10 Highly Recommended Trader Joe’s Coffee

Most Americans cannot imagine starting their day without a cup of coffee. The caffeine wakes your mind and body up in a few minutes, and you are ready to go.

Trader Joe’s stocks more than 30 varieties of coffee that you may be spoilt for choice. They include instant coffee, ground coffee, roast bean, decaf, and bottom-barrel to high-end brews.

These endless options may make you wonder which coffee is the best for you. Worry not, as the below guide delves deeper into the world of coffee at Trader Joe’s and what to look for. 

Read on;

What Kinds of Coffee Does Trader Joe’s Sell?

Trader Joe’s sources all of its coffee from The Bean Belt: an Equator zone with suitable conditions for coffee plants to grow.

Most of Trader Joe’s coffees are Fair Trade Certified, meaning that the farmers are paid fairly for their product.

The coffee is roasted by Mountanos Brothers, who have been at it for a long time.

Below are the types of coffee sold at Trader Joe’s:

• Decaf French Roast Instant Coffee
• Organic Joe Medium Roast Ground Coffee
• Trader Joe’s Joe’s Decaf Coffee Medium Roast
• Organic Fair Trade Five Country Espresso Blend
• 100% Colombian Instant Coffee
• Wintry Blend Ground Coffee
• Trader Joe’s Bay Blend
• Bourbon Barrel Aged Coffee
• Shade Grown Ground Espresso Blend
• Trader Joe’s Lys Kaffe
• Trader Joe’s 100% Kona Coffee
• Low Acid French Roast Coffee
• Trader Joe’s Costa Rica Tarrazu Coffee
• Trader Joe’s Gingerbread Coffee
• Trader Joe’s Kenya AA Coffee
• New Mexico Pinon Coffee
• Trader Joe’s Ethiopian Peaberry Coffee
• Organic Fair Trade Honduran Whole Bean Coffee
• Ethiopia Small Lot Coffee Bale Mountain
• Selected Harvest Curated Coffee
• Italian Roast Ground Espresso
• Trader Joe’s Whole Bean Barista Espresso Coffee Blend
• Pumpkin Spice Coffee
• Trader Joe’s French Vanilla Coffee
• Organic FT Cafe Pajaro Blend
• Cold Brew Coffee Concentrate
• Trader Joe’s Organic Sumatra Coffee
• Trader Joe’s Colombia Supremo Coffee
• Kintamani Small Lot Coffee
• Organic Fair Trade Wake Up Blend Coffee
• Coconut Cold Brew Coffee Concentrate
• Joe Light Roast Ground Coffee
• Instant Cold Brew Coffee
• Ready To Drink Cold Brew Coffee
• Kahawa 1893
• Trader Joe’s Organic Breakfast Blend
• Trader Joe’s Joe Dark Roast Blend

What Makes Trader Joe’s Coffee Special?

Trader Joe’s has been carrying coffee for many years. It was one of the first companies to put whole coffee beans in a can in the early ’80s to increase the packaging speed and maintain the coffee beans’ freshness. 

Trader Joe’s also works with small farms in remote areas along the Equator and will often buy an entire farm’s production for a year. However, the issue with this is that these farms are quite small as opposed to massive commercial farms; hence they yield smaller returns. Also, once the coffee is sold out, customers have to wait for an entire year for it to regrow. This may affect consumer buying behavior as the customers get disappointed when they miss their favorite brand for a long time.

Trader Joe’s stocks seasonal coffee flavors such as Wintry Blend, Pumpkin Spice, and Gingerbread. Instead of mixing the liquid flavoring additive after the roasting process, as is the case with regular coffee, seasonal coffee is blended with spices such as peppercorn, ginger, nutmeg, and clove.

Where To Buy Trader Joe’s Coffee

Trader Joe’s coffee is available in stores. However, note that the seasonal ones do not last on the shelves; thus, you should buy them as soon as you get your hands on them.

You can also find them at Amazon and Walmart, though they are more expensive.

10 Most Recommended Coffee To Buy At Trader Joe’s

We have listed the top 10 coffees at trader Joe’s that you can’t go wrong with as they are high quality and offer value for money. If you miss your favorite coffee, you can try out the below options.

They include:

1. Organic Fair Trade Honduran Whole Bean Coffee

   If you are a daily coffee drinker, this Central American Coffee perfectly suits you.

   The Organic Fair Trade Honduran Whole Bean Coffee does not have anything fancy, as its profile is quite simple.

   It has a smooth, aromatic, and earthly flavor with no acidity issues. The bean is darker than the usual light offerings obtained from the Pacific Northwest but is still buttery and tasty.

2. Colombia Supremo

   

   The Columbia Supremo coffee is one of the most popular roasts among coffee lovers. Trader Joe’s doesn’t always carry it; hence pick it up whenever you spot it.

   You will get hints of silky chocolate, fruity tanginess, and sweetness with this coffee. It is well balanced, full-bodied, and a medium-roast blend that you will enjoy even without creamer or sweetener.

   The coffee can rival expensive heavyweights such as Blue Bottle and Stumptown due to its high quality.

