How to Find High-Quality Coffee Beans (Online & In Stores)

If you’re a serious coffee drinker, you know that not all coffee beans are created equal. Even the most advanced brewing equipment can’t compensate for low-quality beans. But with so many options out there, how do you find the perfect bag of coffee?

The first step is identifying what matters most to you. Are you after the best-tasting coffee? Do you want to sample unique flavors, or are you focused on finding ethically sourced beans? Whatever your goal, this guide will help you recognize top-quality coffee beans and find the best places to buy them. Let’s get started!

What does great coffee look like?

1. How to Find High-Quality Coffee Beans

There are two main types of coffee beans: Arabica and Robusta. Arabica beans are generally considered the highest quality and make up the majority of the world’s coffee. On the other hand, Robusta beans are often more bitter, contain twice the caffeine, and are usually found in blends. If you want premium coffee, look for 100% Arabica beans.

Coffee grows in the equatorial Bean Belt, a region between the Tropics of Capricorn and Cancer that spans over 50 countries. Different regions produce different flavors, so if you’re in the mood to explore, try coffee from countries beyond Brazil, Vietnam, and Colombia — the world’s largest producers. Last year, Brazil alone exported nearly 6 billion pounds of coffee!

Aside from where it’s grown, where and when the coffee is roasted is equally important. Most coffee is shipped green to preserve its freshness. Coffee loses flavor quickly once roasted due to oxygen exposure, so look for local roasters or those that ship beans promptly after roasting to ensure freshness.

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2. How to Find High-Quality Coffee Bags

The freshest coffee comes from beans roasted within the last one to two weeks, so check the roast date on the bag. The closer the roast date, the better the flavor.

While pre-ground coffee is convenient, it’s best to buy whole beans and grind them just before brewing. Once beans are ground, they start losing flavor rapidly. If you don’t have a grinder, consider getting one — they’re available in many grocery stores or even at Costco.

Ever notice a small hole in coffee bags? That’s a one-way valve, which lets carbon dioxide escape while preventing oxygen from entering, keeping the coffee fresh longer. For the best results, look for vacuum-sealed bags with this feature.

If ethical sourcing is important to you, check for the USDA Organic seal (indicating beans are grown without pesticides, antibiotics, or hormones) or the Fair Trade seal, which ensures fair treatment and good working conditions for farmers.

Where can I buy great coffee?

Now that you know what to look for, where should you shop?

Online

Shopping for coffee online is incredibly convenient — just click a button, and your coffee arrives at your doorstep!

Some of our favorite roasters sell directly online. Lifeboost Coffee offers delicious, sustainable Nicaraguan beans, and Volcanica Coffee has a vast selection of roasted-on-demand gourmet beans. Other great roasters to check out include Blue Mountain Coffee, Counter Culture, Camber Coffee, and George Howell Coffee.

RELATED READ: 12 Great Online Coffee Roasters

Coffee Clubs

Want to try unique beans but don’t have the time to shop? A coffee subscription service is an excellent way to explore different flavors. Subscriptions also make fantastic gifts — even for yourself!

Our top pick is Driftaway Coffee (check out our review). Other great choices include Atlas Coffee Club, Trade Coffee, and Bean Box.

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In Store

If you live in or near a big city, you’ll likely have plenty of high-quality coffee options in-store. For those living in more remote areas, you might find better selections online.

Local coffee shops are often great places to buy freshly roasted beans. Some roast their own coffee and sell it in-store. You can also find quality coffee at grocery stores, but be sure to check the roast date for freshness!

On a budget? Costco offers excellent deals on whole bean coffee both online and in-store.

Time to start brewing!

You can’t go wrong with freshly roasted, whole Arabica beans. Whether you join a coffee club, shop at your favorite local café, or buy directly from roasters, you’re sure to enjoy a superior cup of coffee. Happy brewing!