Did you know that the main sense organ of brewers is the ears?
And that’s not just because they have to listen to customers. They listen to the coffee (yeah, you didn’t misread) as it’s roasted, it cracks. The first crack is the signal for the light roasts, and the second is for the dark roasts. Where does the medium roast fit in, you ask? Well, this is something that only experienced brewers know. But we know what a quality medium roast coffee is.
We’ve tried 19 products and created a list of the 9 medium roast coffees. The Lavazza Super Crema Whole Bean Coffee Blend won the nomination of Editor’s Choice. All products in the list have a balanced, smooth, and creamy taste with moderate acidity. The caffeine content is also lower than that of dark roast coffees. There are even Kosher options to choose from.
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More features: notes of brown sugar and hazelnut
Lavazza Super Crema coffee has over 11,000 ratings on Amazon, and the vast majority are 4 and 5-star ratings. In addition, this is our Editor’s Choice for best medium roast coffee, and it’s not a coincidence.
Each 2.2-pound bag is filled with whole coffee beans that are perfect for all your caffeine needs. The roast is an espresso-grade, and it has notes of hazelnut and brown sugar. However, don’t be dismayed by the flavor notes. The coffee is actually produced in a nut-free facility.
The coffee beans have an especially creamy taste, so you can enjoy this coffee all day long. The beans are 60% Arabica and 40% Robusta, which is a nice blend.
What we liked: The smooth taste of Lavazza Super Crema means you can drink the coffee both in the morning and later in the day. Its brown sugar and hazelnut elements also lend a sense of comfort while drinking.
Furthermore, the company itself, Lavazza, is a family-owned business going back four generations. They have a reputation to uphold, so you know you can count on the quality in each package.
What could be better: The blend of Arabica and Robusta is not what everyone will necessarily love. Robusta adds some notes of bitterness, so if you want your coffee to be nice, entirely sweet, and smooth, you might not love this bitter note.
More features: roasted in Canada; well-rounded and complex with notes of stone fruit and cocoa
Unfortunately, there are a lot of issues with how coffee beans are grown and harvested. If you’re someone who wants the best for workers around the world, then Kicking Horse Coffee Three Sisters is a delicious alternative.
The coffee beans used sustainably grown by environmentally-conscious farmers. They are paid living wages, and care is given to how the beans are grown. Furthermore, the coffee beans are 100% certified organic coffee, so you know that are helping people around the world.
As for taste, Kicking Horse Coffee Three Sisters has a smooth and seductive taste to it. There are aromas of dried coconut and chocolate malt. As a bonus, Kicking Horse Coffee Three Sisters is also Kosher.
What we liked: The fact the company has done so much to support farmers is a great asset. This is an organic company that cares about the people who they partner with. On top of that, the coffee tastes good. It has a smooth texture that will help you ease into the morning.
What could be better: Unfortunately, if you pay farmers a living wage and support environmental initiatives, these practices are reflected in the cost. Kicking Horse Coffee Three Sisters is not a discount coffee. Its price isn’t completely over the top, but some people may pause at the price tag. The coffee is worth it, though, so if you can splurge a bit on this product, you can feel good about getting your morning caffeine fix.
More features: works with all coffee brewers; flavors of brown sugar and hazelnut, with a hint of plum for a little sweetness
For those that like their coffee a bit on the sweet side, you will love Real Good Coffee Co Donut Shop. When you take a sip, you’ll experience notes of hazelnut, brown sugar, and even plum. Tother, this leads to a very sweet flavor profile.
Real Good Coffee Co Donut Shop comes in a 2-pound bag of whole Arabica beans. It’s perfect for both your morning wake me up and your afternoon pick me up.
The beans are grown in Central and South American and are ethically sourced. As for the packaging, it all happens in Seattle with responsible packaging. You can use these beans in all manner of brewing. Whether you use a French press or an espresso machine, these beans are quite versatile.
What we liked: The Real Good Coffee Co is a well-respected company. They have good relationships with both the coffee bean farmers and the American production workers. This is a good company to purchase from if you care about where your food comes from.
The sweet tastes of this coffee has a nice, smooth texture to it. The coffee can be used in any methods of brewing, making it highly versatile. The coffee is also Kosher, which is a nice touch.
Finally, The Real Good Coffee Co has excellent customer service. If there are any issues, they will work with you to find a solution.
What could be better: Real Good Coffee Co Donut Shop is a sweeter coffee. It may not appeal to everyone’s tastes. You may want to try a smaller bag first, before committing to a 2-pound package.
