Buying coffee beans and grinding them is a sure way of getting an aromatic and fresh cup of coffee. There are a lot of places where you can get coffee beans and they are also very accessible nowadays.
However, when buying coffee beans, you want to make sure that they are fresh and high-quality to ensure that your coffee will be delicious. The quality of the coffee beans definitely has an impact on the flavor and aroma of the coffee so you want to buy from trusted sources.
If you are looking to try grinding coffee beans or just want to try buying coffee beans from other places, this article has got you covered. I will be talking about places where you can buy coffee beans for your daily caffeine fix!
In this article:
- Local Roasters
- Specialty Coffee Shops
- Direct Trade
- Online Coffee Retailers
- Things to Consider When Buying Coffee Beans
Local Roasters
If you have a local roaster near where you live, it is probably the best place to buy coffee beans. You can typically buy freshly-roasted and single-origin beans from local roasters and you get high-quality beans as well.
Local roasters also often have a variety of beans that you can choose from. Aside from that, you can also choose your preferred roast profile if your local roaster offers customization services.
Most local roasters also have subscription services where you can have coffee beans delivered right to your doorstep. This can be very convenient and ensures that you won’t run out of coffee beans.
Specialty Coffee Shops
Specialty coffee shops are not only for buying coffee. These kinds of coffee shops also typically sell coffee beans that they use in the shop.
With specialty coffee shops, the baristas are usually very knowledgeable when it comes to coffee in general. If you are new to grinding your own coffee beans, you can ask the barista for any recommendations.
You can ask about the roast level, grind size, and even the best brewing device to use when brewing the perfect cup. If you have a favorite specialty shop to go to, try and see if they sell coffee beans.
If you already like their coffee, you’ll definitely like the coffee beans they use as well. You just might find the price to be on the expensive side since specialty coffee shops mostly use premium blends and high-quality coffee beans.
But, if you are looking to brew a delicious cup at home, you’ll definitely want high-quality coffee beans!
Online Coffee Retailers
Aside from going to your local roaster and physically buying coffee beans there, you can also find online coffee retailers that deliver coffee beans. With today’s technology, it’s very easy to look for coffee beans without going out of your house.
The benefit of buying coffee beans online is that you also get a lot of options and can even get information on how the roasting process is. You will also be able to find coffee beans that are not available locally to you.
There are even online coffee retailers outside of the US that can deliver anywhere in the world.
But, if you want to try coffee beans that you can’t find in the US, be prepared to pay a lot, especially on shipping fees.
When looking to buy coffee beans online, make sure to find a reputable online coffee retailer. Look for reviews as these can offer insights about the quality of beans, freshness, and even the customer’s buying experience.
If buying from online coffee retailers, you also might want to see if they require a minimum order, especially for those outside of the US. If you are just starting to grind your own coffee beans and want to try different beans in small amounts, this might not be your best option.
Local Supermarket
If you are just starting to look at grinding coffee beans for your brewed coffee, there is no harm in buying coffee beans in your local supermarket. If you have Whole Foods or even Walmart near you, they also sell coffee beans.
Buying from supermarkets is very convenient since you can add the coffee beans to your cart while you are doing your grocery shopping. You’ll probably get a decent selection of coffee beans from Whole Foods and Walmart and this can be good as a starting point.
Things to Consider When Buying Coffee Beans
There are a couple of things you need to think of before buying coffee beans, especially if it is your first time doing so. Let’s take a look at some of these factors.
Type of Coffee Beans
When buying coffee beans, you’ll most likely come across these terms: Arabica and Robusta. These are two of the most common types of coffee beans and there are others but let’s focus on these two types for now.
If you prefer a sweeter and smoother flavor profile, Arabica beans are your best option. For a stronger and full-bodied cup, Robusta beans will be your go-to beans. Arabica also has hints of floral and fruity notes compared to Robusta beans.
Roast Date
Whether you order from a local roaster, online, or your favorite specialty shop, buying coffee beans that are freshly roasted is key to having a delicious cup of coffee. When buying coffee beans, check the roast date and see if they’ve been roasted for a while.
If you are buying coffee beans from a supermarket or online, buy coffee beans that are closer to the roast date to ensure freshness. If you are physically buying from a local roaster or specialty coffee shop, you can definitely ask about the coffee beans’ roast date.
Related: How to Store Coffee for a Long Time
Roast Level
There are different roast levels when it comes to coffee beans. Choosing a roast level will depend on what kind of flavor profile you want in your coffee.
Light roast: Coffee beans that are lightly roasted tend to have a crisp acidity and more caffeine compared to other roast levels.
Medium roast: These kinds of coffee beans are less acidic and have more of a nutty flavor profile.
Dark roast: Dark roasts are roasted longer compared to light and medium roast. Dark-roasted coffee beans also tend to be more bitter than a lighter roast.
Final Thoughts
If you want that perfect cup of coffee, you have to start from its source – coffee beans. I know it can be inconvenient to grind coffee beans, but it really does not take too much time.
You can even grind a week’s worth of beans if don’t have time to grind beans every time you brew coffee. Just make sure to store the ground coffee properly so you’ll still have fresh coffee every time.
Whether you buy from a local roaster, online, a specialty coffee shop, or a supermarket, you can find coffee beans that will suit your taste buds. You’ll probably have to try a couple before finding the perfect blend but, that’s a great way to discover other flavor profiles!
Related: How Coffee Beans are Grown, Picked, and Processed
