Which coffees are the most satisfying?

Can't live without coffee? You're not alone. Recent studies show that most Americans kick off the day with a steamy cup of joe. At the basic level, consumers can choose between whole-bean and pre-ground coffee. Whole-bean products must be ground before brewing -- an additional step some consumers find off-putting. Most coffee experts say this simple action can pay off significantly, however, since immediate grinding before brewing leads to extra freshness and better flavor . Because of this, they repeatedly recommend whole-bean over pre-ground coffees.

Additional shopping considerations

When you're prowling your supermarket's java aisle, there are a variety of options to consider. Look for coffee made from Arabica beans, since experts say these high-quality coffee beans produce the best flavor. Robusta beans, a cheaper alternative typically used in instant or cheaper coffees, often don't measure up. In taste tests, coffee drinkers complain about the Robusta beans' bland or bitter flavor.

A variety of roasts are available: mainly light, medium or dark. These terms, which correspond to how long the coffee beans have been roasted, are largely a matter of personal preference. Light roasts are roasted for the shortest amount of time, while dark roasts are roasted the longest. Medium roasts are the most popular in the United States.

Decaf coffees get mixed reviews at best, and experts agree that even the best-tasting decaffeinated roasts don't keep pace with with regular caffeinated roasts in terms of flavor.

Other trends

Lastly, we found one of the latest trends in coffee is organic and Fair Trade manufacturing. Organic coffee beans are grown without herbicides or pesticides, while Fair Trade coffees are purchased directly from the farmer, who is guaranteed a minimum payment in addition to extra incentives for growing his beans organically. One drawback is that Fair Trade and organic coffees are typically more expensive (often several dollars more per pound) than mass-produced brands.

Want to learn more? Check out our freshly-updated report on coffee. If you find yourself leaning toward whole-bean selections, be sure to also check out  our report on coffee grinders. Finally, to ensure the best possible brew for your morning joe, our full report on coffee makers spells out the top picks.