{"id":1875998,"date":"2026-04-10T12:28:00","date_gmt":"2026-04-10T09:28:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=1875998"},"modified":"2026-04-10T12:28:00","modified_gmt":"2026-04-10T09:28:00","slug":"this-coffee-writer-brewed-20-bags-of-grocery-store-beans-here-are-the-5-best-to-buy","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=1875998","title":{"rendered":"This Coffee Writer Brewed 20 Bags of Grocery Store Beans. Here Are the 5 Best to Buy"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/a\/img\/resize\/9e396b60d168643f83a50592edf04f0825ef0779\/hub\/2026\/04\/10\/77f213fd-f829-4963-bad5-a16016c6567d\/img-5834.jpg?auto=webp&amp;fit=crop&amp;height=675&amp;width=1200&#8243;]<\/p>\n<div id=\"article-196933c5-2291-4157-bc16-d7846bbe709a\" class=\"c-pageArticle_body sm:u-col-2 md:u-col-6 lg:u-col-12 lg:u-col-start-0 u-grid-columns\">\n<div class=\"c-pageArticle_content sm:u-col-2 md:u-col-6 lg:u-col-12 c-pageArticle_content-izeBestList\">\n<div class=\"u-grid-columns\">\n<div class=\"c-ShortcodeContent_leftRail sm:u-col-2 md:u-col-6 lg:u-col-4 lg:u-col-start-0 u-grid-columns\">\n<div class=\"sm:u-col-2 md:u-col-6 lg:u-col-11\">\n<div data-cy=\"bylineCard\" class=\"c-articleBylineCard c-articleBylineCard_bestList\">\n<h2 class=\"c-articleBylineCard_header c-articleBylineCard_izeBestList\">\n    Our Experts<br \/>\n  <\/h2>\n<div class=\"c-articleBylineCard_authorContainer\">\n<div data-cy=\"bylineCard_images\" class=\"c-articleBylineCard_authorImages-noinfo\">\n<div class=\"c-articleBylineCard_image g-container-round c-articleBylineCard_image-0\">\n<div class=\"c-cmsImage\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/a\/img\/resize\/c7e5dc7fb39193506263f692a1710d33c10d66cf\/hub\/2024\/10\/07\/34e61332-c3f2-4bd6-9ade-a26dfadec502\/img-5143-2.jpg?auto=webp&amp;fit=crop&amp;height=96&amp;width=96\" alt=\"Headshot of Katherine Peach\" height=\"96\" width=\"96\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-articleBylineCard_meta-noinfo single\">\n<div class=\"c-articleBylineCard__authorName-noinfo\">\n<address class=\"c-articleBylineCard_authorNameContainer\"><span class=\"c-articleBylineCard_writtenBy g-text-xsmall\">Written by\u00a0<\/span><span data-cy=\"bylineCard_link\" class=\"c-articleBylineCard_link c-articleBylineCard_link-0\"><br \/>\n              Katherine Peach<br \/>\n            <\/span><\/address>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-articleBylineCard_date-updated g-outer-spacing-top-small\">\n<div class=\"c-globalUpdatedDate\">\n  Article updated on\u00a0<time datetime=\"2026-04-10T05:28:00-0800\">April 10, 2026 at 5:28 AM PDT<\/time><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"author-card-0\" class=\"col-5 c-globalAuthorCard\">\n<div class=\"c-globalAuthorCard_head\">\n<div class=\"c-globalAuthorCard_picture\">\n<div class=\"c-cmsImage\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/a\/img\/resize\/3c3bf1b5ed42c899666e9dac46e08818547b7384\/hub\/2024\/10\/07\/34e61332-c3f2-4bd6-9ade-a26dfadec502\/img-5143-2.jpg?auto=webp&amp;fit=crop&amp;height=84&amp;width=84\" alt=\"Headshot of Katherine Peach\" height=\"84\" width=\"84\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-globalAuthorCard_info\"><span class=\"c-globalAuthorCard_name\">Katherine Peach<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-globalAuthorCard_bio\">Katherine Peach is a well-caffeinated, Brooklyn-based writer, who focuses on all things coffee for CNET. Peach&#8217;s reviews and writing have appeared in Tasting Table, Mashed, LAist, Yahoo Life, MSN and more. She previously climbed the ranks to lead features editor at Tasting Table and received an MFA in creative nonfiction writing from The New School in NYC.<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-globalAuthorCard_details\"><span>Expertise<\/span><span class=\"c-globalAuthorCard_description\">Home | Coffee | Kitchen tools | Food Culture | Wine &amp; Spirits<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"c-globalAuthorCard_linkWrapper\">See full bio<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-cy=\"bestListDisclosure\" class=\"c-bestListDisclosure\">\n<div class=\"c-bestListDisclosure_metaContainer u-flexbox u-flexbox-column\">\n<div class=\"c-bestListDisclosure_header sm:u-hidden\"><span class=\"c-bestListDisclosure_title g-text-small\"><br \/>\n        Why You Can Trust CNET<br \/>\n      <\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"c-bestListDisclosure_metrics\">\n<div data-cy=\"bestListDisclosure_category\" class=\"c-bestListDisclosure_category\">\n<div class=\"c-bestListDisclosure_value g-inner-spacing-right-small\">\n<div class=\"c-bestListDisclosure_valueContainer\"><span>30+<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><span data-cy=\"bestListDisclosure_topic\" class=\"c-bestListDisclosure_topic\">Years of Experience<\/span><\/div>\n<div data-cy=\"bestListDisclosure_category\" class=\"c-bestListDisclosure_category\">\n<div class=\"c-bestListDisclosure_value g-inner-spacing-right-small\">\n<div class=\"c-bestListDisclosure_valueContainer\"><span>35<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><span data-cy=\"bestListDisclosure_topic\" class=\"c-bestListDisclosure_topic\">Product Reviewers<\/span><\/div>\n<div data-cy=\"bestListDisclosure_category\" class=\"c-bestListDisclosure_category\">\n<div class=\"c-bestListDisclosure_value g-inner-spacing-right-small\">\n<div class=\"c-bestListDisclosure_valueContainer\"><span>15k<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><span data-cy=\"bestListDisclosure_topic\" class=\"c-bestListDisclosure_topic\">Sq. Feet of Lab Space<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-bestListDisclosure_disclosureContainer\">\n<p data-cy=\"bestListDisclosure_message\" class=\"c-bestListDisclosure_message g-text-xxsmall\">CNET staff &#8212; not advertisers, partners or business interests &#8212; determine how we review products and services. If you buy through our links, we may earn a commission.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-bestListDisclosure_disclosureLinks u-flexbox-row\">\n        Reviews ethics statement<\/p>\n<p>        How we test\n        <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-bestListProductCompare\">\n<div class=\"c-bestListProductCompare_toolbar u-hidden\">\n<div class=\"c-bestListProductCompare_productsList\">\n<p class=\"c-bestListProductCompare_versus\">vs<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-bestListProductCompare_compareCta\"><span>Compare<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-bestListProductCompare_table u-hidden\">\n<div class=\"c-bestListProductCompare_tableHead\"><span>Back to selection<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<article class=\"c-ShortcodeContent c-ShortcodeContent-theme:default sm:u-col-2 md:u-col-6 lg:u-col-8 lg:u-col-start-5\">\n<p data-keep class=\"u-speakableText-p1\">Staring down the same lineup of\u00a0<span><span>grocery store<\/span><\/span>\u00a0coffee week after week gets old fast. To shake things up &#8212; and put both the classics and newcomers to the test &#8212; I worked my way through more than 15 options spanning national chains and local shops. Whether you&#8217;re after something reliably good or just trying to avoid a bad bag, here&#8217;s what actually made the cut.<\/p>\n<section>\n<div data-cy=\"listiclePrecap\" data-location=\"PRECAP\" class=\"c-shortcodeListiclePrecap c-shortcodeListiclePrecap-hide c-shortcodeListiclePrecap-compact g-outer-spacing-bottom-large\">\n<div class=\"c-shortcodeListiclePrecap-hed\">\n<section>\n<h2 class=\"c-shortcodeListiclePrecap_header\"> Our Picks <\/h2>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<section class=\"c-shortcodeListiclePrecap_item\">\n<div data-location=\"PRECAP\" data-cy=\"listiclePrecapItem\" data-position=\"1\" class=\"c-shortcodeListiclePrecapItem c-shortcodeListiclePrecapItem-compact c-shortcodeListiclePrecapItem-compactImages\">\n<div class=\"c-shortcodeListiclePrecapItem_container u-grid-columns\">\n<div class=\"c-shortcodeListiclePrecapItem_headerLinkWrapper-redesign\">\n<div class=\" c-shortcodeListiclePrecapItem_imageWrap c-shortcodeListiclePrecapItem_imageWrap-redesign md:u-col-1\">\n<figure><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/a\/img\/hub\/2026\/04\/06\/b5bd2b92-3fdd-4991-a6d7-e41d9f533b89\/screenshot-2026-04-06-at-12-47-11pm.png\" alt=\"can of cafe bustelo\" class=\"c-shortcodeListiclePrecapItem_image-redesign isFirst\"><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-shortcodeListiclePrecapItem_details-redesign\">\n<div>\n<h3 class=\"c-shortcodeListiclePrecapItem_title g-text-xsmall\">Caf\u00e9 Bustelo Espresso Ground Coffee<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><span class=\"c-shortcodeListiclePrecapItem_jumplink-redesign c-shortcodeListiclePrecapItem_jumplinkMobile-redesign u-text-center\"><span class=\"c-shortcodeListiclePrecapItem_jumplinkContent-redesign\">Jump to details<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"c-shortcodeListiclePrecapItem_buttonWrap md:u-col-2 lg:u-col-4 c-shortcodeListiclePrecapItem_buttonWrap-redesign\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"c-shortcodeListiclePrecapItem_button o-cnetButton o-cnetButton-small o-cnetButton-primary\">$13 at Amazon<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><span class=\"u-grid-position_self-center c-shortcodeListiclePrecapItem_jumplink-redesign\"><br \/>\n          Jump to details<br \/>\n          <\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section class=\"c-shortcodeListiclePrecap_item\">\n<div data-location=\"PRECAP\" data-cy=\"listiclePrecapItem\" data-position=\"2\" class=\"c-shortcodeListiclePrecapItem c-shortcodeListiclePrecapItem-compact c-shortcodeListiclePrecapItem-compactImages\">\n<div class=\"c-shortcodeListiclePrecapItem_container u-grid-columns\">\n<div class=\"c-shortcodeListiclePrecapItem_headerLinkWrapper-redesign\">\n<div class=\" c-shortcodeListiclePrecapItem_imageWrap c-shortcodeListiclePrecapItem_imageWrap-redesign md:u-col-1\">\n<figure><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/a\/img\/hub\/2026\/04\/06\/be947ecf-d1e5-441f-b3aa-333bf70aed34\/screenshot-2026-04-06-at-12-50-08pm.png\" alt=\"stumptown coffee bag lies next to dish of beans\" class=\"c-shortcodeListiclePrecapItem_image-redesign\"><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-shortcodeListiclePrecapItem_details-redesign\">\n<div>\n<h3 class=\"c-shortcodeListiclePrecapItem_title g-text-xsmall\">Stumptown Holler Mountain organic blend<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><span class=\"c-shortcodeListiclePrecapItem_jumplink-redesign c-shortcodeListiclePrecapItem_jumplinkMobile-redesign u-text-center\"><span class=\"c-shortcodeListiclePrecapItem_jumplinkContent-redesign\">Jump to details<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"c-shortcodeListiclePrecapItem_buttonWrap md:u-col-2 lg:u-col-4 c-shortcodeListiclePrecapItem_buttonWrap-redesign\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"c-shortcodeListiclePrecapItem_button o-cnetButton o-cnetButton-small o-cnetButton-primary\">$14 at Amazon<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><span class=\"u-grid-position_self-center c-shortcodeListiclePrecapItem_jumplink-redesign\"><br \/>\n          Jump to details<br \/>\n          <\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section class=\"c-shortcodeListiclePrecap_item\">\n<div data-location=\"PRECAP\" data-cy=\"listiclePrecapItem\" data-position=\"3\" class=\"c-shortcodeListiclePrecapItem c-shortcodeListiclePrecapItem-compact c-shortcodeListiclePrecapItem-compactImages\">\n<div class=\"c-shortcodeListiclePrecapItem_container u-grid-columns\">\n<div class=\"c-shortcodeListiclePrecapItem_headerLinkWrapper-redesign\">\n<div class=\" c-shortcodeListiclePrecapItem_imageWrap c-shortcodeListiclePrecapItem_imageWrap-redesign md:u-col-1\">\n<figure><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/a\/img\/hub\/2026\/04\/06\/ea72b45b-c457-4d34-acff-e6096682e563\/screenshot-2026-04-06-at-12-52-51pm.png\" alt=\"bag whole foods early bird lies next to dish of beans\" class=\"c-shortcodeListiclePrecapItem_image-redesign\"><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-shortcodeListiclePrecapItem_details-redesign\">\n<div>\n<h3 class=\"c-shortcodeListiclePrecapItem_title g-text-xsmall\">Whole Foods Market Organic Early Bird Blend<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><span class=\"c-shortcodeListiclePrecapItem_jumplink-redesign c-shortcodeListiclePrecapItem_jumplinkMobile-redesign u-text-center\"><span class=\"c-shortcodeListiclePrecapItem_jumplinkContent-redesign\">Jump to details<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"c-shortcodeListiclePrecapItem_buttonWrap md:u-col-2 lg:u-col-4 c-shortcodeListiclePrecapItem_buttonWrap-redesign\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"c-shortcodeListiclePrecapItem_button o-cnetButton o-cnetButton-small o-cnetButton-primary\">$14 at Amazon<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><span class=\"u-grid-position_self-center c-shortcodeListiclePrecapItem_jumplink-redesign\"><br \/>\n          Jump to details<br \/>\n          <\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section class=\"c-shortcodeListiclePrecap_item\">\n<div data-location=\"PRECAP\" data-cy=\"listiclePrecapItem\" data-position=\"4\" class=\"c-shortcodeListiclePrecapItem c-shortcodeListiclePrecapItem-compact c-shortcodeListiclePrecapItem-compactImages\">\n<div class=\"c-shortcodeListiclePrecapItem_container u-grid-columns\">\n<div class=\"c-shortcodeListiclePrecapItem_headerLinkWrapper-redesign\">\n<div class=\" c-shortcodeListiclePrecapItem_imageWrap c-shortcodeListiclePrecapItem_imageWrap-redesign md:u-col-1\">\n<figure><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/a\/img\/hub\/2026\/04\/06\/8792f73e-ea38-4e5b-9070-84832ef06c6b\/screenshot-2026-04-06-at-12-56-05pm.png\" alt=\"bag of dunkin original blend coffee\" class=\"c-shortcodeListiclePrecapItem_image-redesign\"><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-shortcodeListiclePrecapItem_details-redesign\">\n<div>\n<h3 class=\"c-shortcodeListiclePrecapItem_title g-text-xsmall\">Dunkin Original Blend<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><span class=\"c-shortcodeListiclePrecapItem_jumplink-redesign c-shortcodeListiclePrecapItem_jumplinkMobile-redesign u-text-center\"><span class=\"c-shortcodeListiclePrecapItem_jumplinkContent-redesign\">Jump to details<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"c-shortcodeListiclePrecapItem_buttonWrap md:u-col-2 lg:u-col-4 c-shortcodeListiclePrecapItem_buttonWrap-redesign\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"c-shortcodeListiclePrecapItem_button o-cnetButton o-cnetButton-small o-cnetButton-primary\">$15 at Walmart<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><span class=\"u-grid-position_self-center c-shortcodeListiclePrecapItem_jumplink-redesign\"><br \/>\n          Jump to details<br \/>\n          <\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section class=\"c-shortcodeListiclePrecap_item\">\n<div data-location=\"PRECAP\" data-cy=\"listiclePrecapItem\" data-position=\"5\" class=\"c-shortcodeListiclePrecapItem c-shortcodeListiclePrecapItem-compact c-shortcodeListiclePrecapItem-compactImages\">\n<div class=\"c-shortcodeListiclePrecapItem_container u-grid-columns\">\n<div class=\"c-shortcodeListiclePrecapItem_headerLinkWrapper-redesign\">\n<div class=\" c-shortcodeListiclePrecapItem_imageWrap c-shortcodeListiclePrecapItem_imageWrap-redesign md:u-col-1\">\n<figure><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/a\/img\/hub\/2026\/04\/06\/3e808bb5-91ec-4afe-a1ac-2bf7c647284e\/screenshot-2026-04-06-at-12-59-48pm.png\" alt=\"canister of Illy classico coffee sitting on counter\" class=\"c-shortcodeListiclePrecapItem_image-redesign\"><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-shortcodeListiclePrecapItem_details-redesign\">\n<div>\n<h3 class=\"c-shortcodeListiclePrecapItem_title g-text-xsmall\">Illy Classico<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><span class=\"c-shortcodeListiclePrecapItem_jumplink-redesign c-shortcodeListiclePrecapItem_jumplinkMobile-redesign u-text-center\"><span class=\"c-shortcodeListiclePrecapItem_jumplinkContent-redesign\">Jump to details<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"c-shortcodeListiclePrecapItem_buttonWrap md:u-col-2 lg:u-col-4 c-shortcodeListiclePrecapItem_buttonWrap-redesign\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"c-shortcodeListiclePrecapItem_button o-cnetButton o-cnetButton-small o-cnetButton-primary\">$15 at Target<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><span class=\"u-grid-position_self-center c-shortcodeListiclePrecapItem_jumplink-redesign\"><br \/>\n          Jump to details<br \/>\n          <\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<nav class=\"c-globalToc\">\n<div class=\"c-globalToc_header\">\n<div class=\"c-globalToc_title\"><span class=\"c-globalToc_titleText\">Table of Contents<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<ul class=\"c-globalToc_dropdown g-dropShadow-hover\">\n<li class=\"c-globalToc_dropdownItem\">\n        This Coffee Writer Brewed 20 Bags of Grocery Store Beans. Here Are the 5 Best to Buy\n      <\/li>\n<li class=\"c-globalToc_dropdownItem\">\n        Five best grocery store coffees\n      <\/li>\n<li class=\"c-globalToc_dropdownItem\">\n        Caf\u00e9 Bustelo Espresso Ground Coffee\n      <\/li>\n<li class=\"c-globalToc_dropdownItem\">\n        Stumptown Holler Mountain organic blend\n      <\/li>\n<li class=\"c-globalToc_dropdownItem\">\n        Whole Foods Market Organic Early Bird Blend\n      <\/li>\n<li class=\"c-globalToc_dropdownItem\">\n        Dunkin Original Blend\n      <\/li>\n<li class=\"c-globalToc_dropdownItem\">\n        Illy Classico\n      <\/li>\n<li class=\"c-globalToc_dropdownItem\">\n        Honorable mention\n      <\/li>\n<li class=\"c-globalToc_dropdownItem\">\n        5 grocery store coffees to avoid\n      <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/nav>\n<figure class=\"c-shortcodeImage u-clearfix c-shortcodeImage-large c-shortcodeImage-hasCaption\">\n<div class=\"c-shortcodeImage_imageContainer\">\n<div class=\"c-cmsImage c-shortcodeImage_image\"><source media=\"(max-width: 767px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/a\/img\/resize\/3e196500309301741293dd7f63138a4be2c2177b\/hub\/2026\/04\/06\/639f44ac-5441-4f16-8d92-dec5ba4eb502\/img-5837.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=768\" alt=\"various bags of coffee\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption><span class=\"c-shortcodeImage_caption g-inner-spacing-right-small g-text-xxsmall\"><\/p>\n<p>The best grocery store coffee came from unlikely roasters. Here&#8217;s what my testing revealed.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p><\/span><span class=\"c-shortcodeImage_credit g-inner-spacing-right-small g-outer-spacing-top-xsmall g-color-text-meta g-text-xxxsmall\">Katherine Peach\/CNET<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p data-keep class=\"u-speakableText-p2\">As a former barista who now writes <span><span>about coffee for a living<\/span><\/span>, I&#8217;ve spent considerable time evaluating beans from major retailers like Whole Foods, Trader Joe&#8217;s, Walmart and Stop &amp; Shop. I&#8217;ve also gone deep on regional roasters and specialty blends &#8212; some of which, surprisingly, couldn&#8217;t hold their own against a humble canned option.<\/p>\n<div data-location=\"BODY\" class=\"c-shortcodeCommercePromo u-flexbox u-grid-gap-medium g-outer-spacing-bottom-medium\">\n<div class=\"c-shortcodeCommercePromo_content u-flexbox-column\"><span>Best Coffee Makers for 2026<\/span> See at Cnet<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-cmsImage c-shortcodeCommercePromo_image\"><img src alt height=\"108\" width=\"196\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p data-keep>I previously\u00a0<a href target=\"_blank\" rel>tested more than 40 K-Cups<\/a>\u00a0to find the best pods for Keurig users. Now, I&#8217;ve turned my attention to more traditional bagged beans and ground coffee.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p data-keep>Here are five coffee blends I recommend buying, and five you might want to avoid.\u00a0<\/p>\n<h2 data-keep id=\"toc-196933c5-2291-4157-bc16-d7846bbe709a-item-1\" data-id=\"toc-196933c5-2291-4157-bc16-d7846bbe709a-item-1\">Five best grocery store coffees\u00a0<\/h2>\n<section class=\"c-bestListListicle\">\n<div id=\"bb2c0267-38d3-4128-a3e1-090fecfc3327\" data-id=\"listicle-bb2c0267-38d3-4128-a3e1-090fecfc3327\" data-techprodid=\"a0ed218c-3321-4afe-b877-727ff84afdde\" data-cy=\"bestListListicle\" class=\"c-bestListListicle_container\">\n<div class=\"u-flexbox u-flexbox-column\">\n<div class=\"c-bestListListicle_editorial\">\n<div class=\"c-bestListListicle_masthead u-flexbox\">\n<div class=\"c-bestListGallery c-bestListListicle_gallery c-bestListGallery-bestListListicle-test\">\n<figure>\n<div class=\"c-bestListGallery_carousel\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"c-cmsImage c-bestListGallery_image\"><img src alt=\"can of cafe bustelo\" height=\"209.58724832214764\" width=\"327\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<div class=\"c-bestListGallery_info u-flexbox u-flexbox-justifyBetween g-outer-spacing-top-xsmall g-outer-spacing-bottom-xsmall\"><figcaption><span class=\"c-bestListGallery_credits\">Katherine Peach\/CNET<\/span><\/figcaption><\/div>\n<div class=\"c-globalModal\">\n<div class=\"c-globalModal_contentWrapper\">\n<div class=\"c-globalModal_content c-globalImageCarousel c-globalModal_listicleRedesign\">\n<div class=\"u-flexbox u-flexbox-justifyBetween g-outer-spacing-bottom-small\"><span class=\"g-color-white\">Photo Gallery<\/span><span class=\"g-color-white\">1\/1<\/span><\/div>\n<figure class=\"c-globalImageCarousel_figure\">\n<div class=\"c-globalImageCarousel_carousel g-outer-spacing-bottom-small\">\n<div class=\"c-cmsImage c-globalImageCarousel_image\"><source media=\"(max-width: 767px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/a\/img\/resize\/d7a9423a27e9e7b3e31d1d7a06306adde77a1366\/hub\/2026\/04\/06\/b5bd2b92-3fdd-4991-a6d7-e41d9f533b89\/screenshot-2026-04-06-at-12-47-11pm.png?auto=webp&amp;fit=crop&amp;height=236&amp;width=420\" alt=\"\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption>\n<div class=\"c-globalImageCarousel_credits g-color-black g-text-xxsmall\">Katherine Peach\/CNET<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-bestListListicle_headerContainer u-flexbox u-flexbox-justifyBetween u-flexbox-alignCenter\">\n<div class=\"u-flexbox-column\">\n<div class=\"c-bestListListicle_header\">\n<h3 class=\"c-bestListListicle_hed\">\n                    Caf\u00e9 Bustelo Espresso Ground Coffee<br \/>\n                  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-bestListListicle_details\">\n<div class=\"c-bestListListicle_descriptionContainer\">\n<div class=\"c-bestListListicle_description c-bestListListicle_description-clamp\">\n<p>Caf\u00e9 Bustelo is a mainstay on grocery store shelves for a reason. The ground coffee I tested maintained a robust yet smooth flavor, thanks in part to its &#8220;best buy&#8221; date, which allowed for another 21 months of shelf life. Its flexibility, dark roast and affordability are hard to beat in a ground coffee straight from the shelf. Seeing that Caf\u00e9 Bustelo is a deep espresso roast, I wasn&#8217;t surprised to find some bitterness and acidity in a couple of my less precise brews.