What’s the first thing you reach for in the morning? For millions, it’s a steaming mug of coffee. That rich aroma and warm hug in a cup can kickstart any day. But have you ever stood in the coffee aisle, staring at bags labeled “medium roast,” “single origin,” or “cold brew blend,” feeling completely lost?
Choosing the perfect coffee to drink feels like navigating a maze. Do you want something bold and dark, or light and fruity? Should you grind your beans fresh, or buy pre-ground? The sheer number of choices can turn a simple morning ritual into a stressful decision. We all want that perfect sip that brightens our mood and sharpens our focus, but finding it takes guesswork.
This guide cuts through the confusion. We will break down the basics of coffee—from bean to brew—so you can confidently pick the flavor profile that matches your taste. By the end, you will know exactly what to look for on the label.
Ready to transform your daily coffee experience from confusing to crave-worthy? Let’s dive into the wonderful world of coffee you should be drinking.
Top Coffee To Drink Recommendations
- Rich, bold Starbucks espresso with just the right amount of cream
- Brewed espresso coffee.State of Readiness: Ready to Drink
- Convenient 6.5 oz. can to enjoy at home, at work, or on the go. 12-count case
- 120mg caffeine per serving
- Only 70 calories per serving
- Good Source of Protein + Calcium: Who says you can't enjoy bold, smooth and delicious cold brew lattes while still crushing your goals? Our refreshing lattes are a good source of protein and calcium for a daily brew you can enjoy without all the guilt.
- Full on Flavor, Not Guilt: Our premium lattes contain 75% less added sugar per serving than the #1 Selling RTD Coffee*, because coffee should be full of refreshing flavor, not guilt. We only craft our brews with real ingredients that are sustainably sourced, because what's in your can matters.
- Clean Energy With Quality Ingredients: This premium latte is crafted with Fair Trade certified 100% Colombian cold brew and no artificial flavors, colors or sweeteners - because you should never have to compromise quality for convenience.
- Perfect For On-The-Go : We know you're busy, whether you're racing to what's next, hitting the gym, or just need a pick me up, we've got you covered. With real, clean ingredients, and a format perfect for grab and go, your coffee just became one less thing to worry about.
- Get The Most Out Of Your Coffee: Each can of our premium lattes contains as much caffeine as 1.5 cups of coffee, leaving you refreshed and energized to crush your to-do list. Best served chilled.
- Refreshing and full of flavor, this rich and smooth original iced coffee provides that quick, cold, and satisfying boost to help keep you going
- Best served iced—like the name says
- Each 13.7 fl oz ready-to-drink bottle contains 171 mg of caffeine to keep you running on Dunkin’
- Rich, smooth coffee and milk beverage
- RISE AND SHINE: A smooth coffee shake with protein and the caffeine of 1 cup of coffee, so you can savor your morning ritual while fueling your lifestyle
- HIGH PROTEIN & NO ADDED SUGAR: 30g of protein and no added sugar per shake fuels your body so you can take on the day
- ON-THE-GO: Ready-to-drink and portable for mornings, workouts, afternoon snacks, or anytime you want a flavorful shake that fits into your lifestyle
- SMOOTH DELICIOUSNESS: Creamy, delightful flavors like Chocolate, Vanilla, Caramel, and Café Latte, so you can sweeten your day and savor the moments that fuel your lifestyle
- SWEETEN YOUR JOURNEY: Be part of a movement that makes everyday living flavorful and joyful. Premier Protein is about embracing life and feeling your best
- Mocha White Chocolate: Indulge in the sweet swirl of milk chocolate and white chocolate flavors in this rich, creamy iced latte
- Ready To Drink: Convenient and portable, our Iced Lattes come in BPA-Free plastic recyclable bottles making them easy to enjoy on-the-go
- Community Is Everything: From using responsibly-sourced coffee beans to programs that support military service members, local schools & more, Community Coffee gives back to our partners & local communities in every way we can
- How You Like It: At only 200 calories per serving, our Iced Lattes are perfect for mornings, on-the-go, or anytime you crave a sweet treat. Shake well. Best served chilled or over ice
- Quality Assured: All of our coffee beans go through a rigorous scoring system for body, balance, flavor & aroma giving you a rich, smooth coffee experience every time
- Coffee with a Kick: One 11 fl oz can of ready to drink SToK Cold Brew Energy Vanilla Cream with 195 mg caffeine per serving
- Coffee Forward, Never Bitter: SToK Cold Brew Energy Vanilla Cream coffee energy has the right amount of vanilla flavor to enhance--but never overtake--our bold, smooth, one-of-a-kind taste
- Coffee Drinks with Guarana and B Vitamins: This energy coffee beverage contains 195mg of caffeine to help support focus and also contains B-vitamins, guarana and ginseng
- Flavor Inspiration: Check out all the SToK Cold Brew Energy coffee drinks, like Caramel Cream and Mocha Cream, so you can turn your passion for cold brew into action
- Make a Difference: SToK Cold Brew Coffee is made with Rainforest Alliance Certified beans
- 100 mg of natural caffiene
- 130 Calories
- Made with real vanilla extract
- Certified Gluten-Free
- Non-GMO
- Iced Coffee Plus Protein - Enjoy the perfect blend of rich, 100% Arabica coffee and 10g of premium whey protein per serving. Our protein coffee is designed to keep you energized and satisfied, making it an ideal choice for a refreshing iced coffee that supports your health and wellness goals.
- Added Benefits - Now enhanced with prebiotics to promote gut health and goMCT to support energy, metabolism, and cognitive function. It’s more than just coffee—it’s your all-in-one wellness boost.