More features: smooth toasted; 3 most popular Seattle’s Best coffee
When you can’t pick just one coffee, it’s best to purchase a variety pack. Seattle’s Best Coffee Variety Pack gives you three 12-ounce bags. The flavors include a house blend, a breakfast blend, and a portside blend. Together they make up three of Seattle’s Best most popular flavors.
The beans in all of the packs are 100% Arabica, a perfect option for all coffee drinkers. They are all medium roasts, so you can enjoy a smooth cup of coffee with slightly different flavors. Seattle’s Best Coffee Variety Pack is meant for drip coffee.
What we liked: A variety pack is nice for two reasons. If you’re still trying to find your favorite coffee, then you can purchase three smaller bags and tastes them out. Alternately, if you just like a lot of variety, then having three options at home is great.
Seattle’s Best actually has a whole line of variety packs, including dark roast options and other fan favorites. If you really like their coffee, then you have the ability to try many other combinations. This is also a great gift idea.
What could be better: Unfortunately, finding one coffee flavor you like and buying a larger bag is a cheaper option. While the variety packs are a great idea, they aren’t as economical as buying a 2-pound bag of your favorite beans. Furthermore, there is always a chance that you will love one flavor but find you don’t like the others, which then means you have a lot of leftover coffee.
More features: notes of milk chocolate, toffee, and sweet mandarin
Coffee is meant wake you up but if you’re feeling especially sluggish then you will want to try SF Bay Coffee Fog Chaser Whole Bean Coffee. As its name suggests, this coffee is meant to chase away the mental fog that comes with overtiredness. This is a flavorful coffee that has notes of mandarin oranges, toffee, and even milk chocolate. It is a medium roast whole bean coffee that can be used in all manners of production. From espresso to pour over coffee, these are versatile beans.
SF Bay Coffee has excellent customer service and will help if you’re unsatisfied. It is a family-run company that has a rich tradition of delicious products.
What we liked: It’s nice having a coffee that will really perk you up. Not only does this coffee taste great, but it produces a smooth texture as you sip it.
The coffee beans are organic, and the company has a rich history of sustainability. It is a company you can trust.
What could be better: The flavor of SF Bay Coffee Fog Chaser Whole Bean Coffee is good, but the reviews aren’t exactly raving. By all means this is a nice coffee to have, but it’s also worth trying a few other flavors to find your next coffee staple.
More features: notes of sweet orange and brown sugar
When you think about coffee, you have to think about Starbucks. While there are many Starbucks options to choose from, their Breakfast Blend is one of the nicest. In fact, it is so well-thought of, it is one of the best medium roast coffees on Amazon.
Starbucks Breakfast Blend is made from 100% Arabica beans. While it is a medium roast, it is on the lighter side, and a perfect way to ease into your day. It is slightly sweet with a crisp finish.
Starbucks now has a very lucrative Star Rewards program and fear not, because you can actually redeem your bulk coffee purchase, as well. Bags of coffee come with a sticker code, and you can simply enter it in your app, and it will count toward your Star total. This is a nice touch.
What we liked: When it comes to Starbucks, you know exactly what you’ll get. This global brand has consistent products and quality customer service. There are no surprises.
Starbucks Breakfast Blend is a bit on the lighter side, which is both a plus and a minus. If you like medium roast coffee but wish there were a half-step down from it, then this is a good option. The coffee is subtle and smooth and perfect for breakfast.
What could be better: Sometimes Starbucks feels like the safe bet in the coffee world. You know what to expect, and it’s good, but there might be something better than it. If you love Starbucks, great. However, don’t be afraid to try other, lesser-known brands. You might be pleasantly surprised.
More features: recyclable pods; Kosher
The Original Donut Shop Keurig Single-Serve K-Cup Pods are a bit deceptive, but once you dig a bit deeper, you’ll be pleasantly surprised. For starters, they bill this product as “extra bold.” However, this does not actually refer to the taste of the coffee. Rather it refers to the amount. While K-pods are fairly standard in their amounts, these pods have more coffee in them. Therefore you can decide if you want an extra-large of coffee or just a really strong cup of coffee.
As for the taste, this medium roast K-cup coffee has a nice taste that isn’t too bitter. It pairs perfectly with a donut, of course, and can be enjoyed throughout the day.
As for packaging, you get 72 pods, which is a nice amount although less than other packages. The pods are also recyclable, which is much better for the environment.
What we liked: The extra coffee in the pods is a nice touch. You can choose between a strong cup or a large cup of coffee. The Original Donut Shop Keurig Single-Serve K-Cup Pods are also Kosher, which opens them up to a wider audience.