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>The Cuban-inspired coffee, founded in New York City by a Spanish immigrant, has the mystique of an imported product. This branding might explain why it was a couple of dollars more expensive than other canned coffees at my local grocery store. Whatever the reason, the investment paid off compared to the slightly cheaper canned coffees I tried.\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-bestListListicle_readMore\">\n<div><span class=\"c-bestListListicle_readMore-ellipsis\">\u00a0&#8230;<\/span><span class=\"c-bestListListicle_readMore-link\">Show more<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-cy=\"bestListListicle_cta\" class=\"c-bestListButtons c-bestListListicle_buttonWrap\">\n<div class=\"c-bestListButtons_ctaText o-cta\">Get it now<\/div>\n<div data-location=\"BODY\" class=\"c-shortcodeListicle_buttonContainer u-flexbox c-bestListButtons_link u-flexbox-wrap\" data-v-0ea4bff7>$13 at Amazon<br \/>\n      $8 at Target\n      <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section class=\"c-bestListListicle\">\n<div id=\"9dbfac42-5a25-4645-a3ec-6bee26934e84\" data-id=\"listicle-9dbfac42-5a25-4645-a3ec-6bee26934e84\" data-techprodid=\"6d5b93b8-16a1-4583-b755-052bf297b785\" data-cy=\"bestListListicle\" class=\"c-bestListListicle_container\">\n<div class=\"u-flexbox u-flexbox-column\">\n<div class=\"c-bestListListicle_editorial\">\n<div class=\"c-bestListListicle_masthead u-flexbox\">\n<div class=\"c-bestListGallery c-bestListListicle_gallery c-bestListGallery-bestListListicle-test\">\n<figure>\n<div class=\"c-bestListGallery_carousel\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"c-cmsImage c-bestListGallery_image\"><img src alt=\"stumptown coffee bag lies next to dish of beans\" height=\"195.80040733197555\" width=\"327\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<div class=\"c-bestListGallery_info u-flexbox u-flexbox-justifyBetween g-outer-spacing-top-xsmall g-outer-spacing-bottom-xsmall\"><figcaption><span class=\"c-bestListGallery_credits\">Katherine Peach\/CNET<\/span><\/figcaption><\/div>\n<div class=\"c-globalModal\">\n<div class=\"c-globalModal_contentWrapper\">\n<div class=\"c-globalModal_content c-globalImageCarousel c-globalModal_listicleRedesign\">\n<div class=\"u-flexbox u-flexbox-justifyBetween g-outer-spacing-bottom-small\"><span class=\"g-color-white\">Photo Gallery<\/span><span class=\"g-color-white\">1\/1<\/span><\/div>\n<figure class=\"c-globalImageCarousel_figure\">\n<div class=\"c-globalImageCarousel_carousel g-outer-spacing-bottom-small\">\n<div class=\"c-cmsImage c-globalImageCarousel_image\"><source media=\"(max-width: 767px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/a\/img\/resize\/a4404c59788a0d58ce8978b241219960dc13f61e\/hub\/2026\/04\/06\/be947ecf-d1e5-441f-b3aa-333bf70aed34\/screenshot-2026-04-06-at-12-50-08pm.png?auto=webp&amp;fit=crop&amp;height=236&amp;width=420\" alt=\"\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption>\n<div class=\"c-globalImageCarousel_credits g-color-black g-text-xxsmall\">Katherine Peach\/CNET<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-bestListListicle_headerContainer u-flexbox u-flexbox-justifyBetween u-flexbox-alignCenter\">\n<div class=\"u-flexbox-column\">\n<div class=\"c-bestListListicle_header\">\n<h3 class=\"c-bestListListicle_hed\">\n                    Stumptown Holler Mountain organic blend<br \/>\n                  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-bestListListicle_details\">\n<div class=\"c-bestListListicle_descriptionContainer\">\n<div class=\"c-bestListListicle_description c-bestListListicle_description-clamp\">\n<p>Stumptown Holler Mountain organic coffee offers a distinct and robust flavor, characterized by a pleasant acidity and a lingering caramel finish. The whole beans I tried maintained strong flavor even seven months past the roast date. Listing a roast date shows the brand stands by its product &#8212; bonus points for transparency.<\/p>\n<p>This coffee also has notable body that allows for versatility, claiming it can be used for both drip coffee or espresso preparation. Holler Mountain remains light enough to be appealing to a broad demographic. It possesses a well-balanced mouthfeel, ending with a slight acidic kick. Plus, with widespread availability in grocery stores such as Whole Foods, it should be an easy find. If you see it, I&#8217;d say bring it home.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-bestListListicle_readMore\">\n<div><span class=\"c-bestListListicle_readMore-ellipsis\">\u00a0&#8230;<\/span><span class=\"c-bestListListicle_readMore-link\">Show more<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-cy=\"bestListListicle_cta\" class=\"c-bestListButtons c-bestListListicle_buttonWrap\">\n<div class=\"c-bestListButtons_ctaText o-cta\">Get it now<\/div>\n<div data-location=\"BODY\" class=\"c-shortcodeListicle_buttonContainer u-flexbox c-bestListButtons_link u-flexbox-wrap\" data-v-0ea4bff7>\n<div data-v-0ea4bff7>\n        $14 at Amazon\n      <\/div>\n<div data-v-0ea4bff7>\n        $15 at Walmart\n      <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section class=\"c-bestListListicle\">\n<div id=\"295176b0-0545-463a-98d7-22eb1a86174d\" data-id=\"listicle-295176b0-0545-463a-98d7-22eb1a86174d\" data-techprodid=\"bbef7455-993f-45f9-954e-9b3d3f0321b8\" data-cy=\"bestListListicle\" class=\"c-bestListListicle_container\">\n<div class=\"u-flexbox u-flexbox-column\">\n<div class=\"c-bestListListicle_editorial\">\n<div class=\"c-bestListListicle_masthead u-flexbox\">\n<div class=\"c-bestListGallery c-bestListListicle_gallery c-bestListGallery-bestListListicle-test\">\n<figure>\n<div class=\"c-bestListGallery_carousel\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"c-cmsImage c-bestListGallery_image\"><img src alt=\"bag whole foods early bird lies next to dish of beans\" height=\"203.59061833688702\" width=\"327\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<div class=\"c-bestListGallery_info u-flexbox u-flexbox-justifyBetween g-outer-spacing-top-xsmall g-outer-spacing-bottom-xsmall\"><figcaption><span class=\"c-bestListGallery_credits\">Katherine Peach\/CNET<\/span><\/figcaption><\/div>\n<div class=\"c-globalModal\">\n<div class=\"c-globalModal_contentWrapper\">\n<div class=\"c-globalModal_content c-globalImageCarousel c-globalModal_listicleRedesign\">\n<div class=\"u-flexbox u-flexbox-justifyBetween g-outer-spacing-bottom-small\"><span class=\"g-color-white\">Photo Gallery<\/span><span class=\"g-color-white\">1\/1<\/span><\/div>\n<figure class=\"c-globalImageCarousel_figure\">\n<div class=\"c-globalImageCarousel_carousel g-outer-spacing-bottom-small\">\n<div class=\"c-cmsImage c-globalImageCarousel_image\"><source media=\"(max-width: 767px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/a\/img\/resize\/4a8539aee3696e3f12a66b9d2d0fc96b13cbf14e\/hub\/2026\/04\/06\/ea72b45b-c457-4d34-acff-e6096682e563\/screenshot-2026-04-06-at-12-52-51pm.png?auto=webp&amp;fit=crop&amp;height=236&amp;width=420\" alt=\"\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption>\n<div class=\"c-globalImageCarousel_credits g-color-black g-text-xxsmall\">Katherine Peach\/CNET<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-bestListListicle_headerContainer u-flexbox u-flexbox-justifyBetween u-flexbox-alignCenter\">\n<div class=\"u-flexbox-column\">\n<div class=\"c-bestListListicle_header\">\n<h3 class=\"c-bestListListicle_hed\">\n                    Whole Foods Market Organic Early Bird Blend<br \/>\n                  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-bestListListicle_details\">\n<div class=\"c-bestListListicle_descriptionContainer\">\n<div class=\"c-bestListListicle_description c-bestListListicle_description-clamp\">\n<p>The Whole Foods Early Bird Blend&#8217;s profile includes notes of cocoa, with a mellow flavor that falls into the medium roast category. Upon opening the bag, I was pleased by the beans&#8217; rich aroma and oily appearance, even though the &#8220;best by&#8221; date was only three months away. Once or twice, I found a hint of bitterness that&#8217;s unbecoming of a medium roast. Still, I found it easy to drink black thanks to a hint of warm cocoa.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>I appreciated that the more my coffee cooled, the more the roast mellowed out. Whole Foods Organic Early Bird Blend will likely satisfy anyone who wants a comforting and uncomplicated cup of coffee to rouse them awake.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Another bonus is its lineup of certifications: Fair Trade Certified, USDA Organic and the intriguing Smithsonian Bird Friendly certification. Similar to the Trader Joe&#8217;s coffee I tried, the Whole Foods-branded bags likely have a high turnover rate due to their affordability and the reliability of the store&#8217;s brand. This volume makes it easier to avoid stale beans that have been sitting on the shelf for too long.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-bestListListicle_readMore\">\n<div><span class=\"c-bestListListicle_readMore-ellipsis\">\u00a0&#8230;<\/span><span class=\"c-bestListListicle_readMore-link\">Show more<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-cy=\"bestListListicle_cta\" class=\"c-bestListButtons c-bestListListicle_buttonWrap\">\n<div class=\"c-bestListButtons_ctaText o-cta\">Get it now<\/div>\n<div data-location=\"BODY\" class=\"c-shortcodeListicle_buttonContainer u-flexbox c-bestListButtons_link u-flexbox-wrap\" data-v-0ea4bff7>\n<div data-v-0ea4bff7>\n        $14 at Amazon\n      <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section class=\"c-bestListListicle\">\n<div id=\"6b9a86a5-6f85-4b16-b495-bb3c4dabc63e\" data-id=\"listicle-6b9a86a5-6f85-4b16-b495-bb3c4dabc63e\" data-techprodid=\"1425512d-8acf-4733-bb2d-9f7952369a00\" data-cy=\"bestListListicle\" class=\"c-bestListListicle_container\">\n<div class=\"u-flexbox u-flexbox-column\">\n<div class=\"c-bestListListicle_editorial\">\n<div class=\"c-bestListListicle_masthead u-flexbox\">\n<div class=\"c-bestListGallery c-bestListListicle_gallery c-bestListGallery-bestListListicle-test\">\n<figure>\n<div class=\"c-bestListGallery_carousel\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"c-cmsImage c-bestListGallery_image\"><img src alt=\"bag of dunkin original blend coffee\" height=\"195.45987654320987\" width=\"327\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<div class=\"c-bestListGallery_info u-flexbox u-flexbox-justifyBetween g-outer-spacing-top-xsmall g-outer-spacing-bottom-xsmall\"><figcaption><span class=\"c-bestListGallery_credits\">Katherine Peach\/CNET<\/span><\/figcaption><\/div>\n<div class=\"c-globalModal\">\n<div class=\"c-globalModal_contentWrapper\">\n<div class=\"c-globalModal_content c-globalImageCarousel c-globalModal_listicleRedesign\">\n<div class=\"u-flexbox u-flexbox-justifyBetween g-outer-spacing-bottom-small\"><span class=\"g-color-white\">Photo Gallery<\/span><span class=\"g-color-white\">1\/1<\/span><\/div>\n<figure class=\"c-globalImageCarousel_figure\">\n<div class=\"c-globalImageCarousel_carousel g-outer-spacing-bottom-small\">\n<div class=\"c-cmsImage c-globalImageCarousel_image\"><source media=\"(max-width: 767px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/a\/img\/resize\/282b09baadd12545f3fcc7a1a1b0f8d2ba22d54d\/hub\/2026\/04\/06\/8792f73e-ea38-4e5b-9070-84832ef06c6b\/screenshot-2026-04-06-at-12-56-05pm.png?auto=webp&amp;fit=crop&amp;height=236&amp;width=420\" alt=\"\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption>\n<div class=\"c-globalImageCarousel_credits g-color-black g-text-xxsmall\">Katherine Peach\/CNET<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-bestListListicle_headerContainer u-flexbox u-flexbox-justifyBetween u-flexbox-alignCenter\">\n<div class=\"u-flexbox-column\">\n<div class=\"c-bestListListicle_header\">\n<h3 class=\"c-bestListListicle_hed\">\n                    Dunkin Original Blend<br \/>\n                  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-bestListListicle_details\">\n<div class=\"c-bestListListicle_descriptionContainer\">\n<div class=\"c-bestListListicle_description c-bestListListicle_description-clamp\">\n<p>The Dunkin Original Blend maintained an unexpected nutty flavor and full mouthfeel for a ground coffee with eight months remaining until its &#8220;best by&#8221; date &#8212; and one that was likely roasted many months earlier. The instructions are 1.5 tablespoons of coffee per 6 ounces of water, which resulted in a balanced and smooth cup.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Unlike other roasts that tasted bitter or flat, the Dunkin Original blend is one that I didn&#8217;t mind drinking black, thanks to its medium roast and mild flavor. When cooled, sips offered a bit of sweetness as a final note. I get why there are so many loyalists: It reminds me of a classic diner coffee in the best way.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>I was taken aback when the Drunkin 12-ounce bag cost as much as the Stumptown and Groundwork bags at my local grocery store. Lesson learned: Compare prices at different retailers when possible.\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-bestListListicle_readMore\">\n<div><span class=\"c-bestListListicle_readMore-ellipsis\">\u00a0&#8230;<\/span><span class=\"c-bestListListicle_readMore-link\">Show more<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-cy=\"bestListListicle_cta\" class=\"c-bestListButtons c-bestListListicle_buttonWrap\">\n<div class=\"c-bestListButtons_ctaText o-cta\">Get it now<\/div>\n<div data-location=\"BODY\" class=\"c-shortcodeListicle_buttonContainer u-flexbox c-bestListButtons_link u-flexbox-wrap\" data-v-0ea4bff7>\n<div data-v-0ea4bff7>\n        $15 at Walmart\n      <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section class=\"c-bestListListicle\">\n<div id=\"868f3c7c-06c3-40d4-ba36-4389acc3e97d\" data-id=\"listicle-868f3c7c-06c3-40d4-ba36-4389acc3e97d\" data-cy=\"bestListListicle\" class=\"c-bestListListicle_container\">\n<div class=\"u-flexbox u-flexbox-column\">\n<div class=\"c-bestListListicle_editorial\">\n<div class=\"c-bestListListicle_masthead u-flexbox\">\n<div class=\"c-bestListGallery c-bestListListicle_gallery c-bestListGallery-bestListListicle-test\">\n<figure>\n<div class=\"c-bestListGallery_carousel\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"c-cmsImage c-bestListGallery_image\"><img src alt=\"canister of Illy classico coffee sitting on counter\" height=\"208.70819672131148\" width=\"327\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<div class=\"c-bestListGallery_info u-flexbox u-flexbox-justifyBetween g-outer-spacing-top-xsmall g-outer-spacing-bottom-xsmall\"><figcaption><span class=\"c-bestListGallery_credits\">Katherine Peach\/CNET<\/span><\/figcaption><\/div>\n<div class=\"c-globalModal\">\n<div class=\"c-globalModal_contentWrapper\">\n<div class=\"c-globalModal_content c-globalImageCarousel c-globalModal_listicleRedesign\">\n<div class=\"u-flexbox u-flexbox-justifyBetween g-outer-spacing-bottom-small\"><span class=\"g-color-white\">Photo Gallery<\/span><span class=\"g-color-white\">1\/1<\/span><\/div>\n<figure class=\"c-globalImageCarousel_figure\">\n<div class=\"c-globalImageCarousel_carousel g-outer-spacing-bottom-small\">\n<div class=\"c-cmsImage c-globalImageCarousel_image\"><source media=\"(max-width: 767px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/a\/img\/resize\/6361a70d964a52ff3bf7ca2e91ace1a42427eeed\/hub\/2026\/04\/06\/3e808bb5-91ec-4afe-a1ac-2bf7c647284e\/screenshot-2026-04-06-at-12-59-48pm.png?auto=webp&amp;fit=crop&amp;height=236&amp;width=420\" alt=\"\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption>\n<div class=\"c-globalImageCarousel_credits g-color-black g-text-xxsmall\">Katherine Peach\/CNET<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-bestListListicle_headerContainer u-flexbox u-flexbox-justifyBetween u-flexbox-alignCenter\">\n<div class=\"u-flexbox-column\">\n<div class=\"c-bestListListicle_header\">\n<h3 class=\"c-bestListListicle_hed\">\n                    Illy Classico<br \/>\n                  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-bestListListicle_details\">\n<div class=\"c-bestListListicle_descriptionContainer\">\n<div class=\"c-bestListListicle_description c-bestListListicle_description-clamp\">\n<p>Illy Classico presents an interesting packaging choice: a metal pull-top reminiscent of canned meat, distinguishing it from the usual plastic-sealed domestic canned coffees. The can provides no preparation guidance for the beans. While the beans smelled fresh when first opened, the aroma is less rich and slightly more sour than the whole-bean options from Trader Joe&#8217;s and Whole Foods.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>In the first cup, brewed at a ratio of 2 tablespoons to 6 ounces of water, the Illy coffee offered unusual floral notes and a bright complexity that evolved into a nutty, sweet finish. The online product description (found via a QR code on the can) cited citrus and jasmine, though that complexity ultimately faded with subsequent brews. A pleasant caramel flavor became more prominent as the coffee cooled.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>A second tasting, prepared with 1.5 tablespoons to 6 ounces of water, resulted in a mellower, more balanced cup, showcasing classic nutty flavors. Illy Classico offers an alternative to the heavier, diner coffee blends found in grocery stores.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-bestListListicle_readMore\">\n<div><span class=\"c-bestListListicle_readMore-ellipsis\">\u00a0&#8230;<\/span><span class=\"c-bestListListicle_readMore-link\">Show more<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-cy=\"bestListListicle_cta\" class=\"c-bestListButtons c-bestListListicle_buttonWrap\">\n<div class=\"c-bestListButtons_ctaText o-cta\">Get it now<\/div>\n<div data-location=\"BODY\" class=\"c-shortcodeListicle_buttonContainer u-flexbox c-bestListButtons_link u-flexbox-wrap\" data-v-0ea4bff7>$15 at Target<br \/>\n      $12 at Amazon\n      <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section>\n<div data-cy=\"infoCard\" class=\"c-infoCard g-outer-spacing-bottom-large c-infoCard-izeBestList\">\n<div data-cy=\"infoCardHeader\" class=\"c-infoCard_header u-flexbox u-flexbox-justifyBetween u-flexbox-alignCenter g-outer-spacing-bottom-large c-infoCard_header-noToggle\">\n<h2 id=\"toc-196933c5-2291-4157-bc16-d7846bbe709a-item-7\" data-id=\"toc-196933c5-2291-4157-bc16-d7846bbe709a-item-7\" class=\"c-infoCard_hed g-color-primary\">Honorable mention<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div data-cy=\"infoCardDek\" class=\"c-infoCard_dek\">\n<div class=\"c-ShortcodeContent c-ShortcodeContent-theme:default\">\n<h3>Trader Joe&#8217;s Joe Medium Roast<\/h3>\n<figure class=\"c-shortcodeImage u-clearfix c-shortcodeImage-large c-shortcodeImage-hasCaption\">\n<div class=\"c-shortcodeImage_imageContainer\">\n<div class=\"c-cmsImage c-shortcodeImage_image\"><source media=\"(max-width: 767px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/a\/img\/resize\/900c89c2fa7048e8434f59566b502f7f02442099\/hub\/2026\/04\/06\/e4a38228-b575-46e8-91c6-4eead51f9c37\/screenshot-2026-04-06-at-1-16-59pm.png?auto=webp&amp;width=768\" alt=\"trader joe's coffee bag lies next to dish of beans\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption><span class=\"c-shortcodeImage_caption g-inner-spacing-right-small g-text-xxsmall\"><\/p>\n<p>At $7 for 14 ounces, TJ&#8217;s offers some of the best value out of any grocery store beans I&#8217;ve brewed.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p><\/span><span class=\"c-shortcodeImage_credit g-inner-spacing-right-small g-outer-spacing-top-xsmall g-color-text-meta g-text-xxxsmall\">Katherine Peach\/CNET<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Upon opening the <span class=\"c-shortcodeCommerceLink\">Trader Joe&#8217;s Joe coffee<\/span>, the whole beans smelled fresh and rich, with dark, oily beans visible. It was the freshness I expected, given the store&#8217;s high volume and practice of keeping stock fresh. However, the recommended ratio of 2 tablespoons of beans per 6 ounces of water resulted in some bitterness.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>The medium roast is a straightforward cup of coffee with a somewhat sweet finish. The medium body, though, is thinner than Whole Foods and Dunkin taste tests. As it cools, the roast opens up, becoming smooth and drinkable as a straight cup of black coffee. While possibly uninspiring to some, it&#8217;s a safe and drinkable choice. At $7 for 14 ounces, this blend is a great value compared with other grocery store coffees at the time of publication.