Finding the Best Organic Coffee Beans
November 25, 2021 | Kurt Parker
Coffee beans energize the Earth.
Perhaps it is a bit of exaggeration but truly, coffee is a valuable commodity.
Innovations in coffee industry lead to synthetic practices that cut cost but could harm the environment and humans in the process.
That’s why we need to go organic!
Later in this article we will define what it means to be organic, why we need to appreciate the organic seal and the best organic coffee beans in the market.
Let’s get started.
Our 11 Best Organic Coffee Beans
Our coffee-holic team spent a week in research to find the 11 best organic coffee beans based on origin, taste and strength.
Of course, the last two are subjective so we dig in to the product reviews section to gather feedback from actual buyers.
- Death Wish Ground Coffee Dark Roast (Top 1 Best Overall)
- Lifeboost Coffee Whole Bean Medium Roast (Top 2 Best Overall)
- Real Good Organic Dark Roast (Top 1 Best Budget)
- Kicking Horse Coffee, Grizzly Claw, Dark Roast (Top 2 Best Budget)
- Don Pablo Subtle Earth Organic Coffee (Top 3 Best Budget)
- Jo Coffee Organic Decaf Ground Coffee (Best Decaf)
- Newman’s Own Organics Special Blend (Best K-cup)
- Bulletproof The Original Whole Bean Coffee (Best Keto)
- Cameron’s Coffee Roasted Whole Bean Coffee, Organic French Roast (Best French Roast)
- Volcanica Organic Ethiopian Coffee (Best Ethiopian)
- Spirit Animal Organic Coffee (Best Honduran)
Best Organic Coffee Beans Overall
Death Wish Ground Coffee Dark Roast
- Why it’s good: Jet fuel coffee! It has twice the amount of caffeine than regular coffee and it is done naturally. Low-acid coffee with bitter-less after taste.
- Organic Seal: Fair Trade, United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Climate Pledge Friendly
- Type of Beans: Premium blend of Arabica and Robusta
- Origin: Saratoga Springs, New York
- Taste: Bold, Flavor notes include cherry and chocolate.
- Reviews: 4.7 out of 5 stars
Positive reviews:
- Most of the reviews about Death wish Ground Coffee said that few cups were able to keep them alert and focused at work. They even have extra energy for an intense workout afterwards. Some were able to put up humor and added hilarious supernatural deeds after the fourth cup.
Negative Reviews:
- Few people experienced delayed headaches after drinking this coffee, some complained about the price while others did not experience the strength as advertised.
Death Wish Ground Coffee Dark roast achieve the low-acidity brew with twice the amount of caffeine naturally because of high-octane blend of Arabica + Robusta beans in a slow roasting process. That’s why they are called the World’s Strongest Coffee and arguably the best.
If we look at the brand itself, Death Wish coffee, they won the Intuit QuickBooks “Small Business, Big Game” competition in 2015 and has sent an instant, freeze-dried, version of its coffee to the international space station last 2018. They also partnered with different non-profit and social organizations to sponsor events and social causes so the organic seal goes outside the realm of coffee too.
2% of the buyers’ complaints are mostly health-related so it is best to consult your physician in case you have a heart condition.
Lifeboost Coffee Whole Bean Medium Roast
- Why it’s good: Low Acid coffee with anti-oxidants, mycotoxin-free, pesticide-free, chemical-free, and GMO-free so it is gentle on your sensitive tummy.
- Organic Seal: Natural Food Certifiers (NFC) 2020, United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Climate Pledge Friendly
- Type of Beans: Arabica
- Origin: High-altitude Mountains of Nicaragua
- Taste: Bold yet smooth and rich chocolatey caramel flavor without the bitter aftertaste.
- Reviews: 4.3 out of 5 stars
Positive reviews:
- Majority of the reviews about Lifeboost coffee were happy that finally they can drink a coffee without triggering their acid reflux, commended the taste and were satisfied with the speed of shipping.
Negative Reviews:
- One or two people complained about the acidic taste, but they also admitted that acidity is around half of the other coffees. Some did not appreciate the price since these beans are on the luxury side.
Dr. Charles Livingstone started this company to find a coffee that we can enjoy every day, without sacrificing the health and the environment.
