The Best Coffee Beans In 2022
Kingmaya Studio/Shutterstock By Anita Surewicz/Updated: Jan. 25, 2023 5:41 pm EST
We may receive a commission on purchases made from links. From espressos and lattes to cold brews, coffee is a subject that could divide a nation. Some people love dark roasts, others swear by lightly-roasted beans. For some, sustainable bean cultivation practices and fair trade principles are a priority, while others select their brews based on price. This is precisely why choosing the best coffee beans is such a tall order.
While coffee enthusiasts can disagree about their choice of beans and coffee preparation methods, there’s one aspect they all agree on: When it comes to brewing coffee, not all beans are created equal. Aside from the fact that most coffee is made from either Arabica or Robusta beans — each with its own flavor profile — there are several other factors that can influence aroma and taste. The most important being the region where the beans are sourced, as well as their processing and roasting methods (via CoffeeAM). With so many variables, it’s no wonder that many people are confused about their coffee choices. While we realize that coffee is a very subjective topic, we’ve picked our top choices for the best coffee beans of the year by category, to make your decision process simpler.
How we selected products
Farknot Architect/Shutterstock
According to a 2020 report by the National Coffee Association, 62% of Americans drink coffee every day, and the average enthusiast consumes just over three cups daily. Despite these high numbers, many people still select their coffee on a trial and error basis — they go into a shop, pick a bag of coffee beans, and hope for the best. Suffice it to say, this is less than ideal.
In our quest to find the best coffee beans on the market, we sifted through dozens of community and expert reviews. We took into account light, medium, and dark roast levels, tasting notes, and the coffee’s origins. We also looked at whether the beans were of single origin (meaning that they came from a single estate), or blended for a more balanced flavor (via Di Bartoli). Whether you’re searching for the best beans for your daily espresso shot or want to go all out and spend lavishly on your brews, here’s our selection of the best coffee beans in 2022.
Best organic coffee beans
Don Pablo Coffee
Also available in dark and medium-dark roast, the Don Pablo Subtle Earth Organic Light Roasted Coffee is made with USDA organic certified coffee beans from the Marcala region of Honduras. Non-GMO and grown without the use of pesticides, the Arabica beans are roasted in small batches shortly before shipping to ensure optimal freshness (via Don Pablo Coffee). In addition, the company gives a portion of its profits to the coffee farmers who supply quality beans and reach “benchmarks in Labor, Economic, and Environmental Sustainability.”
Smooth and full-bodied, the Don Pablo Subtle Earth Organic Coffee features a rich chocolatey flavor with hints of caramel, cocoa, and honey. The light roast, in particular, is smooth, highly drinkable, and characterized by low acidity and a sweet aftertaste. Significantly, Don Pablo Subtle Earth Organic Light Roasted Coffee has scored 9.5 out of 10 from Best Views Reviews for its aroma, flavor, ingredient quality, overall satisfaction, value for money, and packaging. Purchase the Don Pablo Subtle Earth Organic Light Roasted Coffee from the brand’s website starting at $10.99 for a 12-ounce bag.
Best decaf coffee beans
Kicking Horse
Caffeine affects different people in different ways. While many rely on coffee for that much-needed morning energy boost, the beverage can leave others restless, anxious, and unable to sleep. Luckily, plenty of decaf coffee options are available to keep everyone satisfied. The Kicking Horse Decaf Dark Roast Coffee is one of them. In terms of aroma and taste, this organic roast is just as satisfying as its caffeinated counterparts and it’s even ethically sourced.
Kicking Horse Decaf is a breath of fresh air in a world where many decaf coffees fail to stand up to the bold flavors of caffeinated beans (via Page One Coffee). Grown in Central and South America and roasted in the Canadian Rocky Mountains, the Kicking Horse Decaf displays a nutty deep chocolate nose. In terms of flavor, the rich brew exudes hints of chocolate and hazelnuts and — just like a good wine — comes with a lingering finish. Better still, Kicking Horse uses the Swiss Water Process to decaffeinate its coffee, a method to remove caffeine without resorting to chemicals (via Coffee How). Purchase a 10-ounce bag of Kicking Horse Decaf Dark Roast Coffee on the company’s website for $12.99.
The Best Coffee Beans In 2022
Kingmaya Studio/Shutterstock
By Anita Surewicz/Updated: Jan. 25, 2023 5:41 pm EST
We may receive a commission on purchases made from links. From espressos and lattes to cold brews, coffee is a subject that could divide a nation. Some people love dark roasts, others swear by lightly-roasted beans. For some, sustainable bean cultivation practices and fair trade principles are a priority, while others select their brews based on price. This is precisely why choosing the best coffee beans is such a tall order.
While coffee enthusiasts can disagree about their choice of beans and coffee preparation methods, there’s one aspect they all agree on: When it comes to brewing coffee, not all beans are created equal. Aside from the fact that most coffee is made from either Arabica or Robusta beans — each with its own flavor profile — there are several other factors that can influence aroma and taste. The most important being the region where the beans are sourced, as well as their processing and roasting methods (via CoffeeAM). With so many variables, it’s no wonder that many people are confused about their coffee choices. While we realize that coffee is a very subjective topic, we’ve picked our top choices for the best coffee beans of the year by category, to make your decision process simpler.
