Best Grocery Store Coffee: Top 7 Brands
Updated - Team Colipse
The best grocery store coffee is coffee that delivers exceptional flavor, freshness, and consistent quality while being widely available at Kroger, Walmart, Target, Whole Foods, and other supermarkets. Many consider Eight O'Clock Original as one of the best store-bought coffee for its balanced, fruity flavor, Stumptown Hair Bender for its complex profile suited to espresso and drip, and Death Wish Coffee Dark Roast for its bold taste and high caffeine. However, coffee beans from a grocery store differ in price per ounce, origin, bean type, and brand reputation, so no single supermarket coffee brand qualifies as the best for everyone.
When looking for the best grocery store coffee, choose one that matches your brewing method such as espresso, moka pot, cold brew, french press, aeropress, pour over, or percolator. Choose store bought coffee beans based on your coffee maker, health needs, recipes, serving size, and caffeine preference, from high-caffeine blends to decaf options. Store bought coffee refers to pre-packaged coffee sold in grocery stores, supermarkets, or retail chains like Costco, Aldi, or Trader Joe’s, not directly from coffee roasters or specialty shops. This comparison reviews top-rated store-bought coffee beans and points to alternatives such as direct roasters, specialty stores, or local shops for fresher options.
- Eight O'Clock Original
- Stumptown Hair Bender
- Starbucks Veranda Blend
- Newman's Own Special Blend K-Cup Pods
- Bizzy Cold Brew Smooth & Sweet Blend
- Death Wish Coffee Dark Roast
- The Original Donut Shop Coffee Regular K-Cup Pods
1. Eight O'Clock Original
Eight O’Clock Coffee The Original is a medium roast coffee that uses 100% Arabica beans from Latin America and East Africa. This is among the best store bought whole bean coffee option because it has a strong reputation, consistent quality, and a 4.8 out of 5-star rating from 558 reviews on the official website.
Taste: Eight O’Clock Coffee The Original has a sweet fruity flavor and balanced body. It offers smooth texture, mild berry-like aftertaste, and low bitterness. It is suitable for black coffee, espresso, or milk-based drinks like flat whites, cappuccinos, and lattes and pairs with breakfast pastries or desserts.
About Eight O’Clock Coffee: Eight O’Clock Coffee is an American brand offering 100% Arabica coffee with a legacy of over 160 years.
Availability: Eight O’Clock Coffee The Original is sold in several stores, including Amazon, Walmart, Ralphs, Food Lion, other U.S. retailers, and its official website. It is available in 12 oz, 21 oz, 32 oz, and 40 oz whole bean bags. It retails for $11.49 per 12 oz bag, $16.49 per 21 oz bag, $24.98 per 32 oz bag, and $24.98 per 40 oz bag on Walmart, with free shipping on select orders.
Pros: Multiple sizes, Free shipping, Subscription discount.
Cons: Whole beans only, No roast date, No certifications.
Recommendation: Eight O’Clock Coffee The Original offers a balanced, sweet, and fruity grocery store coffee ideal for busy mornings and compatible with bean to cup or super automatic machines.
| Eight O'Clock Original | Description |
|---|---|
| Coffee Bean Type | 100% Arabica |
| Roast Profile | Medium |
| Flavor Notes | Sweet, fruity, balanced |
| Bean Origin | Latin America, East Africa |
| Average Price in Grocery Stores | $11.49 for 12 oz bag $16.49 for 21 oz bag $24.98 for 32 oz bag |
| Where to Buy Eight O'Clock Original | Eight O’Clock website, Amazon, Walmart, Ralphs, Food Lion |
2. Stumptown Hair Bender
Stumptown Coffee Roasters Hair Bender is a medium-roast blend sourced from Latin America, Indonesia, and Africa. Stumptown Coffee offers many blends in supermarkets, but Hair Bender stands out as the top pour-over and drip choice with a visible roast date that guarantees freshness.
Taste: Hair Bender is a medium-roast coffee with a complex flavor profile that includes sweet citrus, dark chocolate, raisin, and jasmine notes. It has a smooth, juicy texture with orange and cherry undertones. It excels in espresso and drip brews and pairs well with sweet pastries or chocolate desserts. Its balanced flavor appeals to those seeking store-bought options with a rich experience.
About Stumptown Coffee Roasters: Stumptown Coffee Roasters, established in 1999, sells medium-roast coffee in supermarkets across the United States.
Availability: Hair Bender is available on Stumptown’s website, specialty cafés, and U.S. retailers like Whole Foods, Target, and Amazon. It is sold in 12 oz bags as whole bean or pre-ground for drip and pour over brewers like Hario V60, Chemex, or Origami. It costs $15.00 per 12 oz bag on Stumptown’s website with free shipping on U.S. orders over $50.