This coffee is one of our best overall because the beans themselves came from the mountains of Nicaragua. The high altitudes and the fact that it is grow custom_rown in shade, pests were never a problem to the farmers here because the birds eat them. So no pesticides are needed. As a result, Nutrient absorption and richness of flavor was achieved on the beans from this region.
To ensure purity, each bag is hand-picked, sun-dried and washed in spring water. All natural.
They also claim that coffee-holics don’t need to worry about getting coffee stains on teeth and no more gastric pains because it is pH level 6 or higher.
Best Budget Organic Coffee Beans
Real Good Organic Dark Roast
- Why it’s good: Affordable! Yet still classified as high-quality organic coffee without too much branding shenanigans.
- Organic Seal: United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Climate Pledge Friendly
- Type of Beans: Arabica
- Origin: Coffee Beans are from Central and South America then roasted in Seattle.
- Taste: Asian spice flavors that include raspberry, bell pepper and cedar with rich undertones of citrus and dark chocolate. I know it’s quite hard to imagine on a coffee, but it’s perfect for a morning brew.
- Reviews: 4.5 out of 5 stars
Positive reviews:
- Most of the reviews on Real Good Medium Roast are saying it is fantastic because it is not bitter. Others complimented the fact that you do not need anything additional to your coffee – no sour cream, sugar, etc. Some also liked that it is dark enough but not burned.
Negative Reviews:
- Few people said the taste is much bitter than they expected, some had developed stomach problems after two days while others complained about the bad packaging.
Real Good Organic Dark Roast achieved it’s high-quality yet affordable status by cutting the middlemen during delivery and they cut cost on branding. No fancy packaging and not much advertising, they put taste first!
This coffee is suitable on all kinds of brewers like moka pots, aeropress, pour-overs, french press etc.
If your aim is organic, do not go for other roast levels – only the dark roast is fully organic.
Kicking Horse Coffee, Grizzly Claw, Dark Roast
- Why it’s good: 100% Organic, Kosher and Fair Trade coffee that is delicious and budget-friendly.
- Organic Seal: Fair Trade, United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Climate Pledge Friendly
- Type of Beans: Arabica
- Origin: Africa, Mountains of Central and South America
- Taste: Intense smoky flavor that is so rich with hint of dark chocolate and roasted hazelnuts.
- Reviews: 4.5 out of 5 stars
Positive reviews:
- Most of the reviews about Kicking Horse Grizzly Claw is about the taste – smooth, non-acidic, mellow but has the kick you need in the morning. Some praised the product for exceeding the weight in the actual packaging while others complimented its strength without the bitterness.
Negative Reviews:
- Two or three people said they occasionally encounter some bags that are bitter and over-roasted.
Kicking Horse Grizzly Claw Dark Roast ticks all the boxes in terms of being 100% organic, delicious, strong and affordable.
We like the fact that you can use smaller amounts to get the same kick, very economical.
Don Pablo Subtle Earth Organic Coffee
- Why it’s good: This coffee is roast-to-order so freshness is guaranteed in every bag. Low-acid, GMO-free and affordable.
- Organic Seal: California Certified Organic Farmers (CCOF), United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Climate Pledge Friendly
- Type of Beans: Arabica
- Origin: Marcala, Honduras
- Taste: Deep, rich, chocolatey flavor with velvet texture
- Reviews: 4.6 out of 5 stars
Positive reviews:
- A lot of reviews on Don Pablo Subtle Earth is about its fragrance – hints of chocolate and vanilla and flavor – very smooth and mild without the bitterness. Non-acidity is a big factor why they like this coffee and the fact that you can use less amount because it is already strong.
Negative Reviews:
- Few people said that they were given a burnt batch. Others complained about the sour taste.
Don Pablo sourced the beans from high altitudes of Marcala, Honduras where the soil and climate produce beans that when brewed, has the flavor notes of chocolate, honey, and velvet caramel lace.
After separating the beans from the fruit, they use the cherries as a fertilizer which is quite remarkable.
Best Decaf Organic Coffee Beans
Jo Coffee Organic Decaf Ground Coffee
- Why it’s good: Decaf organic coffee with a rich flavor and aroma. GMO-free, Gluten-free, Kosher and decaffeinated coffees using the Swiss Water Process (SWP). If you are wondering what SWP is, read below.
