The Top Coffee Grounds You Can Buy, According to Our Readers

For many, a cup of coffee is the essential start to the day. With so many choices on the market, it can be hard to know where to begin. From well-known brands to small-batch roasters, the coffee aisle can be overwhelming. To help, we took the top picks from our Community Choice Awards and put them to the test in a blind tasting to see which ones came out on top.

First, let's talk about the type of coffee bean. The two main varieties are Arabica and Robusta. Arabica beans are known for their smooth, balanced taste and are popular with specialty roasters. Robusta beans, in contrast, have a stronger, more intense flavor, and are often found in more affordable, mass-produced coffee blends—though that doesn’t mean they lack quality.

Next, consider the roast level. Light roasts are known for their mild flavor but pack more caffeine. Dark roasts, with their bold and sometimes bitter flavor, are a bit more intense. Roast preference is highly personal, but for this test, we selected all medium roasts to find the most balanced flavor.

How We Tested

All coffee was purchased pre-ground and in a medium roast. We brewed each cup using the pour-over method with 2 tablespoons of grounds and 1 cup (8 oz) of 200°F water. The tasting was done blind, meaning we didn’t know which brand was associated with each cup. All the coffees were sampled without cream or sugar, despite most of us not typically drinking it that way. After a solid dose of caffeine, here are our top picks.

Best Bold Coffee: Peet's Coffee Alameda Morning Blend

This Organic coffee from Peet’s is made with 100% Arabica beans sourced from Latin America, Ethiopia, and Sumatra. It offers a smooth, balanced flavor with hints of cocoa, caramel, and brown sugar. Widely available at most grocery stores, it held its own against the specialty brands in the blind taste test.

Best Mild Coffee: Dunkin' Donuts Original Blend

For those who prefer a gentler flavor, Dunkin' Donuts Original Blend is the perfect choice. This medium roast combines Arabica and Robusta beans for a smooth, classic taste. It’s an excellent value, especially for anyone looking to enjoy the caffeine boost without the bitterness of stronger brews.

Best Half-Caff Coffee: Green Mountain Coffee Half-Caff

Made with 100% Arabica beans, this coffee quickly became a favorite among tasters. Its rich flavor features notes of dark chocolate, almond, and a hint of cinnamon, all without the bitterness found in some other coffees. The fact that it’s one of the few half-caffeinated options also won it points with many testers.

Best for Espresso Lovers: Lavazza Classico

If you're after a bold coffee with hints of dried figs, raisins, and nutmeg, Lavazza Classico is your go-to. This blend of Arabica and Robusta beans from South America and Africa delivers a deep, rich flavor, just as you’d expect from a classic Italian coffee.