Pros: HRich flavor, Espresso-friendly, Subscription discount/
Cons: Not organic, Higher cost than other coffee bought in the stores.
Recommendation: Hair Bender ranks among the best grocery store coffee beans for buyers seeking specialty-grade quality.
| Stumptown Hair Bender | Description |
|---|---|
| Coffee Bean Type | 100% Arabica |
| Roast Profile | Medium |
| Flavor Notes | Sweet citrus, dark chocolate, raisin, jasmine, orange, cherry, caramel |
| Bean Origin | Latin America, Indonesia, Africa |
| Average Price in the Grocery Stores | $15.00 for 12 oz bag |
| Where to Buy Stumptown Hair Bender | Stumptown website, Whole Foods, Target, Amazon, select cafés |
3. Starbucks Veranda Blend
Starbucks Veranda Blend Coffee offers a light roast sourced from Latin American countries such as Mexico, Costa Rica, Colombia, and Puerto Rico. Among all Starbucks whole bean coffee blends in grocery stores, Veranda Blend works best for espresso because its non-oily beans suit most Breville, De’Longhi, and Jura machines.
Taste: Starbucks Veranda Blend is a light-bodied, low-acidity coffee with cocoa, spice, and toasted malt notes. It offers smooth texture and a clean finish resembling hot chocolate. The coffee suits espresso, moka pot brewing, and coffee cocktails like espresso martini.
About Starbucks: Starbucks is a Seattle-based coffee company founded in 1971 by Jerry Baldwin, Zev Siegl, and Gordon Bowker.
Availability: Starbucks Veranda Blend Coffee is sold in select U.S. stores such as Target and Amazon, as well as Starbucks cafés and the official website.It is available in 12 oz, 16 oz, 28 oz, and 40 oz bags as whole bean or pre-ground for drip brewers, AeroPress, and pour overs. The coffee costs $11.98 for a 12 oz bag at Target and other supermarkets, with free shipping on orders above $35.
Pros: Widely available, Smooth flavor, Large bag size.
Cons: No roast date.
Recommendation: Starbucks ranks among the best supermarket coffee brands, with Veranda Blend offering a light roast and mellow flavor ideal for blonde espresso brewing, featuring cocoa and soft spice notes.
| Starbucks Veranda Blend | Description |
|---|---|
| Coffee Bean Type | 100% Arabica |
| Roast Profile | Lightly roasted |
| Flavor Notes | Cocoa, soft spice, toasted malt |
| Bean Origin | Latin America (Mexico, Costa Rica, Colombia, Puerto Rico) |
| Average Price in Grocery Stores | $11.98 per 12 oz bag |
| Where to Buy Starbucks Veranda Blend | Starbucks’ website, Target, Amazon, select Starbucks cafés |
4. Newman's Own Special Blend K-Cup Pods
Newman's Own Organics Special Blend is a medium-roast coffee made from organic Arabica beans in Keurig Single-Serve K-Cup Pods. It ranks among the best organic coffee brands sold in grocery stores. Newman’s Own is USDA Organic and Fair Trade Certified. It uses recyclable pods and donates all profits to charity through the Newman’s Own Foundation.
Taste: Newman's Own Organics Special Blend is a medium-roast coffee with a smooth, balanced flavor and mild acidity. It has a rich aroma, medium body, and a clean aftertaste with roasted nut notes. It is suitable for black coffee, lattes, or iced coffee and pairs well with breakfast foods or chocolate desserts.
About Newman's Own: Newman's Own Organics is an American company founded in 1982 that donates all after-tax profits to charity through Newman’s Own Foundation.
Availability: Newman's Own Organics Special Blend is available in K-Cup Pod packs from 12 to 144 counts on major retailers including Amazon, Walmart, Costco, Staples, Best Buy, BJ’s Wholesale Club, and Newman’s Own website. It is priced at $52.99 for a 96-count pack on Amazon with free shipping on orders over $35 at select stores.
Pros: USDA Organic, Fair Trade, Recyclable pods, Keurig compatible, Bulk packs, Charitable support.
Cons: No roast date, Inconsistent flavor, Limited variety.
