For a true coffee fanatic, just seeing the words “coffee beans” is enough to make you crave a cup, no matter the time of day. We love drinking it, researching it, talking about it, and trying new flavors. Whether it’s whole bean, ground, or decaf, every coffee lover has a favorite go-to brand, but sometimes, you want to mix things up a little.
If you’re looking for a unique flavor, a new roast, or a special treat, read our top picks for the top 10 coffee beans. Every self-proclaimed coffee snob will have nothing less than whole beans to start with, but for those who want the convenience of pre-ground and those who need a little caffeine in their lives, we’ve got something for you too!
Reading: Best ground coffee 2016
a quick comparison of our favorites (updated 2022)
the 10 best brands of coffee beans in the world
1. lifeboost pacamara limited collection coffee beans: best overall
We start our list of the best coffees in the world with this unique bean. Brewed with some of the world’s largest and rarest coffee beans, LifeBoost’s Pacamara Limited Collection is a complex, intense coffee with just a hint of sweetness.
This hard-to-find coffee is incredibly delicious, but it’s also sustainably grown. Lifeboost coffee is fair trade, organic, kosher, shade-grown, and pesticide-free. In addition, your stomach will appreciate its low acidity.
Of course, all of this comes at a cost. but if you have the budget, we think you’ll love this tasty and unusual coffee.
Overall, we believe lifeboost pacamara coffee beans are the best coffee beans in the world.
2. tanzania volcanic peaberry coffee beans
Coming second is Volcana’s Tanzania Peaberry whole bean coffee, which is grown on the slopes of Africa’s highest mountain. Mount Kilimanjaro’s volcanic soil nourishes coffee plants with minerals that produce richly aromatic coffee beans. The beans are hand-picked and exported to Atlanta, Georgia, where they are medium roasted under the supervision of a gourmet.
This choice offers a smooth cup, a satisfying crema, and an aroma to perk up anytime. it’s a little more expensive, but maybe it’s worth indulging in a nice flavor. if you’re offended by a dark roast and turn up your nose at the idea, you may be on the fence about this one. although it is a medium roast, it can hit on the darker side of sensitive taste buds. if you love dark roast coffee from time to time, this selection will come to you from a smooth side without the smokiness. however, if you’re a devout drinker of dark roast coffee, this will be weak on your palate.
With a smooth body and hints of sweet cocoa, the volcanica tanzania pea could be your new favorite bean.
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3. koffee kult dark roast coffee beans: best value for money
If you already love kult, koffee kult dark roast coffee beans can be a staple in your life. however, if you’re not familiar with the fans that follow, this brand knows how to captivate dark roast lovers in the coffee world. This selection is a 100% Arabica blend with beans from Guatemala, Colombia and Sumatra. is a bold flavored roast with a full body, a note of cinnamon and a dark chocolate finish.
Our finalist is priced high enough to be considered a fancy coffee. if you’re not used to dark roast flavors, you may find this option bitter. conversely, if you prefer a French roast, you may find this coffee to be average. but as all coffee lovers know, taste is subjective.
4. kona gold coffee beans – premium choice
kona gold whole bean coffee is our first choice and was praised by mark twain way back in 1866. hawaii has the only commercially grown coffee beans in the united states and has the highest standards for coffee quality . Kona is ranked among the best and comprises less than 1% of all coffee sold in the world. given its rarity, the high price will make you understand the true meaning of extra fancy coffee. so while it may not be an everyday coffee, it can be a sweet treat from time to time.
This bean has a sweet flavor with fruity undertones and a brown sugar finish. with its full body and flavor, it is a crowd pleaser. however, if you’re not a fan of a darker profile and a smoky bite, you might want to stick with your wallet. while many coffee fans find this option exceptional, others do not. If you want to decide for yourself, talk to your coffee-loving friends and make it a group tasting purchase.