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section>\n<div data-cy=\"infoCard\" class=\"c-infoCard g-outer-spacing-bottom-large c-infoCard-izeBestList\">\n<div data-cy=\"infoCardHeader\" class=\"c-infoCard_header u-flexbox u-flexbox-justifyBetween u-flexbox-alignCenter g-outer-spacing-bottom-large c-infoCard_header-noToggle\">\n<h2 id=\"toc-196933c5-2291-4157-bc16-d7846bbe709a-item-8\" data-id=\"toc-196933c5-2291-4157-bc16-d7846bbe709a-item-8\" class=\"c-infoCard_hed g-color-primary\">5 grocery store coffees to avoid<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div data-cy=\"infoCardDek\" class=\"c-infoCard_dek\">\n<div class=\"c-ShortcodeContent c-ShortcodeContent-theme:default\">\n<h3>1: Intelligentsia House Blend<\/h3>\n<figure class=\"c-shortcodeImage u-clearfix c-shortcodeImage-large c-shortcodeImage-hasCaption\">\n<div class=\"c-shortcodeImage_imageContainer\">\n<div class=\"c-cmsImage c-shortcodeImage_image\"><source media=\"(max-width: 767px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/a\/img\/resize\/592078d3a0f6b90dfe4a12aa099b64bc66eedfda\/hub\/2026\/04\/06\/af90aa6f-d8be-4f03-8fbd-cc65f76fca8e\/screenshot-2026-04-06-at-1-55-30pm.png?auto=webp&amp;width=768\" alt=\"bag of intelligentisia coffee\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption><span class=\"c-shortcodeImage_caption g-inner-spacing-right-small g-text-xxsmall\"><\/p>\n<p>Trendy Intelligentsia coffee isn&#8217;t worth the steep price.<\/p>\n<p><\/span><span class=\"c-shortcodeImage_credit g-inner-spacing-right-small g-outer-spacing-top-xsmall g-color-text-meta g-text-xxxsmall\">Katherine Peach\/CNET<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Intelligentsia is a Chicago-founded roaster that&#8217;s become a widespread specialty coffee brand in grocery stores coast to coast. At $20 for a 12-ounce bag of whole beans at my local Brooklyn grocery store, Intelligentsia House Blend coffee can be considered an investment. The lack of a &#8220;roasted by&#8221; date on the bag, however, means freshness is a gamble. This tester ended up with a whisper of flavor with three months left on the &#8220;best by&#8221; date. It lacked any noticeable tasting notes, potentially due to an overstay in the grocery aisle. The Intelligentsia House Blend bag also lacks any tasting note descriptors or instructions whatsoever on the packaging.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Even with low expectations, the beans still produced a bland cup of coffee, firmly placing it in the &#8220;low&#8221; category. If you&#8217;re interested in drinking Intelligentsia coffee, I&#8217;d recommend heading to the brand&#8217;s coffee shops or purchasing a fresh bag straight from the roaster.\u00a0<\/p>\n<h3>What to try instead: Groundwork<\/h3>\n<figure class=\"c-shortcodeImage u-clearfix c-shortcodeImage-large c-shortcodeImage-hasCaption\">\n<div class=\"c-shortcodeImage_imageContainer\">\n<div class=\"c-cmsImage c-shortcodeImage_image\"><source media=\"(max-width: 767px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/a\/img\/resize\/e3568321216dd5e7532dc5d085e0ea22d1c5a55b\/hub\/2026\/04\/06\/3c06e234-7d92-4967-8db0-5f46718d6669\/screenshot-2026-04-06-at-1-56-57pm.png?auto=webp&amp;width=768\" alt=\"bag of groundwork coffee\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption><span class=\"c-shortcodeImage_caption g-inner-spacing-right-small g-text-xxsmall\"><\/p>\n<p>Groundwork&#8217;s Organic Bitches Blend was a standout for its deep flavor and notes of dark chocolate and caramel.<\/p>\n<p><\/span><span class=\"c-shortcodeImage_credit g-inner-spacing-right-small g-outer-spacing-top-xsmall g-color-text-meta g-text-xxxsmall\">Katherine Peach\/CNET<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>For specialty coffee from the grocery store, instead look for brands that include a &#8220;roasted by&#8221; date, such as Verve or Partners coffee. The closer to the roast date, the better, but because packaging helps protect coffee, it could take three to six months before flavor degradation results in a lackluster brew. Otherwise, <span class=\"c-shortcodeCommerceLink\">Groundwork Organic Bitches Brew<\/span> was a standout for deep flavor and its notes of dark chocolate and caramel even without a roasted date. It also includes a ratio of coffee to water on the bag for anyone who wants a launching point.\u00a0<\/p>\n<h3>2: Maxwell House House Blend<\/h3>\n<figure class=\"c-shortcodeImage u-clearfix c-shortcodeImage-large c-shortcodeImage-hasCaption\">\n<div class=\"c-shortcodeImage_imageContainer\">\n<div class=\"c-cmsImage c-shortcodeImage_image\"><source media=\"(max-width: 767px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/a\/img\/resize\/c2499c6bdd03052edc4476a37b9900dfca6cbf78\/hub\/2026\/04\/06\/c9ed20b5-56f0-46f1-ad3a-d6767ab9cadc\/screenshot-2026-04-06-at-1-57-39pm.png?auto=webp&amp;width=768\" alt=\"can of maxwell house coffee\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption><span class=\"c-shortcodeImage_caption g-inner-spacing-right-small g-text-xxsmall\"><\/p>\n<p>I&#8217;d suggest politely declining your invitation to Maxwell House.<\/p>\n<p><\/span><span class=\"c-shortcodeImage_credit g-inner-spacing-right-small g-outer-spacing-top-xsmall g-color-text-meta g-text-xxxsmall\">Katherine Peach\/CNET<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>The first sip of Maxwell House House Blend was bitter, and the progressive sips didn&#8217;t improve. Like other value-driven blends, this one tastes as if the manufacturer never expected anyone to drink it without copious amounts of cream and sugar. I don&#8217;t believe you should need to drown out the notes of burnt beans and organic fillers to make it drinkable.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>The Maxwell House instructions recommend only 1 tablespoon for 6 ounces of water. Once the Maxwell House started to cool, the flavor was milder and less offensive, but I didn&#8217;t find it more enticing since any true tasting notes fell flat. I also noticed an acidity that made me nervous about a stomachache. For a household brand, I had hoped for a better showing. \u00a0<\/p>\n<h3>What to try instead: Chock Full O&#8217; Nuts Original\u00a0<\/h3>\n<figure class=\"c-shortcodeImage u-clearfix c-shortcodeImage-large c-shortcodeImage-hasCaption\">\n<div class=\"c-shortcodeImage_imageContainer\">\n<div class=\"c-cmsImage c-shortcodeImage_image\"><source media=\"(max-width: 767px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/a\/img\/resize\/38a6ff1d62f6ce68272f939a477f99e337b50919\/hub\/2026\/04\/06\/6332cae3-69e6-486b-820e-e7959bd2bd30\/screenshot-2026-04-06-at-2-28-21pm.png?auto=webp&amp;width=768\" alt=\"Chock Full o' Nuts can in grocery cart\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption><span class=\"c-shortcodeImage_caption g-inner-spacing-right-small g-text-xxsmall\"><\/p>\n<p>Chock Full o&#8217; Nuts&#8217; original blend was a surprise hit among the budget set.<\/p>\n<p><\/span><span class=\"c-shortcodeImage_credit g-inner-spacing-right-small g-outer-spacing-top-xsmall g-color-text-meta g-text-xxxsmall\">Chock Full o&#8217; Nuts<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Avoid the kind of coffee that makes people say, &#8220;bean juice is not for them.&#8221; If you want an affordable, approachable can of coffee, reach for the original <span class=\"c-shortcodeCommerceLink\">Chock Full O&#8217; Nuts<\/span> for a slightly sweet, mild variety. You could also reach for Lavazza Tierra Organic for a similarly priced medium roast or Caf\u00e9 Bustelo for a more robust roast in a familiar canned packaging.\u00a0<\/p>\n<h3>3: Great Value Classic Roast by Walmart\u00a0<\/h3>\n<figure class=\"c-shortcodeImage u-clearfix c-shortcodeImage-large c-shortcodeImage-hasCaption\">\n<div class=\"c-shortcodeImage_imageContainer\">\n<div class=\"c-cmsImage c-shortcodeImage_image\"><source media=\"(max-width: 767px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/a\/img\/resize\/36eeb55c5d613aa70d80d3f5a4aead6d55b7d774\/hub\/2026\/04\/06\/43982b53-a085-4aac-bbad-59e9674f0328\/screenshot-2026-04-06-at-2-15-35pm.png?auto=webp&amp;width=768\" alt=\"great value classic roast coffee can\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption><span class=\"c-shortcodeImage_caption g-inner-spacing-right-small g-text-xxsmall\"><\/p>\n<p>Walmart&#8217;s Great Value coffee is cheap for a reason.<\/p>\n<p><\/span><span class=\"c-shortcodeImage_credit g-inner-spacing-right-small g-outer-spacing-top-xsmall g-color-text-meta g-text-xxxsmall\">Katherine Peach\/CNET<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>The Great Value Classic Roast brand is a generic offering akin to Folgers, where value and quantity are top priorities. I wanted to test this option since Walmart is one of the largest grocery store chains in the US and a staple at my parents&#8217; house. That said, I&#8217;d best equate the flavor of this blend with church-basement or airplane coffee. The beans offer a burnt yet bland flavor that begs for extra creamer. Still, the sheer volume is hard to beat at 25.4 ounces per can. When it comes to coffee, I&#8217;m a pragmatist, not a purist, so I understand that some of us treat it as fuel rather than a specialty beverage. I&#8217;m here to say there&#8217;s a better way forward.<\/p>\n<h3>What to try instead: Whole Foods Early Bird Blend<\/h3>\n<figure class=\"c-shortcodeImage u-clearfix c-shortcodeImage-large c-shortcodeImage-hasCaption\">\n<div class=\"c-shortcodeImage_imageContainer\">\n<div class=\"c-cmsImage c-shortcodeImage_image\"><source media=\"(max-width: 767px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/a\/img\/resize\/6213c37664e37174a84a1111a41854a2840b16ee\/hub\/2026\/04\/06\/785095a6-7232-4eb9-87bd-140882578554\/screenshot-2026-04-06-at-2-22-19pm.png?auto=webp&amp;width=768\" alt=\"whole foods early blend coffee\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption><span class=\"c-shortcodeImage_caption g-inner-spacing-right-small g-text-xxsmall\"><\/p>\n<p>Early Bird is one of the best value coffees I tested.<\/p>\n<p><\/span><span class=\"c-shortcodeImage_credit g-inner-spacing-right-small g-outer-spacing-top-xsmall g-color-text-meta g-text-xxxsmall\">Katherine Peach\/CNET<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Anyone looking for value should consider subscribing to <span class=\"c-shortcodeCommerceLink\">Whole Foods Market coffee<\/span> deliveries for an additional discount and savings on both time and gas. Great Value Classic Roast isn&#8217;t 100% arabica, so it likely contains cheaper, more caffeinated robusta beans. Another option is Caf\u00e9 Bustelo espresso grounds for a rich cup that still packs plenty of kick thanks to its robusta blend.\u00a0<\/p>\n<h3>4: Chock Full o&#8217; Nuts French Roast\u00a0<\/h3>\n<figure class=\"c-shortcodeImage u-clearfix c-shortcodeImage-large c-shortcodeImage-hasCaption\">\n<div class=\"c-shortcodeImage_imageContainer\">\n<div class=\"c-cmsImage c-shortcodeImage_image\"><source media=\"(max-width: 767px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/a\/img\/resize\/4b78a2ba660abba2c0549c73a447d791c471a5ac\/hub\/2026\/04\/06\/80d52861-91f2-416e-b654-92341ca03444\/screenshot-2026-04-06-at-2-00-35pm.png?auto=webp&amp;width=768\" alt=\"chick full of nuts coffee can\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption><span class=\"c-shortcodeImage_caption g-inner-spacing-right-small g-text-xxsmall\"><\/p>\n<p>Chock Full o&#8217; Nut&#8217;s French roast left something to be desired.<\/p>\n<p><\/span><span class=\"c-shortcodeImage_credit g-inner-spacing-right-small g-outer-spacing-top-xsmall g-color-text-meta g-text-xxxsmall\">Katherine Peach\/CNET<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Chock Full o&#8217; Nuts is, for many, an iconic grocery store coffee brand, yet it doesn&#8217;t have the ubiquity of Folgers or Maxwell House. My taste test revealed a slightly sweet finish and a very mild flavor. I anticipated a more robust cup of coffee; however, that wasn&#8217;t the case, despite the French Roast descriptor. The &#8220;best by&#8221; date on the can I purchased had five months remaining. Based on that alone, I can&#8217;t recommend buying this one if you&#8217;re expecting something hearty and deep-roasted, as the packaging suggests. The fact that it&#8217;s still quite drinkable means it&#8217;s a safer option than some others on this list.<\/p>\n<h3>What to try instead: Caf\u00e9 Bustelo\u00a0<\/h3>\n<figure class=\"c-shortcodeImage u-clearfix c-shortcodeImage-large c-shortcodeImage-hasCaption\">\n<div class=\"c-shortcodeImage_imageContainer\">\n<div class=\"c-cmsImage c-shortcodeImage_image\"><source media=\"(max-width: 767px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/a\/img\/resize\/01eef120694ffbb563efdc7e8d1f7fb2c43020bd\/hub\/2026\/04\/06\/b5bd2b92-3fdd-4991-a6d7-e41d9f533b89\/screenshot-2026-04-06-at-12-47-11pm.png?auto=webp&amp;width=768\" alt=\"can of cafe bustelo\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption><span class=\"c-shortcodeImage_caption g-inner-spacing-right-small g-text-xxsmall\"><\/p>\n<p>Caf\u00e9 Bustelo is versatile and smooth &#8212; a true dark roast.<\/p>\n<p><\/span><span class=\"c-shortcodeImage_credit g-inner-spacing-right-small g-outer-spacing-top-xsmall g-color-text-meta g-text-xxxsmall\">Katherine Peach\/CNET<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>If you&#8217;re looking to try a dark roast, then grab a can of <span class=\"c-shortcodeCommerceLink\">Cafe Bustelo<\/span>, which I detailed in full in the &#8220;best&#8221; grocery store coffee list above. It&#8217;s versatile, smooth and a true dark roast as an espresso blend. Of course, you can also stick with the original Chock Full O&#8217; Nuts blend for a sweet yet nutty flavor in a canned grocery store coffee, too.<\/p>\n<h3>5: Eight O&#8217;Clock Original Blend<\/h3>\n<figure class=\"c-shortcodeImage u-clearfix c-shortcodeImage-large c-shortcodeImage-hasCaption\">\n<div class=\"c-shortcodeImage_imageContainer\">\n<div class=\"c-cmsImage c-shortcodeImage_image\"><source media=\"(max-width: 767px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/a\/img\/resize\/52f03d4c73330cbe2630efa8b73613a2bd7f144a\/hub\/2026\/04\/06\/1e318bbb-0b62-4748-8d8f-78ce4622f5d2\/screenshot-2026-04-06-at-2-20-27pm.png?auto=webp&amp;width=768\" alt=\"bag of 8 o'clock coffee on table\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption><span class=\"c-shortcodeImage_caption g-inner-spacing-right-small g-text-xxsmall\"><\/p>\n<p>I found Eight O&#8217;clock&#8217;s signature blend flat and acidic.<\/p>\n<p><\/span><span class=\"c-shortcodeImage_credit g-inner-spacing-right-small g-outer-spacing-top-xsmall g-color-text-meta g-text-xxxsmall\">Katherine Peach\/CNET<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>The Eight O&#8217;Clock Original blend ground coffee was passable, though uninspired. The medium roast shares a certain sweetness with Chock Full O&#8217; Nuts but offers a more robust finish. I started with a small, half-batch since the bag recommends 2 to 3 tablespoons of coffee to 12 ounces of water. I then tried a full 2.5:12 oz ratio. The resulting brew was somewhat flat and acidic, with a thin body and a flavor profile that was immediately forgettable after each sip. The &#8220;best by&#8221; date on the bag was eight months out, suggesting that despite the manufacturer&#8217;s optimistic shelf-life projection, the quality had not held up.<\/p>\n<h3>What to try instead: Lavazza Tierra Organic<\/h3>\n<figure class=\"c-shortcodeImage u-clearfix c-shortcodeImage-large c-shortcodeImage-hasCaption\">\n<div class=\"c-shortcodeImage_imageContainer\">\n<div class=\"c-cmsImage c-shortcodeImage_image\"><source media=\"(max-width: 767px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/a\/img\/resize\/7c448d9ef668f681cbf6c409fa4d84c167c9638e\/hub\/2026\/04\/06\/020debb9-0d11-416e-a9eb-31da3634fe50\/screenshot-2026-04-06-at-2-23-25pm.png?auto=webp&amp;width=768\" alt=\"bag of lavazza coffee on table\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption><span class=\"c-shortcodeImage_caption g-inner-spacing-right-small g-text-xxsmall\"><\/p>\n<p>Lavazza&#8217;s Tierra blend provided a robust flavor without much bitterness.<\/p>\n<p><\/span><span class=\"c-shortcodeImage_credit g-inner-spacing-right-small g-outer-spacing-top-xsmall g-color-text-meta g-text-xxxsmall\">Katherine Peach\/CNET<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>For something reasonably priced and available at big-box stores, try <span class=\"c-shortcodeCommerceLink\">Lavazza Tierra Organic coffee<\/span>. A ratio of 1 tablespoon of coffee to 6 ounces of water provided a robust flavor without bitterness, maintaining a heavier roast profile than the light roast, with full-bodied descriptors noted on the bag. Alternatively, you can rely on Caribou Coffee Daybreak Blend in the Midwest or Peet&#8217;s Coffee House Blend at most big-box grocery stores.\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"sm:u-col-2 md:u-col-6 lg:u-col-8 lg:u-col-start-5\">\n<section class=\"c-bestListAuthorBioFooter g-outer-spacing-top-large g-outer-spacing-bottom-xxlarge c-pageArticle_articleAuthorBioFooter\">\n<h2 class=\"g-outer-spacing-bottom-large\">About the Author<\/h2>\n<div class=\"c-bestListAuthorBioFooter_body u-flexbox\">\n<div class=\"c-bestListAuthorBioFooter_primaryAuthor fullBleed\">\n<div class=\"c-bestListAuthorBioFooter_imgContainer\">\n<div class=\"c-cmsImage c-bestListAuthorBioFooter_image\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/a\/img\/resize\/309094146b5366ae3283600a6f1821482cddc283\/hub\/2024\/10\/07\/34e61332-c3f2-4bd6-9ade-a26dfadec502\/img-5143-2.jpg?auto=webp&amp;fit=crop&amp;height=64&amp;width=64\" alt=\"Headshot of Katherine Peach\" height=\"64\" width=\"64\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"md:u-hidden lg:u-hidden\">\n<h3 class=\"u-text-capitalize\">Katherine Peach<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-bestListAuthorBioFooter_bioContainer u-flexbox-column fullBleed\">\n<div class=\"sm:u-hidden\">\n<h3 class=\"u-text-capitalize\">Katherine Peach<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"c-bestListAuthorBioFooter_bio\"> Katherine Peach is a well-caffeinated, Brooklyn-based writer, who focuses on all things coffee for CNET. Peach&#8217;s reviews and writing have appeared in Tasting Table, Mashed, LAist, Yahoo Life, MSN and more. She previously climbed the ranks to lead features editor at Tasting Table and received an MFA in creative nonfiction writing from The New School in NYC. <\/p>\n<p>          Read full bio\n        <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-pageArticle_content sm:u-col-2 md:u-col-6 lg:u-col-12 c-pageArticle_content-izeBestList\">\n<div class=\"u-grid-columns\">\n<div class=\"c-ShortcodeContent_leftRail sm:u-col-2 md:u-col-6 lg:u-col-4 lg:u-col-start-0 u-grid-columns\">\n<div class=\"sm:u-col-2 md:u-col-6 lg:u-col-11\">\n<div data-cy=\"bylineCard\" class=\"c-articleBylineCard c-articleBylineCard_bestList\">\n<h2 class=\"c-articleBylineCard_header c-articleBylineCard_izeBestList\">\n    Our Experts<br \/>\n  <\/h2>\n<div class=\"c-articleBylineCard_authorContainer\">\n<div data-cy=\"bylineCard_images\" class=\"c-articleBylineCard_authorImages-noinfo\">\n<div class=\"c-articleBylineCard_image g-container-round c-articleBylineCard_image-0\">\n<div class=\"c-cmsImage\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/a\/img\/resize\/c7e5dc7fb39193506263f692a1710d33c10d66cf\/hub\/2024\/10\/07\/34e61332-c3f2-4bd6-9ade-a26dfadec502\/img-5143-2.jpg?auto=webp&amp;fit=crop&amp;height=96&amp;width=96\" alt=\"Headshot of Katherine Peach\" height=\"96\" width=\"96\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-articleBylineCard_meta-noinfo single\">\n<div class=\"c-articleBylineCard__authorName-noinfo\">\n<address class=\"c-articleBylineCard_authorNameContainer\"><span class=\"c-articleBylineCard_writtenBy g-text-xsmall\">Written by\u00a0<\/span><span data-cy=\"bylineCard_link\" class=\"c-articleBylineCard_link c-articleBylineCard_link-0\"><br \/>\n              Katherine Peach<br \/>\n            <\/span><\/address>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-articleBylineCard_date-updated g-outer-spacing-top-small\">\n<div class=\"c-globalUpdatedDate\">\n  Article updated on\u00a0<time datetime=\"2026-04-10T05:28:00-0800\">April 10, 2026 at 5:28 AM PDT<\/time><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"author-card-0\" class=\"col-5 c-globalAuthorCard\">\n<div class=\"c-globalAuthorCard_head\">\n<div class=\"c-globalAuthorCard_picture\">\n<div class=\"c-cmsImage\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/a\/img\/resize\/3c3bf1b5ed42c899666e9dac46e08818547b7384\/hub\/2024\/10\/07\/34e61332-c3f2-4bd6-9ade-a26dfadec502\/img-5143-2.jpg?auto=webp&amp;fit=crop&amp;height=84&amp;width=84\" alt=\"Headshot of Katherine Peach\" height=\"84\" width=\"84\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-globalAuthorCard_info\"><span class=\"c-globalAuthorCard_name\">Katherine Peach<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-globalAuthorCard_bio\">Katherine Peach is a well-caffeinated, Brooklyn-based writer, who focuses on all things coffee for CNET. Peach&#8217;s reviews and writing have appeared in Tasting Table, Mashed, LAist, Yahoo Life, MSN and more. She previously climbed the ranks to lead features editor at Tasting Table and received an MFA in creative nonfiction writing from The New School in NYC.<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-globalAuthorCard_details\"><span>Expertise<\/span><span class=\"c-globalAuthorCard_description\">Home | Coffee | Kitchen tools | Food Culture | Wine &amp; Spirits<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"c-globalAuthorCard_linkWrapper\">See full bio<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-cy=\"bestListDisclosure\" class=\"c-bestListDisclosure\">\n<div class=\"c-bestListDisclosure_metaContainer u-flexbox u-flexbox-column\">\n<div class=\"c-bestListDisclosure_header sm:u-hidden\"><span class=\"c-bestListDisclosure_title g-text-small\"><br \/>\n        Why You Can Trust CNET<br \/>\n      <\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"c-bestListDisclosure_metrics\">\n<div data-cy=\"bestListDisclosure_category\" class=\"c-bestListDisclosure_category\">\n<div class=\"c-bestListDisclosure_value g-inner-spacing-right-small\">\n<div class=\"c-bestListDisclosure_valueContainer\"><span>30+<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><span data-cy=\"bestListDisclosure_topic\" class=\"c-bestListDisclosure_topic\">Years of Experience<\/span><\/div>\n<div data-cy=\"bestListDisclosure_category\" class=\"c-bestListDisclosure_category\">\n<div class=\"c-bestListDisclosure_value g-inner-spacing-right-small\">\n<div class=\"c-bestListDisclosure_valueContainer\"><span>35<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><span data-cy=\"bestListDisclosure_topic\" class=\"c-bestListDisclosure_topic\">Product Reviewers<\/span><\/div>\n<div data-cy=\"bestListDisclosure_category\" class=\"c-bestListDisclosure_category\">\n<div class=\"c-bestListDisclosure_value g-inner-spacing-right-small\">\n<div class=\"c-bestListDisclosure_valueContainer\"><span>15k<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><span data-cy=\"bestListDisclosure_topic\" class=\"c-bestListDisclosure_topic\">Sq. Feet of Lab Space<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-bestListDisclosure_disclosureContainer\">\n<p data-cy=\"bestListDisclosure_message\" class=\"c-bestListDisclosure_message g-text-xxsmall\">CNET staff &#8212; not advertisers, partners or business interests &#8212; determine how we review products and services. If you buy through our links, we may earn a commission.