As a coffee lover and self-proclaimed coffee connoisseur, I‘ve made it my mission to track down the best brews available on grocery store shelves. And when it comes to variety, quality, and value, Walmart is consistently one of the top contenders. After countless taste tests and careful analysis of everything from flavor profiles to sustainability practices, I‘ve compiled this definitive guide to the 12 best coffees you can pick up on your next Walmart run.
Whether you‘re a devoted Keurig user, a pour-over enthusiast, or a cold brew convert, there‘s a coffee on this list that will tantalize your taste buds without breaking the bank. I‘ve included top picks for whole bean, ground, flavored, and ready-to-drink coffees, with choices ranging from dark and bold to light and mellow. And as a savvy shopper, I‘ve made sure to highlight budget-friendly finds as well as worth-the-splurge premium picks. Get ready to upgrade your coffee game!
Whole Bean Coffees for Maximum Freshness
True coffee aficionados know that using freshly ground whole bean coffee is the key to unlocking the most robust and complex flavor in every cup. While pre-ground coffee offers convenience, the beans start losing their nuanced aromas and flavors as soon as they‘re ground. Walmart offers an impressive array of whole bean options, and these three topped my list:
1. Lavazza Super Crema Whole Bean Espresso
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Tasting Notes | Honey, almonds, dried fruit |
| Roast Level | Medium |
| Bean Type | 60% arabica, 40% robusta |
| Origin | Central America, Indonesia, Vietnam |
| Certifications | n/a |
| Price | $19.72 for 2.2 lb. bag |
Lavazza is an iconic Italian coffee brand that has been perfecting the art of espresso for over 120 years. Their Super Crema blend is designed to produce an exceptionally rich, velvety foam (aka crema) when brewed using an espresso machine. The combination of sweet-scented arabica and hearty robusta beans yields a full-bodied yet well-balanced flavor with notes of honey, dried fruit, and nuts. If you want to enjoy cafe-quality lattes and cappuccinos at home, these beans are the way to go.
2. Bulletproof The Original Whole Bean Coffee
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Tasting Notes | Cinnamon, plum, orange, cocoa, hazelnut |
| Roast Level | Medium |
| Bean Type | 100% arabica |
| Origin | Guatemala, Colombia |
| Certifications | Rainforest Alliance, Kosher |
| Price | $13.42 for 12 oz. bag |
Bulletproof Coffee has gained a cult following in recent years among health-conscious, keto-friendly coffee drinkers. The Original blend showcases clean, vibrant flavors thanks to a proprietary process that minimizes the levels of performance-robbing toxins. The beans are grown at high altitudes in Guatemala and Colombia, then roasted in small batches in the US. Look for notes of cinnamon, plum, and orange with a cocoa hazelnut finish. Bonus: It‘s Rainforest Alliance Certified and Kosher.
3. Starbucks Espresso Roast Whole Bean Coffee
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Tasting Notes | Molasses, caramel |
| Roast Level | Dark |
| Bean Type | 100% arabica |
| Origin | Multi-region blend |
| Certifications | Ethical sourcing verified |
| Price | $8.78 for 12 oz. bag |
For many people, Starbucks is synonymous with coffee culture. And while it‘s hard to beat the convenience of swinging by a ubiquitous Starbucks shop, brewing your own drinks at home offers incredible savings. This popular Espresso Roast is a bold, full-bodied blend of Latin American and Asia/Pacific coffees that packs an intense flavor punch. You‘ll pick up on deep notes of molasses and caramel that make it perfect for lattes, cappuccinos, and Americanos.
Ground Coffees for Foolproof Brewing
While grinding your own beans is ideal, there‘s no denying the convenience of pre-ground coffee, especially on hectic mornings. These top picks from Walmart will help you brew a delicious cup even when you‘re short on time:
1. Peet‘s Coffee Big Bang Medium Roast Ground Coffee
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Tasting Notes | Fruity, nutty, well-rounded |
| Roast Level | Medium |
| Bean Type | 100% arabica |
| Origin | Multi-region blend |
| Certifications | USDA Organic |
| Price | $9.97 for 18 oz. bag |
Founded in Berkeley back in 1966, Peet‘s has been a leader in the craft coffee movement for decades. Their popular Big Bang medium roast is beloved for its smooth, balanced flavor profile that packs a punch without any overpowering acidity or bitterness. Premium Alantic and Indo-Pacific arabica are blended to create a vibrant brew with fruity notes, nutty undertones, and a satisfying depth. And unlike many grocery store coffees, it‘s certified USDA Organic. Enjoy a pot of drip or a pour-over mug to start your day on the right foot.
