VIA MERCHANT
VIA MERCHANT
Pros:
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Budget-friendly (under $10 per bag)
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13 distinct flavors
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Decaf options available
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Helpful brewing instructions
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Very inspired, whimsical packaging
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No added sugar
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Smells delightful while brewing
Cons:
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A little acidic
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No whole bean options
Calling all espresso enthusiasts on a budget! Barnie’s Coffee Co doesn’t just offer a solid, flavorful cup—they also ring up at under $10 a bag, making them the most affordable option of the bunch. While that does mean they’re a bit more acidic than the other brands and don’t come in whole bean options, Barnie’s makes up for that with inspired, whimsical packaging and 13 distinct and delicious flavors.
Emily Way/Taste of Home
My cup of café mocha truffle was delightfully aromatic, with just a touch of chocolate flavor. It smells so good while brewing that my husband emerged from his office to see what I was baking in the kitchen. Imagine his surprise when I handed him a cup of chocolate-flavored coffee instead of a cookie or brownie!
Another bonus of the brand is that there’s zero added sugar, which is preferable for many bean aficionados. More thoughtful touches—like detailed brew instructions and a trusted 40 year history of professional beaning—makes Barnie’s the best budget pick around. As for the acidity, adding a splash of milk (or liqueur past five o’clock) easily cuts through that.
What to Look for When Shopping for Flavored Coffee
When looking for the best flavored coffee, there’s a lot of considerations you wouldn’t have to think about with something like the best cold brew. First, no matter whether you’re opting for flavored coffee or regular blends, decide whether you’d prefer whole bean or ground. The benefits of buying whole bean coffee are that it’s fresher and you can customize the grind for pour overs or your morning espresso. However, ground coffee is already prepped and ready for a drip coffeemaker, so it’s easier for those trying to beat the morning rush.
Cortney also suggests finding roasters that use the highest quality essential oils. Another tell to look for is a company that roasts the coffee first before mixing in the flavored oil. He notes that many flavored coffees on the market are actually average coffees, which are then flavored with artificial flavors to hide the fact that the coffee isn’t very good. Looking for brands that offer high quality, unflavored roasted coffee in addition for the flavored varieties is key.
Why You Should Trust Us
I’ve tested dozens of foods and drinks for Taste of Home, informing pieces like the best coffee concentrates and the best coffee delivery services. Not only am I Taste of Home’s resident food and drinks expert, but I’m also a total java junkie. Sure, I like looking at roasts, regional sources and aromas. But at the heart of things, I just really love a good cup of coffee. While some folks may find flavored coffee blasphemous, I disagree. In my experience, there are plenty of great flavored coffee brands out there, each with their own distinct flavor offerings and personality. It’s just a matter of finding them and harnessing their delicious magic into my cup.
How We Found the Best Flavored Coffee Brands
Emily Way/Taste of Home
In order to find the best flavored coffee brands, we took into consideration our own experience with flavored coffee, noting any brands that particularly stand out. From there, we researched other popular and under-the-radar options that looked like a great fit and boasted excellent reviews. We picked a variety of flavors, opting to try two flavors for each brand. When possible, we tried to snag a recognizable flavor like vanilla or caramel along with an exotic flavor, like cookie dough or cotton candy. Overall, we tested a whopping 15 brands and over 30 flavors before narrowing down our results to the six best flavored coffee brands.
Testing Process
During testing, we looked at the following criteria for each brand:
- Packaging/Shipping: For this category, we took note of the condition of the packaging upon arrival, how easy it is opening and resealing the bag and any artwork or other fun packaging perks. We also tried using the aroma vents on the packaging to get a whiff of the coffee before opening, noting how well we were able to pick up on the product’s scent.
- Variety/Quality: We tried focusing on brands that offer a variety of flavors, but quality also factors into this consideration. There’s no use having 50+ flavors if they don’t taste nice or recognizable. We also looked at the number of grind options, whether decaf flavors are available and the different packaging sizes available. We snagged a bag of whole bean when we could to look at the bean freshness, too.
- Brewing: If the brand offered their own brewing instructions, we followed those. Otherwise, we brewed each option as a single cup using a pour over, 6oz filtered water and 2tbs of coffee grounds. We ground any whole bean options to a medium coarseness. Smell (of both the beans and during brewing) along with scent freshness also factor into this category.
- Flavor: Probably the most important aspect of flavored coffee is—well—the flavor. We rated flavor based on several considerations. We looked at whether the flavor is weak or strong, the underlying coffee notes (acidity and bitterness), how recognizable the flavor is, whether it tastes natural or artificial and how fresh the coffee tastes. We brewed two flavors from each brand to get a nice, rounded picture, since taste is generally subjective.
- Value: The final category, we determined each brand’s value when looking at the cost compared to size and quality.
FAQ
Are flavored coffees healthy?
While most flavored coffees contain an additive called propylene glycol that some folks avoid, propylene glycol is “generally recognized as safe” by the FDA. The greater concern is sugar content—and some brands contain a lot of sugar. Those concerned about this have a few options, including opting for whole bean or organic flavored coffee rather than a ground flavored coffee. Overall, flavored coffee isn’t usually much less healthy than regular coffee. Always check ingredients before purchase to find the best fit, though.
Does flavored coffee need creamer?
Whether or not flavored coffee needs creamer depends on personal preference. While a splash of creamer or milk (whether plant-based or dairy) adds a pleasant creaminess, many folks opt for flavored coffee to avoid adding syrups and creamers to their cup. One fun thing about trying the best flavored coffee brands is mixing and matching flavors with syrups and creamers, creating one-of-a-kind flavor concoctions that truly make each cup your own.