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-bestListDisclosure_disclosureLinks u-flexbox-row\">\n        Reviews ethics statement<\/p>\n<p>        How we test\n        <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-bestListProductCompare\">\n<div class=\"c-bestListProductCompare_toolbar u-hidden\">\n<div class=\"c-bestListProductCompare_productsList\">\n<p class=\"c-bestListProductCompare_versus\">vs<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-bestListProductCompare_compareCta\"><span>Compare<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-bestListProductCompare_table u-hidden\">\n<div class=\"c-bestListProductCompare_tableHead\"><span>Back to selection<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<article class=\"c-ShortcodeContent c-ShortcodeContent-theme:default sm:u-col-2 md:u-col-6 lg:u-col-8 lg:u-col-start-5\">\n<p data-keep class=\"u-speakableText-p1\">Staring down the same lineup of\u00a0<span><span>grocery store<\/span><\/span>\u00a0coffee week after week gets old fast. To shake things up &#8212; and put both the classics and newcomers to the test &#8212; I worked my way through more than 15 options spanning national chains and local shops. Whether you&#8217;re after something reliably good or just trying to avoid a bad bag, here&#8217;s what actually made the cut.<\/p>\n<section>\n<div data-cy=\"listiclePrecap\" data-location=\"PRECAP\" class=\"c-shortcodeListiclePrecap c-shortcodeListiclePrecap-hide c-shortcodeListiclePrecap-compact g-outer-spacing-bottom-large\">\n<div class=\"c-shortcodeListiclePrecap-hed\">\n<section>\n<h2 class=\"c-shortcodeListiclePrecap_header\"> Our Picks <\/h2>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<section class=\"c-shortcodeListiclePrecap_item\">\n<div data-location=\"PRECAP\" data-cy=\"listiclePrecapItem\" data-position=\"1\" class=\"c-shortcodeListiclePrecapItem c-shortcodeListiclePrecapItem-compact c-shortcodeListiclePrecapItem-compactImages\">\n<div class=\"c-shortcodeListiclePrecapItem_container u-grid-columns\">\n<div class=\"c-shortcodeListiclePrecapItem_headerLinkWrapper-redesign\">\n<div class=\" c-shortcodeListiclePrecapItem_imageWrap c-shortcodeListiclePrecapItem_imageWrap-redesign md:u-col-1\">\n<figure><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/a\/img\/hub\/2026\/04\/06\/b5bd2b92-3fdd-4991-a6d7-e41d9f533b89\/screenshot-2026-04-06-at-12-47-11pm.png\" alt=\"can of cafe bustelo\" class=\"c-shortcodeListiclePrecapItem_image-redesign isFirst\"><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-shortcodeListiclePrecapItem_details-redesign\">\n<div>\n<h3 class=\"c-shortcodeListiclePrecapItem_title g-text-xsmall\">Caf\u00e9 Bustelo Espresso Ground Coffee<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><span class=\"c-shortcodeListiclePrecapItem_jumplink-redesign c-shortcodeListiclePrecapItem_jumplinkMobile-redesign u-text-center\"><span class=\"c-shortcodeListiclePrecapItem_jumplinkContent-redesign\">Jump to details<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"c-shortcodeListiclePrecapItem_buttonWrap md:u-col-2 lg:u-col-4 c-shortcodeListiclePrecapItem_buttonWrap-redesign\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"c-shortcodeListiclePrecapItem_button o-cnetButton o-cnetButton-small o-cnetButton-primary\">$13 at Amazon<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><span class=\"u-grid-position_self-center c-shortcodeListiclePrecapItem_jumplink-redesign\"><br \/>\n          Jump to details<br \/>\n          <\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section class=\"c-shortcodeListiclePrecap_item\">\n<div data-location=\"PRECAP\" data-cy=\"listiclePrecapItem\" data-position=\"2\" class=\"c-shortcodeListiclePrecapItem c-shortcodeListiclePrecapItem-compact c-shortcodeListiclePrecapItem-compactImages\">\n<div class=\"c-shortcodeListiclePrecapItem_container u-grid-columns\">\n<div class=\"c-shortcodeListiclePrecapItem_headerLinkWrapper-redesign\">\n<div class=\" c-shortcodeListiclePrecapItem_imageWrap c-shortcodeListiclePrecapItem_imageWrap-redesign md:u-col-1\">\n<figure><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/a\/img\/hub\/2026\/04\/06\/be947ecf-d1e5-441f-b3aa-333bf70aed34\/screenshot-2026-04-06-at-12-50-08pm.png\" alt=\"stumptown coffee bag lies next to dish of beans\" class=\"c-shortcodeListiclePrecapItem_image-redesign\"><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-shortcodeListiclePrecapItem_details-redesign\">\n<div>\n<h3 class=\"c-shortcodeListiclePrecapItem_title g-text-xsmall\">Stumptown Holler Mountain organic blend<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><span class=\"c-shortcodeListiclePrecapItem_jumplink-redesign c-shortcodeListiclePrecapItem_jumplinkMobile-redesign u-text-center\"><span class=\"c-shortcodeListiclePrecapItem_jumplinkContent-redesign\">Jump to details<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"c-shortcodeListiclePrecapItem_buttonWrap md:u-col-2 lg:u-col-4 c-shortcodeListiclePrecapItem_buttonWrap-redesign\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"c-shortcodeListiclePrecapItem_button o-cnetButton o-cnetButton-small o-cnetButton-primary\">$14 at Amazon<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><span class=\"u-grid-position_self-center c-shortcodeListiclePrecapItem_jumplink-redesign\"><br \/>\n          Jump to details<br \/>\n          <\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section class=\"c-shortcodeListiclePrecap_item\">\n<div data-location=\"PRECAP\" data-cy=\"listiclePrecapItem\" data-position=\"3\" class=\"c-shortcodeListiclePrecapItem c-shortcodeListiclePrecapItem-compact c-shortcodeListiclePrecapItem-compactImages\">\n<div class=\"c-shortcodeListiclePrecapItem_container u-grid-columns\">\n<div class=\"c-shortcodeListiclePrecapItem_headerLinkWrapper-redesign\">\n<div class=\" c-shortcodeListiclePrecapItem_imageWrap c-shortcodeListiclePrecapItem_imageWrap-redesign md:u-col-1\">\n<figure><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/a\/img\/hub\/2026\/04\/06\/ea72b45b-c457-4d34-acff-e6096682e563\/screenshot-2026-04-06-at-12-52-51pm.png\" alt=\"bag whole foods early bird lies next to dish of beans\" class=\"c-shortcodeListiclePrecapItem_image-redesign\"><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-shortcodeListiclePrecapItem_details-redesign\">\n<div>\n<h3 class=\"c-shortcodeListiclePrecapItem_title g-text-xsmall\">Whole Foods Market Organic Early Bird Blend<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><span class=\"c-shortcodeListiclePrecapItem_jumplink-redesign c-shortcodeListiclePrecapItem_jumplinkMobile-redesign u-text-center\"><span class=\"c-shortcodeListiclePrecapItem_jumplinkContent-redesign\">Jump to details<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"c-shortcodeListiclePrecapItem_buttonWrap md:u-col-2 lg:u-col-4 c-shortcodeListiclePrecapItem_buttonWrap-redesign\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"c-shortcodeListiclePrecapItem_button o-cnetButton o-cnetButton-small o-cnetButton-primary\">$14 at Amazon<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><span class=\"u-grid-position_self-center c-shortcodeListiclePrecapItem_jumplink-redesign\"><br \/>\n          Jump to details<br \/>\n          <\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section class=\"c-shortcodeListiclePrecap_item\">\n<div data-location=\"PRECAP\" data-cy=\"listiclePrecapItem\" data-position=\"4\" class=\"c-shortcodeListiclePrecapItem c-shortcodeListiclePrecapItem-compact c-shortcodeListiclePrecapItem-compactImages\">\n<div class=\"c-shortcodeListiclePrecapItem_container u-grid-columns\">\n<div class=\"c-shortcodeListiclePrecapItem_headerLinkWrapper-redesign\">\n<div class=\" c-shortcodeListiclePrecapItem_imageWrap c-shortcodeListiclePrecapItem_imageWrap-redesign md:u-col-1\">\n<figure><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/a\/img\/hub\/2026\/04\/06\/8792f73e-ea38-4e5b-9070-84832ef06c6b\/screenshot-2026-04-06-at-12-56-05pm.png\" alt=\"bag of dunkin original blend coffee\" class=\"c-shortcodeListiclePrecapItem_image-redesign\"><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-shortcodeListiclePrecapItem_details-redesign\">\n<div>\n<h3 class=\"c-shortcodeListiclePrecapItem_title g-text-xsmall\">Dunkin Original Blend<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><span class=\"c-shortcodeListiclePrecapItem_jumplink-redesign c-shortcodeListiclePrecapItem_jumplinkMobile-redesign u-text-center\"><span class=\"c-shortcodeListiclePrecapItem_jumplinkContent-redesign\">Jump to details<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"c-shortcodeListiclePrecapItem_buttonWrap md:u-col-2 lg:u-col-4 c-shortcodeListiclePrecapItem_buttonWrap-redesign\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"c-shortcodeListiclePrecapItem_button o-cnetButton o-cnetButton-small o-cnetButton-primary\">$15 at Walmart<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><span class=\"u-grid-position_self-center c-shortcodeListiclePrecapItem_jumplink-redesign\"><br \/>\n          Jump to details<br \/>\n          <\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section class=\"c-shortcodeListiclePrecap_item\">\n<div data-location=\"PRECAP\" data-cy=\"listiclePrecapItem\" data-position=\"5\" class=\"c-shortcodeListiclePrecapItem c-shortcodeListiclePrecapItem-compact c-shortcodeListiclePrecapItem-compactImages\">\n<div class=\"c-shortcodeListiclePrecapItem_container u-grid-columns\">\n<div class=\"c-shortcodeListiclePrecapItem_headerLinkWrapper-redesign\">\n<div class=\" c-shortcodeListiclePrecapItem_imageWrap c-shortcodeListiclePrecapItem_imageWrap-redesign md:u-col-1\">\n<figure><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/a\/img\/hub\/2026\/04\/06\/3e808bb5-91ec-4afe-a1ac-2bf7c647284e\/screenshot-2026-04-06-at-12-59-48pm.png\" alt=\"canister of Illy classico coffee sitting on counter\" class=\"c-shortcodeListiclePrecapItem_image-redesign\"><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-shortcodeListiclePrecapItem_details-redesign\">\n<div>\n<h3 class=\"c-shortcodeListiclePrecapItem_title g-text-xsmall\">Illy Classico<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><span class=\"c-shortcodeListiclePrecapItem_jumplink-redesign c-shortcodeListiclePrecapItem_jumplinkMobile-redesign u-text-center\"><span class=\"c-shortcodeListiclePrecapItem_jumplinkContent-redesign\">Jump to details<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"c-shortcodeListiclePrecapItem_buttonWrap md:u-col-2 lg:u-col-4 c-shortcodeListiclePrecapItem_buttonWrap-redesign\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"c-shortcodeListiclePrecapItem_button o-cnetButton o-cnetButton-small o-cnetButton-primary\">$15 at Target<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><span class=\"u-grid-position_self-center c-shortcodeListiclePrecapItem_jumplink-redesign\"><br \/>\n          Jump to details<br \/>\n          <\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<nav class=\"c-globalToc\">\n<div class=\"c-globalToc_header\">\n<div class=\"c-globalToc_title\"><span class=\"c-globalToc_titleText\">Table of Contents<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<ul class=\"c-globalToc_dropdown g-dropShadow-hover\">\n<li class=\"c-globalToc_dropdownItem\">\n        This Coffee Writer Brewed 20 Bags of Grocery Store Beans. Here Are the 5 Best to Buy\n      <\/li>\n<li class=\"c-globalToc_dropdownItem\">\n        Five best grocery store coffees\n      <\/li>\n<li class=\"c-globalToc_dropdownItem\">\n        Caf\u00e9 Bustelo Espresso Ground Coffee\n      <\/li>\n<li class=\"c-globalToc_dropdownItem\">\n        Stumptown Holler Mountain organic blend\n      <\/li>\n<li class=\"c-globalToc_dropdownItem\">\n        Whole Foods Market Organic Early Bird Blend\n      <\/li>\n<li class=\"c-globalToc_dropdownItem\">\n        Dunkin Original Blend\n      <\/li>\n<li class=\"c-globalToc_dropdownItem\">\n        Illy Classico\n      <\/li>\n<li class=\"c-globalToc_dropdownItem\">\n        Honorable mention\n      <\/li>\n<li class=\"c-globalToc_dropdownItem\">\n        5 grocery store coffees to avoid\n      <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/nav>\n<figure class=\"c-shortcodeImage u-clearfix c-shortcodeImage-large c-shortcodeImage-hasCaption\">\n<div class=\"c-shortcodeImage_imageContainer\">\n<div class=\"c-cmsImage c-shortcodeImage_image\"><source media=\"(max-width: 767px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/a\/img\/resize\/3e196500309301741293dd7f63138a4be2c2177b\/hub\/2026\/04\/06\/639f44ac-5441-4f16-8d92-dec5ba4eb502\/img-5837.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=768\" alt=\"various bags of coffee\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption><span class=\"c-shortcodeImage_caption g-inner-spacing-right-small g-text-xxsmall\"><\/p>\n<p>The best grocery store coffee came from unlikely roasters. Here&#8217;s what my testing revealed.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p><\/span><span class=\"c-shortcodeImage_credit g-inner-spacing-right-small g-outer-spacing-top-xsmall g-color-text-meta g-text-xxxsmall\">Katherine Peach\/CNET<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p data-keep class=\"u-speakableText-p2\">As a former barista who now writes <span><span>about coffee for a living<\/span><\/span>, I&#8217;ve spent considerable time evaluating beans from major retailers like Whole Foods, Trader Joe&#8217;s, Walmart and Stop &amp; Shop. I&#8217;ve also gone deep on regional roasters and specialty blends &#8212; some of which, surprisingly, couldn&#8217;t hold their own against a humble canned option.<\/p>\n<div data-location=\"BODY\" class=\"c-shortcodeCommercePromo u-flexbox u-grid-gap-medium g-outer-spacing-bottom-medium\">\n<div class=\"c-shortcodeCommercePromo_content u-flexbox-column\"><span>Best Coffee Makers for 2026<\/span> See at Cnet<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-cmsImage c-shortcodeCommercePromo_image\"><img src alt height=\"108\" width=\"196\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p data-keep>I previously\u00a0<a href target=\"_blank\" rel>tested more than 40 K-Cups<\/a>\u00a0to find the best pods for Keurig users. Now, I&#8217;ve turned my attention to more traditional bagged beans and ground coffee.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p data-keep>Here are five coffee blends I recommend buying, and five you might want to avoid.\u00a0<\/p>\n<h2 data-keep id=\"toc-196933c5-2291-4157-bc16-d7846bbe709a-item-1\" data-id=\"toc-196933c5-2291-4157-bc16-d7846bbe709a-item-1\">Five best grocery store coffees\u00a0<\/h2>\n<section class=\"c-bestListListicle\">\n<div id=\"bb2c0267-38d3-4128-a3e1-090fecfc3327\" data-id=\"listicle-bb2c0267-38d3-4128-a3e1-090fecfc3327\" data-techprodid=\"a0ed218c-3321-4afe-b877-727ff84afdde\" data-cy=\"bestListListicle\" class=\"c-bestListListicle_container\">\n<div class=\"u-flexbox u-flexbox-column\">\n<div class=\"c-bestListListicle_editorial\">\n<div class=\"c-bestListListicle_masthead u-flexbox\">\n<div class=\"c-bestListGallery c-bestListListicle_gallery c-bestListGallery-bestListListicle-test\">\n<figure>\n<div class=\"c-bestListGallery_carousel\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"c-cmsImage c-bestListGallery_image\"><img src alt=\"can of cafe bustelo\" height=\"209.58724832214764\" width=\"327\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<div class=\"c-bestListGallery_info u-flexbox u-flexbox-justifyBetween g-outer-spacing-top-xsmall g-outer-spacing-bottom-xsmall\"><figcaption><span class=\"c-bestListGallery_credits\">Katherine Peach\/CNET<\/span><\/figcaption><\/div>\n<div class=\"c-globalModal\">\n<div class=\"c-globalModal_contentWrapper\">\n<div class=\"c-globalModal_content c-globalImageCarousel c-globalModal_listicleRedesign\">\n<div class=\"u-flexbox u-flexbox-justifyBetween g-outer-spacing-bottom-small\"><span class=\"g-color-white\">Photo Gallery<\/span><span class=\"g-color-white\">1\/1<\/span><\/div>\n<figure class=\"c-globalImageCarousel_figure\">\n<div class=\"c-globalImageCarousel_carousel g-outer-spacing-bottom-small\">\n<div class=\"c-cmsImage c-globalImageCarousel_image\"><source media=\"(max-width: 767px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/a\/img\/resize\/d7a9423a27e9e7b3e31d1d7a06306adde77a1366\/hub\/2026\/04\/06\/b5bd2b92-3fdd-4991-a6d7-e41d9f533b89\/screenshot-2026-04-06-at-12-47-11pm.png?auto=webp&amp;fit=crop&amp;height=236&amp;width=420\" alt=\"\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption>\n<div class=\"c-globalImageCarousel_credits g-color-black g-text-xxsmall\">Katherine Peach\/CNET<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-bestListListicle_headerContainer u-flexbox u-flexbox-justifyBetween u-flexbox-alignCenter\">\n<div class=\"u-flexbox-column\">\n<div class=\"c-bestListListicle_header\">\n<h3 class=\"c-bestListListicle_hed\">\n                    Caf\u00e9 Bustelo Espresso Ground Coffee<br \/>\n                  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-bestListListicle_details\">\n<div class=\"c-bestListListicle_descriptionContainer\">\n<div class=\"c-bestListListicle_description c-bestListListicle_description-clamp\">\n<p>Caf\u00e9 Bustelo is a mainstay on grocery store shelves for a reason. The ground coffee I tested maintained a robust yet smooth flavor, thanks in part to its &#8220;best buy&#8221; date, which allowed for another 21 months of shelf life. Its flexibility, dark roast and affordability are hard to beat in a ground coffee straight from the shelf. Seeing that Caf\u00e9 Bustelo is a deep espresso roast, I wasn&#8217;t surprised to find some bitterness and acidity in a couple of my less precise brews.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>The Cuban-inspired coffee, founded in New York City by a Spanish immigrant, has the mystique of an imported product. This branding might explain why it was a couple of dollars more expensive than other canned coffees at my local grocery store. Whatever the reason, the investment paid off compared to the slightly cheaper canned coffees I tried.\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-bestListListicle_readMore\">\n<div><span class=\"c-bestListListicle_readMore-ellipsis\">\u00a0&#8230;<\/span><span class=\"c-bestListListicle_readMore-link\">Show more<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-cy=\"bestListListicle_cta\" class=\"c-bestListButtons c-bestListListicle_buttonWrap\">\n<div class=\"c-bestListButtons_ctaText o-cta\">Get it now<\/div>\n<div data-location=\"BODY\" class=\"c-shortcodeListicle_buttonContainer u-flexbox c-bestListButtons_link u-flexbox-wrap\" data-v-0ea4bff7>$13 at Amazon<br \/>\n      $8 at Target\n      <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section class=\"c-bestListListicle\">\n<div id=\"9dbfac42-5a25-4645-a3ec-6bee26934e84\" data-id=\"listicle-9dbfac42-5a25-4645-a3ec-6bee26934e84\" data-techprodid=\"6d5b93b8-16a1-4583-b755-052bf297b785\" data-cy=\"bestListListicle\" class=\"c-bestListListicle_container\">\n<div class=\"u-flexbox u-flexbox-column\">\n<div class=\"c-bestListListicle_editorial\">\n<div class=\"c-bestListListicle_masthead u-flexbox\">\n<div class=\"c-bestListGallery c-bestListListicle_gallery c-bestListGallery-bestListListicle-test\">\n<figure>\n<div class=\"c-bestListGallery_carousel\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"c-cmsImage c-bestListGallery_image\"><img src alt=\"stumptown coffee bag lies next to dish of beans\" height=\"195.80040733197555\" width=\"327\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<div class=\"c-bestListGallery_info u-flexbox u-flexbox-justifyBetween g-outer-spacing-top-xsmall g-outer-spacing-bottom-xsmall\"><figcaption><span class=\"c-bestListGallery_credits\">Katherine Peach\/CNET<\/span><\/figcaption><\/div>\n<div class=\"c-globalModal\">\n<div class=\"c-globalModal_contentWrapper\">\n<div class=\"c-globalModal_content c-globalImageCarousel c-globalModal_listicleRedesign\">\n<div class=\"u-flexbox u-flexbox-justifyBetween g-outer-spacing-bottom-small\"><span class=\"g-color-white\">Photo Gallery<\/span><span class=\"g-color-white\">1\/1<\/span><\/div>\n<figure class=\"c-globalImageCarousel_figure\">\n<div class=\"c-globalImageCarousel_carousel g-outer-spacing-bottom-small\">\n<div class=\"c-cmsImage c-globalImageCarousel_image\"><source media=\"(max-width: 767px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/a\/img\/resize\/a4404c59788a0d58ce8978b241219960dc13f61e\/hub\/2026\/04\/06\/be947ecf-d1e5-441f-b3aa-333bf70aed34\/screenshot-2026-04-06-at-12-50-08pm.png?auto=webp&amp;fit=crop&amp;height=236&amp;width=420\" alt=\"\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption>\n<div class=\"c-globalImageCarousel_credits g-color-black g-text-xxsmall\">Katherine Peach\/CNET<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-bestListListicle_headerContainer u-flexbox u-flexbox-justifyBetween u-flexbox-alignCenter\">\n<div class=\"u-flexbox-column\">\n<div class=\"c-bestListListicle_header\">\n<h3 class=\"c-bestListListicle_hed\">\n                    Stumptown Holler Mountain organic blend<br \/>\n                  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-bestListListicle_details\">\n<div class=\"c-bestListListicle_descriptionContainer\">\n<div class=\"c-bestListListicle_description c-bestListListicle_description-clamp\">\n<p>Stumptown Holler Mountain organic coffee offers a distinct and robust flavor, characterized by a pleasant acidity and a lingering caramel finish. The whole beans I tried maintained strong flavor even seven months past the roast date. Listing a roast date shows the brand stands by its product &#8212; bonus points for transparency.