Our coffee taste test results will help you find out which kinds of coffee brands are worth trying, and which are not.
In this article we will go over the tastes, bean quality, and even share a recipe at the end that you can try out with any of the coffee brands we mention.
Of course, it’s important to point out that the taste cannot be objectified. At the end of the day, the taste depends on what you like. Nevertheless, there are general standards on what makes a particular food or drink tastes good (and what makes it tastes terrible) – and coffee is certainly no different here.
In this article, we are going to talk about 12 coffee brands and how they match up to the taste test. From coffee shop brands to fast-food coffee and grocery coffee brands, we will cover them all here. So, without further ado, let’s get started!
12 Coffee Brands Put to The (Taste) Test
1) Maxwell House Original
If you want to try a good-tasting coffee for an affordable price, Maxwell House will hit the spot!
Maxwell House is a pure coffee and it can deliver a delicious taste! But, to get the best version of it, we suggest you drink it right after you make it. Don’t let it cool down, and for coffee heaven’s sake, do not microwave to reheat it because it will only damper its great taste.
All things aside, Maxwell is a good, and affordable coffee for your mornings!
2) Café Bustelo
Café Bustelo is a dark-roasted, espresso ground coffee. Therefore, it tastes finer and darker compared to other coffee beans that are not as ground as Café Bustelo.
Like Maxwell House, Café Bustelo is also cheap and affordable. You can even make it your starter coffee, but be warned: Café Bustelo packs a punch of caffeine. It can wake you up whether you’re sleepy or just looking for a general boost of energy. If you are sensitive to caffeine, Café Bustelo may not be for you as it can cause palpitations. But taste-wise, it’s excellent!
3) Eight O’Clock Coffee: The Original
If you want a coffee that’s dark but won’t be that bitter, then Eight O’ Clock Coffee could be the coffee for you!
Aside from having a good taste, Eight O’ Clock Coffee is microwavable, meaning you can microwave it without losing or sacrificing its good taste. With Eight O’Clock Coffee, you don’t have to worry about your coffee getting cold. Microwave it, and you can still enjoy a cup of it!
4) Folgers
Folgers is known for two things: having a very affordable price and a smooth, great taste – a very excellent combination.
While many average coffee brands may not be bitter, they usually lack the fullness of taste. With Folgers, you can enjoy a smooth and excellent testing coffee – and best of all, you can have it at only around $5.29 for a container. At that price, it can provide you with approximately 90 servings (depending, of course, on how much you consume per cup). Great deal!
5) 365 Everyday Value: Pleasant Morning Buzz
If you are a fan of Whole Foods Market or share their philosophy, you may want to try their 365 Everyday Value coffee! Specifically, you may want to try 365 Everyday Value’s Pleasant Morning Buzz.
Pleasant Morning Buzz is a dark roast of a French roast style, making it a heavy, dark, both bitter and sweet flavored coffee. Pleasant Morning Buzz is perfect if you’re a fan of black coffee.
As a general rule with coffee, do not microwave. For best taste, drink it while it’s hot!
6) Dunkin’ Donuts Original Blend
Dunkin’ Donuts Original Blend is a pure coffee, but it nevertheless tastes great! You can feel its roast without having a burnt taste, and it is a light coffee but not bitter. It is overall a simple but enjoyable drink!
If you are going to Dunkin’ Donuts to buy their coffee, why not buy their donuts as well? If you’re a fan of coffee and donuts, anyway, the two will make a perfect match!
7) Starbucks
Starbucks did not earn its name in the coffee business out of nothing. So, what makes Starbucks one of the most famous coffee shops in the world? Well, it’s coffee!
Starbucks is known to have one of the most flavorful coffees. Starbucks coffee is enjoyable whether you’re at work, at a business meeting, or just treating yourself with a nice, hot (or cold) coffee.
Starbucks is just something that can’t be missed on this list!
