13 Best Grocery Store Coffee Brands To Drink
Coffee lovers unite! There’s truly nothing like that first sip of a rich, aromatic brew to wake you up and set the tone for the day.
While specialty coffee shops certainly offer impressive and artfully crafted options, you might be surprised to learn that your local grocery store shelves are hiding some incredible coffee treasures.
Over the years, I’ve turned my morning routine into a full-blown coffee-tasting adventure, my kitchen cabinet now resembles a mini coffee museum! After testing countless brands and blends, I’m excited to share my top picks that deliver bold, exceptional flavor without needing a trip to a boutique roaste.
1. Peet’s Coffee Big Bang Medium Roast
My taste buds do a happy dance whenever I brew Peet’s Big Bang! This medium roast delivers a symphony of tropical fruit notes with a chocolatey finish that lingers pleasantly.
I discovered Peet’s during a rainy weekend when I couldn’t make it to my usual café. What a delightful surprise!
The beans are expertly roasted in small batches, ensuring consistent quality with every cup. For best results, I grind just before brewing and use water just off the boil. Even my coffee-snob friends ask for seconds when I serve this – the ultimate seal of approval!
2. Dunkin’ Original Blend Medium Roast
Nostalgia fills my kitchen whenever I brew Dunkin’ Original Blend. Growing up, my grandfather would sip this smooth, balanced coffee while telling me stories at his kitchen table. The familiar orange and pink packaging promises consistency – never bitter, never weak.
Each sip delivers that quintessential American coffee profile that somehow tastes like comfort and motivation simultaneously.
What makes this blend special is its versatility. It plays nicely with cream and sugar but stands confidently on its own. Perfect for everyday drinking without coffee fatigue, Dunkin’ remains my reliable Monday morning motivation in a cup.
3. Lavazza ¡Tierra! Organic Light Roast
Holy moly, this Italian treasure changed my morning routine forever! Lavazza’s ¡Tierra! Organic delivers brightness in each cup that wakes up not just my body but my spirit. The light roast profile showcases delicate floral notes and a honey-like sweetness that makes me forget I’m drinking grocery store coffee.
Ethically sourced from sustainable farms, it’s a purchase my conscience feels good about too.
One quirky observation: this coffee seems to taste even better when I play Italian opera in the background (tried it once as a joke, now it’s tradition). For light roast skeptics, this might be the blend that converts you!
4. Eight O’Clock Colombian Peaks Whole Bean
Budget-friendly brilliance in a red bag! Eight O’Clock Colombian Peaks became my saving grace during my penny-pinching graduate school days, proving great coffee doesn’t require emptying your wallet.
The medium-bodied profile boasts nutty undertones with a slight caramel sweetness that develops beautifully as it cools. Unlike many coffees in its price range, it maintains its smooth character even when reheated (a blessing for us forgetful types who constantly abandon half-full mugs).
Fun fact: this brand has been around since 1859! Their centuries of experience definitely shows in the cup quality that consistently outperforms its modest price point.
5. Folgers Classic Roast
“The best part of waking up” jingle isn’t just catchy marketing, it’s surprisingly accurate! Folgers Classic Roast reminds me of weekend mornings at my grandmother’s house, where the familiar red container was always prominently displayed.
Mountain-grown beans create a remarkably consistent brew with a medium body and clean finish. No fancy flavor notes here, just straightforward, honest coffee that delivers exactly what it promises every single time.
Critics might call it basic, but I call it brilliantly reliable. When I need coffee that won’t distract me with complexity but still satisfies completely, this American classic never disappoints. Sometimes the simplest things truly are the best!
6. Starbucks Pike Place Medium Roast
Confession time: I used to be a coffee shop snob until budget constraints forced me to explore grocery store options. Pike Place became my gateway drug to home brewing excellence!
Named after Starbucks’ original store location, this medium roast captures rich cocoa and toasted nut flavors with remarkable consistency. The signature smooth body and subtle caramel sweetness recreate that coffee shop experience without the $5 price tag.
What surprised me most? The aroma fills my kitchen with the same inviting scent as their cafés. For Starbucks fans looking to save money without sacrificing quality, this familiar blend bridges the gap perfectly between convenience and craft coffee experience.
7. Café Bustelo Espresso Ground Coffee
The vibrant yellow can of Café Bustelo brightens both my pantry and my mornings. This Cuban-style dark roast packs a powerful punch that kickstarts even my groggiest days. Intensely rich with chocolate undertones and zero bitterness, it creates an authentic espresso experience without fancy equipment.
