How to Select Better Coffee
A Beginner’s Guide to Finding Great Beans
Great coffee starts with great beans, but walking into a coffee shop or staring at grocery store shelves can feel overwhelming when you’re just starting out. The good news is that finding better coffee doesn’t require becoming an expert overnight. To start, all you need to think about is where to look and what to prioritize.
Start With Whole Bean Coffee
Your first upgrade should be switching from pre-ground to whole bean coffee. Yes, this means you’ll need a grinder, but the difference in freshness and flavor is dramatic. Ground coffee starts losing its aromatics and flavor compounds within minutes of grinding, while whole beans stay fresh for weeks when stored properly.
When you grind beans just before brewing, you’re capturing all those volatile oils and compounds that create coffee’s complex flavors and enticing aroma. It’s one of the most impactful changes you can make to improve your daily cup.
Find Your Local Coffee Roaster
If you have a local coffee roaster in your area, start there. Local roasters typically offer coffee that’s significantly superior to most grocery store options for several reasons: their beans are usually roasted within days or weeks (not months), they often source higher-quality green beans, and they have more control over the roasting process.
But perhaps the biggest advantage of shopping at a local roaster is the expertise behind the counter. Coffee roaster staff are usually passionate about what they do and genuinely excited to help you find something you’ll love. Don’t be shy about telling them what you currently drink and what you like or dislike about it. They can guide you toward coffees that match your taste preferences and help you explore new flavor profiles gradually.
Many roasters also offer coffee tasting sessions which are excellent opportunities to learn about different coffee characteristics in a low-pressure environment.
Online Options for Quality Coffee
If you don’t have access to a local roaster, ordering coffee online opens up a world of possibilities. Many excellent roasters ship nationwide, and coffee subscription services can introduce you to different roasters and coffee styles regularly.
When ordering online, look for roasters that list roast dates on their packaging—ideally, you want coffee that was roasted within two to four weeks of when you’ll brew it. Many online roasters roast to order, ensuring maximum freshness when your coffee arrives.
Subscription services can be particularly helpful for beginners because they often include a wide variety of coffees along with tasting notes and brewing suggestions, helping you learn about different flavor profiles and origins while building your palate.
Making the Most of Grocery Store Coffee
Sometimes grocery store coffee is your only option, and that’s okay—you can still brew good coffee with the right approach. Here are some strategies to get the best results:
Look for local roasters in the coffee aisle. Many grocery stores carry coffee from local or regional roasters alongside the big national brands. These are usually your best bet for quality and freshness.
Check roast dates when possible. Some brands include roast dates on their packaging. Look for the most recent dates available.
Don’t dismiss bigger brands entirely. While they may not match the quality of specialty roasters, some larger coffee companies produce decent beans that can make satisfying coffee when you apply good brewing techniques. Brands that focus on single-origin coffees or clearly communicate their sourcing practices often produce better results.
Consider the coffee aisle less traveled. Sometimes you’ll find better options in the organic section or specialty food aisles rather than the main coffee section.
Building Your Coffee Journey
Remember that developing your coffee palate is a gradual process. Start with coffees that appeal to your current tastes, then gradually explore different origins, processing methods, and roast levels. Keep notes about what you like and don’t like—this information becomes invaluable when talking to roasters or trying new coffees.
Above all, start somewhere and stay curious. Whether you’re buying from a local roaster, ordering online, or working with grocery store options, paying attention to freshness, asking questions, and applying good brewing techniques will consistently improve your coffee experience.
Great coffee is more accessible than ever, and with a little exploration, you’ll quickly discover options that make your daily brew something to look forward to.