What could be better: Unfortunately, there were reports of the individual pods not being sealed properly. When you receive your package, be sure to check each pod for cracks or openings. Broken pods won’t work properly in your Keurig machine. Thankfully, customer service is pretty good and will issue a replacement.
More features: rich, dark chocolate flavor with the tangy sweetness of raspberry
Coffee used to be fairly predictable. There were different roasts, but they all kind of tasted the same. Now, with the invention of K-pods, coffee is a whole rainbow of flavors. Gloria Jean’s Coffees Raspberry Chocolate Lava tastes just like you would think – raspberry and chocolate.
This package contains 96 pods that are perfect for your Keurig machine. They are easy to use, and in mere seconds you can have a cup of delicious, flavored coffee.
Gloria Jean’s Coffees Raspberry Chocolate Lava is made from 100% Arabica beans, so there is a higher caffeine content. This coffee will satisfy your sweet tooth and wake you up in the morning.
What we liked: Gloria Jean’s Coffees Raspberry Chocolate Lava has a very unique flavor. It really does have chocolate and raspberry flavors in it. Whether you like sweeter coffee, or just want to try something new, this coffee won’t disappoint.
The case of 96 pods is a great value. You won’t be paying a premium for this whole purchase. The coffee is also certified Kosher which makes it a great option for anyone with dietary restrictions.
What could be better: Gloria Jean’s Coffees Raspberry Chocolate Lava is a sweet, flavored coffee. If you are into this flavor profile, you will enjoy it. If you aren’t then this definitely isn’t for you. While 96 pods are great if you know you already like the coffee, it can be way too much if you just want to try the flavor. If this is the case, then it’s better to try a sample pack first.
More features: grown in Da Lat; notes of scotch, grapefruit zest, and bitter lemon
Most people are familiar with Arabica beans, but Robusta beans are the second most popular coffee beans. Within this family are Peaberry Robusta beans, which are distinguished because there is only one coffee bean in a pod, instead of the customary two.
When roasted, these coffee beans produce a sweet and flavorful coffee, and many people that choose this type of bean never go back.
Nguyen Coffee Supply produces organic Peaberry Robusta coffee. You can use the beans for both espresso and drip coffee. The coffee beans are all grown in Vietnam, and the farmer is a fourth generation partner with the company, which is nice as it shows the commitment to excellence.
What we liked: Nguyen Coffee Supply is a strong, bold coffee. It is fully-caffeinated and will really wake you up. The company’s long traditions in Vietnam show that they have found their path to success and have wanted to keep going on it.
Overall, the Robusta beans used have two times the normal amount of caffeine of Arabica beans as well as half the amount of sugar. This is not a coffee for the faint of heart.
What could be better: Nguyen Coffee Supply is not a very well-known company. While other coffees on our list have Amazon ratings from thousands of customers, Nguyen only has a handful. The coffee is good, but it’s not exactly proven itself internationally. However, maybe it’s a diamond in the rough that just hasn’t been found yet.
Finding the perfect medium roast coffee shouldn’t be too difficult if you know what you’re looking for. While there are many brands and flavors, once you dive into the world of coffee, you can start figuring out what will work best for you. We’re here to spill the beans on everything you need to know so you can wake up and sip that delicious and balanced cup of coffee.
There are three types of roast when it comes to coffee. The term roast refers to how much time the coffee beans have been roasted. Light roast coffee beans have more caffeine and a more bitter taste. Dark roast coffee beans have less caffeine and a more subtle flavor. Medium roast coffee falls right in the middle.
Medium-roast coffee is the most frequently chosen because it brings the best of both worlds. Within this category, however, there will be subtler categories. You may find coffee that is billed as a light medium or a dark medium roast.
A good medium roast coffee can help you start the day off right. A bad medium roast coffee can quickly sour it. To help you find the coffee that is best for you, please pay attention to these features.
The first feature to start with is what form the coffee is in. Coffee comes in three forms, namely whole beans, grounds, or K-cup pods.
When purchasing a large bag of coffee, whole beans are preferred. Whole beans keep the taste intact and seem fresher than old grounds. However, you will need to purchase a separate coffee grinder, which is an added expense. You will also need to grind small batches of the beans, which can take some time.
Ground coffee is a nice choice if you are buying a smaller bag of coffee. It is a convenient way of having coffee that is easy to use, especially if you brew coffee in the morning. However, ground coffee needs to be sealed properly if it is to maintain its freshness. On our list, there are no ground coffee options.