   If you prefer a medium roast coffee that is still sweet and you love to brew your coffee in different ways, then this is the coffee for you. 

3. Organic Sumatra

   

   Organic Sumatra coffee is ideal for people who love the aroma of leather.

   It is made from 100% Arabic Whole Bean Coffee; thus, it is a medium to medium-dark roast blend that is relatively smooth. Each bean is picked, washed, and pulped by hand.

   The coffee has chocolate and earth-tasting notes and does well when prepared in a French press.

   However, the beans are oily and tend to be over roasted for some customers, hence having a bitter taste.

4. Shade Grown Ethiopian

   Trader Joe’s Shade Grown Ethiopian coffee is ideal for people who love light roasts and floral hints, but it’s not as dark as the Organic Sumatra coffee.

   You will detect plum, caramel, cherry, and orange zest hints when you first take it. It has a smooth ham-like finish and can be enjoyed while hot or as a cold brew.

   It has a sophisticated flavor profile that is perfect for people who want to enjoy special moments in life. It is not recommended if you only want a big shot of caffeine, as it has a complex profile that needs to be enjoyed slowly.

   This coffee is Fair Trade and shade-grown, meaning it is 100% organic. However, it is incredibly light for a medium roast; thus, some people may find it too bland for their taste. We recommend taking it cold as it gives it more body.

5. Wintry Blend

   If you are new to flavored coffee, we highly recommend starting with this one.

   This once-a-year offering is rich in cloves, sweet cinnamon, peppercorns, and peppermint that will blow you away. It is cool, smooth, and has a semi-sweet finish that will make you wish you bought more.

   This South American medium-dark roast comes in a 14 oz container and ground coffee form, perfect for people without coffee grinders at home.

6. Kenya AA Coffee

   Kenya undoubtedly has one of the best coffee beans in the world. 

   Kenya AA is one of the highest grade coffees in the market, originating from around Mount Kenya.

   It has a bold and chocolatey body, with red wine and citrus tastes that remain on your tongue long after your first sip.

   However, it is not stocked all through the year; hence ensure that you pick it up whenever you find it at the store.

7. Barista Espresso Coffee Blend

   Trader Joe’s Whole Bean Barista Espresso Coffee Blend is sold in packs of two.

   The coffee is made from Southern and Central American Arabica and Indian Cherry-A Robusta and has an intense flavor. The beans are light-medium roast and have nuts, citrus, and caramel notes.

   Barista Espresso Coffee is bitter, which pairs well with its chocolate flavor, perfect for lattes and cappuccinos.

   It is perfect for a shot of espresso or a regular cup of coffee, whichever you prefer.

8. Joe’s Decaf Coffee Medium roast

   

   Trader Joe’s Decaf Coffee is an excellent option for caffeine-free mornings.

   It is made of 100% Arabica beans, is well-balanced, and has a light roast. The coffee is smooth and quite refreshing, especially in the morning.

   However, you should note that it has some caffeine, 2 milligrams per cup, compared to the 95mg in regular caffeinated coffee.

9. Organic Fair Trade Wake Up Blend

   There is a reason why it is named Organic Fair Trade Wake Up Blend Coffee: It is the perfect morning pick-me-up that eliminates all your sleep in the first few sips.

   The Organic Wake Up Blend is made from organically grown, Fair Trade Certified Arabica beans from Mexico, Peru, Honduras, and El Salvador.

   It is medium-roast, full-bodied, with a chocolate flavor that you will enjoy.

10. Organic Fair Trade Five Country Espresso Blend

    The Trader Joe’s Five Country Espresso Blend contains beans from Peru, Guatemala, El Salvador, Mexico, and Sumatra. It is a dark roast, organic, and Fair Trade coffee.

    It is perfect for people who do not fancy lighter roasts and can be enjoyed as a cold brew or hot coffee.

    It has hints of smokey nuttiness, thus perfect for a latte or black coffee.

5 Top Coffee Brands at Trader Joe’s

Below are the top 5 coffee brands at Trader Joe’s.

1. Best Light Roast: Joe’s Light Roast Ground Coffee

   Made from 100% Guatemala and Ethiopian beans, this light roast coffee offers a great start to your day. You do not need a grinder, which makes your life easier. It currently goes for 7.99.

2. Best Medium Roast: Shade Grown Ethiopian CoffeeMedium roast lovers will enjoy this Shade Grown Ethiopian Coffee. It sells for $9 in stores.
3. Best Dark Roast: Organic Sumatra CoffeeYou will never go wrong with Organic Sumatra Coffee for a dark roast, and it goes for $6.99 in stores.
4. Best Pre-Ground Coffee: Joe’s Medium RoastThe lack of a coffee grinder should not discourage you from getting good coffee. This Trader joe’s Medium Roast Coffee is already ground and airtightly sealed. It goes for $6.49 per 14 oz package.
5. Best Espresso: Barista Espresso Coffee BlendIf you fancy a shot of espresso, the Barista Espresso Coffee Blend is a perfect option. It is a light-medium roast that is perfect whenever you need a caffeine boost. You will get it at $5.99 in stores.