<\/p>\n<p>This coffee also has notable body that allows for versatility, claiming it can be used for both drip coffee or espresso preparation. Holler Mountain remains light enough to be appealing to a broad demographic. It possesses a well-balanced mouthfeel, ending with a slight acidic kick. Plus, with widespread availability in grocery stores such as Whole Foods, it should be an easy find. If you see it, I&#8217;d say bring it home.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-bestListListicle_readMore\">\n<div><span class=\"c-bestListListicle_readMore-ellipsis\">\u00a0&#8230;<\/span><span class=\"c-bestListListicle_readMore-link\">Show more<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-cy=\"bestListListicle_cta\" class=\"c-bestListButtons c-bestListListicle_buttonWrap\">\n<div class=\"c-bestListButtons_ctaText o-cta\">Get it now<\/div>\n<div data-location=\"BODY\" class=\"c-shortcodeListicle_buttonContainer u-flexbox c-bestListButtons_link u-flexbox-wrap\" data-v-0ea4bff7>\n<div data-v-0ea4bff7>\n        $14 at Amazon\n      <\/div>\n<div data-v-0ea4bff7>\n        $15 at Walmart\n      <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section class=\"c-bestListListicle\">\n<div id=\"295176b0-0545-463a-98d7-22eb1a86174d\" data-id=\"listicle-295176b0-0545-463a-98d7-22eb1a86174d\" data-techprodid=\"bbef7455-993f-45f9-954e-9b3d3f0321b8\" data-cy=\"bestListListicle\" class=\"c-bestListListicle_container\">\n<div class=\"u-flexbox u-flexbox-column\">\n<div class=\"c-bestListListicle_editorial\">\n<div class=\"c-bestListListicle_masthead u-flexbox\">\n<div class=\"c-bestListGallery c-bestListListicle_gallery c-bestListGallery-bestListListicle-test\">\n<figure>\n<div class=\"c-bestListGallery_carousel\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"c-cmsImage c-bestListGallery_image\"><img src alt=\"bag whole foods early bird lies next to dish of beans\" height=\"203.59061833688702\" width=\"327\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<div class=\"c-bestListGallery_info u-flexbox u-flexbox-justifyBetween g-outer-spacing-top-xsmall g-outer-spacing-bottom-xsmall\"><figcaption><span class=\"c-bestListGallery_credits\">Katherine Peach\/CNET<\/span><\/figcaption><\/div>\n<div class=\"c-globalModal\">\n<div class=\"c-globalModal_contentWrapper\">\n<div class=\"c-globalModal_content c-globalImageCarousel c-globalModal_listicleRedesign\">\n<div class=\"u-flexbox u-flexbox-justifyBetween g-outer-spacing-bottom-small\"><span class=\"g-color-white\">Photo Gallery<\/span><span class=\"g-color-white\">1\/1<\/span><\/div>\n<figure class=\"c-globalImageCarousel_figure\">\n<div class=\"c-globalImageCarousel_carousel g-outer-spacing-bottom-small\">\n<div class=\"c-cmsImage c-globalImageCarousel_image\"><source media=\"(max-width: 767px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/a\/img\/resize\/4a8539aee3696e3f12a66b9d2d0fc96b13cbf14e\/hub\/2026\/04\/06\/ea72b45b-c457-4d34-acff-e6096682e563\/screenshot-2026-04-06-at-12-52-51pm.png?auto=webp&amp;fit=crop&amp;height=236&amp;width=420\" alt=\"\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption>\n<div class=\"c-globalImageCarousel_credits g-color-black g-text-xxsmall\">Katherine Peach\/CNET<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-bestListListicle_headerContainer u-flexbox u-flexbox-justifyBetween u-flexbox-alignCenter\">\n<div class=\"u-flexbox-column\">\n<div class=\"c-bestListListicle_header\">\n<h3 class=\"c-bestListListicle_hed\">\n                    Whole Foods Market Organic Early Bird Blend<br \/>\n                  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-bestListListicle_details\">\n<div class=\"c-bestListListicle_descriptionContainer\">\n<div class=\"c-bestListListicle_description c-bestListListicle_description-clamp\">\n<p>The Whole Foods Early Bird Blend&#8217;s profile includes notes of cocoa, with a mellow flavor that falls into the medium roast category. Upon opening the bag, I was pleased by the beans&#8217; rich aroma and oily appearance, even though the &#8220;best by&#8221; date was only three months away. Once or twice, I found a hint of bitterness that&#8217;s unbecoming of a medium roast. Still, I found it easy to drink black thanks to a hint of warm cocoa.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>I appreciated that the more my coffee cooled, the more the roast mellowed out. Whole Foods Organic Early Bird Blend will likely satisfy anyone who wants a comforting and uncomplicated cup of coffee to rouse them awake.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Another bonus is its lineup of certifications: Fair Trade Certified, USDA Organic and the intriguing Smithsonian Bird Friendly certification. Similar to the Trader Joe&#8217;s coffee I tried, the Whole Foods-branded bags likely have a high turnover rate due to their affordability and the reliability of the store&#8217;s brand. This volume makes it easier to avoid stale beans that have been sitting on the shelf for too long.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-bestListListicle_readMore\">\n<div><span class=\"c-bestListListicle_readMore-ellipsis\">\u00a0&#8230;<\/span><span class=\"c-bestListListicle_readMore-link\">Show more<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-cy=\"bestListListicle_cta\" class=\"c-bestListButtons c-bestListListicle_buttonWrap\">\n<div class=\"c-bestListButtons_ctaText o-cta\">Get it now<\/div>\n<div data-location=\"BODY\" class=\"c-shortcodeListicle_buttonContainer u-flexbox c-bestListButtons_link u-flexbox-wrap\" data-v-0ea4bff7>\n<div data-v-0ea4bff7>\n        $14 at Amazon\n      <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section class=\"c-bestListListicle\">\n<div id=\"6b9a86a5-6f85-4b16-b495-bb3c4dabc63e\" data-id=\"listicle-6b9a86a5-6f85-4b16-b495-bb3c4dabc63e\" data-techprodid=\"1425512d-8acf-4733-bb2d-9f7952369a00\" data-cy=\"bestListListicle\" class=\"c-bestListListicle_container\">\n<div class=\"u-flexbox u-flexbox-column\">\n<div class=\"c-bestListListicle_editorial\">\n<div class=\"c-bestListListicle_masthead u-flexbox\">\n<div class=\"c-bestListGallery c-bestListListicle_gallery c-bestListGallery-bestListListicle-test\">\n<figure>\n<div class=\"c-bestListGallery_carousel\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"c-cmsImage c-bestListGallery_image\"><img src alt=\"bag of dunkin original blend coffee\" height=\"195.45987654320987\" width=\"327\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<div class=\"c-bestListGallery_info u-flexbox u-flexbox-justifyBetween g-outer-spacing-top-xsmall g-outer-spacing-bottom-xsmall\"><figcaption><span class=\"c-bestListGallery_credits\">Katherine Peach\/CNET<\/span><\/figcaption><\/div>\n<div class=\"c-globalModal\">\n<div class=\"c-globalModal_contentWrapper\">\n<div class=\"c-globalModal_content c-globalImageCarousel c-globalModal_listicleRedesign\">\n<div class=\"u-flexbox u-flexbox-justifyBetween g-outer-spacing-bottom-small\"><span class=\"g-color-white\">Photo Gallery<\/span><span class=\"g-color-white\">1\/1<\/span><\/div>\n<figure class=\"c-globalImageCarousel_figure\">\n<div class=\"c-globalImageCarousel_carousel g-outer-spacing-bottom-small\">\n<div class=\"c-cmsImage c-globalImageCarousel_image\"><source media=\"(max-width: 767px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/a\/img\/resize\/282b09baadd12545f3fcc7a1a1b0f8d2ba22d54d\/hub\/2026\/04\/06\/8792f73e-ea38-4e5b-9070-84832ef06c6b\/screenshot-2026-04-06-at-12-56-05pm.png?auto=webp&amp;fit=crop&amp;height=236&amp;width=420\" alt=\"\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption>\n<div class=\"c-globalImageCarousel_credits g-color-black g-text-xxsmall\">Katherine Peach\/CNET<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-bestListListicle_headerContainer u-flexbox u-flexbox-justifyBetween u-flexbox-alignCenter\">\n<div class=\"u-flexbox-column\">\n<div class=\"c-bestListListicle_header\">\n<h3 class=\"c-bestListListicle_hed\">\n                    Dunkin Original Blend<br \/>\n                  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-bestListListicle_details\">\n<div class=\"c-bestListListicle_descriptionContainer\">\n<div class=\"c-bestListListicle_description c-bestListListicle_description-clamp\">\n<p>The Dunkin Original Blend maintained an unexpected nutty flavor and full mouthfeel for a ground coffee with eight months remaining until its &#8220;best by&#8221; date &#8212; and one that was likely roasted many months earlier. The instructions are 1.5 tablespoons of coffee per 6 ounces of water, which resulted in a balanced and smooth cup.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Unlike other roasts that tasted bitter or flat, the Dunkin Original blend is one that I didn&#8217;t mind drinking black, thanks to its medium roast and mild flavor. When cooled, sips offered a bit of sweetness as a final note. I get why there are so many loyalists: It reminds me of a classic diner coffee in the best way.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>I was taken aback when the Drunkin 12-ounce bag cost as much as the Stumptown and Groundwork bags at my local grocery store. Lesson learned: Compare prices at different retailers when possible.\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-bestListListicle_readMore\">\n<div><span class=\"c-bestListListicle_readMore-ellipsis\">\u00a0&#8230;<\/span><span class=\"c-bestListListicle_readMore-link\">Show more<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-cy=\"bestListListicle_cta\" class=\"c-bestListButtons c-bestListListicle_buttonWrap\">\n<div class=\"c-bestListButtons_ctaText o-cta\">Get it now<\/div>\n<div data-location=\"BODY\" class=\"c-shortcodeListicle_buttonContainer u-flexbox c-bestListButtons_link u-flexbox-wrap\" data-v-0ea4bff7>\n<div data-v-0ea4bff7>\n        $15 at Walmart\n      <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section class=\"c-bestListListicle\">\n<div id=\"868f3c7c-06c3-40d4-ba36-4389acc3e97d\" data-id=\"listicle-868f3c7c-06c3-40d4-ba36-4389acc3e97d\" data-cy=\"bestListListicle\" class=\"c-bestListListicle_container\">\n<div class=\"u-flexbox u-flexbox-column\">\n<div class=\"c-bestListListicle_editorial\">\n<div class=\"c-bestListListicle_masthead u-flexbox\">\n<div class=\"c-bestListGallery c-bestListListicle_gallery c-bestListGallery-bestListListicle-test\">\n<figure>\n<div class=\"c-bestListGallery_carousel\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"c-cmsImage c-bestListGallery_image\"><img src alt=\"canister of Illy classico coffee sitting on counter\" height=\"208.70819672131148\" width=\"327\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<div class=\"c-bestListGallery_info u-flexbox u-flexbox-justifyBetween g-outer-spacing-top-xsmall g-outer-spacing-bottom-xsmall\"><figcaption><span class=\"c-bestListGallery_credits\">Katherine Peach\/CNET<\/span><\/figcaption><\/div>\n<div class=\"c-globalModal\">\n<div class=\"c-globalModal_contentWrapper\">\n<div class=\"c-globalModal_content c-globalImageCarousel c-globalModal_listicleRedesign\">\n<div class=\"u-flexbox u-flexbox-justifyBetween g-outer-spacing-bottom-small\"><span class=\"g-color-white\">Photo Gallery<\/span><span class=\"g-color-white\">1\/1<\/span><\/div>\n<figure class=\"c-globalImageCarousel_figure\">\n<div class=\"c-globalImageCarousel_carousel g-outer-spacing-bottom-small\">\n<div class=\"c-cmsImage c-globalImageCarousel_image\"><source media=\"(max-width: 767px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/a\/img\/resize\/6361a70d964a52ff3bf7ca2e91ace1a42427eeed\/hub\/2026\/04\/06\/3e808bb5-91ec-4afe-a1ac-2bf7c647284e\/screenshot-2026-04-06-at-12-59-48pm.png?auto=webp&amp;fit=crop&amp;height=236&amp;width=420\" alt=\"\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption>\n<div class=\"c-globalImageCarousel_credits g-color-black g-text-xxsmall\">Katherine Peach\/CNET<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-bestListListicle_headerContainer u-flexbox u-flexbox-justifyBetween u-flexbox-alignCenter\">\n<div class=\"u-flexbox-column\">\n<div class=\"c-bestListListicle_header\">\n<h3 class=\"c-bestListListicle_hed\">\n                    Illy Classico<br \/>\n                  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-bestListListicle_details\">\n<div class=\"c-bestListListicle_descriptionContainer\">\n<div class=\"c-bestListListicle_description c-bestListListicle_description-clamp\">\n<p>Illy Classico presents an interesting packaging choice: a metal pull-top reminiscent of canned meat, distinguishing it from the usual plastic-sealed domestic canned coffees. The can provides no preparation guidance for the beans. While the beans smelled fresh when first opened, the aroma is less rich and slightly more sour than the whole-bean options from Trader Joe&#8217;s and Whole Foods.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>In the first cup, brewed at a ratio of 2 tablespoons to 6 ounces of water, the Illy coffee offered unusual floral notes and a bright complexity that evolved into a nutty, sweet finish. The online product description (found via a QR code on the can) cited citrus and jasmine, though that complexity ultimately faded with subsequent brews. A pleasant caramel flavor became more prominent as the coffee cooled.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>A second tasting, prepared with 1.5 tablespoons to 6 ounces of water, resulted in a mellower, more balanced cup, showcasing classic nutty flavors. Illy Classico offers an alternative to the heavier, diner coffee blends found in grocery stores.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-bestListListicle_readMore\">\n<div><span class=\"c-bestListListicle_readMore-ellipsis\">\u00a0&#8230;<\/span><span class=\"c-bestListListicle_readMore-link\">Show more<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-cy=\"bestListListicle_cta\" class=\"c-bestListButtons c-bestListListicle_buttonWrap\">\n<div class=\"c-bestListButtons_ctaText o-cta\">Get it now<\/div>\n<div data-location=\"BODY\" class=\"c-shortcodeListicle_buttonContainer u-flexbox c-bestListButtons_link u-flexbox-wrap\" data-v-0ea4bff7>$15 at Target<br \/>\n      $12 at Amazon\n      <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section>\n<div data-cy=\"infoCard\" class=\"c-infoCard g-outer-spacing-bottom-large c-infoCard-izeBestList\">\n<div data-cy=\"infoCardHeader\" class=\"c-infoCard_header u-flexbox u-flexbox-justifyBetween u-flexbox-alignCenter g-outer-spacing-bottom-large c-infoCard_header-noToggle\">\n<h2 id=\"toc-196933c5-2291-4157-bc16-d7846bbe709a-item-7\" data-id=\"toc-196933c5-2291-4157-bc16-d7846bbe709a-item-7\" class=\"c-infoCard_hed g-color-primary\">Honorable mention<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div data-cy=\"infoCardDek\" class=\"c-infoCard_dek\">\n<div class=\"c-ShortcodeContent c-ShortcodeContent-theme:default\">\n<h3>Trader Joe&#8217;s Joe Medium Roast<\/h3>\n<figure class=\"c-shortcodeImage u-clearfix c-shortcodeImage-large c-shortcodeImage-hasCaption\">\n<div class=\"c-shortcodeImage_imageContainer\">\n<div class=\"c-cmsImage c-shortcodeImage_image\"><source media=\"(max-width: 767px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/a\/img\/resize\/900c89c2fa7048e8434f59566b502f7f02442099\/hub\/2026\/04\/06\/e4a38228-b575-46e8-91c6-4eead51f9c37\/screenshot-2026-04-06-at-1-16-59pm.png?auto=webp&amp;width=768\" alt=\"trader joe's coffee bag lies next to dish of beans\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption><span class=\"c-shortcodeImage_caption g-inner-spacing-right-small g-text-xxsmall\"><\/p>\n<p>At $7 for 14 ounces, TJ&#8217;s offers some of the best value out of any grocery store beans I&#8217;ve brewed.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p><\/span><span class=\"c-shortcodeImage_credit g-inner-spacing-right-small g-outer-spacing-top-xsmall g-color-text-meta g-text-xxxsmall\">Katherine Peach\/CNET<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Upon opening the <span class=\"c-shortcodeCommerceLink\">Trader Joe&#8217;s Joe coffee<\/span>, the whole beans smelled fresh and rich, with dark, oily beans visible. It was the freshness I expected, given the store&#8217;s high volume and practice of keeping stock fresh. However, the recommended ratio of 2 tablespoons of beans per 6 ounces of water resulted in some bitterness.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>The medium roast is a straightforward cup of coffee with a somewhat sweet finish. The medium body, though, is thinner than Whole Foods and Dunkin taste tests. As it cools, the roast opens up, becoming smooth and drinkable as a straight cup of black coffee. While possibly uninspiring to some, it&#8217;s a safe and drinkable choice. At $7 for 14 ounces, this blend is a great value compared with other grocery store coffees at the time of publication.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section>\n<div data-cy=\"infoCard\" class=\"c-infoCard g-outer-spacing-bottom-large c-infoCard-izeBestList\">\n<div data-cy=\"infoCardHeader\" class=\"c-infoCard_header u-flexbox u-flexbox-justifyBetween u-flexbox-alignCenter g-outer-spacing-bottom-large c-infoCard_header-noToggle\">\n<h2 id=\"toc-196933c5-2291-4157-bc16-d7846bbe709a-item-8\" data-id=\"toc-196933c5-2291-4157-bc16-d7846bbe709a-item-8\" class=\"c-infoCard_hed g-color-primary\">5 grocery store coffees to avoid<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div data-cy=\"infoCardDek\" class=\"c-infoCard_dek\">\n<div class=\"c-ShortcodeContent c-ShortcodeContent-theme:default\">\n<h3>1: Intelligentsia House Blend<\/h3>\n<figure class=\"c-shortcodeImage u-clearfix c-shortcodeImage-large c-shortcodeImage-hasCaption\">\n<div class=\"c-shortcodeImage_imageContainer\">\n<div class=\"c-cmsImage c-shortcodeImage_image\"><source media=\"(max-width: 767px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/a\/img\/resize\/592078d3a0f6b90dfe4a12aa099b64bc66eedfda\/hub\/2026\/04\/06\/af90aa6f-d8be-4f03-8fbd-cc65f76fca8e\/screenshot-2026-04-06-at-1-55-30pm.png?auto=webp&amp;width=768\" alt=\"bag of intelligentisia coffee\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption><span class=\"c-shortcodeImage_caption g-inner-spacing-right-small g-text-xxsmall\"><\/p>\n<p>Trendy Intelligentsia coffee isn&#8217;t worth the steep price.<\/p>\n<p><\/span><span class=\"c-shortcodeImage_credit g-inner-spacing-right-small g-outer-spacing-top-xsmall g-color-text-meta g-text-xxxsmall\">Katherine Peach\/CNET<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Intelligentsia is a Chicago-founded roaster that&#8217;s become a widespread specialty coffee brand in grocery stores coast to coast. At $20 for a 12-ounce bag of whole beans at my local Brooklyn grocery store, Intelligentsia House Blend coffee can be considered an investment. The lack of a &#8220;roasted by&#8221; date on the bag, however, means freshness is a gamble. This tester ended up with a whisper of flavor with three months left on the &#8220;best by&#8221; date. It lacked any noticeable tasting notes, potentially due to an overstay in the grocery aisle. The Intelligentsia House Blend bag also lacks any tasting note descriptors or instructions whatsoever on the packaging.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Even with low expectations, the beans still produced a bland cup of coffee, firmly placing it in the &#8220;low&#8221; category. If you&#8217;re interested in drinking Intelligentsia coffee, I&#8217;d recommend heading to the brand&#8217;s coffee shops or purchasing a fresh bag straight from the roaster.\u00a0<\/p>\n<h3>What to try instead: Groundwork<\/h3>\n<figure class=\"c-shortcodeImage u-clearfix c-shortcodeImage-large c-shortcodeImage-hasCaption\">\n<div class=\"c-shortcodeImage_imageContainer\">\n<div class=\"c-cmsImage c-shortcodeImage_image\"><source media=\"(max-width: 767px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/a\/img\/resize\/e3568321216dd5e7532dc5d085e0ea22d1c5a55b\/hub\/2026\/04\/06\/3c06e234-7d92-4967-8db0-5f46718d6669\/screenshot-2026-04-06-at-1-56-57pm.png?auto=webp&amp;width=768\" alt=\"bag of groundwork coffee\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption><span class=\"c-shortcodeImage_caption g-inner-spacing-right-small g-text-xxsmall\"><\/p>\n<p>Groundwork&#8217;s Organic Bitches Blend was a standout for its deep flavor and notes of dark chocolate and caramel.<\/p>\n<p><\/span><span class=\"c-shortcodeImage_credit g-inner-spacing-right-small g-outer-spacing-top-xsmall g-color-text-meta g-text-xxxsmall\">Katherine Peach\/CNET<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>For specialty coffee from the grocery store, instead look for brands that include a &#8220;roasted by&#8221; date, such as Verve or Partners coffee. The closer to the roast date, the better, but because packaging helps protect coffee, it could take three to six months before flavor degradation results in a lackluster brew. Otherwise, <span class=\"c-shortcodeCommerceLink\">Groundwork Organic Bitches Brew<\/span> was a standout for deep flavor and its notes of dark chocolate and caramel even without a roasted date. It also includes a ratio of coffee to water on the bag for anyone who wants a launching point.\u00a0<\/p>\n<h3>2: Maxwell House House Blend<\/h3>\n<figure class=\"c-shortcodeImage u-clearfix c-shortcodeImage-large c-shortcodeImage-hasCaption\">\n<div class=\"c-shortcodeImage_imageContainer\">\n<div class=\"c-cmsImage c-shortcodeImage_image\"><source media=\"(max-width: 767px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/a\/img\/resize\/c2499c6bdd03052edc4476a37b9900dfca6cbf78\/hub\/2026\/04\/06\/c9ed20b5-56f0-46f1-ad3a-d6767ab9cadc\/screenshot-2026-04-06-at-1-57-39pm.png?auto=webp&amp;width=768\" alt=\"can of maxwell house coffee\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption><span class=\"c-shortcodeImage_caption g-inner-spacing-right-small g-text-xxsmall\"><\/p>\n<p>I&#8217;d suggest politely declining your invitation to Maxwell House.<\/p>\n<p><\/span><span class=\"c-shortcodeImage_credit g-inner-spacing-right-small g-outer-spacing-top-xsmall g-color-text-meta g-text-xxxsmall\">Katherine Peach\/CNET<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>The first sip of Maxwell House House Blend was bitter, and the progressive sips didn&#8217;t improve. Like other value-driven blends, this one tastes as if the manufacturer never expected anyone to drink it without copious amounts of cream and sugar. I don&#8217;t believe you should need to drown out the notes of burnt beans and organic fillers to make it drinkable.