8 Trader Joe's Coffee Beans, Ranked

Trader Joe's has no shortage of coffee options. From cold brew concentrates and Keurig cups to ground coffee and an impressive array of whole beans, the popular grocery chain has something for everyone. For true coffee lovers, though, the whole bean selection stands out for both its variety and freshness.

While pre-ground coffee may be the easiest grab, you'll be missing out because whole beans offer a fresher, more flavorful cup. Even if you store your coffee correctly, airtight packaging can't fully preserve the nuances that whole beans retain. Plus, grinding your own beans lets you customize the grind size, whether you're making a non-sludgy cup from the French press, brewing the perfect drip pot, or pulling a strong shot of espresso, so you get the best taste for your method. Don't own a grinder? Trader Joe's has you covered with a convenient in-store grinder (and the bonus of that irresistible fresh coffee aroma).

But with so many choices on the shelf, which beans are best? To help you decide, I tasted and ranked Trader Joe's whole coffee beans so you can start your day with the best morning brew.

One common complaint about coffee is excessive acidity, which can create a sharp, almost sour sensation when not properly balanced. Trader Joe's Low Acid French Roast Coffee aims to solve that by offering an ultra–low-acid option designed for those who prefer a smoother cup. Dark roasts like French roast are naturally lower in acidity because the extended roasting process breaks down more of the acids in the raw beans, resulting in a mellower profile; this coffee works to take that to the extreme.

True to its label, this coffee is indeed low in acidity, but not exactly smooth. The long roast seems to have tipped the flavor toward overly robust and noticeably bitter. Once ground, the beans released a smoky aroma and brewed into a cup that may feel too dark and heavy for the average palate. Smokiness is common to darker roasts because of the roasting process. However, unless you know you enjoy a very bold, smoky roast, you might want to explore other options in the Trader Joe's lineup.

Trader Joe's Zamora Ecuador Small Lot Coffee is one of the brand's current limited-edition, small-lot offerings. Sourced from the southeast region of Ecuador near the Amazon Basin, this coffee reflects Trader Joe's ongoing efforts to highlight smaller producers while supporting a more sustainable supply chain. From the first sip, the beans show promise, delivering a warm-bodied, medium roast with distinctive character, though the experience finishes with a less-than-ideal aftertaste.

What stands out initially is the complexity of its flavor. The bean's aromas hint at warm spices like nutmeg and are complemented by subtle chocolate notes that add to its medium-roast depth. However, the initial intrigue fades into a slightly bitter, almost burnt finish. Because of this strong, spiced profile, it's hard to call the coffee smooth or well-balanced. That said, it could be a great choice for those who appreciate a bolder, more complex cup, or for anyone who likes to temper their coffee's strength with cream or sugar.

When searching for a coffee bean that stands out, you might want something that offers its own distinctive character and really wakes up for the day. The Trader Joe's Organic Fair Trade Shade Grown Ethiopian Coffee does both of these things relatively well, delivering a cup that's very flavorful.

This bean carries several markers of quality and sustainability. It is USDA Organic and Fair Trade certified, ensuring that farmers receive equitable prices for their crops. It's also shade grown, a practice that not only supports biodiversity but tends to yield a slightly milder, more nuanced flavor compared to sun-grown beans.

What I appreciated most about this coffee was how it maintained its delicate, floral notes. Solidly a medium-bodied brew with subtle complexity with light floral aromas at first sip, it carried a relatively strong flavor profile. I did not rank it higher because I wished it had more of a smoother flavor to round out the cup slightly. Still, this coffee offers a bright option that isn't overly bold, making it a versatile option for everyday drinking.

The Trader Joe's Fair Trade Organic Bolivian Blend Coffee offers a lighter roast that doesn't sacrifice depth. While many light roasts can veer toward being overly bright or acidic, this blend achieves a good equilibrium, tasting smooth, yet still lively enough to keep things interesting. Compared to some of the more floral or spice-forward beans in Trader Joe's lineup, this one also leans mild and balanced. There are hints of caramel and chocolate providing subtle flavors, but mainly adding warmth that rounds out each sip.

First introduced in 2008, this blend has remained a customer favorite for good reason. Beyond its flavor, it carries the assurance of USDA Organic and Fair Trade certifications. The beans are cultivated without synthetic chemicals, preserving both the integrity of the soil and the nuanced flavors that reflect Bolivia's growing regions. Fair Trade practices further ensure that the farmers behind this blend are paid a living wage. Its versatility is its biggest strength though. This coffee offers a reliable, everyday cup for those who appreciate a softer, more rounded profile.