2. Great Value Breakfast Blend Ground Coffee
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Tasting Notes | Mild, smooth, easy-drinking |
| Roast Level | Light |
| Bean Type | 100% arabica |
| Origin | Not specified |
| Certifications | n/a |
| Price | $6.48 for 30.5 oz. canister |
Walmart‘s Great Value store brand is known for offering solid everyday essentials at unbeatable prices, and their Breakfast Blend ground coffee is no exception. At just over 21 cents per ounce, it‘s one of the most budget-friendly picks on this list. But don‘t let the price tag fool you—this is a smooth, easy-drinking option with none of the bitterness or off-flavors you might expect from bargain basement coffee. If you typically reach for easygoing light roasts like Folgers or Maxwell House, consider upgrading to this wallet-friendly arabica blend instead.
3. Caribou Coffee Caribou Blend Medium Roast Ground Coffee
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Tasting Notes | Balanced, sweet, fruity |
| Roast Level | Medium |
| Bean Type | 100% arabica |
| Origin | Indonesia, Central America |
| Certifications | Rainforest Alliance Certified |
| Price | $10.63 for 20 oz. bag |
Caribou Coffee has amassed a devoted following across the country thanks to its cozy coffeehouse vibes and smooth, approachable brews. Their signature Caribou Blend is a harmonious mix of mellow Indonesian coffees and bright Central American beans that yields a well-balanced, not-too-bold flavor profile. Subtle notes of berry and nut add interest to the sweet, round taste. This easy-drinking medium roast is a real crowd-pleaser that tastes great black but also holds up well to cream and sugar. Feel good about savoring a cup knowing it‘s Rainforest Alliance Certified.
Cold Brew Concentrates and Ready-to-Drink Coffees for Chilled Sipping
Cold brew has taken the coffee world by storm in recent years, and it‘s easy to see why. This slow steep process yields a remarkably smooth, less acidic beverage than regular iced coffee. Walmart keeps a variety of ready-to-drink cold brews in stock, from unsweetened black options to indulgent flavored treats. Start your day with one of these invigorating chilled sips:
1. Califia Farms Unsweetened Black Cold Brew Coffee Concentrate
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Tasting Notes | Bold, smooth, clean |
| Roast Level | Dark |
| Bean Type | 100% arabica |
| Origin | Colombia |
| Certifications | Non-GMO, Kosher, Gluten-free |
| Price | $8.12 for 32 oz. bottle |
This unsweetened cold brew concentrate from Califia Farms showcases the complex, nuanced flavors this brewing method brings out in coffee. A blend of Colombian beans is steeped for 12 hours to produce an intense yet remarkably smooth elixir. With zero sugar and only 5 calories per serving, it‘s great for health-conscious sippers. The 32-ounce bottle makes approximately 8 cups of coffee once diluted. Enjoy it with a splash of your favorite plant-based milk for a lighter sip, or drink it straight up over ice if you prefer a potent brew.
2. STōK Unsweetened Black Cold Brew Coffee
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Tasting Notes | Bold yet smooth, not bitter |
| Roast Level | Dark |
| Bean Type | 100% arabica |
| Origin | Multi-region blend |
| Certifications | Kosher |
| Price | $4.96 for 48 oz. bottle |
STōK has become a major player in the ready-to-drink coffee market thanks to its bold yet smooth unsweetened black cold brew. Premium 100% arabica beans are steeped for 10 hours to produce a strong, not-too-acidic brew with low bitterness. At just over 10 cents per ounce, the 48-ounce bottle is an excellent value for busy coffee lovers. Simply pour over ice and enjoy as-is, or add your favorite creamer and sweetener to customize your ideal cup. It‘s the perfect choice for hectic mornings when you need a quick caffeine fix without sacrificing flavor.
3. Great Value Mocha Cold Brew Coffee Drinks
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Tasting Notes | Chocolaty, sweet, creamy |
| Roast Level | Medium |
| Bean Type | 100% arabica |
| Origin | Not specified |
| Certifications | n/a |
| Price | $3.78 for 11 oz. single-serve bottle |
Craving an indulgent coffeehouse-style treat? These bottled mocha cold brew drinks from Walmart‘s Great Value brand will satisfy your sweet tooth without the sticker shock of a fancy café order. The 100% arabica coffee is slow-steeped for 12 hours and blended with cocoa and creamy milk for a delectable beverage reminiscent of chocolate milk. At 250 calories per bottle, it‘s more of an occasional indulgence than an everyday pick, but the rich, dessert-worthy flavor is well worth it. Toss one in your bag for a tasty midday pick-me-up.