5. kicking horse coffee beans: the best decaffeinated
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kicking horse decaf coffee is our pick for the best decaf. whether you’re cutting back on caffeine in your life or just after 2 p.m. m., this pick has notes of hazelnuts and chocolate, giving you the flavor without the kick. Since this brand doesn’t chemically decaffeinate its coffee, those sweet notes get a chance to shine. for those who care about the environment, it’s certified organic, fair trade, kosher, and decaffeinated with the swiss water process.
these beans are 100% arabica, originating from central and south america. it’s an expensive option, but it’s available in a smaller 10-ounce bag if you want to try it out before committing to 2 pounds. decaf coffee has a reputation for lacking flavor, but this choice may surprise you.
Even if you don’t prefer decaf, there are plenty of reasons to love this coffee, and it’s our top decaf option.
6. death wish coffee: the best ground selection
Bragging itself as the world’s strongest coffee, Death Wish ground coffee blends Arabica and Robusta coffee beans for a kick of caffeine that so many coffee addicts crave. Every coffee snob knows that grinding whole beans just before brewing tastes the freshest. however, not everyone wants to deal with grinding beans. pre-ground coffee may be your preference for convenience and ease.
This dark roast gives an intense flavor with a cherry undertone and a chocolate finish. robusta coffee offers higher caffeine content with low acidity; however, the trade-off is a more bitter taste. if you don’t like the bitterness of robusta, you may not like this option. As a pre-ground coffee, it’s a bit too coarse for espresso, so consider grinding the coffee beans to achieve the fine grind that espresso requires to reach its full flavor potential.
If you have a high tolerance for caffeine, you may not notice the kick that makes this brand popular. however, the intense flavor will likely keep you coming back for more, which is why this is our top pick pre-ground.
7. lavazza super cream coffee bean mix
As a more economical option, Lavazza Super Cream Coffee Bean Blend features a creamier, darker roast flavor with a nutty undertone. With a velvety crema and rich flavor, this choice is ideal for espresso. It is a blend of 60% Arabica beans and 40% Robusta beans. Although this is an “espresso” roast, it is a medium to dark roast, indicating that it is best used in an espresso brew.
This option is dark and flavorful and holds up well to cream and sugar. if you refuse to even think about robusta beans, you’ll want to look for 100% arabica and not a blend. if you prefer a lighter roast or a balanced medium roast, this coffee is not for you. For whatever reason, many coffee lovers have noticed a problem with rocks in these beans. just be sure to check them out before you start grinding, so the experience doesn’t have to buy or repair an expensive coffee grinder.
8. don pablo coffee gourmet coffee blend
don pablo’s signature coffee blend offers a blend of 100% arabica beans originating in brazil, guatemala and colombia, giving it a complexity not found in single-origin varieties. it’s a medium to dark roast at an affordable price, making this choice a staple coffee in many homes. while offering a full body and smooth profile, the chocolate finish gives it a pleasantly sweet aftertaste.
This brand is dedicated to fostering good relations with coffee growers and manages the production of more than one million coffee trees in South America. The beans are slowly roasted in small batches by artisan roasters who use sight, smell and hearing to ensure roasting skills are honed and caramelization is optimal. The roasting facility is also USDA certified for organic production.
The full-bodied flavor of this blend is on the darker side and may not be right for you if you prefer a lighter roast. the beans are notoriously oily, so proceed with caution when grinding as it can clog. As an inexpensive blend, it’s an average coffee to have on hand for any day.
9. small footprint coffee organic coffee beans from nicaragua
For those looking for an environmentally friendly brand, Small Footprint Fair Trade Organic Nicaragua Coffee is carbon negative. Simply put, the company donates money to fund reforestation in Ecuador for every pound of coffee sold, making it a feel-good purchase. but how is the coffee?
This selection is a dark roast that conveys notes of fruity spices and a chocolate finish. works well with any preparation method. however, it provides a strong medium roast flavor with a rich aroma. if you prefer a bold dark roast, this coffee may not satisfy you. It’s also more acidic than expected, so for those with sensitive stomachs and prone to acid reflux, you may want to look elsewhere. if you want a nice, average coffee from a community-minded brand, you might enjoy this option.