Recommendation: Newman's Own Organics Special Blend suits Keurig users seeking USDA Organic and Fair Trade Certified coffee that supports charitable causes.
| Newman's Own Special Blend K-cup pods | Description |
|---|---|
| Coffee Bean Type | Arabica |
| Roast Profile | Medium roast |
| Flavor Notes | Roasted nuts, mild sweetness, balanced |
| Bean Origin | Central America and Indonesia |
| Average Price in Grocery Stores | $52.99 for 96 pods, $0.55 per pod |
| Where to Buy Newman's Own Special Blend K-cup | Newman’s Own website, Amazon, Walmart, Costco, Staples, Best Buy, BJ’s Wholesale Club |
5. Bizzy Cold Brew Smooth & Sweet Blend
Bizzy Cold Brew Coffee Smooth & Sweet Blend is a medium-dark roast coffee that uses 100% USDA Organic Arabica beans from Guatemala, Peru, and Nicaragua. This supermarket ground coffee is coarse-ground and micro-sifted for optimal cold brew extraction. The package includes four brew bags for uniform water extraction and consistent flavor.
Taste: Bizzy Organic Cold Brew Coffee, Smooth & Sweet Blend, has a medium roast profile with caramel, hazelnut, and sweet flavor notes. It delivers a silky mouthfeel, a syrupy finish, and low acidity. The coffee is ideal for cold brew, iced coffee, or French press and pairs well with breakfast foods or desserts like caramel pastries.
About Bizzy Cold Brew: Bizzy Cold Brew is an independent U.S.-based brand founded in 2013 by Alex and Andrew.
Availability: Bizzy Organic Cold Brew Coffee, Smooth & Sweet Blend, is sold online at Amazon, Walmart, Target, and Bizzy’s website. It is available in 4-count brew bag packs (8 oz) for $11.99 or 12-count packs (24 oz) for $27.99. Ready-to-drink bottles (48 fl oz) cost $6.99 at Target. Prices vary by retailer, with subscription discounts up to 5% on Amazon.
Pros: USDA Organic, Cold brew optimized, Free shipping.
Cons: No roast date, Limited sizes.
Recommendation: Bizzy Organic Cold Brew Coffee is ideal for enthusiasts seeking a USDA Organic store-bought option with smooth caramel and hazelnut flavors.
| Bizzy Organic Cold Brew Coffee Smooth & Sweet Blend | Description |
|---|---|
| Coffee Bean Type | Arabica beans |
| Roast Profile | Medium roast |
| Flavor Notes | Caramel, hazelnut, sweet |
| Bean Origin | Central and South America |
| Average Price in Grocery Stores | $11.99 for 4-count brew bags (8 oz) |
| Where to Buy Bizzy Organic Cold Brew Coffee | Amazon, Walmart, Target, Bizzy website |
6. Death Wish Coffee Dark Roast
Death Wish Coffee Dark Roast is bold, organic, Fair Trade-certified coffee blending Arabica and Robusta beans for high caffeine content. It is sourced from India, Peru, South America, and Central America. The coffee is suitable for drip makers, French presses, espresso machines, and provides a strong base for brewing methods.
Taste: Death Wish Coffee Dark Roast has a smooth texture with dark chocolate and black cherry flavors. It offers a clean finish and low bitterness, making it ideal for strong black coffee. The coffee performs well in cold brew, French press, and percolators.
About Death Wish Coffee: Death Wish Coffee is an independent U.S. brand founded by Mike Brown. The company produces high-caffeine dark roast coffee sold in grocery stores nationwide.
Availability: Death Wish Coffee Dark Roast is sold in Amazon, Walmart, Target, Kroger, other U.S. grocery stores, and on the official website in 16 oz ground or whole bean bags. It costs approximately $15.66 per 16 oz bag on Amazon, with free shipping on orders over $35 at Target.
Pros: USDA Organic, Fair Trade, Whole bean option, Ground option, Brewing versatility, Free shipping.
Cons: No roast date, Price variation, Limited bag sizes.
Recommendation: Death Wish Coffee Dark Roast offers the best store-bought dark roast with bold, high caffeine content and flavors of dark chocolate and black cherry.
| Death Wish Coffee Dark Roast | Description |
|---|---|
| Coffee Bean Type | Arabica and Robusta |
| Roast Profile | Dark Roast |
| Flavor Notes | Dark chocolate, black cherry |
| Bean Origin | India, Peru, South and Central America |
| Average Price in Grocery Stores | $15.66 per 16 oz bag |
| Where to Buy Death Wish Coffee Dark Roast | Death Wish Coffee website, Amazon, Walmart, Target, Kroger |
7. The Original Donut Shop Coffee Regular K-Cup Pods
The Original Donut Shop Regular Medium Roast K-Cup Coffee is produced by Keurig Dr Pepper as a medium roast. It is sold in single-serve K-Cup pods compatible with every Keurig K-Cup Pod coffee maker. This is among the best store bought coffee pods with consistent brewing that suits Keurig brewers at home and in offices.