Flavored Coffees for an Extra-Special Sipping Experience
While coffee purists may scoff at the idea of flavored brews, there‘s no denying their widespread appeal. The best ones showcase the natural characteristics of the coffee while adding a touch of something special, not artificial. Here are three flavored ground coffees from Walmart that will liven up your mug:
1. Starbucks Caramel Flavored Ground Coffee
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Tasting Notes | Sweet, buttery, well-balanced |
| Roast Level | Light |
| Bean Type | 100% arabica |
| Origin | Latin America |
| Certifications | Ethical sourcing verified |
| Price | $6.64 for 11 oz. bag |
Fans of Starbucks‘ popular handcrafted caramel macchiatos will flip for this flavored ground coffee. The smooth, 100% arabica Latin American blend provides the perfect base for warm, buttery caramel notes. Unlike cloying, artificial-tasting grocery store caramel coffees, this one achieves its flavor using only natural ingredients. The light roast lets the nuanced sweetness shine through without any unpleasant burnt notes. Try it brewed strong with a splash of milk for a café-worthy treat right at home.
2. Dunkin‘ Donuts Hazelnut Ground Coffee
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Tasting Notes | Nutty, toasty, sweet |
| Roast Level | Medium |
| Bean Type | 100% arabica |
| Origin | Brazil |
| Certifications | n/a |
| Price | $9.44 for 1 lb. bag |
Is there anything more inviting than the scent of a freshly baked hazelnut coffee cake? This flavored ground coffee from Dunkin‘ Donuts captures that toasty, nutty aroma and taste, transporting you to your favorite neighborhood bakery with every sip. The 100% Brazilian arabica coffee provides a smooth, easy-drinking base for the warm hazelnut notes. A hint of buttery sweetness rounds out the flavor profile. This gently flavored crowd-pleaser is great for serving a group with different tastes.
3. New England Coffee Blueberry Cobbler Ground Coffee
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Tasting Notes | Fruity, sweet-tart, light |
| Roast Level | Light |
| Bean Type | 100% arabica |
| Origin | Central America |
| Certifications | Gluten-free, Kosher |
| Price | $5.98 for 11 oz. bag |
Transport yourself to a sunny farmhouse kitchen with the homey aroma and flavor of this Blueberry Cobbler coffee from New England Coffee. The 100% arabica Central American light roast serves as a bright, mild canvas for the juicy blueberry notes to shine through. You‘ll pick up the unmistakable taste of plump, ripe berries bubbling with a touch of sugar, complemented by the delicate flavor of the coffee itself. Enjoy a mug alongside a slice of coffee cake or your favorite pastry for a delightful morning treat.
Tips for Storing and Brewing Your Walmart Coffee Haul
Proper storage and brewing techniques are key to getting the most enjoyment out of your Walmart coffee picks. Follow these barista-approved tips for keeping your beans fresh and making the perfect cup every time:
Storage Tips:
- Whole Bean:
- Store whole bean coffee in an opaque, airtight container at room temperature.
- Use within 3-4 weeks of opening; freezing may keep the beans fresh slightly longer but can also dull the flavor.
- Ground Coffee:
- Store ground coffee in an airtight, opaque container in the freezer.
- Use within 1-2 weeks for optimal freshness; let the coffee come to room temperature before brewing.
- Instant Coffee:
- Store instant coffee in a cool, dry place in a sealed glass jar.
- Use within 12-18 months.
- Cold Brew Concentrate/Ready-to-Drink:
- Keep bottles refrigerated and tightly sealed.
- Consume within 1-2 weeks of opening.
Brewing Tips:
- Use filtered water heated to around 200 degrees Fahrenheit for best flavor extraction
- Measure your coffee using a scale rather than a scoop for precision
- Grind beans right before brewing for the freshest, most complex flavor
- Clean your coffee machine and equipment regularly to prevent oily residue and mineral buildup from impacting taste
- Experiment with different brew methods and ratios of coffee to water to discover your ideal cup
Whether you opt for whole bean, ground, or ready-to-drink, Walmart‘s selection of high-quality coffees at affordable prices means you can enjoy delicious, satisfying cups without spending a fortune. Stock your pantry with a variety of roasts and explore add-ins like spices, extracts, and milk alternatives to keep your daily brew feeling special. With any of these 12 top-notch picks in your mug, every morning will be worth waking up for.
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