Several factors have contributed to the rise in coffee prices in recent years, directly linked to inflation, supply chain disruptions, climate change in coffee-growing regions, and transportation costs. Faced with this price surge, coffee lovers have developed a discerning eye for which coffee companies offer better value than others, in addition to considering flavor and texture. We reveal what people think about these coffee brands, based on comments they’ve made on Reddit and the internet!
Worth The Cost – Dunkin’ Original Blend
The coffee served at Dunkin’ has a smooth broad-appeal flavor, avoiding being too dark, bitter or acidic, making it ideal for coffee lovers who drink it daily. This is why the company has garnered a large following. In addition, customers appreciate that prices haven’t skyrocketed, even though there have been increases, as is the case nationwide. This commitment to value is reciprocated by those who frequent the store. Reddit user Wolfgang985 commented: “How and why is this coffee so good? Caught me off guard as a self-appointed coffee sommelier. My personal favorite is the Ruta Maya whole bean but the local warehouses stop carrying it in store unfortunately”.
Worth The Cost – Peet’s Coffee Major Dickason’s Blend
Among premium coffee companies, Major Dickason continues to gain a strong reputation for the robust flavor of its coffees, which maintain a perfect balance with the other ingredients. Those who buy it consider it one of the most reliable options on the market, despite its price, which is well worth the cost for its quality. “Definitely Peet’s Major Dickason is my favorite blend, and probably my favorite mass-produced coffee of all time. I do this in my French press all the time. Holiday blend is almost as much as that one” commented one Reddit user.
Worth The Cost – Lavazza Super Crema
Coffee lovers who don’t want to choose specialty coffee but still want great-tasting drinks often opt for Lavazza Super Crema. Its Italian heritage and reputation for being a strong espresso set it apart from the competition. Another point that Lavazza fans mention is its consistent flavor, even when buying different coffee bags. Reddit user Evening-Nobody-7674 sentenced: “Super Crema is a lighter medium roast robust blend. Robusto by nature, has a burnt flavor that will really shine if over extracted. Lots of people use Super Crema in milk drinks as just as bit of burnt will shine through the milk”.
Worth The Cost – Kirkland Signature Colombian Coffee
One of Costco’s most prized items remains Kirkland Signature Colombian coffee, thanks to customer trust in its price, quality and quantity, which is hard to beat. Those who buy it daily say it surpasses all other brands, though they also acknowledge it won’t satisfy specialty coffee aficionados. However, when price is taken into account, it consistently ranks among the best. “My wife and I both drink it black, and I think is pretty good for pre-ground. The price is still good, it’s our go to coffee for weekdays” commented Reddit user frenchtoastking17.
Worth The Cost – Community Coffee
After winning over a large portion of the coffee-loving community in the southern United States, Community Coffee has continued to expand thanks to its robust flavor and affordable price. Its long history, dating back to 1919, speaks for itself, and it maintains a large number of loyal customers. Reddit user MHtellsajoke commented: “It’s hard to go anywhere in the southeastern region of America without Community Coffe being someone’s favorite. It’s cheap as 8 bucks a pound for the basic dark roast, with semi regular sales down to 4 or 5 at my local store”.
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Worth The Cost – Counter Culture Coffee
Counter Culture coffee isn’t cheap, but if you’re willing to spend a little extra, you’ll be paying for freshness, transparency regarding the coffee’s origin, and consistent roasting. Coffee lovers consider Counter Culture one of the companies worth investment, and those who enjoy specialty coffees are also drawn to this blend. An Reddit user called super_fluous commented: “Counter Culture is amazing, they have unique coffees and they put in a lot of effort into their direct trade relationships. And they have public cuppings on Fridays which are very cool and insightful”.
Needs To Step It Up – Folgers Classic Roast
Those who have tried Folgers Classic Roast say the product is average and forgettable. Many people who buy it weekly do so out of habit, but those who compare it to others say it lacks flavor. One of the worst criticisms is that its quality has declined, even though the price of Folgers Classic Roast continues to rise. Reddit user auamenthyst mentioned: “Folgers is acceptable only in situations of desperation”.
Needs To Step It Up – Maxwell House
Maxwell House has earned a place among coffee companies, but that doesn’t necessarily make it outstanding. Those who drink it say it does its job of satisfying your coffee cravings, but it’s not enjoyable. What has put this brand in question is society’s evolving demand for freshness and flavor in these beverages. Many of its regular customers have already switched to other blends. Reddit user auamenthyst also commented on this coffee blend: “Maxwell House Q is like drinking motor oil”.
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Needs To Step It Up – Starbucks Ground Coffee
Starbucks has made a name for itself in the coffee world, though many agree that this is more due to its marketing than the actual taste of its coffee. When they try its roasts, they find them too dark and bitter compared to other brands. And the price is another point of contention, with many criticizing the company for maintaining a premium price point when many customers don’t perceive it as such. Reddit user Codorna_Tecnicolor commented: “The first brew I made according to the ‘medium roast smooth with notes of chocolate’ Starbucks coffee package was an undrinkable bitumen, activated charcoal with notes of sadness and a burnt tire aftertaste”.
Needs To Step It Up – Green Mountain Coffee
Green Mountain Coffee’s contribution to the coffee community was popularizing single-served coffee, but from there, it wasn’t all good news. A segment of their customers has shifted to the pod coffee category. Enthusiasm for their coffee was waned considerably due to the inconsistency of its flavor and because some varieties are truly bad, while others are merely acceptable blends. “There’s something completely off putting about it. It’s not just bitter, stale or flat” reddit user darbyk18 commented.
Needs To Step It Up – Eight O’Clock Coffee
The price of Eight O’Clock Coffee has increased, but its value hasn’t kept pace. Even people who used to drink this coffee say there’s a much bigger price difference now compared to other brands. The problem is that it’s no longer an affordable coffee this days. Reddit user Zealousideal-Tax5372 mentioned: “I find it tasting different, maybe like a stale wash cloth, it has an off taste to it, not much of a coffee taste”.
Needs To Step It Up – Seattle’s Best Coffee
When it competed with Starbucks, Seattle’s Best Coffee was favored for being cheaper, but nowadays customers have to think too hard to figure out what sets it apart. Critics say Seattle’s Best Coffee is acceptable but not amazing. And to make matters worse, one of this coffee brands remains stuck between the two segments of high-priced premium coffees and lower-cost, valuable alternatives, without fitting into either group.
Why Coffee Drinkers Are Becoming More Selective
The reason coffee drinkers have become more selective is because there is much more competition than a decade ago. People have greater access to information, as in any other area of life, but direct comparisons are easier to make. Prices have generally increased, but each one of these coffee brands has struggled to adjust its prices to these times while trying to maintain is flavor, freshness, and customer trust.