- Organic Seal: United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Climate Pledge Friendly
- Type of Beans: Arabica
- Origin: Worldwide
- Taste: Sweet blueberry milk-chocolatey flavor
- Reviews: 4.4 out of 5 stars
Positive reviews:
- Most of the reviews about Jo organic decaf said that this coffee is truly a blessing to people with anxiety and panic disorder. Delicious, rich decaf and robust taste. Others like the way it is decaffeinated using Swiss water method – No chemicals, just water.
Negative Reviews:
- Few people said that they was given a burnt batch. Others complained about the sour taste.
Jo Organic decaf achieves a rich taste using Swiss Water Process (SWP) which means that the three elements of water, temperature, and time removes caffeine from the coffee very slowly without using chemicals.
Decaf is best for those with heart disease and experiencing palpitations. Caffeine is stripped and this coffee is pure arabica beans that is roasted in small batches to retain flavors.
Best K-cup Organic Coffee Beans
Newman’s Own Organics Special Blend
- Why it’s good: Tasty coffee recyclable capsules! No guilt from throw custom_rowing lots f garbage and pods. 100% organic and Kosher.
- Organic Seal: United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Climate Pledge Friendly
- Type of Beans: Arabica
- Origin: USA
- Taste: Strong bold flavor yet refined and smooth.
- Reviews: 4.8 out of 5 stars
Positive reviews:
- A lot of reviews about Newman’s Own are talking about the taste – smooth and non-chemical. Others admired that this is decaf with a great, rich, full bodied flavor compared to others. The organic seal is just a plus.
Negative Reviews:
- The negative reviews are related to few shipping and packaging problems. Not much complaints about the taste and strength.
We chose this among the many organic coffee brands for K-cups because of the balance of flavor, strength and the choices you get from decaf special, sunrise blend, and French roast.
Best Organic Coffee Beans for Keto Diet
Bulletproof The Original Whole Bean Coffee
- Why it’s good: Perfect organic coffee for those on Ketogenic Diet! Only 2-4 Calories per cup, screened and tested for toxins.
- Organic Seal: Rainforest Alliance Certified , United States Department of Agriculture (USDA)
- Type of Beans: Arabica
- Origin: Colombia, Guatemala, & El Salvador
- Taste: Flavor notes of cinnamon, plum, with subtle hint of orange with a cocoa hazelnut.
- Reviews: 4.6 out of 5 stars
Positive reviews:
- Most of the reviews about Bulletproof organic coffee is also about the taste – delicious, clean and smooth. Others complimented that they did not experience heartburn at all and the aroma is on the next level.
Negative Reviews:
- Negative Reviews: Few people complained about the lack of flavor, some say it taste more like a coffee-flavored tea than coffee.
Bulletproof is chosen here because apart from the taste, it’s ingredients are certified clean and supports farm, forest communities and families from where they source their beans – high mountain estates in Colombia, Guatemala, & El Salvador.
Best Organic Coffee Beans for French roast
Cameron’s Coffee Roasted Whole Bean Coffee, Organic French Roast
- Why it’s good: French Roasted, The smoothest and richest organic coffee you can get.
- Organic Seal: United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Climate Pledge Friendly
- Type of Beans: Arabica
- Origin: Worldwide
- Taste: Brow custom_rown sugary flavor, very rich and smooth.
- Reviews: 4.7 out of 5 stars
Positive reviews:
- Most of the reviews on Cameron’s coffee admired the smoothness of the brew with no bitterness. Other said it was very fresh and full of flavor, perfect for the cool autumn days.
Negative Reviews:
- Few people doesn’t like the taste, somehow much bitter than they expected. Some are disappointed saying it is weak and diluted.
We choose this organic coffee for the French Roast category because it is hand-crafted so it is done in small batches, no over-roasting and they only source the top 10% of the world’s arabica beans.
Best Ethiopian Organic Coffee Beans
Volcanica Organic Ethiopian Coffee
- Why it’s good: Beans are from wild Ethiopian coffee trees, distinct flavor and roasted fresh. Low-acid with pH of 5.1
- Organic Seal: Fair Trade and Kosher
- Type of Beans: Arabica
- Origin: Southern Ethiopia
- Taste: Very fruity coffee with hint of wine flavor. Notes include lemon, blueberry, and blackberry.