8) Peet’s Coffee Cafe Domingo Medium Roast
Peet’s Coffee does not only tastes great, but it’s one of the coffees that will wake your senses, thanks to its aroma! You can already enjoy this coffee just by its aroma, and when it comes to taste, it will not fall behind – Peet’s Coffee is very smooth, and it has no bitter aftertaste at all.
The next time you visit your grocery store, it is something that you may want to look out for!
9) Newman’s Own Organics: Breakfast Blend
Newman’s Own coffee is one of the great tasting coffee brands on the list. But unlike your typical coffee, Newman’s Organic is best served in the late afternoon – this coffee is best drank when you’re about to relax or calm down rather than in the morning where you’re getting ready for the day’s upcoming grind.
But aside from having a great, smooth coffee, Newman’s Own coffee is also organic and its profits go to charity – if you’re fond of organic foods and helping out a charity, you may just want to check this brand!
10) McDonald’s McCafe
McDonald’s McCafe may sound simple, and it will not match up to high-end coffees, but it nevertheless has a taste that you can enjoy, whether in the morning or if you’re chilling in the afternoon.
Best of all, you can enjoy its large coffee for only a dollar – not bad if you want a quick morning punch! If you are looking for an inexpensive coffee, this is the coffee for you.
11) Gevalia House Blend
Gevalia is another cheap coffee that has a good taste, if done correctly. Aside from grocery stores, you can find Gevalia House Blend at local pharmacies like CVS or Walgreens as well. You can get a 12-ounce bag of its House Blend at the low price of $6.99.
When it comes to flavor, Gevalia tastes good. Just like most coffees, it tastes good when it’s hot. Never allow it to cool down as it will some of its taste’s quality.
But here’s what’s unique with Gevalia: it is microwavable! Unlike other coffees that will taste horrible after you microwaved them, Gevalia will taste the same way its freshly brewed once you microwaved it.
12) Café du Monde, Coffee and Chicory
If you are fond of chicory coffee, then you may want to check out Café du Monde.
Café du Monde is actually named for a coffee stand in New Orleans that operated since the 1860s. The same coffee stand is one of the well-known producers of chicory coffee in the state.
Chicory coffee of Café du Monde tastes excellent, but the same rule applies: never let it cool down. And in the case of chicory coffee, it is best when it is served hot!
Try Out This Recipe at Home
Maple Iced Coffee
Iced coffee is simple. Maple syrup is a staple pantry condiment. It seems too easy, doesn’t it? This quick and delicious combination makes for a healthy morning boost! Maple syrup makes it easy to get your daily dose of vitamins. It is chock full of zinc and manganese, which are great for immunity and bone health. Since this is an iced coffee recipe, the beneficial nutrients in maple syrup are kept intact and not affected by heat!
Ingredients:
- Drip coffee maker or french press
- Maple syrup
- Coarse coffee grounds
- Milk of choice (optional)
Directions:
- Brew coffee to desired intensity.
- Bring desired amount to room temperature.
- For every 8 ounce of coffee, mix in 1 tablespoon of maple syrup.
- Taste for desired sweetness; add milk if desired.
- Enjoy!
Our coffee suggestion: This maple taste pairs perfectly with the smoky spice of the Guatemalan Volcanic Grown Coffee.
Conclusion: Which Brand Is Best For You?
These are just some of the coffee brands out there that you can give a try! As you can observe, price is also added as a factor of consideration, and it shows that cheap does not necessarily mean bad taste (though do not just settle for the low price alone!)
If you are interested in trying more, just head to your local grocery store and hit up the coffee aisle. There are always numerous brands to try out.
So, which coffee brand do you think is best for you? As we said earlier, taste ultimately depends on your taste bud – whether it’s Starbucks or McCafe, Folgers, or 365 Everyday Value, it will all come down to your taste buds and taste preferences.
Ready to try out some of these brands? Now that you know the ins and outs of common coffee brands, check out our easy and delicious homemade coffee recipes. Check out our different beans here to get started.
