, so there will be a particular taste. A house blend is a mix of beans, usually from different countries, to create an overall taste.
For the extra curious, we have a separate guide on where coffee beans come from and how they are processed.
FAQs
Why choose coffee beans?
Why beans over the ready-ground coffee available in the supermarket? Surely that just means more faff and work for you?
Well yes, there is a bit of grinding needed from you, but the closer a bean is ground to when it is used, the fresher it will taste. You can still buy most of the above beans pre-ground if you don’t have any access to a grinder, however.
Buying the beans is also perfect for anyone who wants to grind to a particular level, or who uses multiple types of coffee maker and would require various grinds.
Is there anywhere I shouldn’t buy coffee beans from?
Not particularly. All we will say is that you should be wary of anywhere where freshness could be a possible issue, such as supermarkets or grocery stores where the beans could have been in storage for quite a while before being sold.
Online, this could be any store which doesn’t give you the option of your beans arriving whole bean or pre-ground. Any coffee which is roasted/ground to order should feature a roasting date on the packaging so you can keep on top of the freshness.
But in general, buying from a named brand such as an online coffee store or large supermarket will mean you’re getting quality, and they won’t have been sitting around long enough for their taste to be impacted anyway.
You have now found the best coffee beans available! If you especially enjoyed any of the coffee beans listed in our list above, why not share the joy?
Gift a loved one your favourite entry on our list.
Or if you happen to be reading this at the beginning of winter, you could opt for coffee advent calendars that use premium coffee beans or grounds (or other coffee Christmas gifts!).
Did you also know that some people prefer to eat coffee beans rather than brew them? If that sounds appealing to you, find how you too can safely eat roasted coffee beans.
And when you’re done, you could turn the leftovers into grounds and repurpose them!
Dan is a former competition barista and has been honing his knowledge of coffee for over two decades.
He has worked in coffee farms in Peru, as well as roasters in Australia. He now trains new baristas and hosts cupping experiences in Austin.