After years of trial and error, I've finally found the best cheap coffees at the store that are rich in flavor without tasting burnt or muddy. When choosing between the many types of coffee, you want to look for a blend of beans that's lighter in taste, but that can be made into a stronger cup if you adjust your brewing method. French roasts are perfect for this, as you can brew cups that vary in flavor depending on how many beans you use. I particularly enjoy coffees that taste like the Nespresso Roma pods, which have a deep flavor and a good amount of caffeine. The following cheap coffees are perfect for anyone trying to stay on a budget without compromising on the flavor of their morning cup of joe.
#SpoonTip: Pick up some almond milk or French vanilla creamer to stir into your morning cup of coffee.
Kirkland Signature Breakfast Blend ($42.99 for 120 pods)
Costco, aka the land of the great, turns out so many great store brand products, and their K-Cup coffee pods exceed all expectations (which are already pretty high). Their Kirkland Signature Breakfast Blend K-Cup Pack delivers the best taste for minimal spending.
At just 42 cents per pod you'll get a light roast coffee that's the perfect balance between bitterness and sweetness. It has a nutty undertone with a smooth, fresh drip taste. With a mellow body, Kirkland's K-Cup is one of the best cheap coffee options around. When black it tastes like a normal, everyday blend, but the nutty tones are amplified when you stir in whole milk, half and half, or coconut milk.
Folgers Half Caff Classic Roast ($3.99 for around 100 cups)
Folgers Half Caff Classic Roast is probably not what you were expecting, but it's truly spectacular. This is a medium roast coffee with a delicate aroma and a bold taste. Although half-caff, this blend still packs in a good amount of caffeine and doesn't taste any different from the fully caffeinated stuff.
Newman's Own Organics Special Blend Extra Bold ($7.49 for 12 pods)
For all of you who enjoy a dark, rich, full-bodied coffee, Newman's Own Organics Special Blend (Extra Bold) is for you. Although a bit pricer at 62 cents per pod, Newman's delivers a flavor comparable to espresso. The flavor of this coffee can be a little overwhelming for some, so I suggest pairing it with some creamer. If you're a new coffee drinker, try adding a gulp or two of hazelnut creamer or a classic sweet vanilla creamer.
Also, all the profits that Newman's Own makes are given to the company-ran charity, the Newman's Own Foundation. The few extra cents you'll spend on this coffee are given to organizations that deal with encouraging philanthropy, giving to children with life-limiting conditions, empowerment, and nutrition education and availability.
Wegmans 100% Arabica Ground Coffee French Roast ($5.49 for around 78 cups)
Although Wegmans stores are mainly located in Northeastern states, this blend has to be included as one of the best cheap coffees. Not once in my coffee brewing experience have I brewed a cup with this roast that tasted anywhere close to burnt or overly bitter.
The Arabica beans in this coffee give off a fruity, sweet fragrance. Because this is a French Roast, your coffee will be less acidic and stronger than a Breakfast Roast, which allows for a calmer stomach after drinking. However, the addition of cream or milk will lead to a weaker cup.
Green Mountain The Original Donut Shop Coffee ($7.49 for 36 pods)
This iconic brew is likely the first cup Keurig users made. This coffee tastes almost identical to the warm cup you'd get from a diner, minus the burnt flavor. For 59 cents a pod, a run to the diner is no longer needed. You can enjoy a cup of this coffee with or without creamer, as it's not too strong when served black. With a sweeter aroma and an extraordinarily smooth taste, the Donut Shop K-Cup is a must.
Skip the morning rush at Starbucks, and brew a cup of these cheap coffees instead. If you purchase pre-ground coffee, you can make drip coffee or use a French press. And if you're lucky enough to own a Keurig, stock up on enough K-Cups to last a few weeks so you don't have to buy them every single week.