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>The Maxwell House instructions recommend only 1 tablespoon for 6 ounces of water. Once the Maxwell House started to cool, the flavor was milder and less offensive, but I didn&#8217;t find it more enticing since any true tasting notes fell flat. I also noticed an acidity that made me nervous about a stomachache. For a household brand, I had hoped for a better showing. \u00a0<\/p>\n<h3>What to try instead: Chock Full O&#8217; Nuts Original\u00a0<\/h3>\n<figure class=\"c-shortcodeImage u-clearfix c-shortcodeImage-large c-shortcodeImage-hasCaption\">\n<div class=\"c-shortcodeImage_imageContainer\">\n<div class=\"c-cmsImage c-shortcodeImage_image\"><source media=\"(max-width: 767px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/a\/img\/resize\/38a6ff1d62f6ce68272f939a477f99e337b50919\/hub\/2026\/04\/06\/6332cae3-69e6-486b-820e-e7959bd2bd30\/screenshot-2026-04-06-at-2-28-21pm.png?auto=webp&amp;width=768\" alt=\"Chock Full o' Nuts can in grocery cart\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption><span class=\"c-shortcodeImage_caption g-inner-spacing-right-small g-text-xxsmall\"><\/p>\n<p>Chock Full o&#8217; Nuts&#8217; original blend was a surprise hit among the budget set.<\/p>\n<p><\/span><span class=\"c-shortcodeImage_credit g-inner-spacing-right-small g-outer-spacing-top-xsmall g-color-text-meta g-text-xxxsmall\">Chock Full o&#8217; Nuts<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Avoid the kind of coffee that makes people say, &#8220;bean juice is not for them.&#8221; If you want an affordable, approachable can of coffee, reach for the original <span class=\"c-shortcodeCommerceLink\">Chock Full O&#8217; Nuts<\/span> for a slightly sweet, mild variety. You could also reach for Lavazza Tierra Organic for a similarly priced medium roast or Caf\u00e9 Bustelo for a more robust roast in a familiar canned packaging.\u00a0<\/p>\n<h3>3: Great Value Classic Roast by Walmart\u00a0<\/h3>\n<figure class=\"c-shortcodeImage u-clearfix c-shortcodeImage-large c-shortcodeImage-hasCaption\">\n<div class=\"c-shortcodeImage_imageContainer\">\n<div class=\"c-cmsImage c-shortcodeImage_image\"><source media=\"(max-width: 767px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/a\/img\/resize\/36eeb55c5d613aa70d80d3f5a4aead6d55b7d774\/hub\/2026\/04\/06\/43982b53-a085-4aac-bbad-59e9674f0328\/screenshot-2026-04-06-at-2-15-35pm.png?auto=webp&amp;width=768\" alt=\"great value classic roast coffee can\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption><span class=\"c-shortcodeImage_caption g-inner-spacing-right-small g-text-xxsmall\"><\/p>\n<p>Walmart&#8217;s Great Value coffee is cheap for a reason.<\/p>\n<p><\/span><span class=\"c-shortcodeImage_credit g-inner-spacing-right-small g-outer-spacing-top-xsmall g-color-text-meta g-text-xxxsmall\">Katherine Peach\/CNET<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>The Great Value Classic Roast brand is a generic offering akin to Folgers, where value and quantity are top priorities. I wanted to test this option since Walmart is one of the largest grocery store chains in the US and a staple at my parents&#8217; house. That said, I&#8217;d best equate the flavor of this blend with church-basement or airplane coffee. The beans offer a burnt yet bland flavor that begs for extra creamer. Still, the sheer volume is hard to beat at 25.4 ounces per can. When it comes to coffee, I&#8217;m a pragmatist, not a purist, so I understand that some of us treat it as fuel rather than a specialty beverage. I&#8217;m here to say there&#8217;s a better way forward.<\/p>\n<h3>What to try instead: Whole Foods Early Bird Blend<\/h3>\n<figure class=\"c-shortcodeImage u-clearfix c-shortcodeImage-large c-shortcodeImage-hasCaption\">\n<div class=\"c-shortcodeImage_imageContainer\">\n<div class=\"c-cmsImage c-shortcodeImage_image\"><source media=\"(max-width: 767px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/a\/img\/resize\/6213c37664e37174a84a1111a41854a2840b16ee\/hub\/2026\/04\/06\/785095a6-7232-4eb9-87bd-140882578554\/screenshot-2026-04-06-at-2-22-19pm.png?auto=webp&amp;width=768\" alt=\"whole foods early blend coffee\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption><span class=\"c-shortcodeImage_caption g-inner-spacing-right-small g-text-xxsmall\"><\/p>\n<p>Early Bird is one of the best value coffees I tested.<\/p>\n<p><\/span><span class=\"c-shortcodeImage_credit g-inner-spacing-right-small g-outer-spacing-top-xsmall g-color-text-meta g-text-xxxsmall\">Katherine Peach\/CNET<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Anyone looking for value should consider subscribing to <span class=\"c-shortcodeCommerceLink\">Whole Foods Market coffee<\/span> deliveries for an additional discount and savings on both time and gas. Great Value Classic Roast isn&#8217;t 100% arabica, so it likely contains cheaper, more caffeinated robusta beans. Another option is Caf\u00e9 Bustelo espresso grounds for a rich cup that still packs plenty of kick thanks to its robusta blend.\u00a0<\/p>\n<h3>4: Chock Full o&#8217; Nuts French Roast\u00a0<\/h3>\n<figure class=\"c-shortcodeImage u-clearfix c-shortcodeImage-large c-shortcodeImage-hasCaption\">\n<div class=\"c-shortcodeImage_imageContainer\">\n<div class=\"c-cmsImage c-shortcodeImage_image\"><source media=\"(max-width: 767px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/a\/img\/resize\/4b78a2ba660abba2c0549c73a447d791c471a5ac\/hub\/2026\/04\/06\/80d52861-91f2-416e-b654-92341ca03444\/screenshot-2026-04-06-at-2-00-35pm.png?auto=webp&amp;width=768\" alt=\"chick full of nuts coffee can\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption><span class=\"c-shortcodeImage_caption g-inner-spacing-right-small g-text-xxsmall\"><\/p>\n<p>Chock Full o&#8217; Nut&#8217;s French roast left something to be desired.<\/p>\n<p><\/span><span class=\"c-shortcodeImage_credit g-inner-spacing-right-small g-outer-spacing-top-xsmall g-color-text-meta g-text-xxxsmall\">Katherine Peach\/CNET<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Chock Full o&#8217; Nuts is, for many, an iconic grocery store coffee brand, yet it doesn&#8217;t have the ubiquity of Folgers or Maxwell House. My taste test revealed a slightly sweet finish and a very mild flavor. I anticipated a more robust cup of coffee; however, that wasn&#8217;t the case, despite the French Roast descriptor. The &#8220;best by&#8221; date on the can I purchased had five months remaining. Based on that alone, I can&#8217;t recommend buying this one if you&#8217;re expecting something hearty and deep-roasted, as the packaging suggests. The fact that it&#8217;s still quite drinkable means it&#8217;s a safer option than some others on this list.<\/p>\n<h3>What to try instead: Caf\u00e9 Bustelo\u00a0<\/h3>\n<figure class=\"c-shortcodeImage u-clearfix c-shortcodeImage-large c-shortcodeImage-hasCaption\">\n<div class=\"c-shortcodeImage_imageContainer\">\n<div class=\"c-cmsImage c-shortcodeImage_image\"><source media=\"(max-width: 767px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/a\/img\/resize\/01eef120694ffbb563efdc7e8d1f7fb2c43020bd\/hub\/2026\/04\/06\/b5bd2b92-3fdd-4991-a6d7-e41d9f533b89\/screenshot-2026-04-06-at-12-47-11pm.png?auto=webp&amp;width=768\" alt=\"can of cafe bustelo\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption><span class=\"c-shortcodeImage_caption g-inner-spacing-right-small g-text-xxsmall\"><\/p>\n<p>Caf\u00e9 Bustelo is versatile and smooth &#8212; a true dark roast.<\/p>\n<p><\/span><span class=\"c-shortcodeImage_credit g-inner-spacing-right-small g-outer-spacing-top-xsmall g-color-text-meta g-text-xxxsmall\">Katherine Peach\/CNET<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>If you&#8217;re looking to try a dark roast, then grab a can of <span class=\"c-shortcodeCommerceLink\">Cafe Bustelo<\/span>, which I detailed in full in the &#8220;best&#8221; grocery store coffee list above. It&#8217;s versatile, smooth and a true dark roast as an espresso blend. Of course, you can also stick with the original Chock Full O&#8217; Nuts blend for a sweet yet nutty flavor in a canned grocery store coffee, too.<\/p>\n<h3>5: Eight O&#8217;Clock Original Blend<\/h3>\n<figure class=\"c-shortcodeImage u-clearfix c-shortcodeImage-large c-shortcodeImage-hasCaption\">\n<div class=\"c-shortcodeImage_imageContainer\">\n<div class=\"c-cmsImage c-shortcodeImage_image\"><source media=\"(max-width: 767px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/a\/img\/resize\/52f03d4c73330cbe2630efa8b73613a2bd7f144a\/hub\/2026\/04\/06\/1e318bbb-0b62-4748-8d8f-78ce4622f5d2\/screenshot-2026-04-06-at-2-20-27pm.png?auto=webp&amp;width=768\" alt=\"bag of 8 o'clock coffee on table\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption><span class=\"c-shortcodeImage_caption g-inner-spacing-right-small g-text-xxsmall\"><\/p>\n<p>I found Eight O&#8217;clock&#8217;s signature blend flat and acidic.<\/p>\n<p><\/span><span class=\"c-shortcodeImage_credit g-inner-spacing-right-small g-outer-spacing-top-xsmall g-color-text-meta g-text-xxxsmall\">Katherine Peach\/CNET<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>The Eight O&#8217;Clock Original blend ground coffee was passable, though uninspired. The medium roast shares a certain sweetness with Chock Full O&#8217; Nuts but offers a more robust finish. I started with a small, half-batch since the bag recommends 2 to 3 tablespoons of coffee to 12 ounces of water. I then tried a full 2.5:12 oz ratio. The resulting brew was somewhat flat and acidic, with a thin body and a flavor profile that was immediately forgettable after each sip. The &#8220;best by&#8221; date on the bag was eight months out, suggesting that despite the manufacturer&#8217;s optimistic shelf-life projection, the quality had not held up.<\/p>\n<h3>What to try instead: Lavazza Tierra Organic<\/h3>\n<figure class=\"c-shortcodeImage u-clearfix c-shortcodeImage-large c-shortcodeImage-hasCaption\">\n<div class=\"c-shortcodeImage_imageContainer\">\n<div class=\"c-cmsImage c-shortcodeImage_image\"><source media=\"(max-width: 767px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/a\/img\/resize\/7c448d9ef668f681cbf6c409fa4d84c167c9638e\/hub\/2026\/04\/06\/020debb9-0d11-416e-a9eb-31da3634fe50\/screenshot-2026-04-06-at-2-23-25pm.png?auto=webp&amp;width=768\" alt=\"bag of lavazza coffee on table\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption><span class=\"c-shortcodeImage_caption g-inner-spacing-right-small g-text-xxsmall\"><\/p>\n<p>Lavazza&#8217;s Tierra blend provided a robust flavor without much bitterness.<\/p>\n<p><\/span><span class=\"c-shortcodeImage_credit g-inner-spacing-right-small g-outer-spacing-top-xsmall g-color-text-meta g-text-xxxsmall\">Katherine Peach\/CNET<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>For something reasonably priced and available at big-box stores, try <span class=\"c-shortcodeCommerceLink\">Lavazza Tierra Organic coffee<\/span>. A ratio of 1 tablespoon of coffee to 6 ounces of water provided a robust flavor without bitterness, maintaining a heavier roast profile than the light roast, with full-bodied descriptors noted on the bag. Alternatively, you can rely on Caribou Coffee Daybreak Blend in the Midwest or Peet&#8217;s Coffee House Blend at most big-box grocery stores.\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<article class=\"c-ShortcodeContent c-ShortcodeContent-theme:default sm:u-col-2 md:u-col-6 lg:u-col-8 lg:u-col-start-5\">\n<p data-keep class=\"u-speakableText-p1\">Staring down the same lineup of\u00a0<span><span>grocery store<\/span><\/span>\u00a0coffee week after week gets old fast. To shake things up &#8212; and put both the classics and newcomers to the test &#8212; I worked my way through more than 15 options spanning national chains and local shops. Whether you&#8217;re after something reliably good or just trying to avoid a bad bag, here&#8217;s what actually made the cut.<\/p>\n<section>\n<div data-cy=\"listiclePrecap\" data-location=\"PRECAP\" class=\"c-shortcodeListiclePrecap c-shortcodeListiclePrecap-hide c-shortcodeListiclePrecap-compact g-outer-spacing-bottom-large\">\n<div class=\"c-shortcodeListiclePrecap-hed\">\n<section>\n<h2 class=\"c-shortcodeListiclePrecap_header\"> Our Picks <\/h2>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<section class=\"c-shortcodeListiclePrecap_item\">\n<div data-location=\"PRECAP\" data-cy=\"listiclePrecapItem\" data-position=\"1\" class=\"c-shortcodeListiclePrecapItem c-shortcodeListiclePrecapItem-compact c-shortcodeListiclePrecapItem-compactImages\">\n<div class=\"c-shortcodeListiclePrecapItem_container u-grid-columns\">\n<div class=\"c-shortcodeListiclePrecapItem_headerLinkWrapper-redesign\">\n<div class=\" c-shortcodeListiclePrecapItem_imageWrap c-shortcodeListiclePrecapItem_imageWrap-redesign md:u-col-1\">\n<figure><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/a\/img\/hub\/2026\/04\/06\/b5bd2b92-3fdd-4991-a6d7-e41d9f533b89\/screenshot-2026-04-06-at-12-47-11pm.png\" alt=\"can of cafe bustelo\" class=\"c-shortcodeListiclePrecapItem_image-redesign isFirst\"><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-shortcodeListiclePrecapItem_details-redesign\">\n<div>\n<h3 class=\"c-shortcodeListiclePrecapItem_title g-text-xsmall\">Caf\u00e9 Bustelo Espresso Ground Coffee<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><span class=\"c-shortcodeListiclePrecapItem_jumplink-redesign c-shortcodeListiclePrecapItem_jumplinkMobile-redesign u-text-center\"><span class=\"c-shortcodeListiclePrecapItem_jumplinkContent-redesign\">Jump to details<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"c-shortcodeListiclePrecapItem_buttonWrap md:u-col-2 lg:u-col-4 c-shortcodeListiclePrecapItem_buttonWrap-redesign\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"c-shortcodeListiclePrecapItem_button o-cnetButton o-cnetButton-small o-cnetButton-primary\">$13 at Amazon<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><span class=\"u-grid-position_self-center c-shortcodeListiclePrecapItem_jumplink-redesign\"><br \/>\n          Jump to details<br \/>\n          <\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section class=\"c-shortcodeListiclePrecap_item\">\n<div data-location=\"PRECAP\" data-cy=\"listiclePrecapItem\" data-position=\"2\" class=\"c-shortcodeListiclePrecapItem c-shortcodeListiclePrecapItem-compact c-shortcodeListiclePrecapItem-compactImages\">\n<div class=\"c-shortcodeListiclePrecapItem_container u-grid-columns\">\n<div class=\"c-shortcodeListiclePrecapItem_headerLinkWrapper-redesign\">\n<div class=\" c-shortcodeListiclePrecapItem_imageWrap c-shortcodeListiclePrecapItem_imageWrap-redesign md:u-col-1\">\n<figure><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/a\/img\/hub\/2026\/04\/06\/be947ecf-d1e5-441f-b3aa-333bf70aed34\/screenshot-2026-04-06-at-12-50-08pm.png\" alt=\"stumptown coffee bag lies next to dish of beans\" class=\"c-shortcodeListiclePrecapItem_image-redesign\"><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-shortcodeListiclePrecapItem_details-redesign\">\n<div>\n<h3 class=\"c-shortcodeListiclePrecapItem_title g-text-xsmall\">Stumptown Holler Mountain organic blend<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><span class=\"c-shortcodeListiclePrecapItem_jumplink-redesign c-shortcodeListiclePrecapItem_jumplinkMobile-redesign u-text-center\"><span class=\"c-shortcodeListiclePrecapItem_jumplinkContent-redesign\">Jump to details<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"c-shortcodeListiclePrecapItem_buttonWrap md:u-col-2 lg:u-col-4 c-shortcodeListiclePrecapItem_buttonWrap-redesign\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"c-shortcodeListiclePrecapItem_button o-cnetButton o-cnetButton-small o-cnetButton-primary\">$14 at Amazon<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><span class=\"u-grid-position_self-center c-shortcodeListiclePrecapItem_jumplink-redesign\"><br \/>\n          Jump to details<br \/>\n          <\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section class=\"c-shortcodeListiclePrecap_item\">\n<div data-location=\"PRECAP\" data-cy=\"listiclePrecapItem\" data-position=\"3\" class=\"c-shortcodeListiclePrecapItem c-shortcodeListiclePrecapItem-compact c-shortcodeListiclePrecapItem-compactImages\">\n<div class=\"c-shortcodeListiclePrecapItem_container u-grid-columns\">\n<div class=\"c-shortcodeListiclePrecapItem_headerLinkWrapper-redesign\">\n<div class=\" c-shortcodeListiclePrecapItem_imageWrap c-shortcodeListiclePrecapItem_imageWrap-redesign md:u-col-1\">\n<figure><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/a\/img\/hub\/2026\/04\/06\/ea72b45b-c457-4d34-acff-e6096682e563\/screenshot-2026-04-06-at-12-52-51pm.png\" alt=\"bag whole foods early bird lies next to dish of beans\" class=\"c-shortcodeListiclePrecapItem_image-redesign\"><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-shortcodeListiclePrecapItem_details-redesign\">\n<div>\n<h3 class=\"c-shortcodeListiclePrecapItem_title g-text-xsmall\">Whole Foods Market Organic Early Bird Blend<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><span class=\"c-shortcodeListiclePrecapItem_jumplink-redesign c-shortcodeListiclePrecapItem_jumplinkMobile-redesign u-text-center\"><span class=\"c-shortcodeListiclePrecapItem_jumplinkContent-redesign\">Jump to details<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"c-shortcodeListiclePrecapItem_buttonWrap md:u-col-2 lg:u-col-4 c-shortcodeListiclePrecapItem_buttonWrap-redesign\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"c-shortcodeListiclePrecapItem_button o-cnetButton o-cnetButton-small o-cnetButton-primary\">$14 at Amazon<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><span class=\"u-grid-position_self-center c-shortcodeListiclePrecapItem_jumplink-redesign\"><br \/>\n          Jump to details<br \/>\n          <\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section class=\"c-shortcodeListiclePrecap_item\">\n<div data-location=\"PRECAP\" data-cy=\"listiclePrecapItem\" data-position=\"4\" class=\"c-shortcodeListiclePrecapItem c-shortcodeListiclePrecapItem-compact c-shortcodeListiclePrecapItem-compactImages\">\n<div class=\"c-shortcodeListiclePrecapItem_container u-grid-columns\">\n<div class=\"c-shortcodeListiclePrecapItem_headerLinkWrapper-redesign\">\n<div class=\" c-shortcodeListiclePrecapItem_imageWrap c-shortcodeListiclePrecapItem_imageWrap-redesign md:u-col-1\">\n<figure><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/a\/img\/hub\/2026\/04\/06\/8792f73e-ea38-4e5b-9070-84832ef06c6b\/screenshot-2026-04-06-at-12-56-05pm.png\" alt=\"bag of dunkin original blend coffee\" class=\"c-shortcodeListiclePrecapItem_image-redesign\"><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-shortcodeListiclePrecapItem_details-redesign\">\n<div>\n<h3 class=\"c-shortcodeListiclePrecapItem_title g-text-xsmall\">Dunkin Original Blend<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><span class=\"c-shortcodeListiclePrecapItem_jumplink-redesign c-shortcodeListiclePrecapItem_jumplinkMobile-redesign u-text-center\"><span class=\"c-shortcodeListiclePrecapItem_jumplinkContent-redesign\">Jump to details<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"c-shortcodeListiclePrecapItem_buttonWrap md:u-col-2 lg:u-col-4 c-shortcodeListiclePrecapItem_buttonWrap-redesign\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"c-shortcodeListiclePrecapItem_button o-cnetButton o-cnetButton-small o-cnetButton-primary\">$15 at Walmart<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><span class=\"u-grid-position_self-center c-shortcodeListiclePrecapItem_jumplink-redesign\"><br \/>\n          Jump to details<br \/>\n          <\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section class=\"c-shortcodeListiclePrecap_item\">\n<div data-location=\"PRECAP\" data-cy=\"listiclePrecapItem\" data-position=\"5\" class=\"c-shortcodeListiclePrecapItem c-shortcodeListiclePrecapItem-compact c-shortcodeListiclePrecapItem-compactImages\">\n<div class=\"c-shortcodeListiclePrecapItem_container u-grid-columns\">\n<div class=\"c-shortcodeListiclePrecapItem_headerLinkWrapper-redesign\">\n<div class=\" c-shortcodeListiclePrecapItem_imageWrap c-shortcodeListiclePrecapItem_imageWrap-redesign md:u-col-1\">\n<figure><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/a\/img\/hub\/2026\/04\/06\/3e808bb5-91ec-4afe-a1ac-2bf7c647284e\/screenshot-2026-04-06-at-12-59-48pm.png\" alt=\"canister of Illy classico coffee sitting on counter\" class=\"c-shortcodeListiclePrecapItem_image-redesign\"><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-shortcodeListiclePrecapItem_details-redesign\">\n<div>\n<h3 class=\"c-shortcodeListiclePrecapItem_title g-text-xsmall\">Illy Classico<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><span class=\"c-shortcodeListiclePrecapItem_jumplink-redesign c-shortcodeListiclePrecapItem_jumplinkMobile-redesign u-text-center\"><span class=\"c-shortcodeListiclePrecapItem_jumplinkContent-redesign\">Jump to details<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"c-shortcodeListiclePrecapItem_buttonWrap md:u-col-2 lg:u-col-4 c-shortcodeListiclePrecapItem_buttonWrap-redesign\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"c-shortcodeListiclePrecapItem_button o-cnetButton o-cnetButton-small o-cnetButton-primary\">$15 at Target<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><span class=\"u-grid-position_self-center c-shortcodeListiclePrecapItem_jumplink-redesign\"><br \/>\n          Jump to details<br \/>\n          <\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<nav class=\"c-globalToc\">\n<div class=\"c-globalToc_header\">\n<div class=\"c-globalToc_title\"><span class=\"c-globalToc_titleText\">Table of Contents<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<ul class=\"c-globalToc_dropdown g-dropShadow-hover\">\n<li class=\"c-globalToc_dropdownItem\">\n        This Coffee Writer Brewed 20 Bags of Grocery Store Beans. Here Are the 5 Best to Buy\n      <\/li>\n<li class=\"c-globalToc_dropdownItem\">\n        Five best grocery store coffees\n      <\/li>\n<li class=\"c-globalToc_dropdownItem\">\n        Caf\u00e9 Bustelo Espresso Ground Coffee\n      <\/li>\n<li class=\"c-globalToc_dropdownItem\">\n        Stumptown Holler Mountain organic blend\n      <\/li>\n<li class=\"c-globalToc_dropdownItem\">\n        Whole Foods Market Organic Early Bird Blend\n      <\/li>\n<li class=\"c-globalToc_dropdownItem\">\n        Dunkin Original Blend\n      <\/li>\n<li class=\"c-globalToc_dropdownItem\">\n        Illy Classico\n      <\/li>\n<li class=\"c-globalToc_dropdownItem\">\n        Honorable mention\n      <\/li>\n<li class=\"c-globalToc_dropdownItem\">\n        5 grocery store coffees to avoid\n      <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/nav>\n<figure class=\"c-shortcodeImage u-clearfix c-shortcodeImage-large c-shortcodeImage-hasCaption\">\n<div class=\"c-shortcodeImage_imageContainer\">\n<div class=\"c-cmsImage c-shortcodeImage_image\"><source media=\"(max-width: 767px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/a\/img\/resize\/3e196500309301741293dd7f63138a4be2c2177b\/hub\/2026\/04\/06\/639f44ac-5441-4f16-8d92-dec5ba4eb502\/img-5837.