The Ultimate Guide to Black Coffee: Top 15 Grocery Store Brands for a Delicious cup of Java
Black coffee has long been a staple in many coffee enthusiasts' routines, and with good reason. When made properly, black coffee offers a bold, rich flavor that is full of nuanced notes and a depth of taste that is hard to match. Whether you prefer a classic French roast or a more modern medium roast, a well-brewed cup of black coffee is a versatile beverage that can be enjoyed neat, over ice, or as a base for a variety of espresso drinks and cocktails. In this guide, we've compiled a list of our top 15 grocery store coffee brands that are dedicated to crafting the best cups of black coffee for you to enjoy at home.
What is Black Coffee?
Black coffee, also known as "arabica" in its natural form, is the pure coffee bean that has not been roasted. Roasted beans give coffee its distinctive taste, so black coffee is generally less acidic and has a smoother, milder flavor. When freshly roasted, it has a vibrant, crispy texture that is unique to the roast level. Black coffee can range from light to dark roasts, with the darkest roasts typically having a smoky flavor.
Why Drink Black Coffee?
There are several reasons why some coffee enthusiasts prefer to drink black coffee. Here are a few:
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It cuts calories: Black coffee tends to have fewer calories than espresso drinks or flavored lattes.
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It suits everyone's taste: Unlike flavored coffees that may be too sweet or strong for certain people, black coffee allows you to customize the flavor to your liking.
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It's a great choice for people with sensitive stomachs: Black coffee contains fewer acid compounds than other coffee drinks, making it less likely to cause stomach upset.
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It's a cost-effective option: grocery store coffee brands offer some of the best deals on black coffee, making it an affordable choice for those looking to make their own coffee at home.
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It's versatile: Black coffee can be enjoyed neat, over ice, or as a base for espresso drinks and cocktails.
15 Best Grocery Store Coffee Brands for Drinking Black Coffee
To determine the best grocery store coffee brands for black coffee, we analyzed reviews, ratings, certifications, and expert opinions from trusted sources. Here are the top 15 brands that specialize in crafting the best cups of black coffee for you to enjoy at home.
- Wicked Joe Organics
Wicked Joe's mission is to craft delicious coffee that is organic, fair-trade, and sustainable. Their medium roast, Bella Maria, is an excellent choice for those who want a light to medium roast with a smooth taste. Their dark roast, Wicked Italian, provides a deep flavor profile that is perfect for coffee connoisseurs.
- Death Wish Coffee Company
Death Wish Coffee claims to have some of the highest caffeine content available, making it a popular choice for those who love a strong cup of coffee. Their medium roast is bold and earthy, while their dark roast provides a rich flavor that is ideal for cold coffee drinks.
- Kauai Coffee
Kauai Coffee is known for its medium roast, Blue Hawaiian, which has a refreshing, fruity flavor that is reminiscent of a sunny day in Hawaii. The company is committed to sustainability and responsible sourcing, offering a variety of coffee blends that are certified fair-trade and non-GMO.
- Peet's Coffee
Peet's Coffee is a popular small coffee shop that is widely available in grocery stores. Their medium roast, Big Bang, is a bestseller that has a light fruity undertone with a rich chocolate background. Their dark roast, Major Dickason's blend, is a great choice for those who prefer a more robust flavor profile.
- Folgers
Folgers is a well-known household coffee brand that has been a staple in many kitchens for over a century. They offer a variety of roasts and blends that are suitable for drinking black, and their bold, rich, and smooth flavor profiles have made them a popular choice for breakfast.
- Café Bustelo
Café Bustelo is a quirky, fun brand that is often overshadowed by larger, more popular coffee brands. Their rich, earthy flavor profile and smooth finish make them a favorite among coffee consumers. They are available in a variety of formats, including canned, vacuum-sealed bags, K-cups, and instant coffee.
- Eight O'Clock Coffee
Eight O'Clock Coffee offers a range of coffee options for your daily caffeine needs, including a single origin to blend with roasts from light to dark. Their black coffee is a good choice for those who prefer a no-frills swig of black coffee that is affordable and consistent.
- Green Mountain Coffee Roasters
Green Mountain Coffee is a well-known product that is found in every nook and cranny of the state. They have a solid medium roast that rates well among coffee drinkers and offers a great price point for those who want a decent cup of joe.
