Coffee: A Global Cultural Phenomenon

Coffee has become a staple in the lives of millions of people around the world. Whether it’s the first thing you reach in the morning or a warm companion during a mid-afternoon break, coffee has a special place in our lives and our routines.

However, not all coffee brands are doing an amazing job, which is why this article is worth your attention. Continue reading to find out which brands you should strictly avoid if you prefer high-quality.

The Benefits of Coffee Consumption

Besides the fact that it’s a delicious drink, it also has several benefits, we shouldn’t ignore. Maybe one of the most important is that is packed in antioxidants, which protect our bodies from damage usually caused by free radicals, that can lead to chronic diseases. Chlorogenic acid is the primary antioxidant found in coffee and is very effective at reducing inflammation and supporting heart health.

Coffee also boosts brain function. It helps release neurotransmitters like dopamine and norepinephrine. This can improve mood, reaction time, memory, and overall cognitive function. Coffee consumption was even linked to a lower risk of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. So, if you consume coffee daily, you have a 65% lower risk of developing a serious sickness. Isn’t that amazing? 

Have you ever wondered why coffee is usually drunk in the morning? It’s because coffee can enhance physical performance. Caffeine increases adrenaline levels, preparing our bodies for the day. Also, a lot of people who exercise daily or regularly, drink coffee before their workouts to improve their performance. Yes, it really works. So, next time you feel unmotivated and don’t want to move drink a cup of coffee! 

Recognizing Quality Coffee

Quality varies a lot when it comes to coffee brands. The origins of the beans, the roast level, and the grind size are essential factors that contribute to the quality of coffee. How do you choose the best coffee brand? Or, more importantly, which are the worst coffee brands we should strictly avoid?

9 Worst Coffee Brands on Grocery Store Shelves

1. Nescafe

Is it surprising that a cheap instant coffee brand uses cheap ingredients? We think not. According to Manchester News Nescafe was never that good and just a few years ago had an ingredient change that made it even worse. The Nescafe brand claimed they wanted to offer their coffee a better and stronger flavor. Unfortunately, they did the opposite. However, their public claims can be just marketing.

2. Maxwell House

Maxwell House Coffee is an American coffee brand that has been used by a lot of families and generations, over the years. According to The Old Coffee Pot, it is made with a blend of Arabica and cheaper, more bitter, Robusta beans.

Kraft Heinz, the brand’s parent company lost an important lawsuit in 2021 over the claims that they overstated how many cups of coffee a can of the stuff would brew.

3. Seattle’s Best

Seattle’s Best isn’t an independent coffee brewer as it may sound. According to Business Insider,  it was bought by Starbucks in 2003. Recently, in 2022, Starbucks sold it to Nestle.

It’s a cheaper coffee brand that can be found in gas stations and fast-food chains that don’t have their own coffee brands. There’s nothing wrong with that! It deserves its place on the market. But you just cannot expect high-quality products from this kind of brand.

4. McCafe at Home

Let’s admit that Coffee from McDonald’s is really good, compared to other fast-food chains. And we should also mention that is always served really hot, which is a PLUS. The quality is fine for a fast-food chain but it’s not the type of coffee you’d want to re-purchase and consume at home. It’s just not that good. Also, according to Mashed, the McCafe coffee you can buy at the market tastes burnt and bitter. So, you’d better avoid it!

5. Folgers

Folgers is considered a decent brand of coffee. It’s neither good nor bad. They don’t use expensive ingredients but they use mountain-grown beans, which are tastier and harder to find. Higher altitudes tend to offer a unique taste to the beans. Keep in mind that mountains also have low altitudes, so the brand may still promote its coffee as “mountain-grown”.  The altitude matters, so choose wisely!

6.  Yuban

Yuban was considered, for a long time, a very good coffee brand. Their coffee was known for its great price. It was made with 100% Colombian coffee beans and it had a unique, exotic, taste. Did something change? Well, it’s not 100% Colombian anymore. Unfortunately, based on consumer reviews, it’s no longer good. Even though changes have been made, the brand is still trying to keep its products on the market. So, Yuban advertisements sound like this: “Made with Robusta and Arabica beans from Latin America and other tropical regions,” it turns out that they didn’t succeed with their advertising campaigns either. 

7. Green Mountain Coffee

Vermont’s Green Mountain Coffee was once called the best independent coffee company in America and was popular for its wide range of flavors. By the end of the 20th century, the brand bought Keurig. Its success didn’t last for long, and their criticism increased a lot over the years. Many coffee enthusiasts argue that the brand’s coffee lacks the depth and richness found in higher-quality, speciality coffees.

8. Death Wish Coffee

Death Wish Coffee is known as “the world’s strongest coffee”. It doesn’t mean that it’s the best coffee if we’re talking about its quality. Even though the packaging says that it only uses fair trade USDA organic beans, there is no clear information about where these beans come from.

On Death Wish’s website, they have a special section that describes how their coffee is made. So, they say they use dark and medium roasts with a bland of Robust Arabica beans.

According to reviews, their whole-bean coffee is oily, which is not good if it’s used at home. It can damage your coffee machine. The consumers were also complaining about the taste (too much caffeine) and price. It’s an expensive brand, considering its quality! So, choose wisely!

9. Dunkin’ at Home K-cups

Dunkin’ has a really good coffee. It’s even better served with a tasty donut! The price is also great! Now, Dunkin’ at Home K-cups can be used at Keurig machines. However, there are several reasons why you might want to reconsider purchasing these cups. One of the primary complaints is about the inconsistency in flavor compared to the coffee served at their locations. The brewing process and equipment used in Dunkin’ stores are different from home coffee makers, which can result in a noticeable difference in taste.

Also, Dunkin’ at Home K-cups are relatively expensive compared to buying whole beans or ground coffee. For frequent coffee drinkers, buying this brand can add up to a substantial expense over time.

If you want to purchase some cups and try them, they can be found on Amazon. We recommend the pumpkin spice-flavored ones, we think you’d like. Who knows? Maybe you start purchasing them regularly from now on. They are totally worth a try. The available flavors are also a PLUS.

We think that coffee tastes better when it’s consumed after a good breakfast. So, here is an article that will help you find the best spots for breakfast in the U.S.: The Best Cheap Breakfast Spots in Every State. Bon appetite!