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Local Coffee Snob Spills the Beans: Can Cheap Coffee Actually Be Good?
Austin, TX – For many, the morning ritual of a quality cup of coffee is non-negotiable. But with grocery prices soaring, even that sacred brew is feeling the pinch.
One local coffee enthusiast, who previously lived by the mantra “life is too short to drink cheap coffee,” recently embarked on a mission to find affordable, yet satisfying, coffee grounds for under $10. The challenge?
To avoid the ubiquitous Folgers and Maxwell House, and to see if any budget-friendly options could impress a self-proclaimed coffee snob. The surprising verdict?
A few actually did!
Our intrepid reviewer scoured local Walmart and Target stores, as well as online retailers like Amazon, in the Austin area. Each coffee was meticulously prepared and tasted one at a time using a 12-ounce French press, adhering to precise brewing methods.
Here are the top picks, ranked from best to worst, with prices and availability subject to change:
The Cream of the Crop: Seattle’s Best Coffee House Blend Medium Roast
Coming in at the top (though slightly over the $10 mark at $11.13 from Amazon), Seattle’s Best Coffee House Blend Medium Roast impressed with its nuanced profile. Upon opening, it offered inviting aromas of pipe tobacco, molasses, and spice.
The brewed coffee revealed notes of caramel and citrus, with a smoky, toasty palate and a hint of cocoa. Our reviewer noted it evoked the desire to “curl up with a good book on a rainy day.”
The Hot Take: This blend was deemed the closest in flavor to more expensive options like Starbucks Yukon Blend.
A Close Second: Eight O’Clock Original Medium Roast
Priced at a more wallet-friendly $7.29 from Target, Eight O’Clock Original Medium Roast secured the second spot. It greeted the senses with syrupy molasses and pipe tobacco, brewing to a rich, inky brown. The taste presented a pronounced cocoa flavor, underpinned by a nutty base and toasty hints, finishing with a brief, mild bitterness.
The Hot Take: Described as “the Goldilocks of cheap ground coffees: neither too strong nor too weak.”
Strong and Stirring: Café Bustelo Espresso Vacuum-Packed Dark Roast
For those who prefer a bolder wake-up call, Café Bustelo Espresso Vacuum-Packed Dark Roast, at $6.99 from Target, might be the answer. Delicate aromas of licorice and warm spice were noted upon opening. While the initial sip delivered a “hair-curlingly bitter hit,” it mellowed to a rich, nutty flavor.
The Hot Take: A full-bodied brew that “tastes more like an Americano than drip coffee,” potentially too strong for some.
Dad’s Favorite? Great Value 100% Arabica Colombian Medium Dark Roast
Walmart’s Great Value 100% Arabica Colombian Medium Dark Roast, a steal at $5.67, offered a slightly sweet, nutty aroma with a hint of pipe tobacco. While the brew looked dark and rich, the first sip was surprisingly sharp and bitter, though it softened to reveal notes of unripe citrus and toasted wheat.
The Hot Take: “Coffee just like Dad used to drink.”
Diner Delight: Market Pantry Columbian Medium Roast
Target’s house-brand, Market Pantry Columbian Medium Roast ($5.19, though currently only K-pod version available), brought a powerful pipe tobacco aroma. The brew was a reassuringly opaque brown-black, with less pronounced bitterness than some others, featuring a dominant toasted wheat flavor and a slight cocoa and citrus finish.
The Hot Take: “Highway diner coffee worth a refill (but just one).”
Bland but Bearable: Great Value Donut Shop 100% Arabica Medium Roast
Another Great Value offering, the Donut Shop 100% Arabica Medium Roast ($6.94 from Walmart), presented subtle hints of caramel and nutmeg. It brewed almost jet black with a pleasing aroma. The first sip was notably free of bitterness, mellow and slightly sweet with a nutty finish, but ultimately deemed “the blandest of the bunch.”
The Hot Take: “The plain donut of cheap coffees.”
Last Resort: New England Coffee New England Donut Shop Blend
Bringing up the rear was New England Coffee New England Donut Shop Blend ($8.98 from Walmart). This blend opened with pronounced molasses and tobacco aromas, but brewed to the lightest color in the sample. Notes of light, slightly citrusy flavors with a toasty finish were present, but it was generally bland with a bitter aftertaste.
The Hot Take: “Second cup? No thanks.”
So, there you have it! While the quest for a truly gourmet cup under $10 might still be a challenge, it seems there are indeed some surprisingly decent contenders out there for the budget-conscious coffee lover.
More Ways to Brew Up Savings:
- Costco’s Hidden Gems: Don’t write off bulk beans until you’ve explored the surprisingly high-quality coffee picks approved by even the pickiest palates at Costco.
- DIY Creamer: Save a few bucks and whip up your own cost-friendly coffee creamer at home with just three simple ingredients.
- Cold Brew Crew: Tired of weak, bitter cold brew? Discover the brands that truly deliver quality and value in a ranked taste-test of the best cold brews out there.