In order to choose the best ground coffee, you need to know what you're looking for. If you love the bold flavors of a cappuccino or shot of espresso; one will favor either espresso or dark roast coffee. If you prefer a lighter tasting coffee drink, a light roast coffee will suit your tastes. Why should you trust my opinion on what the best ground coffees available at the grocery store are?
First, I'm a sister to a five-year Starbucks employee (aka I have tried almost every new brew Starbucks has had, and avoid the Frappuccinos). Second, I own my own espresso maker and make my coffee with it daily. Third, I've tried coffee from around America (just about each state has a different chain they favor) on trips with my family.
Hopefully that's enough to convince you of my passion for coffee, although I'm not a gold member of Starbucks, sadly. The best ground coffees you can find at the grocery store goes as follows.
1. Cafe Bustelo
This is the supremo espresso in my opinion and will change your coffee habits forever. Once using this espresso in a can, you'll never go back to bagged coffee. This espresso is the best way to replicate a coffee chain-made beverage.
2. Stumptown Coffee Roasters— Hair Bender Roast
This roast is a strong, robust dark roast with a strong history. Hair bender was the first roast of Stumptown, and they just recently redid their packaging.
3. Starbucks—Veranda Blend
This blonde roast comes in third, as it's the perfect cup to introduce to someone who's new to the world of coffee. Light cocoa and nutty flavors make this coffee a perfect "starter coffee."
4. Cameron's—Highlander Grogg
This coffee is my "cheap" pick, yet is one of my favorites as a college student who can't afford to have espresso daily. At only $6 per bag, this has sweet flavors of caramel, butterscotch, and rum rounded out with a nutty flavor. This is a family favorite on Sunday mornings.
5. Caribou—Any blend
In honor of Caribou being the most popular meeting place on my campus, Caribou coffee is rounding out the top five best ground coffees at the grocery store. You can't fully replicate their famous Campfire Mocha, but you can definitely try with roasts available such as Chocolate Wonder, Mint Chocolate Thrill, and Reindeer Blend. I tend to gravitate towards the seasonal blends, but all are worth trying.
6. Wide Awake Coffee Co—Donut Shop Blend
If you're looking for a reasonably priced flavored coffee, this blend is a winner. It's perfect to try different flavors that are easy to pair with breakfast foods due to the sweet flavors of the coffee. For a coffee drinker who's trying to add less sugar to their cup, this would be a great ground coffee.
7. Dunkin' Donuts—Any flavored coffee
Although the name Dunkin' brings to my mind donuts, their coffee is always a good pair to their sugary treats. With seasonal coffees and constantly changing flavored coffee, it's easy to like Dunkin'. This seasonal Pumpkin Spice roast contains a cinnamon pumpkin spice blend that makes it an instant favorite.
8. Peet's Coffee—French Roast
Peet's Coffee is more well known on the West Coast, but it sells ground coffee in stores across the nation. The French roast is a strong brew, so definitely pick it up if you enjoy dark roast coffee.
9. Gevalia
One of the main reasons I'm ranking this coffee so low is because of the price. At around $10 per bag, the cost isn't very reasonable for college students. I'd possibly drink this coffee after I have landed that "dream job." It's not as strong as a Starbucks brew, so the price for the less bold flavor just isn't worth it on a weekly basis.
10. Folgers
The classic office coffee. No explaining needed, it's a fine cup of joe.
Quality coffee doesn't have to come from an expensive coffee shop. Save some money and make it at home after a simple trip to your local grocery store. This list of the 10 best ground coffees should help you decide on what brew to try next. Whatever you do, remember to ALWAYS have coffee first.