Upon opening a bag of Trader Joe's Fair Trade Organic Sumatra Coffee, the first thing you'll notice is the sheen of oil coating the beans. That oiliness hints at what's to come: a bold, smoky cup with the depth and intensity typical of Sumatran coffee. Among the full-bodied, true medium-to-dark roasts I sampled, this one stood out as a distinctive, earthy option.

The flavor profile leans decidedly dark and robust, with an almost savory edge that sets it apart from the brighter, more floral beans in Trader Joe's lineup. As you continue drinking, you'll get a touch of bitterness and a slightly harsh finish (common in darker roasts), but it's balanced by an underlying earthiness that gives the coffee character rather than sharpness alone.

As with all of Trader Joe's Fair Trade Organic offerings, this coffee is produced without synthetic chemicals and supports fair compensation for farmers, making it a responsible choice for those who enjoy a darker, more assertive roast. If you're a fan of smooth, delicate flavors, this might not be your pick; but, for anyone who craves a bold, grounding cup to start the day, it's a standout.

Coffee beans from different countries carry different flavor profiles due to their various growing conditions. Differences in altitude, climate, and soil all impact the elements of how floral, rich, and other components are able to be discerned. Trader Joe's put together an Organic Five Country Blend, including beans sourced from Guatemala, Indonesia, Honduras, Mexico, and Peru. Each origin contributes its own signature note: Guatemala lends almond and chocolate tones, Indonesia adds earthiness and a touch of spice, Honduras deepens the body, Mexico offers a hint of fruit, and Peru brightens the blend with a touch of acidity.

The result is a coffee that feels harmonious. Among the blends I sampled, this one stood out for its smoothness and balance. Subtle almond notes lead the way, rounded by gentle chocolate undertones, and there's little to no lingering aftertaste, making it a great everyday option. For those looking for a versatile cup that showcases the best of multiple origins without overwhelming the palate, the Trader Joe's Fair Trade Organic Five Country Blend is an easy recommendation.

Coming in second place on this list is Trader Joe's Medium Roast Whole Bean Coffee. These beans are a straightforward, great-tasting option that delivers solid quality at an impressive price point. At just $6.99, it was nearly half the cost of many other beans I sampled, making it one of the best value choices in Trader Joe's coffee lineup.

The flavor profile is mild and easygoing, with no lingering aftertaste or overpowering acidity. As a true medium roast, it leans on the lighter side of Trader Joe's offerings while still maintaining a pleasantly full body. Upon first sip, you're introduced to subtle almond notes that are then rounded by soft hints of caramel and chocolate, adding a touch of richness without tipping into bitterness.

This is the kind of coffee that works well for almost any household, contributing a neutral, smooth, and versatile option to please most coffee drinkers. It may not be the most complex or adventurous bean Trader Joe's offers, but for a reliable everyday cup, it's hard to go wrong.

It's rare to come across an independent brand on Trader Joe's shelves, so when one makes it in, it usually means it's good. Buunni Azmari Blend coffee is exactly that; as a small, independent operation sourcing its beans directly from Ethiopia and roasting them locally in New York City, they provide a unique option to the store. The beans are sustainably sourced and hand-processed, grown on small farms and co-ops high in the Ethiopian highlands, where unique climate and altitude create some of the world's most celebrated coffee profiles.

What stood out about this coffee was how it balanced distinctiveness with drinkability. It's a lighter roast, yet it avoids the sharp acidity that often defines this category. Instead, the first sip delivers bright floral and fruity notes, hallmarks of Ethiopian beans, followed by layers of chocolate and caramel that round out the cup and create a smooth, lingering finish. Each sip feels dynamic yet refined, offering complexity without veering into harshness. This is the kind of coffee for those who appreciate a light roast with character. As a lively, aromatic, and unique option, I thought it deserved the top spot in this ranking.

To create this ranking, I purchased every coffee bean available at my local Trader Joe's as of August 2025. Trader Joe's frequently rotates its small-lot offerings, so this selection represents a snapshot in time rather than a permanent lineup.

All coffees were tasted black and prepared using an espresso machine to maintain consistency across samples. I utilized the four-step coffee tasting method for each cup tried. My rankings were determined based on several key factors, with overall taste carrying the most weight. Within that, I considered both the distinctness of each bean's flavor profile, specifically, whether it offered something unique, and the overall balance of its taste. Value also played a role, taking into account price relative to quality.

While sustainability and social impact were not ranking criteria, I made notes of beans that carried certifications or demonstrated more responsible sourcing practices. I recognize that taste in coffee is inherently subjective. My goal was not only to rank these beans, but also to describe their roasts, notes, and overall character in a way that helps you determine which one best fits your own preferences, regardless of where it landed on this list.