Why You Should Never Drink These Coffee Brands – A Caffeine Lover’s Guide
In 2024, it was shown that most American consumers drink coffee daily. About 73% of Americans start their day with a cup of coffee.
What does coffee mean to you? For me, coffee is more than a drink – it’s a daily ritual, a pleasure, and sometimes, the magic potion that helps me function all day long. Let’s face it: it’s what gets us through early meetings and those seriously thought meetings.
For most people, the importance of a morning cup of coffee can’t be overstated. In today’s world, when we run from one place to another and deal with countless challenges, there is no time to waste on a bad cup of coffee. However, not all coffee is equal. Some are rich, bold, and flavorful, and some simply disappoint.
Unfortunately, some popular brands have managed to turn a happy moment into a disaster. But buckle up, coffee lovers—in this article, we’re about to uncover the worst brands, the ones that you should strictly avoid. Are you ready? Let’s get started!
10 Coffee Brands You Should Stay Away From
1. Folgers Coffee
We can all admit that Folgers was once a symbol of American coffee culture. Do you remember those times? I feel nostalgic thinking about the mornings I spent enjoying my Folgers. It is known for its pre-ground coffee, which raises concerns about the freshness and quality of its brews. Unfortunately, Folgers lacks organic options, and the absence of sustainability certifications represents a huge ethical problem for the brand.
It was a beloved household name, but with the shift, Folgers has become a brand marked by shortcuts in quality and ethics, warning consumers to seek quality and responsibility in their choices.
Back in the 1990s, Folgers used to purchase coffee beans from El Salvador. So, the coffee was unregulated and caused a significant stir in Latin American communities.
The rising importance of coffee beans, offered landowners to get rich, while workers received almost nothing. So, the people were divided and civil unrest was on the rise.
2. Danish Wish Coffee
This brand is known for its extremely high caffeine content, but it turns a lot of consumers off. Even though Danish Wish prides itself on using USDA organic fair-trade beans, there is almost no information regarding the origin of these beans. The brand uses a blend of Arabica and Robusta beans, and consumers have reported issues with the oiliness.
Nobody wants an oily coffee taste and this is one of the biggest disadvantages of this coffee brand. Additionally, this brand’s price is significantly higher than others available in the market. So, it raises questions about its value for money.
3. Starbucks House Blend Coffee
We have to admit that even though Starbucks might not be the best coffee brand out there, we still end up purchasing Starbucks drinks every now and then. I believe that we usually crave the Starbucks experience, and not the coffee itself.
The Starbucks House Blend is extremely popular, but unfortunately, the kit doesn’t deliver the flavor you’d expect from such a globally recognized brand. Often, it tastes overly burnt, leaving most coffee lovers disappointed.
Don’t get me wrong! Starbucks has a lot of great options, but this one is overlooked for a reason. Skip it, and go for one of their more exciting blends instead.
Let us know, in the comment section found below what is your usual Starbucks order. Are you a Caramel Machiatto Type of person? Or more like an Americano one?
4. Maxwell House Coffee
This is another brand that has been around for decades. It is marketed as a classic American coffee, but in reality, it’s far from the brew you’d expect. Maxwell House is known for its burnt and bitter taste, making it a tough one to enjoy from start to finish.
It’s a popular choice in many American households, but it’s not considered great by coffee aficionados. So, if you are looking for a little more flavor and finesse in a coffee cup, Maxwell House will most likely disappoint.
5. Eight O’Clock Coffee
Eight O’Clock Coffee is another brand that has managed to stick around for years, but it doesn’t necessarily matter it’s the best option on the market. The brand is known for being budget-friendly and despite its longevity, the flavor disappoints.
Eight O’Clock is considered too watery, unable to truly satisfy caffeine cravings. It’s not the worst out of all these brands, but there are certainly better options and better ways to wake up in the morning.
6. Caribou Coffee
Did you know that Caribou Coffee began as a roastery and shop in Minnesota? The brand gained a lot of popularity over the years and nowadays can be easily found in just about every state.
There is not a lot to mention about Caribou. We all know that is Rainforest Alliance Certified, but it doesn’t really focus on sustainability, its taste is hardy and lacks bitterness. There are lots of other better options available at the market.
The company’s motto says it all “Life is Short. Stay Awake For It.” We have to admit that it delivers what it promises, being considered affordable, with quality alongside its value.
7. Nescafé Coffee
Nescafé has an immense global presence, but it still faces significant issues. For example, the brand doesn’t offer certified organic coffees. So, there is a high possibility that its products contain chemicals and mold. Consumers are extremely concerned and those who read more about these issues stopped consuming coffee from this brand.
Yes, the brand indeed has multiple partnerships with environmental groups, but it doesn’t necessarily mean that also respects organic practices.
Are you a fan of Nescafé? If the answer is yes, will you consider opting for another brand?
8. Yuban Coffee
Yuban is a brand found on grocery store shelves, being considered a classic option when it comes to our daily coffee fix. Well, in reality, Yuban doesn’t quite match up to its reputation, even though it is marketed as smooth and organic.
Yuban coffee is considered a little bit too acidic by consumers, with a flavor that doesn’t have much depth. It tends to be on the bitter side, with an aftertaste that can be slightly off-putting.
Many Americans report that it’s a good choice for those times when you need a coffee to get through the day, but it’s definitely not something you’d savor.
It’s interesting how the brand has been around for years, but it feels like it didn’t really do anything to improve its products and quality. Yuban is fine for a casual cup of coffee, but as we already admitted, life’s too short for not having the best options.
9. Kirkland’s Coffee
This is Costo’s coffee brand and is often associated with bulk buying. So, most consumers are thinking they are getting a deal on quality coffee. Unfortunately, when it comes to their signature coffee brand, it’s more like cheaper than a gourmet delight.
The advantage of Kirkland’s coffee is its affordability, but the roast can feel a bit too flat and bitter, with a lingering aftertaste that doesn’t exactly scream “premium brew”. Many coffee lovers complained about Kirkland coffee, saying it lacks the boldness other coffee brands offer. Do you agree with them?
10. Seattle’s Best Coffee
Doesn’t this sound like a premium product hailing from the heart of coffee culture? Ha, ha! Unfortunately, it doesn’t live up to the hype. Seattle’s Best Coffee is considered too acidic by the consumers, tasting unbalanced and disappointing. Even though this one gained a lot of popularity, there are plenty of other Seattle-based brands that are far more deserving of the title.
No matter if you choose to brew this coffee at home or have it at one of their coffees, the flavor feels flat or just plain bland most of the time.
Before leaving, check out this incredible stainless steel travel mug, found on Amazon. It’s perfect for all the coffee lovers who like to take their magic elixir on the go.
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