10. jo organic colombian coffee
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Completing our list is Colombian Whole Bean Organic Coffee that is not only organic, it is also fair trade and kosher certified, with a brand desire to honor small coffee farmers around the world. this choice is 100% Arabica coffee with sweet notes of caramel and almond. Delivering a smooth profile in a medium roast, it is sure to please coffee lovers who enjoy a relaxing cup of coffee. if you need a cup with a powerful flavor and supremely robust experience, this is not your coffee.
jo coffee is a brand dedicated to craft roasting while supporting sustainable practices. Members of the Professional Roasters Guild and the winning team of the 2016 Roasters Challenge, buy only the top 2% of all certified organic raw Arabica coffee on the planet. with the motto, “coffee makes people happy!” we have to agree with jo.
Overall, this selection is good coffee at a premium price.
buyer’s guide: what distinguishes the best coffee beans in the world?
When searching for the world’s best coffee beans, you may be wondering: what’s so special about these particular beans? coffee options and preferences are a subjective matter. When looking for a new flavor, extraordinary treat, or fresh kitchen staple, there are a few things to consider, including cost, roast, and brand.
cost
While the best coffee beans don’t have to cost a lot, options range from inexpensive to premium. if you’re looking for a staple, you’ll probably be drawn to coffee that comes at a low price. however, it’s fun to experiment once in a while with a gift you can buy a few times a year. some varieties are cheaper per ounce in larger quantities, and subscribing and saving is an added convenience for many. when comparing coffee, look at the cost per ounce.
see also: our guide to kopi luwak, one of the most expensive & controversial coffees in the world!
roasted
Coffee lovers take their taste preferences personally, but experimenting can be a fun experience. if you enjoy a hint of flavor in your cup, a dark roast and some medium roasts can deliver. if you tend to lean towards a breakfast coffee with a brighter solution, a light roast will put a smile on your face. Of course, different brewing methods will bring out different flavors of the same coffee, so play around and find what you like.
brand
Environmentally friendly practices are becoming more important to consumers and there are many options available. Research and analyze the business practices of the brand that catches your eye. you pay more because the cost of green and organically sourced coffee practices is passed on to the consumer. but you can rest easy knowing that the brand ethic is consistent with yours.
A note on the decaf process: The Swiss water process removes the caffeine from the coffee beans with water and carbon filtration. the process is more expensive, which means that part of that cost will be passed on to the consumer. however, many coffee lovers who drink decaf are willing to pay a little more for the lack of chemicals.
It is a well-known and essential fact to remember that grinding coffee just before brewing is the crucial component in extracting the best flavor from the best coffee beans. pre-ground coffee won’t be as fresh, but we understand if that’s your preference.
Buying coffee at the supermarket is the most convenient option, but shopping online allows you to see artisan roasters you might not know about otherwise. diving into the research might get you trying some new flavors.
One of the biggest complaints from online shoppers is that most brands don’t label the packaging with a roasting date. If this is the case, you’ll hopefully receive something relatively new, but that’s the risk of buying online. however, remember that the original packaging is not ideal for storage. store your beans in an airtight container for optimal freshness.
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conclusion
If you haven’t picked your next cup of coffee yet, we hope our reviews have helped you find some candidates. If you’re on the fence, here’s a quick rundown of our top picks. Taking the top spot is LifeBoost’s Pacamara Limited Collection, an unusual and intense coffee. We also recommend the volcanica tanzania peaberry whole bean coffee, another high-quality option that has a good crema and an impressive flavor.
our runner-up, koffee cult dark roast, is a bold blend of arabica with hints of cinnamon and a bold profile for dark roast lovers. Kona Gold Whole Bean Coffee is our premium option priced to have you searching for gold flakes at the bottom of your cup. improve your preparation method and have some fun in the kitchen!
Looking for more? Look at the 7 most expensive coffee beans in the world!
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