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=768\" alt=\"various bags of coffee\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption><span class=\"c-shortcodeImage_caption g-inner-spacing-right-small g-text-xxsmall\"><\/p>\n<p>The best grocery store coffee came from unlikely roasters. Here&#8217;s what my testing revealed.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p><\/span><span class=\"c-shortcodeImage_credit g-inner-spacing-right-small g-outer-spacing-top-xsmall g-color-text-meta g-text-xxxsmall\">Katherine Peach\/CNET<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p data-keep class=\"u-speakableText-p2\">As a former barista who now writes <span><span>about coffee for a living<\/span><\/span>, I&#8217;ve spent considerable time evaluating beans from major retailers like Whole Foods, Trader Joe&#8217;s, Walmart and Stop &amp; Shop. I&#8217;ve also gone deep on regional roasters and specialty blends &#8212; some of which, surprisingly, couldn&#8217;t hold their own against a humble canned option.<\/p>\n<div data-location=\"BODY\" class=\"c-shortcodeCommercePromo u-flexbox u-grid-gap-medium g-outer-spacing-bottom-medium\">\n<div class=\"c-shortcodeCommercePromo_content u-flexbox-column\"><span>Best Coffee Makers for 2026<\/span> See at Cnet<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-cmsImage c-shortcodeCommercePromo_image\"><img src alt height=\"108\" width=\"196\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p data-keep>I previously\u00a0<a href target=\"_blank\" rel>tested more than 40 K-Cups<\/a>\u00a0to find the best pods for Keurig users. Now, I&#8217;ve turned my attention to more traditional bagged beans and ground coffee.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p data-keep>Here are five coffee blends I recommend buying, and five you might want to avoid.\u00a0<\/p>\n<h2 data-keep id=\"toc-196933c5-2291-4157-bc16-d7846bbe709a-item-1\" data-id=\"toc-196933c5-2291-4157-bc16-d7846bbe709a-item-1\">Five best grocery store coffees\u00a0<\/h2>\n<section class=\"c-bestListListicle\">\n<div id=\"bb2c0267-38d3-4128-a3e1-090fecfc3327\" data-id=\"listicle-bb2c0267-38d3-4128-a3e1-090fecfc3327\" data-techprodid=\"a0ed218c-3321-4afe-b877-727ff84afdde\" data-cy=\"bestListListicle\" class=\"c-bestListListicle_container\">\n<div class=\"u-flexbox u-flexbox-column\">\n<div class=\"c-bestListListicle_editorial\">\n<div class=\"c-bestListListicle_masthead u-flexbox\">\n<div class=\"c-bestListGallery c-bestListListicle_gallery c-bestListGallery-bestListListicle-test\">\n<figure>\n<div class=\"c-bestListGallery_carousel\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"c-cmsImage c-bestListGallery_image\"><img src alt=\"can of cafe bustelo\" height=\"209.58724832214764\" width=\"327\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<div class=\"c-bestListGallery_info u-flexbox u-flexbox-justifyBetween g-outer-spacing-top-xsmall g-outer-spacing-bottom-xsmall\"><figcaption><span class=\"c-bestListGallery_credits\">Katherine Peach\/CNET<\/span><\/figcaption><\/div>\n<div class=\"c-globalModal\">\n<div class=\"c-globalModal_contentWrapper\">\n<div class=\"c-globalModal_content c-globalImageCarousel c-globalModal_listicleRedesign\">\n<div class=\"u-flexbox u-flexbox-justifyBetween g-outer-spacing-bottom-small\"><span class=\"g-color-white\">Photo Gallery<\/span><span class=\"g-color-white\">1\/1<\/span><\/div>\n<figure class=\"c-globalImageCarousel_figure\">\n<div class=\"c-globalImageCarousel_carousel g-outer-spacing-bottom-small\">\n<div class=\"c-cmsImage c-globalImageCarousel_image\"><source media=\"(max-width: 767px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/a\/img\/resize\/d7a9423a27e9e7b3e31d1d7a06306adde77a1366\/hub\/2026\/04\/06\/b5bd2b92-3fdd-4991-a6d7-e41d9f533b89\/screenshot-2026-04-06-at-12-47-11pm.png?auto=webp&amp;fit=crop&amp;height=236&amp;width=420\" alt=\"\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption>\n<div class=\"c-globalImageCarousel_credits g-color-black g-text-xxsmall\">Katherine Peach\/CNET<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-bestListListicle_headerContainer u-flexbox u-flexbox-justifyBetween u-flexbox-alignCenter\">\n<div class=\"u-flexbox-column\">\n<div class=\"c-bestListListicle_header\">\n<h3 class=\"c-bestListListicle_hed\">\n                    Caf\u00e9 Bustelo Espresso Ground Coffee<br \/>\n                  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-bestListListicle_details\">\n<div class=\"c-bestListListicle_descriptionContainer\">\n<div class=\"c-bestListListicle_description c-bestListListicle_description-clamp\">\n<p>Caf\u00e9 Bustelo is a mainstay on grocery store shelves for a reason. The ground coffee I tested maintained a robust yet smooth flavor, thanks in part to its &#8220;best buy&#8221; date, which allowed for another 21 months of shelf life. Its flexibility, dark roast and affordability are hard to beat in a ground coffee straight from the shelf. Seeing that Caf\u00e9 Bustelo is a deep espresso roast, I wasn&#8217;t surprised to find some bitterness and acidity in a couple of my less precise brews.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>The Cuban-inspired coffee, founded in New York City by a Spanish immigrant, has the mystique of an imported product. This branding might explain why it was a couple of dollars more expensive than other canned coffees at my local grocery store. Whatever the reason, the investment paid off compared to the slightly cheaper canned coffees I tried.\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-bestListListicle_readMore\">\n<div><span class=\"c-bestListListicle_readMore-ellipsis\">\u00a0&#8230;<\/span><span class=\"c-bestListListicle_readMore-link\">Show more<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-cy=\"bestListListicle_cta\" class=\"c-bestListButtons c-bestListListicle_buttonWrap\">\n<div class=\"c-bestListButtons_ctaText o-cta\">Get it now<\/div>\n<div data-location=\"BODY\" class=\"c-shortcodeListicle_buttonContainer u-flexbox c-bestListButtons_link u-flexbox-wrap\" data-v-0ea4bff7>$13 at Amazon<br \/>\n      $8 at Target\n      <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section class=\"c-bestListListicle\">\n<div id=\"9dbfac42-5a25-4645-a3ec-6bee26934e84\" data-id=\"listicle-9dbfac42-5a25-4645-a3ec-6bee26934e84\" data-techprodid=\"6d5b93b8-16a1-4583-b755-052bf297b785\" data-cy=\"bestListListicle\" class=\"c-bestListListicle_container\">\n<div class=\"u-flexbox u-flexbox-column\">\n<div class=\"c-bestListListicle_editorial\">\n<div class=\"c-bestListListicle_masthead u-flexbox\">\n<div class=\"c-bestListGallery c-bestListListicle_gallery c-bestListGallery-bestListListicle-test\">\n<figure>\n<div class=\"c-bestListGallery_carousel\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"c-cmsImage c-bestListGallery_image\"><img src alt=\"stumptown coffee bag lies next to dish of beans\" height=\"195.80040733197555\" width=\"327\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<div class=\"c-bestListGallery_info u-flexbox u-flexbox-justifyBetween g-outer-spacing-top-xsmall g-outer-spacing-bottom-xsmall\"><figcaption><span class=\"c-bestListGallery_credits\">Katherine Peach\/CNET<\/span><\/figcaption><\/div>\n<div class=\"c-globalModal\">\n<div class=\"c-globalModal_contentWrapper\">\n<div class=\"c-globalModal_content c-globalImageCarousel c-globalModal_listicleRedesign\">\n<div class=\"u-flexbox u-flexbox-justifyBetween g-outer-spacing-bottom-small\"><span class=\"g-color-white\">Photo Gallery<\/span><span class=\"g-color-white\">1\/1<\/span><\/div>\n<figure class=\"c-globalImageCarousel_figure\">\n<div class=\"c-globalImageCarousel_carousel g-outer-spacing-bottom-small\">\n<div class=\"c-cmsImage c-globalImageCarousel_image\"><source media=\"(max-width: 767px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/a\/img\/resize\/a4404c59788a0d58ce8978b241219960dc13f61e\/hub\/2026\/04\/06\/be947ecf-d1e5-441f-b3aa-333bf70aed34\/screenshot-2026-04-06-at-12-50-08pm.png?auto=webp&amp;fit=crop&amp;height=236&amp;width=420\" alt=\"\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption>\n<div class=\"c-globalImageCarousel_credits g-color-black g-text-xxsmall\">Katherine Peach\/CNET<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-bestListListicle_headerContainer u-flexbox u-flexbox-justifyBetween u-flexbox-alignCenter\">\n<div class=\"u-flexbox-column\">\n<div class=\"c-bestListListicle_header\">\n<h3 class=\"c-bestListListicle_hed\">\n                    Stumptown Holler Mountain organic blend<br \/>\n                  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-bestListListicle_details\">\n<div class=\"c-bestListListicle_descriptionContainer\">\n<div class=\"c-bestListListicle_description c-bestListListicle_description-clamp\">\n<p>Stumptown Holler Mountain organic coffee offers a distinct and robust flavor, characterized by a pleasant acidity and a lingering caramel finish. The whole beans I tried maintained strong flavor even seven months past the roast date. Listing a roast date shows the brand stands by its product &#8212; bonus points for transparency.<\/p>\n<p>This coffee also has notable body that allows for versatility, claiming it can be used for both drip coffee or espresso preparation. Holler Mountain remains light enough to be appealing to a broad demographic. It possesses a well-balanced mouthfeel, ending with a slight acidic kick. Plus, with widespread availability in grocery stores such as Whole Foods, it should be an easy find. If you see it, I&#8217;d say bring it home.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-bestListListicle_readMore\">\n<div><span class=\"c-bestListListicle_readMore-ellipsis\">\u00a0&#8230;<\/span><span class=\"c-bestListListicle_readMore-link\">Show more<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-cy=\"bestListListicle_cta\" class=\"c-bestListButtons c-bestListListicle_buttonWrap\">\n<div class=\"c-bestListButtons_ctaText o-cta\">Get it now<\/div>\n<div data-location=\"BODY\" class=\"c-shortcodeListicle_buttonContainer u-flexbox c-bestListButtons_link u-flexbox-wrap\" data-v-0ea4bff7>\n<div data-v-0ea4bff7>\n        $14 at Amazon\n      <\/div>\n<div data-v-0ea4bff7>\n        $15 at Walmart\n      <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section class=\"c-bestListListicle\">\n<div id=\"295176b0-0545-463a-98d7-22eb1a86174d\" data-id=\"listicle-295176b0-0545-463a-98d7-22eb1a86174d\" data-techprodid=\"bbef7455-993f-45f9-954e-9b3d3f0321b8\" data-cy=\"bestListListicle\" class=\"c-bestListListicle_container\">\n<div class=\"u-flexbox u-flexbox-column\">\n<div class=\"c-bestListListicle_editorial\">\n<div class=\"c-bestListListicle_masthead u-flexbox\">\n<div class=\"c-bestListGallery c-bestListListicle_gallery c-bestListGallery-bestListListicle-test\">\n<figure>\n<div class=\"c-bestListGallery_carousel\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"c-cmsImage c-bestListGallery_image\"><img src alt=\"bag whole foods early bird lies next to dish of beans\" height=\"203.59061833688702\" width=\"327\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<div class=\"c-bestListGallery_info u-flexbox u-flexbox-justifyBetween g-outer-spacing-top-xsmall g-outer-spacing-bottom-xsmall\"><figcaption><span class=\"c-bestListGallery_credits\">Katherine Peach\/CNET<\/span><\/figcaption><\/div>\n<div class=\"c-globalModal\">\n<div class=\"c-globalModal_contentWrapper\">\n<div class=\"c-globalModal_content c-globalImageCarousel c-globalModal_listicleRedesign\">\n<div class=\"u-flexbox u-flexbox-justifyBetween g-outer-spacing-bottom-small\"><span class=\"g-color-white\">Photo Gallery<\/span><span class=\"g-color-white\">1\/1<\/span><\/div>\n<figure class=\"c-globalImageCarousel_figure\">\n<div class=\"c-globalImageCarousel_carousel g-outer-spacing-bottom-small\">\n<div class=\"c-cmsImage c-globalImageCarousel_image\"><source media=\"(max-width: 767px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/a\/img\/resize\/4a8539aee3696e3f12a66b9d2d0fc96b13cbf14e\/hub\/2026\/04\/06\/ea72b45b-c457-4d34-acff-e6096682e563\/screenshot-2026-04-06-at-12-52-51pm.png?auto=webp&amp;fit=crop&amp;height=236&amp;width=420\" alt=\"\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption>\n<div class=\"c-globalImageCarousel_credits g-color-black g-text-xxsmall\">Katherine Peach\/CNET<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-bestListListicle_headerContainer u-flexbox u-flexbox-justifyBetween u-flexbox-alignCenter\">\n<div class=\"u-flexbox-column\">\n<div class=\"c-bestListListicle_header\">\n<h3 class=\"c-bestListListicle_hed\">\n                    Whole Foods Market Organic Early Bird Blend<br \/>\n                  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-bestListListicle_details\">\n<div class=\"c-bestListListicle_descriptionContainer\">\n<div class=\"c-bestListListicle_description c-bestListListicle_description-clamp\">\n<p>The Whole Foods Early Bird Blend&#8217;s profile includes notes of cocoa, with a mellow flavor that falls into the medium roast category. Upon opening the bag, I was pleased by the beans&#8217; rich aroma and oily appearance, even though the &#8220;best by&#8221; date was only three months away. Once or twice, I found a hint of bitterness that&#8217;s unbecoming of a medium roast. Still, I found it easy to drink black thanks to a hint of warm cocoa.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>I appreciated that the more my coffee cooled, the more the roast mellowed out. Whole Foods Organic Early Bird Blend will likely satisfy anyone who wants a comforting and uncomplicated cup of coffee to rouse them awake.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Another bonus is its lineup of certifications: Fair Trade Certified, USDA Organic and the intriguing Smithsonian Bird Friendly certification. Similar to the Trader Joe&#8217;s coffee I tried, the Whole Foods-branded bags likely have a high turnover rate due to their affordability and the reliability of the store&#8217;s brand. This volume makes it easier to avoid stale beans that have been sitting on the shelf for too long.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-bestListListicle_readMore\">\n<div><span class=\"c-bestListListicle_readMore-ellipsis\">\u00a0&#8230;<\/span><span class=\"c-bestListListicle_readMore-link\">Show more<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-cy=\"bestListListicle_cta\" class=\"c-bestListButtons c-bestListListicle_buttonWrap\">\n<div class=\"c-bestListButtons_ctaText o-cta\">Get it now<\/div>\n<div data-location=\"BODY\" class=\"c-shortcodeListicle_buttonContainer u-flexbox c-bestListButtons_link u-flexbox-wrap\" data-v-0ea4bff7>\n<div data-v-0ea4bff7>\n        $14 at Amazon\n      <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section class=\"c-bestListListicle\">\n<div id=\"6b9a86a5-6f85-4b16-b495-bb3c4dabc63e\" data-id=\"listicle-6b9a86a5-6f85-4b16-b495-bb3c4dabc63e\" data-techprodid=\"1425512d-8acf-4733-bb2d-9f7952369a00\" data-cy=\"bestListListicle\" class=\"c-bestListListicle_container\">\n<div class=\"u-flexbox u-flexbox-column\">\n<div class=\"c-bestListListicle_editorial\">\n<div class=\"c-bestListListicle_masthead u-flexbox\">\n<div class=\"c-bestListGallery c-bestListListicle_gallery c-bestListGallery-bestListListicle-test\">\n<figure>\n<div class=\"c-bestListGallery_carousel\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"c-cmsImage c-bestListGallery_image\"><img src alt=\"bag of dunkin original blend coffee\" height=\"195.45987654320987\" width=\"327\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<div class=\"c-bestListGallery_info u-flexbox u-flexbox-justifyBetween g-outer-spacing-top-xsmall g-outer-spacing-bottom-xsmall\"><figcaption><span class=\"c-bestListGallery_credits\">Katherine Peach\/CNET<\/span><\/figcaption><\/div>\n<div class=\"c-globalModal\">\n<div class=\"c-globalModal_contentWrapper\">\n<div class=\"c-globalModal_content c-globalImageCarousel c-globalModal_listicleRedesign\">\n<div class=\"u-flexbox u-flexbox-justifyBetween g-outer-spacing-bottom-small\"><span class=\"g-color-white\">Photo Gallery<\/span><span class=\"g-color-white\">1\/1<\/span><\/div>\n<figure class=\"c-globalImageCarousel_figure\">\n<div class=\"c-globalImageCarousel_carousel g-outer-spacing-bottom-small\">\n<div class=\"c-cmsImage c-globalImageCarousel_image\"><source media=\"(max-width: 767px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/a\/img\/resize\/282b09baadd12545f3fcc7a1a1b0f8d2ba22d54d\/hub\/2026\/04\/06\/8792f73e-ea38-4e5b-9070-84832ef06c6b\/screenshot-2026-04-06-at-12-56-05pm.png?auto=webp&amp;fit=crop&amp;height=236&amp;width=420\" alt=\"\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption>\n<div class=\"c-globalImageCarousel_credits g-color-black g-text-xxsmall\">Katherine Peach\/CNET<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-bestListListicle_headerContainer u-flexbox u-flexbox-justifyBetween u-flexbox-alignCenter\">\n<div class=\"u-flexbox-column\">\n<div class=\"c-bestListListicle_header\">\n<h3 class=\"c-bestListListicle_hed\">\n                    Dunkin Original Blend<br \/>\n                  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-bestListListicle_details\">\n<div class=\"c-bestListListicle_descriptionContainer\">\n<div class=\"c-bestListListicle_description c-bestListListicle_description-clamp\">\n<p>The Dunkin Original Blend maintained an unexpected nutty flavor and full mouthfeel for a ground coffee with eight months remaining until its &#8220;best by&#8221; date &#8212; and one that was likely roasted many months earlier. The instructions are 1.5 tablespoons of coffee per 6 ounces of water, which resulted in a balanced and smooth cup.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Unlike other roasts that tasted bitter or flat, the Dunkin Original blend is one that I didn&#8217;t mind drinking black, thanks to its medium roast and mild flavor. When cooled, sips offered a bit of sweetness as a final note. I get why there are so many loyalists: It reminds me of a classic diner coffee in the best way.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>I was taken aback when the Drunkin 12-ounce bag cost as much as the Stumptown and Groundwork bags at my local grocery store. Lesson learned: Compare prices at different retailers when possible.\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-bestListListicle_readMore\">\n<div><span class=\"c-bestListListicle_readMore-ellipsis\">\u00a0&#8230;<\/span><span class=\"c-bestListListicle_readMore-link\">Show more<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-cy=\"bestListListicle_cta\" class=\"c-bestListButtons c-bestListListicle_buttonWrap\">\n<div class=\"c-bestListButtons_ctaText o-cta\">Get it now<\/div>\n<div data-location=\"BODY\" class=\"c-shortcodeListicle_buttonContainer u-flexbox c-bestListButtons_link u-flexbox-wrap\" data-v-0ea4bff7>\n<div data-v-0ea4bff7>\n        $15 at Walmart\n      <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section class=\"c-bestListListicle\">\n<div id=\"868f3c7c-06c3-40d4-ba36-4389acc3e97d\" data-id=\"listicle-868f3c7c-06c3-40d4-ba36-4389acc3e97d\" data-cy=\"bestListListicle\" class=\"c-bestListListicle_container\">\n<div class=\"u-flexbox u-flexbox-column\">\n<div class=\"c-bestListListicle_editorial\">\n<div class=\"c-bestListListicle_masthead u-flexbox\">\n<div class=\"c-bestListGallery c-bestListListicle_gallery c-bestListGallery-bestListListicle-test\">\n<figure>\n<div class=\"c-bestListGallery_carousel\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"c-cmsImage c-bestListGallery_image\"><img src alt=\"canister of Illy classico coffee sitting on counter\" height=\"208.70819672131148\" width=\"327\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<div class=\"c-bestListGallery_info u-flexbox u-flexbox-justifyBetween g-outer-spacing-top-xsmall g-outer-spacing-bottom-xsmall\"><figcaption><span class=\"c-bestListGallery_credits\">Katherine Peach\/CNET<\/span><\/figcaption><\/div>\n<div class=\"c-globalModal\">\n<div class=\"c-globalModal_contentWrapper\">\n<div class=\"c-globalModal_content c-globalImageCarousel c-globalModal_listicleRedesign\">\n<div class=\"u-flexbox u-flexbox-justifyBetween g-outer-spacing-bottom-small\"><span class=\"g-color-white\">Photo Gallery<\/span><span class=\"g-color-white\">1\/1<\/span><\/div>\n<figure class=\"c-globalImageCarousel_figure\">\n<div class=\"c-globalImageCarousel_carousel g-outer-spacing-bottom-small\">\n<div class=\"c-cmsImage c-globalImageCarousel_image\"><source media=\"(max-width: 767px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/a\/img\/resize\/6361a70d964a52ff3bf7ca2e91ace1a42427eeed\/hub\/2026\/04\/06\/3e808bb5-91ec-4afe-a1ac-2bf7c647284e\/screenshot-2026-04-06-at-12-59-48pm.png?auto=webp&amp;fit=crop&amp;height=236&amp;width=420\" alt=\"\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption>\n<div class=\"c-globalImageCarousel_credits g-color-black g-text-xxsmall\">Katherine Peach\/CNET<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-bestListListicle_headerContainer u-flexbox u-flexbox-justifyBetween u-flexbox-alignCenter\">\n<div class=\"u-flexbox-column\">\n<div class=\"c-bestListListicle_header\">\n<h3 class=\"c-bestListListicle_hed\">\n                    Illy Classico<br \/>\n                  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-bestListListicle_details\">\n<div class=\"c-bestListListicle_descriptionContainer\">\n<div class=\"c-bestListListicle_description c-bestListListicle_description-clamp\">\n<p>Illy Classico presents an interesting packaging choice: a metal pull-top reminiscent of canned meat, distinguishing it from the usual plastic-sealed domestic canned coffees. The can provides no preparation guidance for the beans. While the beans smelled fresh when first opened, the aroma is less rich and slightly more sour than the whole-bean options from Trader Joe&#8217;s and Whole Foods.