Tips For Buying The Best Trader Joe’s Coffee For You

Buying coffee is not as simple as picking the first one you lay your eyes on. It requires a lot of thinking, and there are various factors that you should consider. They include:

• Type Of Coffee

Trader Joe’s has a wide variety of coffees to choose from, from pre-ground coffee to coffee concentrate.

We highly recommend choosing whole-bean coffee as it helps preserve the flavor and freshness for longer. Once you buy pre-ground coffee and open it, you shorten its shelf life.

• Taste profile

The taste profile you choose is primarily based on personal preference.

Some people love coffee with warm flavors; others prefer floral accents and classic coffee flavors.

With the many varieties offered at Trader Joe’s, we recommend trying out something new. You might be surprised!

• Caffeine Content

If you prefer caffeine-free coffee, you can opt for decaffeinated coffee options. However, for  caffeinated coffee, you need to consider the following:

• Drip coffee has 8-15mg per 8 fluid ounces.
• Cold-brew has more caffeine;12.5mg per 16 fluid ounces.
• Robusta has twice as much caffeine but not a smooth taste.
• Light and dark roasts have the same caffeine content, but dark roasts have more caffeine as they are denser.

• Organic vs. Non-Organic Coffee

We highly recommend organic coffee as it is healthier and has not been grown with synthetic fertilizers and chemicals.

• Roast

Personal preferences heavily influence the type of roast you choose. For example:

• Light and medium roasts are the smoothest and have chocolate and nutty flavors.
• Medium-dark roasts are dark brown with an oily exterior. They have some bitterness with chocolate and walnut tastes.
• Dark roast coffee is dark brown or black, with a burnt tasting that overpowers all other flavors.

Always check the roast dates and ensure that the coffee was roasted in the last six months to a year for health reasons.

• Certification

We highly recommend going for Fair Trade Coffee as it is produced and sourced responsibly, and all farmers are compensated fairly.

• Price

The higher the price, the better the product. For instance, organic coffee is more expensive than non-organic. However, price should not be the only thing you consider.

Reviews: Does Trader Joe’s Have Good Coffee?

Trader Joe’s coffee has received many praises from its loyal fan base. 

Their Instant Cold Brew Coffee is the best instant coffee in the store. It is bold, takes a few minutes to brew, and is quite flavorful. However, you need to add more coffee than indicated on the package to suit your taste.

 Trader Joe’s Organic Fair Trade Breakfast Blend is the best cold brew at the store. We highly recommend it if you are looking for an affordable and high-quality cold brew.

These are the fan favorites: Fair Trade Honduran Whole Bean Coffee, Shade Grown Ethiopian Coffee, Organic Sumatra Coffee, and Instant Cold Brew Coffee.

Below are some customer reviews:

• Shade-Grown Ethiopian Coffee
• Wintry Blend
• Instant Cold Brew Coffee

FAQs

Is Trader Joe’s coffee good quality?

Trader Joe’s coffee is of excellent quality yet still affordable. There are numerous varieties to choose from that can be mistaken for high-end coffee.

Is Trader Joe’s French Roast Coffee good?

Yes, it is fantastic and has excellent reviews.

One Amazon reviewer wrote, “it is really good coffee. I did purchase too much. I brew a cup most mornings, and it is just great.”

Is Trader Joe’s Decaf Coffee Swiss Water processed?

Yes, it is water processed, meaning that most of the chemicals used to eliminate caffeine in most decafs are not present. Instead, a healthier and harder water process is used.

How do you make Trader Joe’s pumpkin spice coffee?

You will need a Keurig to brew the pumpkin spice coffee. 

To be infused with the pumpkin spice flavor, you have to mix the spices into the ground coffee before brewing.

Mix your pre-ground coffee or whole beans with Trader Joe’s pumpkin spice coffee and brew as usual. ¾ of a teaspoon for every two cups is ideal and will not overpower the cup. Next, add your sugar or preferred sweetener and milk as you deem fit.

Does Trader Joe’s sell coffee syrup?

Trader joe’s coffee syrup was discontinued as soon as it was introduced. However, you can still find coffee syrups on Amazon.

Does Trader Joe’s sell coffee creamer?

Yes, Trader Joe’s sells its own plant-based coffee creamer: Trader Joe’s coconut creamer, which is lactose-free and dairy-free.

Does Trader Joe’s sell coffee liqueur?

Yes. Trader Joe’s sells its Cold Brew Coffee & Cream Liqueur for less than $10. It has real coffee with caffeine and alcohol, blended into a perfect liqueur.

Conclusion

Trader Joe’s has a wide variety of coffee to choose from, and it can be pretty overwhelming, especially if you are new to coffee. However, you have nothing to worry about as this guide will help you choose one that suits you best. Some brands usually get sold out fast; hence, we recommend always being on the lookout. With the above recommendations, you can never go wrong! Try something different, as the various options will leave you craving another cup. Let us know in the comments your experience with Trader Joe’s coffee. 

Happy shopping!