We may receive a commission on purchases made from links.
While coffee enthusiasts can disagree about their choice of beans and coffee preparation methods, there’s one aspect they all agree on: When it comes to brewing coffee, not all beans are created equal. Aside from the fact that most coffee is made from either Arabica or Robusta beans — each with its own flavor profile — there are several other factors that can influence aroma and taste. The most important being the region where the beans are sourced, as well as their processing and roasting methods (via CoffeeAM).
With so many variables, it’s no wonder that many people are confused about their coffee choices. While we realize that coffee is a very subjective topic, we’ve picked our top choices for the best coffee beans of the year by category, to make your decision process simpler.
How we selected products
Farknot Architect/Shutterstock
According to a 2020 report by the National Coffee Association, 62% of Americans drink coffee every day, and the average enthusiast consumes just over three cups daily. Despite these high numbers, many people still select their coffee on a trial and error basis — they go into a shop, pick a bag of coffee beans, and hope for the best. Suffice it to say, this is less than ideal.
In our quest to find the best coffee beans on the market, we sifted through dozens of community and expert reviews. We took into account light, medium, and dark roast levels, tasting notes, and the coffee’s origins. We also looked at whether the beans were of single origin (meaning that they came from a single estate), or blended for a more balanced flavor (via Di Bartoli). Whether you’re searching for the best beans for your daily espresso shot or want to go all out and spend lavishly on your brews, here’s our selection of the best coffee beans in 2022.
In our quest to find the best coffee beans on the market, we sifted through dozens of community and expert reviews. We took into account light, medium, and dark roast levels, tasting notes, and the coffee’s origins. We also looked at whether the beans were of single origin (meaning that they came from a single estate), or blended for a more balanced flavor (via Di Bartoli). Whether you’re searching for the best beans for your daily espresso shot or want to go all out and spend lavishly on your brews, here’s our selection of the best coffee beans in 2022.
Best coffee beans overall
Stumpton Coffee Roasters
Stumptown’s Holler Mountain is produced from Arabica coffee beans sourced from organic-certified farms around the world. In fact, since setting up in 1999, the boutique Portland-based roaster has built an international reputation not just for its incredible coffee but for its direct trade business practices as well (via Seattle Coffee Gear). These are based on three main principles: building fruitful partnerships, paying good prices for quality beans, and developing long-term relationships with producers.
Best coffee beans for espresso
Intelligentsia
With the motto, “Great coffee is not the result of chance” printed on every bag of beans, Intelligentsia takes pride in delivering top-quality products. The Chicago-area roaster works closely with its partners to leave absolutely nothing to chance. As such, Intelligentsia is actively involved in the production process from the time the coffee bean seeds are planted to the moment they are packaged. Standing testament to the company’s attention to detail, each coffee bag showcases a printed roast date.
Best flavored coffee beans
Lifeboost
Lifeboost Coffee is a company with a conscience that promotes fair trading practices. In fact, the founder Charles Livingston launched the brand after one of his customers — a small coffee farmer in Nicaragua — sent him some of his beans in 2015. In an interview with Inc., Livingston raved about the richly flavored coffee. Today, Lifeboost buys beans from small farmers around the world who use sustainable farming methods, paying them fair prices for their products. Additionally, Lifeboost Coffee donates a part of its profits to two organizations that are making the world a better place: Rainforest Trust and Project Alianza.
Best organic coffee beans
Don Pablo Coffee
Also available in dark and medium-dark roast, the Don Pablo Subtle Earth Organic Light Roasted Coffee is made with USDA organic certified coffee beans from the Marcala region of Honduras. Non-GMO and grown without the use of pesticides, the Arabica beans are roasted in small batches shortly before shipping to ensure optimal freshness (via Don Pablo Coffee). In addition, the company gives a portion of its profits to the coffee farmers who supply quality beans and reach “benchmarks in Labor, Economic, and Environmental Sustainability.”
Smooth and full-bodied, the Don Pablo Subtle Earth Organic Coffee features a rich chocolatey flavor with hints of caramel, cocoa, and honey. The light roast, in particular, is smooth, highly drinkable, and characterized by low acidity and a sweet aftertaste. Significantly, Don Pablo Subtle Earth Organic Light Roasted Coffee has scored 9.5 out of 10 from Best Views Reviews for its aroma, flavor, ingredient quality, overall satisfaction, value for money, and packaging. Purchase the Don Pablo Subtle Earth Organic Light Roasted Coffee from the brand’s website starting at $10.99 for a 12-ounce bag.
Smooth and full-bodied, the Don Pablo Subtle Earth Organic Coffee features a rich chocolatey flavor with hints of caramel, cocoa, and honey. The light roast, in particular, is smooth, highly drinkable, and characterized by low acidity and a sweet aftertaste. Significantly, Don Pablo Subtle Earth Organic Light Roasted Coffee has scored 9.5 out of 10 from Best Views Reviews for its aroma, flavor, ingredient quality, overall satisfaction, value for money, and packaging.