- Reviews: 4.6 out of 5 stars
Positive reviews:
- Many buyers liked the flavor of Volcanica organic coffee – low acidity, lots of fruit in the profile. Chocolatey after-taste. Others said it has the perfect amount of caffeine to get you going through your entire day
Negative Reviews:
- Few people complained about the beans being roasted 14 days ago but someone from their staff answered that they are moving to a new roasting facility which has disrupted they schedule but will be back on track immediately.
Ethiopian coffees are known for the exotic flavor but Yirgacheffe is famous for the fruity-toned coffees that are low acid, that’s why we chose the organic coffee brand.
Volcanica also roasts the beans in small batches only after they receive an order to guarantee the freshness of the roast.
Best Honduran Organic Coffee Beans
Spirit Animal Organic Coffee
- Why it’s good: Air-shipped from Honduras directly to the consumer! Fresh, Mold-free, Mycotoxin-free and Low-acid organic coffee.
- Organic Seal: SCA (Specialty Coffee Association)
- Type of Beans: Arabica
- Origin: Micro-plots in Honduras
- Taste: Ver deep, rich flavor that include jasmine, creamy chocolate, and hazelnut.
- Reviews: 4.2 out of 5 stars
Positive reviews:
- Most of the reviews on Spirit Animal coffee adore the unbelievable smell and taste, No real bourbon taste, but certainly nuanced. It got hints of jasmine and fruit.
Negative Reviews:
- Few people noticed odd smell to the beans while others complained about the bittery after-taste when cold brewed, no problem on hot-brewed.
Aside from the other Honduran coffee mentioned above (Lifeboost coffee), Spirit Animal Catuai and Bourbon deserve a special section because of it’s unique blend of fruity flavor plus their dedication to the farming community is amazing. They help the local farmers improve the efficiency and quality of their beans.
What does it mean to be “Organic”?
The term organic is generally being free of toxic chemicals and synthetic fertilizers.
For coffee beans, it starts from the soil, if the soil has been exposed to chemicals before, it needs to wait 3 to 5 years to be clear the residues, then it is ready to be planted.
Before planting you need to have an organic system plan, from tilling, grazing, harvesting, storing, and transporting your coffee beans.
Transportation and processing organically also needs to be guarded to prevent cross-contamination. The containers and location during shipment is crucial to ensure purity of the beans.
Organic coffee beans also need to be roasted in a roaster that hasn’t been used on anything other than organic beans only. They won’t risk it because there could be chemical residues which are transferred into the organic beans during the process.
This labor-intensive and costly processes from the ground to your mug is the reason why it costs more than the normal coffee beans.
The “Organic” Seal
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) is the main entity assigned to certify that all farming and shipment processes follow the federal guidelines from soil, pest control, weed control, transportation segregation, etc.
GMO, you might be wondering what is this, it means Genetically Modified Organism. Scientists restructure the DNA of the plants to become immune to pests, weather changes, etc.
Organic coffees should be free from this alterations because the side effects hasn’t been fully discovered. United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) ensures this before putting the GMO-free seal.
Why do we care if it is “Organic”?
No Toxins – Coffee is one of the most heavily sprayed crops so being free from toxic chemicals is a huge factor why we should want organic.
More Antioxidants – the boost in antioxidants came from flavonoids and phenolic acids which are highly potent in organic coffees, it reduce the risk of cancers, diabetes, liver disease and even Parkinson’s disease. [1]
Taste – Some enthusiasts claim that organic coffee taste better but no evidence yet that this is true, only the best coffee beans and best coffee gears are proven to produce the best-tasting brew.
Our Verdict…
To cary the organic seal is not easy, the manufacturers need to go through a lot in order to get certified.
Out of dozens of organic coffee brands we found that Death Wish Ground Coffee Dark Roast and Lifeboost Coffee Whole Bean Medium Roast were the best choice not only for coffee lovers but also for the coffee farmers and our beloved planet.
Tips, Method and Guide to make a perfect cup of coffee.
[1] 2009 Study: The content of polyphenols in coffee beans as roasting, origin and storage effect