My moka pot practically dances on the stovetop when filled with these finely ground beans.
Beyond its bold flavor, I love its versatility, it makes a stellar base for Cuban coffee with whipped sugar or a hearty addition to baked goods. At a fraction of specialty coffee prices, this Latin American treasure delivers uncompromising strength and character that’s impossible to ignore.
8. Gevalia Traditional Roast
Swedish elegance meets morning necessity in this sophisticated yet approachable blend. Gevalia’s Traditional Roast converted me during a snowstorm when I borrowed a bag from my neighbor, I’ve been “borrowing” it from grocery stores ever since!
Remarkably smooth with minimal acidity, each sip delivers subtle brightness followed by a clean, satisfying finish. The beans undergo a snap-cooling process after roasting, preserving delicate flavor compounds that would otherwise be lost.
My favorite brewing method? French press brings out its natural oils and velvety mouthfeel perfectly. For those seeking an everyday luxury that won’t break the bank, this Scandinavian classic delivers European coffee culture straight to your breakfast table.
9. New England Coffee Breakfast Blend
Talk about a hidden gem! I stumbled upon New England Coffee during a road trip through Massachusetts and now I’m hooked on their Breakfast Blend. Dating back to 1916, this family-started company clearly knows their beans.
Light-bodied yet satisfyingly robust, it offers a gentle wake-up with subtle sweet notes and zero harsh aftertaste. The small-batch roasting process ensures remarkable consistency bag after bag.
While some premium brands shout for attention with flashy packaging, this humble blend lets its quality speak through the cup. Perfect for those who appreciate quietly excellent coffee without pretension. My father-in-law (the pickiest coffee drinker I know) now requests it whenever he visits!
10. Community Coffee Signature Blend Dark Roast
Southern hospitality in liquid form! Community Coffee’s rich history dates back to 1919, making it America’s largest family-owned coffee company, and boy, does that family know their stuff!
Deep, robust flavors with hints of dark chocolate dominate this bold blend, yet it finishes remarkably smooth without the burnt taste that plagues many dark roasts. The secret lies in their careful selection of 100% Arabica beans and patient roasting technique.
A Louisiana friend introduced me to this regional favorite, and now I stock up whenever I spot it. Makes an exceptional cold brew too, just steep overnight in the fridge for a refreshingly smooth summer treat with significantly less acidity than hot brewing methods.
11. Caribou Coffee Caribou Blend Medium Roast
Minnesota’s finest export! Caribou Blend became my winter morning companion after a memorable trip to the North Woods. The playful moose on the package hints at the adventure awaiting inside. This medium roast strikes a perfect balance between fruity brightness and spicy complexity, with subtle berry notes dancing alongside rich cedar undertones.
Rainforest Alliance certified, it’s sustainably sourced from farms with responsible environmental and labor practices.
My special weekend ritual involves brewing this exceptional blend while making pancakes, somehow the flavors complement maple syrup perfectly! For coffee lovers seeking something distinctive yet approachable, this wilderness-inspired blend offers a journey worth taking with every aromatic cup.
12. Seattle’s Best Coffee Post Alley Dark Roast
Rainy day perfection in a ruby-red bag! Seattle’s Best Post Alley (formerly Signature Blend No. 5) delivers Pacific Northwest coffee culture straight to your kitchen. Named after the famous alley near Pike Place Market, this dark roast offers bold intensity with surprising smoothness.
Smoky notes mingle with dark chocolate undertones, creating a complex profile that stands up beautifully to milk or alternative creamers.
I discovered this gem during a particularly stressful work period when I needed serious caffeine reinforcement. Now it’s my go-to when I need both comfort and courage in a cup. The consistent quality and reasonable price point make this an exceptional everyday luxury for dark roast enthusiasts.
13. Kauai Coffee Garden Isle Medium Roast
Aloha flavor explosion! Opening a bag of Kauai Coffee’s Garden Isle is like taking a mini Hawaiian vacation, the tropical aroma alone transports me to paradise. Grown on the sunny slopes of Hawaii’s Kauai island, these 100% Hawaiian beans deliver a uniquely smooth, vibrant cup with subtle notes of paradise fruits and toasted coconut.
The volcanic soil imparts distinctive mineral qualities you won’t find in mainland coffees. My neighbor brought me a bag after her Hawaiian honeymoon, and I’ve been hooked ever since.
While slightly pricier than other grocery options, this authentic island experience justifies every penny. For special mornings when you need a mental escape, this sunshine-infused medium roast works better than a plane ticket!