- Naturally Flavorful - Enjoy the delicious taste of our iced protein coffee, available in various crave-worthy flavors. Each flavor is crafted with natural ingredients, offering a guilt-free indulgence without compromise.
- Incredibly Convenient - Enjoy cafe-quality iced coffee at home in seconds. No messy mixing or complicated prep—just scoop, stir, and effortlessly customize your perfect cup, wherever you are.
- Your Goals, Made Easy - Boost your metabolism and regulate your appetite with our Instant Protein Coffee. We've combined coffee and protein into a delicious one-scoop protein coffee beverage to help you achieve your health, fitness, and wellness goals. Enjoy the convenience of our portable packaging, allowing you to take your Instant Protein Coffee anywhere, anytime!
The Ultimate Buying Guide for Your Perfect Cup of Coffee
Choosing the right coffee can feel like a big adventure. You want a drink that tastes great every morning. This guide helps you pick the best coffee for you. We look at what matters most, from the bean to your mug.
Key Features to Look For
Good coffee has several important features. These make a big difference in how your drink tastes.
1. Roast Level
- Light Roast: These beans are lighter brown. They keep more of the original fruity or acidic flavors of the bean.
- Medium Roast: This is the middle ground. It offers a balanced flavor, a little sweetness, and medium body.
- Dark Roast: These beans are dark brown, almost black. They taste bolder, sometimes smoky, and have less acidity.
2. Grind Size
The size of the coffee grounds matters for brewing. You must match the grind to your brewing method.
- Coarse: Good for French Press or Cold Brew.
- Medium: Best for standard drip coffee makers.
- Fine: Needed for espresso machines or Moka Pots.
3. Freshness Date
Always check when the coffee was roasted. Freshly roasted beans taste much better. Coffee loses flavor quickly after grinding.
Important Materials: What Makes the Bean?
The type of coffee bean used greatly affects the final taste.
Arabica vs. Robusta Beans
- Arabica: These beans are generally preferred. They offer complex, aromatic flavors and lower caffeine. Most specialty coffees use Arabica beans.
- Robusta: These beans have a stronger, harsher flavor and much more caffeine. They are often used in instant coffees or espresso blends for a stronger crema (the foam on top).
Origin
Where coffee grows changes its flavor profile. Beans from Ethiopia often taste fruity. Beans from Brazil tend to taste nutty or chocolatey.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Many things can make your coffee amazing or just okay.
Factors That Improve Quality
- Whole Bean: Buying whole beans and grinding them right before brewing locks in the best flavor.
- Proper Storage: Keep beans in an airtight container away from light, heat, and moisture. Air and light destroy flavor quickly.
- High Altitude Growing: Coffee grown at higher altitudes often matures slower, developing richer, more complex sugars.
Factors That Reduce Quality
- Pre-Ground Coffee (If old): Once ground, coffee stales very fast. If you buy pre-ground, use it within a week.
- Over-Roasting: Roasting beans too long can burn away desirable flavors, leaving only a bitter, burnt taste.
- Poor Water Quality: Since coffee is mostly water, using tap water with strong chlorine flavors will definitely hurt the taste.
User Experience and Use Cases
Think about how and when you plan to drink your coffee.
Morning Wake-Up Call
If you need a strong start, look for a medium-dark roast or a blend known for higher caffeine content. Espresso blends work well here.
Relaxing Afternoon Sip
For slower, enjoyable moments, try single-origin Arabica beans with lighter or medium roasts. These let you taste the unique flavors of the region.
Brewing Method Match
Your equipment guides your choice. If you only have a simple drip machine, a medium grind of a balanced medium roast is usually the safest, most satisfying choice.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Coffee To Drink
Q: What is the difference between “single origin” and a “blend”?
A: Single origin means all the beans come from one farm or region. Blends mix beans from different places to create a unique, consistent flavor.
Q: Should I store my coffee in the freezer?
A: No, most experts say you should not. Freezing causes moisture and freezer odors to transfer to the beans, which reduces quality.
Q: How long does ground coffee stay fresh?
A: Ground coffee loses most of its best flavor within 30 minutes of grinding. If bought pre-ground, try to finish the bag within one week.
Q: What does “body” mean when describing coffee?
A: Body describes the weight or thickness you feel on your tongue. A full-bodied coffee feels heavy, like whole milk. A light-bodied coffee feels thin, like skim milk.
Q: Which roast has the most caffeine?
A: Surprisingly, light roasts usually have slightly more caffeine by weight. Darker roasts cook off a tiny bit more caffeine during the longer roasting time.
Q: Is darker coffee always stronger tasting?
A: Yes, darker roasts taste stronger because the roasting process creates more bitter compounds. However, they are lower in acidity.
Q: What is the ideal water temperature for brewing?
A: The best temperature is usually between 195°F and 205°F (90°C to 96°C). Water that is too cool makes weak coffee; boiling water can burn the grounds.
Q: What should I look for if I want low-acidity coffee?
A: Look for dark roasts or coffees grown in lower-altitude regions. Indonesian beans, like Sumatran, are often naturally lower in acid.
Q: Does buying Fair Trade certified coffee taste better?
A: Fair Trade certification focuses on ethical purchasing practices, not strictly on flavor. However, supporting better farming conditions often leads to higher quality beans overall.
Q: Can I use coffee that is a year old?
A: You can still use it, but the flavor will be flat and dull. Coffee does not technically “spoil” in a dangerous way, but its desirable characteristics fade away.