- Cameron's
Cameron's is a popular coffee brand that offers a range of blends with a variety of light to dark roasts. Theirroasters pair their blends to elicit expressive profiles that make desirable flavor notes. Their affordable price tag and relatable flavor notes make them a great choice for anyone looking to dip their toes into the world of specialty coffee.
- Gevalia
Gevalia is a gourmet coffee brand that originated from Italy and has been roasted fresh and delivered directly to your doorstep. Their dark roast, traditionally Scandinavian roast, is known for its rich, deep taste that can warm up anyone's heart. Their affordable price point and consistent quality make them a great option for those who are looking for a consistent, good cup of black coffee.
- Wide Awake Coffee Company
Wide Awake Coffee is a fun, playful coffee brand that offers a range of roasts and blends with notes of fruit that are sweetly balanced against a richer background. Their roasting process involves 100% Arabica beans and has a minimal aftertaste, making it a popular choice for those who prefer a smooth, clean taste in their coffee.
- New England Coffee
New England Coffee has been around for over 100 years and is known for being a solid medium roast that has a rich taste, full flavor, and lack of bitterness. Their dark roast, Darkest Before Dawn, is also popular among coffee enthusiasts for its fresh, smooth taste that isn't too overpowering.
- Newman's Own
Newman's Own is a well-known brand that donates 100% of its profits to charities supporting children in need. They offer a variety of ground coffee and K-cups that are affordable and underplayed, making them a great choice for those who are looking for an affordable, no-frills coffee.
- Lavazza
Lavazza is an Italian coffee brand that is known for its high-quality espresso blends and drip machines. Their black coffee is a favorite among coffee consumers for its smooth, bold taste and lack of bitter aftertaste.
- Methodology
To create a list of the best grocery store coffee brands for black coffee, we first started with a list of our favorite coffee brands. We eliminated any brand not sold in a regular grocery store. We also struck from the list any coffees from chains, such as Dunkin's, Tim Horton's, and Starbucks. Finally, we reached out to coffee lovers to narrow down the list more.
Our Top Pick
Ultimately, our top pick for the best grocery store coffee brand for black coffee is Wicked Joe Organics. Their medium roast, Bella Maria, is an excellent choice for those who want a light to medium roast with a smooth taste that doesn't require added sugar or cream. Their dark roast, Wicked Italian, provides a deep flavor profile that is perfect for coffee connoisseurs, and their commitment to sustainability and responsible sourcing sets them apart.
FAQ
Is black coffee better than flavored coffee?
Black coffee is generally less acidic and has a smoother, milder flavor compared to flavored coffees. If you prefer a stronger flavor profile, you may choose to add cream or sugar.
What kind of beans should I use for black coffee?
For the best flavor profile, use whole beans and grind them just before brewing. Avoid using pre-ground beans as they lose their flavor much faster.
Can I make black coffee with cold brew?
Yes, you can make black coffee with cold brew. Lighter roasts that have been brewed in the Japanese cold brew style taste light and crisp, making them a good choice for those who want to enjoy black coffee without adding sugar or cream.
What's the difference between light and dark roasts?
Light roasts have less bitterness and a brighter overall flavor, while dark roasts are known for their strong, smoky flavor. Light roasts often have more nuanced flavor characteristics and a longer shelf life.
Can I make black coffee at home?
Absolutely, making black coffee at home is relatively simple. You will need fresh beans, a burr grinder, a kettle, and a coffee maker. There are also plenty of tutorials online that can guide you through the process.
What's the best way to make black coffee taste good?
The best way to make black coffee taste good is to start with freshly roasted beans, use a light roast, and experiment with different brewing methods to find your preference. You can also add a little salt to your black coffee to take out the bitterness.
How often should I drink black coffee?
Drinking black coffee is not a must, but it can be a good choice for those who want to cut calories or reduce their caffeine intake. Start by gradually weaning off sugar and cream and incorporating more whole beans into your routine.
What are the benefits of drinking black coffee?
Drinking black coffee can provide a variety of health benefits, including improved heart health, reduced risk of stroke, and increased energy levels. However, be sure to balance your intake with plenty of water to avoid dehydration.Black coffee is a versatile and accessible choice for coffee enthusiasts looking to enjoy a flavorful and authentic coffee experience without adding excess sugar or cream. By selecting high-quality grocery store coffee brands and experimenting with different brewing methods, you can make black coffee a delicious and satisfying part of any coffee routine.
