Have you ever walked down the coffee aisle at your local supermarket ready to try something new only to pick up the same thing you have settled for time and time again? Somewhere between the prices and flavors that range from pop songs to puppies, the incentive to go outside of your comfort zone diminishes. Fear not! It is okay to step out of your grocery aisle comfort zone.
Here is your SIMPLE coffee buying guide on how to choose coffee that is best for you.
Step 1. Decoding Coffee Labels - See image below
What’s in a coffee label? Well, quite a bit. Here’s a quick guide to help you understand the essentials of a coffee bag.
Brand
The brand represents the company selling the coffee. Pay attention to the name, sometimes it gives you an idea of the values of the company.
Dates
Freshness matters when it comes to coffee! The date on the label can be the roast date or a "best by" date. The fresher the coffee, the better it will taste. It is important to pay attention to wording. Be mindful that some brands use vague or misleading date formats to make coffee seem fresher than it really is. To get the best-tasting coffee look for brands that clearly state the roast date, and try to buy the freshest option available.
*in the image, the dates are shown on the front for clarity. Usually, dates are printed on the bottom or back of packaging.
Attributes
This section tells you about the sourcing and any certifications the coffee has earned. You might see mentions of things like organic, fair trade, or single origin. For example, a single origin coffee indicates that the beans are sourced from one specific region or farm. A coffee that’s labeled organic has gone through specific processes to ensure it meets organic farming standards. This is an investment made by the roaster and can often be costly, so expect a higher price (and quality!) when a coffee is labeled organic.
Item Name
This is simply the product name. It can be creative or informative, or just plain fun! Sometimes a brand will name a coffee after the region where it’s grown while other times the name will reflect the flavor profile.
Roast Level
This refers to the way the beans are roasted and affects the flavor. Coffee roasts generally fall into three categories:
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Light roast: Retains more of the bean’s natural flavor.
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Medium roast: A balanced flavor, not too bold and not too mild.
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Dark roast: The beans have a bolder flavor.
Bean Type
Pay attention to whether the coffee is whole bean or pre-ground. It is perfectly ok to start with pre-ground coffee until you are ready for the next step in your coffee journey. Keep in mind that freshly ground beans make a noticeable difference in flavor and aroma.
Step 2. Choose a Coffee and go for it!
Here's how to make your first purchase:
Start simple: If you're not sure what you like, start with a medium roast. It’s a safe bet that offers a balance between mild and bold – such as our Artist or Nordico blends.
Set a budget: Look for sales and try and get the best bang for your buck.
Consider your brewing method: If you choose whole bean coffee, make sure you have a grinder at home. Otherwise, most grocery stores have one available in the coffee aisle, free of charge!
When using the store’s grinder, be sure to choose the right setting for your brew:
For drip coffee, look for a medium grind.
For French press, you’ll need a coarse grind.
If you’re using an espresso machine, look for a fine grind.
Explore flavors: Don’t just go for the same thing every time. Try a few different roasts, and look for something with flavor notes that intrigue you.
Wrapping Up
There you have it! A simple grocery store coffee buying guide to help you navigate the world of coffee. Whether you are just starting out or looking to expand your coffee horizons, understanding the labels, types, and roasts will make your coffee shopping much easier.
And remember, there’s no “right” coffee, it's all about finding what works best for you.
So go ahead, step out of your coffee comfort zone and start exploring. Your perfect cup is waiting!