Finally, you may want coffee in K-cup pods. Having burst onto the scene a decade ago, Keurig machines are incredibly handy and offer you a wide array of coffee choices. Just be sure to check the pods when they are delivered as they don’t work if they have already been broken. On our list you can choose from Gloria Jean’s Coffees Raspberry Chocolate Lava and The Original Donut Shop Keurig Single-Serve K-Cup Pods.
Coffee beans are grown around the world, and the diversity of origins is reflected in the products on our list. For example, Nguyen Coffee Supply – Best Peaberry Robusta Coffee originates from Vietnam.
Many coffees have multiple origin sources in order to create the unique blend and flavor profile they want. The Original Donut Shop Keurig Single-Serve K-Cup Pods has origins in Central America and Indonesia.
By far, South and Central America are the most common areas for coffee beans to be sourced. The tropical regions provide the best conditions for coffee bean trees to grow and thrive.
While there are four types of coffee beans, only two are commonly used. Of them, Arabica beans are the most common, with 75% of the world’s coffee of this type. Arabica coffee comes from a plant that is easier to grow. The result is a rich bean that at times can be a bit acidic but not very bitter.
Robusta coffee is the second most common, and makes up almost 25% of the world’s coffee. It is less acidic but can be quite bitter. Robusta coffee also has a higher concentration of caffeine it.
Many companies won’t use Robusta beans on their own as it can be a bit of an acquired taste. Instead, they will combine it with smooth Arabica beans.
The majority of medium roast coffees on our list are 100% Arabica, with only two exceptions. Lavazza Super Crema is a blend of Arabica and Robusta. And Nguyen Coffee Supply is 100% Robusta.
Coffee is not just coffee. It has a complex richness to it with subtle taste notes that separate each brand from another. When it comes to what your coffee tastes like, there are a plethora of options.
Starbucks Breakfast Blend has taste notes of brown sugar and orange. SF Bay Coffee Fog Chaser Whole Bean Coffee is a combination of orange, toffee, and chocolate flavors. Furthermore, Nguyen Coffee Supply has a combination of lemon, grapefruit, and even scotch. Some of these natural flavors are so incredible you need to try them to believe them.
If you like a sweeter coffee, then try Real Good Coffee Co Donut Shop. It has a warm sweetness to it that isn’t too over the top. However, if you really have a sweet tooth then try Gloria Jean’s Coffees Raspberry Chocolate Lava. This is an artificially sweetened coffee made to taste similar to a chocolate lava cake. It’s not for everyone, but those that love a bit of sweetness really enjoy this coffee.
Coffee can be found in just about any package size. While the average is about 2 pounds, there are plenty of variations. Nguyen Coffee Supply, for example, comes in a 12-ounce package. Seattle’s Best Coffee Variety Pack is also a nice option as it is actually three 12-ounce packages, with each package a different flavor.
If you are purchasing K-cup pods, then the package will be in terms of how many pods there are. The Original Donut Shop Keurig Single-Serve K-Cup Pods comes with a package of 72 pods while Gloria Jean’s Coffees Raspberry Chocolate Lava comes with 96 pods.
Whether you’re purchasing whole beans or pods, think about how much coffee you normally consume. Coffee can become stale after a while. If you only drink one cup a week, then a 2-pound bag is probably too much. Also think about unique flavors. You might really want to try chocolate lava cake-flavored coffee, but it might be too much to drink 96 cups of it.
The term Kosher means that food has been prepared in a way that follows Jewish Dietary Laws. If you follow a Kosher diet, then you’ll be happy to note that many of the products on our list are certified Kosher. These include Gloria Jean’s Coffees Raspberry Chocolate Lava, The Original Donut Shop Keurig Single-Serve K-Cup Pods, and Kicking Horse Coffee Three Sisters.
You deserve the best tasting medium roast coffee and we have found plenty of options. Our Editor’s Choice is the versatile Lavazza Super Crema. This smooth, creamy coffee is perfect for any time of the day. It is also affordable and comes highly recommended. If you are looking for a bit of a budget-friendly medium roast coffee, then try Seattle’s Best Coffee Variety Pack. You get three varieties of coffee, although they all fall in the medium roast coffee. This is perfect if you’re looking to try new flavors or if you need a gift idea. Finally, our premium pick for the best medium roast coffee is Kicking Horse Coffee Three Sisters. Organic, ethically sourced, and sustainable, this is a product that is perfect for those that love coffee and love the environment. Coffee is a staple for many people. You might as well find a brand that you can enjoy well into the future.