Purchase the Don Pablo Subtle Earth Organic Light Roasted Coffee from the brand’s website starting at $10.99 for a 12-ounce bag.
Best budget coffee beans
Seattle’s Best Coffee
Ideal for most methods of coffee preparation, Seattle’s Best Coffee Portside Blend is an all-purpose coffee characterized by an aroma of sweet vanilla and a nuanced flavor of chocolate and fruit. And while the flavor of the beans tends to fade if the coffee is mixed with milk, the brew does retain some of its appealing fruity chocolate taste profile (via Coffee Review).
If you’re still unsure whether the Portside Blend is for you, the brew is very similar in taste to Starbucks coffee — in fact, it’s manufactured by the coffee chain (via Business Insider). One coffee enthusiast compared the blend to Starbucks’ offerings saying that “it’s less than half the price and tastes almost exactly like it, if not exactly like it.”
Best fair trade coffee beans
Equal Exchange
Fairtrade means much more than just paying farmers fair prices for their produce. Per the company’s website, “Farming is a perilous business, at the mercy of the weather, and with climate change this challenge is getting bigger. We forge long-term relationships with our suppliers so that they can plan for the future and get access to credit when they need it.”
One of the company’s offerings is the Organic Mind, Body & Soul whole bean coffee. Certified organic by the USDA, the coffee is a blend of a medium roast and a Vienna roast, a combination that gives it the kick of a darker roast. Nick Usborne, aka the Coffee Detective, describes it as a strong brew with a subtle touch of dark chocolate. At the same time, the medium roast provides a nuanced flavor profile of soft berries and a lingering bitter note.
Best dark roast coffee beans
Death Wish Coffee Company
Made with USDA organic and fair trade certified Arabica and Robusta beans sourced from across the globe, the brew exhibits notes of dark chocolate and black cherry. And thanks to the company’s small-batch roasting policy, the beans are lower in acid than many other blended coffees on the market. So does the Death Wish Whole Bean Dark Roast Coffee stand up to the taste test? According to Roasty Coffee, the bold brew tastes “fresh and rich without the excessive bitterness of other high-caffeine alternatives.”
Best decaf coffee beans
Kicking Horse
Caffeine affects different people in different ways. While many rely on coffee for that much-needed morning energy boost, the beverage can leave others restless, anxious, and unable to sleep. Luckily, plenty of decaf coffee options are available to keep everyone satisfied. The Kicking Horse Decaf Dark Roast Coffee is one of them. In terms of aroma and taste, this organic roast is just as satisfying as its caffeinated counterparts and it’s even ethically sourced.
Kicking Horse Decaf is a breath of fresh air in a world where many decaf coffees fail to stand up to the bold flavors of caffeinated beans (via Page One Coffee). Grown in Central and South America and roasted in the Canadian Rocky Mountains, the Kicking Horse Decaf displays a nutty deep chocolate nose. In terms of flavor, the rich brew exudes hints of chocolate and hazelnuts and — just like a good wine — comes with a lingering finish. Better still, Kicking Horse uses the Swiss Water Process to decaffeinate its coffee, a method to remove caffeine without resorting to chemicals (via Coffee How). Purchase a 10-ounce bag of Kicking Horse Decaf Dark Roast Coffee on the company’s website for $12.99.
Kicking Horse Decaf is a breath of fresh air in a world where many decaf coffees fail to stand up to the bold flavors of caffeinated beans (via Page One Coffee). Grown in Central and South America and roasted in the Canadian Rocky Mountains, the Kicking Horse Decaf displays a nutty deep chocolate nose. In terms of flavor, the rich brew exudes hints of chocolate and hazelnuts and — just like a good wine — comes with a lingering finish. Better still, Kicking Horse uses the Swiss Water Process to decaffeinate its coffee, a method to remove caffeine without resorting to chemicals (via Coffee How).
Purchase a 10-ounce bag of Kicking Horse Decaf Dark Roast Coffee on the company’s website for $12.99.
Best coffee beans for a French press
Wild Foods
One coffee that is particularly well suited to the French press preparation method is the Wild Foods Mexican Chiapas Dark Roast Coffee. The single-origin beans are not only rated Premium Grade 1 — the highest coffee rating out there — but are both organic and fair trade so you can feel good about your next caffeine hit. So what about the taste? Exuding a strong chocolate aroma, the mildly acidic coffee is characterized by the flavors of Baker’s chocolate with hints of nuts and caramel. To finish, a smooth and creamy after-taste completes each appealing cup (via Try New Coffee).
Best light roast coffee beans
Peet’s Coffee
Formerly known as Colombia Luminosa, Peet’s Coffee Light Roast Luminosa Breakfast Blend is a unique fusion of Colombian and Ethiopian beans. Aptly, luminosa means bright or shining in Spanish. The roaster’s website explains that the unique combination originates with coffee from Huila, Colombia, a high-altitude growing region that produces smooth sweet beans. Additionally, beans from Ethiopia are blended in for a delicate touch.
Best coffee beans for a splurge
Kona Gold