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>In the first cup, brewed at a ratio of 2 tablespoons to 6 ounces of water, the Illy coffee offered unusual floral notes and a bright complexity that evolved into a nutty, sweet finish. The online product description (found via a QR code on the can) cited citrus and jasmine, though that complexity ultimately faded with subsequent brews. A pleasant caramel flavor became more prominent as the coffee cooled.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>A second tasting, prepared with 1.5 tablespoons to 6 ounces of water, resulted in a mellower, more balanced cup, showcasing classic nutty flavors. Illy Classico offers an alternative to the heavier, diner coffee blends found in grocery stores.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-bestListListicle_readMore\">\n<div><span class=\"c-bestListListicle_readMore-ellipsis\">\u00a0&#8230;<\/span><span class=\"c-bestListListicle_readMore-link\">Show more<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-cy=\"bestListListicle_cta\" class=\"c-bestListButtons c-bestListListicle_buttonWrap\">\n<div class=\"c-bestListButtons_ctaText o-cta\">Get it now<\/div>\n<div data-location=\"BODY\" class=\"c-shortcodeListicle_buttonContainer u-flexbox c-bestListButtons_link u-flexbox-wrap\" data-v-0ea4bff7>$15 at Target<br \/>\n      $12 at Amazon\n      <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section>\n<div data-cy=\"infoCard\" class=\"c-infoCard g-outer-spacing-bottom-large c-infoCard-izeBestList\">\n<div data-cy=\"infoCardHeader\" class=\"c-infoCard_header u-flexbox u-flexbox-justifyBetween u-flexbox-alignCenter g-outer-spacing-bottom-large c-infoCard_header-noToggle\">\n<h2 id=\"toc-196933c5-2291-4157-bc16-d7846bbe709a-item-7\" data-id=\"toc-196933c5-2291-4157-bc16-d7846bbe709a-item-7\" class=\"c-infoCard_hed g-color-primary\">Honorable mention<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div data-cy=\"infoCardDek\" class=\"c-infoCard_dek\">\n<div class=\"c-ShortcodeContent c-ShortcodeContent-theme:default\">\n<h3>Trader Joe&#8217;s Joe Medium Roast<\/h3>\n<figure class=\"c-shortcodeImage u-clearfix c-shortcodeImage-large c-shortcodeImage-hasCaption\">\n<div class=\"c-shortcodeImage_imageContainer\">\n<div class=\"c-cmsImage c-shortcodeImage_image\"><source media=\"(max-width: 767px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/a\/img\/resize\/900c89c2fa7048e8434f59566b502f7f02442099\/hub\/2026\/04\/06\/e4a38228-b575-46e8-91c6-4eead51f9c37\/screenshot-2026-04-06-at-1-16-59pm.png?auto=webp&amp;width=768\" alt=\"trader joe's coffee bag lies next to dish of beans\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption><span class=\"c-shortcodeImage_caption g-inner-spacing-right-small g-text-xxsmall\"><\/p>\n<p>At $7 for 14 ounces, TJ&#8217;s offers some of the best value out of any grocery store beans I&#8217;ve brewed.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p><\/span><span class=\"c-shortcodeImage_credit g-inner-spacing-right-small g-outer-spacing-top-xsmall g-color-text-meta g-text-xxxsmall\">Katherine Peach\/CNET<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Upon opening the <span class=\"c-shortcodeCommerceLink\">Trader Joe&#8217;s Joe coffee<\/span>, the whole beans smelled fresh and rich, with dark, oily beans visible. It was the freshness I expected, given the store&#8217;s high volume and practice of keeping stock fresh. However, the recommended ratio of 2 tablespoons of beans per 6 ounces of water resulted in some bitterness.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>The medium roast is a straightforward cup of coffee with a somewhat sweet finish. The medium body, though, is thinner than Whole Foods and Dunkin taste tests. As it cools, the roast opens up, becoming smooth and drinkable as a straight cup of black coffee. While possibly uninspiring to some, it&#8217;s a safe and drinkable choice. At $7 for 14 ounces, this blend is a great value compared with other grocery store coffees at the time of publication.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section>\n<div data-cy=\"infoCard\" class=\"c-infoCard g-outer-spacing-bottom-large c-infoCard-izeBestList\">\n<div data-cy=\"infoCardHeader\" class=\"c-infoCard_header u-flexbox u-flexbox-justifyBetween u-flexbox-alignCenter g-outer-spacing-bottom-large c-infoCard_header-noToggle\">\n<h2 id=\"toc-196933c5-2291-4157-bc16-d7846bbe709a-item-8\" data-id=\"toc-196933c5-2291-4157-bc16-d7846bbe709a-item-8\" class=\"c-infoCard_hed g-color-primary\">5 grocery store coffees to avoid<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div data-cy=\"infoCardDek\" class=\"c-infoCard_dek\">\n<div class=\"c-ShortcodeContent c-ShortcodeContent-theme:default\">\n<h3>1: Intelligentsia House Blend<\/h3>\n<figure class=\"c-shortcodeImage u-clearfix c-shortcodeImage-large c-shortcodeImage-hasCaption\">\n<div class=\"c-shortcodeImage_imageContainer\">\n<div class=\"c-cmsImage c-shortcodeImage_image\"><source media=\"(max-width: 767px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/a\/img\/resize\/592078d3a0f6b90dfe4a12aa099b64bc66eedfda\/hub\/2026\/04\/06\/af90aa6f-d8be-4f03-8fbd-cc65f76fca8e\/screenshot-2026-04-06-at-1-55-30pm.png?auto=webp&amp;width=768\" alt=\"bag of intelligentisia coffee\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption><span class=\"c-shortcodeImage_caption g-inner-spacing-right-small g-text-xxsmall\"><\/p>\n<p>Trendy Intelligentsia coffee isn&#8217;t worth the steep price.<\/p>\n<p><\/span><span class=\"c-shortcodeImage_credit g-inner-spacing-right-small g-outer-spacing-top-xsmall g-color-text-meta g-text-xxxsmall\">Katherine Peach\/CNET<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Intelligentsia is a Chicago-founded roaster that&#8217;s become a widespread specialty coffee brand in grocery stores coast to coast. At $20 for a 12-ounce bag of whole beans at my local Brooklyn grocery store, Intelligentsia House Blend coffee can be considered an investment. The lack of a &#8220;roasted by&#8221; date on the bag, however, means freshness is a gamble. This tester ended up with a whisper of flavor with three months left on the &#8220;best by&#8221; date. It lacked any noticeable tasting notes, potentially due to an overstay in the grocery aisle. The Intelligentsia House Blend bag also lacks any tasting note descriptors or instructions whatsoever on the packaging.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Even with low expectations, the beans still produced a bland cup of coffee, firmly placing it in the &#8220;low&#8221; category. If you&#8217;re interested in drinking Intelligentsia coffee, I&#8217;d recommend heading to the brand&#8217;s coffee shops or purchasing a fresh bag straight from the roaster.\u00a0<\/p>\n<h3>What to try instead: Groundwork<\/h3>\n<figure class=\"c-shortcodeImage u-clearfix c-shortcodeImage-large c-shortcodeImage-hasCaption\">\n<div class=\"c-shortcodeImage_imageContainer\">\n<div class=\"c-cmsImage c-shortcodeImage_image\"><source media=\"(max-width: 767px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/a\/img\/resize\/e3568321216dd5e7532dc5d085e0ea22d1c5a55b\/hub\/2026\/04\/06\/3c06e234-7d92-4967-8db0-5f46718d6669\/screenshot-2026-04-06-at-1-56-57pm.png?auto=webp&amp;width=768\" alt=\"bag of groundwork coffee\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption><span class=\"c-shortcodeImage_caption g-inner-spacing-right-small g-text-xxsmall\"><\/p>\n<p>Groundwork&#8217;s Organic Bitches Blend was a standout for its deep flavor and notes of dark chocolate and caramel.<\/p>\n<p><\/span><span class=\"c-shortcodeImage_credit g-inner-spacing-right-small g-outer-spacing-top-xsmall g-color-text-meta g-text-xxxsmall\">Katherine Peach\/CNET<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>For specialty coffee from the grocery store, instead look for brands that include a &#8220;roasted by&#8221; date, such as Verve or Partners coffee. The closer to the roast date, the better, but because packaging helps protect coffee, it could take three to six months before flavor degradation results in a lackluster brew. Otherwise, <span class=\"c-shortcodeCommerceLink\">Groundwork Organic Bitches Brew<\/span> was a standout for deep flavor and its notes of dark chocolate and caramel even without a roasted date. It also includes a ratio of coffee to water on the bag for anyone who wants a launching point.\u00a0<\/p>\n<h3>2: Maxwell House House Blend<\/h3>\n<figure class=\"c-shortcodeImage u-clearfix c-shortcodeImage-large c-shortcodeImage-hasCaption\">\n<div class=\"c-shortcodeImage_imageContainer\">\n<div class=\"c-cmsImage c-shortcodeImage_image\"><source media=\"(max-width: 767px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/a\/img\/resize\/c2499c6bdd03052edc4476a37b9900dfca6cbf78\/hub\/2026\/04\/06\/c9ed20b5-56f0-46f1-ad3a-d6767ab9cadc\/screenshot-2026-04-06-at-1-57-39pm.png?auto=webp&amp;width=768\" alt=\"can of maxwell house coffee\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption><span class=\"c-shortcodeImage_caption g-inner-spacing-right-small g-text-xxsmall\"><\/p>\n<p>I&#8217;d suggest politely declining your invitation to Maxwell House.<\/p>\n<p><\/span><span class=\"c-shortcodeImage_credit g-inner-spacing-right-small g-outer-spacing-top-xsmall g-color-text-meta g-text-xxxsmall\">Katherine Peach\/CNET<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>The first sip of Maxwell House House Blend was bitter, and the progressive sips didn&#8217;t improve. Like other value-driven blends, this one tastes as if the manufacturer never expected anyone to drink it without copious amounts of cream and sugar. I don&#8217;t believe you should need to drown out the notes of burnt beans and organic fillers to make it drinkable.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>The Maxwell House instructions recommend only 1 tablespoon for 6 ounces of water. Once the Maxwell House started to cool, the flavor was milder and less offensive, but I didn&#8217;t find it more enticing since any true tasting notes fell flat. I also noticed an acidity that made me nervous about a stomachache. For a household brand, I had hoped for a better showing. \u00a0<\/p>\n<h3>What to try instead: Chock Full O&#8217; Nuts Original\u00a0<\/h3>\n<figure class=\"c-shortcodeImage u-clearfix c-shortcodeImage-large c-shortcodeImage-hasCaption\">\n<div class=\"c-shortcodeImage_imageContainer\">\n<div class=\"c-cmsImage c-shortcodeImage_image\"><source media=\"(max-width: 767px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/a\/img\/resize\/38a6ff1d62f6ce68272f939a477f99e337b50919\/hub\/2026\/04\/06\/6332cae3-69e6-486b-820e-e7959bd2bd30\/screenshot-2026-04-06-at-2-28-21pm.png?auto=webp&amp;width=768\" alt=\"Chock Full o' Nuts can in grocery cart\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption><span class=\"c-shortcodeImage_caption g-inner-spacing-right-small g-text-xxsmall\"><\/p>\n<p>Chock Full o&#8217; Nuts&#8217; original blend was a surprise hit among the budget set.<\/p>\n<p><\/span><span class=\"c-shortcodeImage_credit g-inner-spacing-right-small g-outer-spacing-top-xsmall g-color-text-meta g-text-xxxsmall\">Chock Full o&#8217; Nuts<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Avoid the kind of coffee that makes people say, &#8220;bean juice is not for them.&#8221; If you want an affordable, approachable can of coffee, reach for the original <span class=\"c-shortcodeCommerceLink\">Chock Full O&#8217; Nuts<\/span> for a slightly sweet, mild variety. You could also reach for Lavazza Tierra Organic for a similarly priced medium roast or Caf\u00e9 Bustelo for a more robust roast in a familiar canned packaging.\u00a0<\/p>\n<h3>3: Great Value Classic Roast by Walmart\u00a0<\/h3>\n<figure class=\"c-shortcodeImage u-clearfix c-shortcodeImage-large c-shortcodeImage-hasCaption\">\n<div class=\"c-shortcodeImage_imageContainer\">\n<div class=\"c-cmsImage c-shortcodeImage_image\"><source media=\"(max-width: 767px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/a\/img\/resize\/36eeb55c5d613aa70d80d3f5a4aead6d55b7d774\/hub\/2026\/04\/06\/43982b53-a085-4aac-bbad-59e9674f0328\/screenshot-2026-04-06-at-2-15-35pm.png?auto=webp&amp;width=768\" alt=\"great value classic roast coffee can\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption><span class=\"c-shortcodeImage_caption g-inner-spacing-right-small g-text-xxsmall\"><\/p>\n<p>Walmart&#8217;s Great Value coffee is cheap for a reason.<\/p>\n<p><\/span><span class=\"c-shortcodeImage_credit g-inner-spacing-right-small g-outer-spacing-top-xsmall g-color-text-meta g-text-xxxsmall\">Katherine Peach\/CNET<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>The Great Value Classic Roast brand is a generic offering akin to Folgers, where value and quantity are top priorities. I wanted to test this option since Walmart is one of the largest grocery store chains in the US and a staple at my parents&#8217; house. That said, I&#8217;d best equate the flavor of this blend with church-basement or airplane coffee. The beans offer a burnt yet bland flavor that begs for extra creamer. Still, the sheer volume is hard to beat at 25.4 ounces per can. When it comes to coffee, I&#8217;m a pragmatist, not a purist, so I understand that some of us treat it as fuel rather than a specialty beverage. I&#8217;m here to say there&#8217;s a better way forward.<\/p>\n<h3>What to try instead: Whole Foods Early Bird Blend<\/h3>\n<figure class=\"c-shortcodeImage u-clearfix c-shortcodeImage-large c-shortcodeImage-hasCaption\">\n<div class=\"c-shortcodeImage_imageContainer\">\n<div class=\"c-cmsImage c-shortcodeImage_image\"><source media=\"(max-width: 767px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/a\/img\/resize\/6213c37664e37174a84a1111a41854a2840b16ee\/hub\/2026\/04\/06\/785095a6-7232-4eb9-87bd-140882578554\/screenshot-2026-04-06-at-2-22-19pm.png?auto=webp&amp;width=768\" alt=\"whole foods early blend coffee\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption><span class=\"c-shortcodeImage_caption g-inner-spacing-right-small g-text-xxsmall\"><\/p>\n<p>Early Bird is one of the best value coffees I tested.<\/p>\n<p><\/span><span class=\"c-shortcodeImage_credit g-inner-spacing-right-small g-outer-spacing-top-xsmall g-color-text-meta g-text-xxxsmall\">Katherine Peach\/CNET<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Anyone looking for value should consider subscribing to <span class=\"c-shortcodeCommerceLink\">Whole Foods Market coffee<\/span> deliveries for an additional discount and savings on both time and gas. Great Value Classic Roast isn&#8217;t 100% arabica, so it likely contains cheaper, more caffeinated robusta beans. Another option is Caf\u00e9 Bustelo espresso grounds for a rich cup that still packs plenty of kick thanks to its robusta blend.\u00a0<\/p>\n<h3>4: Chock Full o&#8217; Nuts French Roast\u00a0<\/h3>\n<figure class=\"c-shortcodeImage u-clearfix c-shortcodeImage-large c-shortcodeImage-hasCaption\">\n<div class=\"c-shortcodeImage_imageContainer\">\n<div class=\"c-cmsImage c-shortcodeImage_image\"><source media=\"(max-width: 767px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/a\/img\/resize\/4b78a2ba660abba2c0549c73a447d791c471a5ac\/hub\/2026\/04\/06\/80d52861-91f2-416e-b654-92341ca03444\/screenshot-2026-04-06-at-2-00-35pm.png?auto=webp&amp;width=768\" alt=\"chick full of nuts coffee can\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption><span class=\"c-shortcodeImage_caption g-inner-spacing-right-small g-text-xxsmall\"><\/p>\n<p>Chock Full o&#8217; Nut&#8217;s French roast left something to be desired.<\/p>\n<p><\/span><span class=\"c-shortcodeImage_credit g-inner-spacing-right-small g-outer-spacing-top-xsmall g-color-text-meta g-text-xxxsmall\">Katherine Peach\/CNET<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Chock Full o&#8217; Nuts is, for many, an iconic grocery store coffee brand, yet it doesn&#8217;t have the ubiquity of Folgers or Maxwell House. My taste test revealed a slightly sweet finish and a very mild flavor. I anticipated a more robust cup of coffee; however, that wasn&#8217;t the case, despite the French Roast descriptor. The &#8220;best by&#8221; date on the can I purchased had five months remaining. Based on that alone, I can&#8217;t recommend buying this one if you&#8217;re expecting something hearty and deep-roasted, as the packaging suggests. The fact that it&#8217;s still quite drinkable means it&#8217;s a safer option than some others on this list.<\/p>\n<h3>What to try instead: Caf\u00e9 Bustelo\u00a0<\/h3>\n<figure class=\"c-shortcodeImage u-clearfix c-shortcodeImage-large c-shortcodeImage-hasCaption\">\n<div class=\"c-shortcodeImage_imageContainer\">\n<div class=\"c-cmsImage c-shortcodeImage_image\"><source media=\"(max-width: 767px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/a\/img\/resize\/01eef120694ffbb563efdc7e8d1f7fb2c43020bd\/hub\/2026\/04\/06\/b5bd2b92-3fdd-4991-a6d7-e41d9f533b89\/screenshot-2026-04-06-at-12-47-11pm.png?auto=webp&amp;width=768\" alt=\"can of cafe bustelo\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption><span class=\"c-shortcodeImage_caption g-inner-spacing-right-small g-text-xxsmall\"><\/p>\n<p>Caf\u00e9 Bustelo is versatile and smooth &#8212; a true dark roast.<\/p>\n<p><\/span><span class=\"c-shortcodeImage_credit g-inner-spacing-right-small g-outer-spacing-top-xsmall g-color-text-meta g-text-xxxsmall\">Katherine Peach\/CNET<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>If you&#8217;re looking to try a dark roast, then grab a can of <span class=\"c-shortcodeCommerceLink\">Cafe Bustelo<\/span>, which I detailed in full in the &#8220;best&#8221; grocery store coffee list above. It&#8217;s versatile, smooth and a true dark roast as an espresso blend. Of course, you can also stick with the original Chock Full O&#8217; Nuts blend for a sweet yet nutty flavor in a canned grocery store coffee, too.<\/p>\n<h3>5: Eight O&#8217;Clock Original Blend<\/h3>\n<figure class=\"c-shortcodeImage u-clearfix c-shortcodeImage-large c-shortcodeImage-hasCaption\">\n<div class=\"c-shortcodeImage_imageContainer\">\n<div class=\"c-cmsImage c-shortcodeImage_image\"><source media=\"(max-width: 767px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/a\/img\/resize\/52f03d4c73330cbe2630efa8b73613a2bd7f144a\/hub\/2026\/04\/06\/1e318bbb-0b62-4748-8d8f-78ce4622f5d2\/screenshot-2026-04-06-at-2-20-27pm.png?auto=webp&amp;width=768\" alt=\"bag of 8 o'clock coffee on table\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption><span class=\"c-shortcodeImage_caption g-inner-spacing-right-small g-text-xxsmall\"><\/p>\n<p>I found Eight O&#8217;clock&#8217;s signature blend flat and acidic.<\/p>\n<p><\/span><span class=\"c-shortcodeImage_credit g-inner-spacing-right-small g-outer-spacing-top-xsmall g-color-text-meta g-text-xxxsmall\">Katherine Peach\/CNET<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>The Eight O&#8217;Clock Original blend ground coffee was passable, though uninspired. The medium roast shares a certain sweetness with Chock Full O&#8217; Nuts but offers a more robust finish. I started with a small, half-batch since the bag recommends 2 to 3 tablespoons of coffee to 12 ounces of water. I then tried a full 2.5:12 oz ratio. The resulting brew was somewhat flat and acidic, with a thin body and a flavor profile that was immediately forgettable after each sip. The &#8220;best by&#8221; date on the bag was eight months out, suggesting that despite the manufacturer&#8217;s optimistic shelf-life projection, the quality had not held up.<\/p>\n<h3>What to try instead: Lavazza Tierra Organic<\/h3>\n<figure class=\"c-shortcodeImage u-clearfix c-shortcodeImage-large c-shortcodeImage-hasCaption\">\n<div class=\"c-shortcodeImage_imageContainer\">\n<div class=\"c-cmsImage c-shortcodeImage_image\"><source media=\"(max-width: 767px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/a\/img\/resize\/7c448d9ef668f681cbf6c409fa4d84c167c9638e\/hub\/2026\/04\/06\/020debb9-0d11-416e-a9eb-31da3634fe50\/screenshot-2026-04-06-at-2-23-25pm.png?auto=webp&amp;width=768\" alt=\"bag of lavazza coffee on table\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption><span class=\"c-shortcodeImage_caption g-inner-spacing-right-small g-text-xxsmall\"><\/p>\n<p>Lavazza&#8217;s Tierra blend provided a robust flavor without much bitterness.<\/p>\n<p><\/span><span class=\"c-shortcodeImage_credit g-inner-spacing-right-small g-outer-spacing-top-xsmall g-color-text-meta g-text-xxxsmall\">Katherine Peach\/CNET<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>For something reasonably priced and available at big-box stores, try <span class=\"c-shortcodeCommerceLink\">Lavazza Tierra Organic coffee<\/span>. A ratio of 1 tablespoon of coffee to 6 ounces of water provided a robust flavor without bitterness, maintaining a heavier roast profile than the light roast, with full-bodied descriptors noted on the bag. Alternatively, you can rely on Caribou Coffee Daybreak Blend in the Midwest or Peet&#8217;s Coffee House Blend at most big-box grocery stores.\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<\/article>\n<p>[analyse_source url=&#8221;http:\/\/cnet.com\/home\/kitchen-and-household\/this-barista-turned-coffee-writer-brewed-20-bags-of-grocery-store-beans-here-are-the-5-best\/&#8221;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/a\/img\/resize\/9e396b60d168643f83a50592edf04f0825ef0779\/hub\/2026\/04\/10\/77f213fd-f829-4963-bad5-a16016c6567d\/img-5834.jpg?auto=webp&amp;fit=crop&amp;height=675&amp;width=1200&#8243;] Our Experts Written by\u00a0 Katherine Peach Article updated on\u00a0April 10, 2026 at 5:28 AM PDT Katherine Peach Katherine Peach is a well-caffeinated, Brooklyn-based writer, who focuses on all things coffee for CNET. Peach&#8217;s reviews and writing have appeared in Tasting Table, Mashed, LAist, Yahoo Life, MSN and more. She previously climbed the [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[67,226],"class_list":["post-1875998","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-politics","tag-cnet-com","tag-crawlmanager"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1875998","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=1875998"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1875998\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=1875998"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=1875998"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=1875998"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}