Taste: The Original Donut Shop Regular Medium Roast K-Cup Coffee has a full-bodied, bold flavor with a smooth, balanced taste. It offers a clean finish with subtle sweetness and no distinct flavor notes like chocolate or nuts. The coffee suits black or cream-and-sugar preferences and pairs well with breakfast foods such as donuts or pastries.
About The Original Donut Shop Coffee: The Original Donut Shop is a Keurig Dr Pepper brand offering K-Cup pods that deliver a classic American donut shop coffee experience.
Availability: The Original Donut Shop K-Cup Coffee is sold on Amazon, Walmart, Keurig.com, Costco, and Best Buy. It is available in 12, 24, 32, 48, 72, 80, 96, and 100-count packs. Prices start at $10.99 for a 24-count pack on Keurig.com and $21.99 for a 48-count pack at Staples.
Pros: Keurig compatible, Recyclable pods, Free shipping.
Cons: No origin info, No roast date.
Recommendation: The Original Donut Shop Regular Medium Roast K-Cup Coffee is a classic single-serve store-bought pick. It is ideal for morning brews with balanced flavor and full compatibility with Keurig K-Cup Pod machines.
| The Original Donut Shop Coffee Regular K-Cup Pods | Description |
|---|---|
| Coffee Bean Type | 100% Arabica |
| Roast Profile | Medium |
| Flavor Notes | Bold, balanced, subtle sweetness |
| Bean Origin | Not specified |
| Average Price in Grocery Stores | $10.99 for 24-count (Keurig.com), $21.99 for 48-count (Staples) |
| Where to Buy The Original Donut Shop Coffee | Amazon, Walmart, Keurig.com, Staples, Costco, Best Buy |
How to Choose the best Grocery Store Coffee?
To choose the best store-bought coffee, start by checking roast freshness and selecting beans with a recent roast date. Look for 100% Arabica beans from reputable origins at high altitudes for richer flavor and complexity. Match roast level to your taste, whether light, medium, or dark. Assess aroma, body, and flavor balance for overall quality. Ensure value for price while considering ethical sourcing certifications like Fair Trade or Organic. The key details on how to choose the best coffee to buy at a grocery store are shown below.
- Check availability by confirming the brand is stocked across major supermarkets like Costco, Walmart, Target, or Aldi.
- Compare packaging size options by deciding between small 10–12 oz bags or bulk 2–3 lb bags for regular use.
- Evaluate packaging type by looking for resealable bags, cans, vacuum-sealed bricks, or pods.
- Assess shelf life by considering how long the coffee maintains freshness over weeks or months.
- Review grind options by choosing between whole bean, coarse, medium, fine, espresso, or pre-ground formats.
- Confirm pod availability by checking if the brand sells K-Cups or Nespresso-compatible pods.
- Explore instant coffee options by seeing whether soluble or ready-to-drink formats are offered.
- Consider alternatives by comparing store-brand options like Kirkland or Great Value with specialty or national brands.
Are Coffee Beans at the Grocery Store Fresh?
No, coffee beans at the grocery store are not fresh after weeks on shelves, losing peak flavor and aroma. The pros of supermarket coffee include convenience and low cost, but the cons involve reduced freshness and flavor complexity. Better alternatives are fresh roasted coffee online or from specialty brands, like Colipse, that ship beans within days for optimal freshness and taste.
What is the Best Supermarket Coffee Alternative?
The best supermarket coffee alternative is freshly roasted whole coffee beans from local roasters or specialty coffee brands like Colipse Coffee. These options provide higher freshness, stronger aroma, and richer flavor compared to pre-ground supermarket coffee. Unlike mass-produced supermarket coffee, Colipse coffee beans are freshly roasted to order and delivered within 3–5 days for peak freshness. Our coffee costs $19.95–$27.99 per bag with free shipping on all orders and discounts up to 40% on larger sizes, depending on blend, origin, and size.
What is the Best Supermarket for Coffee Beans?
The best supermarket to buy coffee beans varies, but many shoppers recommend Whole Foods or Costco for high-quality beans. The best coffee beans to buy are sustainably sourced Arabica, preferably whole beans for freshness and flavor. Some grocery stores like Whole Foods roast their own beans, and top-rated options include brands like Lavazza, Stumptown, and Peet’s for quality and variety. Buying whole bean coffee from the grocery store preserves freshness longer than pre-ground coffee.
Which Store Bought Coffee has the Most Caffeine?
The store-bought coffee with the most caffeine is Black Label Coffee by Devil Mountain with 1,555 mg of caffeine per 12-ounce cup. Other top strong coffee brands include Very Strong Coffee, High-Voltage Coffee, and Black Insomnia Coffee, each exceeding 1,000 mg per 12-ounce serving. These brands use Robusta beans with naturally high caffeine, making them the best options for those seeking the strongest coffee.