The 7 Best Coffees of 2022, According to a Dietitian Menu Verywell Fit Nutrition Weight Management Nutrition Facts Nutrition Basics Diets Meal Plans Meal Delivery Services View All News Fitness and Nutrition What to Buy How We Test Products Fitness Gear Nutrition Products Tools Recipe Nutrition Calculator Weight Loss Calorie Goal BMI Calculator Body Fat Percentage Calculator Calories Burned by Activity Daily Calories Burned Pace Calculator About Us Editorial Process Meet Our Review Board Search Nutrition Products The Best Coffees, According to a Dietitian Natural Force Clean Coffee is our expert's top pick By Anne Cook Carroll, MS, RD Anne Cook Carroll, MS, RD Anne Cook Carroll is a Registered Dietitian with a master's degree in Clinical Nutrition from New York University. She is a clinical dietitian at an inpatient hospital and also works in private practice. Learn about our editorial process Updated on April 26, 2022 Medically reviewed Verywell Fit articles are reviewed by board-certified physicians and nutrition and exercise healthcare professionals. Medical Reviewers confirm the content is thorough and accurate, reflecting the latest evidence-based research. Content is reviewed before publication and upon substantial updates. Learn more. by Ayana Habtemariam, MSW, RDN, LDN Medically reviewed by Ayana Habtemariam, MSW, RDN, LDN Ayana Habtemariam, MSW, RDN, LDN, is a registered dietitian, nutrition therapist, certified intuitive eating counselor, and macro social worker. Learn about our Medical Review Board Fact checked Verywell Fit content is rigorously reviewed by a team of qualified and experienced fact checkers. Fact checkers review articles for factual accuracy, relevance, and timeliness. We rely on the most current and reputable sources, which are cited in the text and listed at the bottom of each article. Content is fact checked after it has been edited and before publication. Learn more. by Marley Hall Fact checked by Marley Hall Marley Hall is a writer and fact checker who is certified in clinical and translational research. Her work has been published in medical journals in the field of surgery, and she has received numerous awards for publication in education. Learn about our editorial process Print We independently research, test, review, and recommend the best products. Healthcare professionals review articles for medical accuracy. Learn more about our process. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission. Verywell Fit / Crea Taylor Coffee is a popular part of morning rituals, social gatherings, and afternoon pick-me-ups—but how does it stack up from a health and nutrition perspective? Coffee is a source of caffeine, which is a psychoactive drug that acts as a natural stimulant, increasing alertness and energy levels. The best coffees are made from high-quality ingredients and come in a form that is easy to make in your kitchen. Reviewed & Approved Natural Force Clean Coffee is our top pick because it's free of harmful contaminants and has a smooth flavor. If you're looking for a high-quality ground coffee, we recommend Stumptown Coffee Roasters Holler Mtn. Ground Organic Coffee. Another important factor to consider when shopping for coffee is its nutritional value. If you prefer to drink lattes and sweeter drinks, the milk and sweeteners you buy to go with it will increase the calories, added sugars, and fats. We researched a variety of coffees, considering certifications, type, nutritional value, and price. Here are the best coffees, according to a dietitian. Our Top Picks Best Overall: Natural Force Clean Coffee at Amazon Jump to Review Best Ground: Stumptown Coffee Roasters Holler Mtn. Coffee at Amazon Jump to Review Best Whole Bean: Blue Bottle Coffee Whole-Bean Coffee at Amazon Jump to Review Best Instant: Joe Coffee The Daily Specialty Instant Coffee at Amazon Jump to Review Best Cold-Brew: RISE Brewing Co. Original Black Nitro Cold Brew Coffee at Amazon Jump to Review Best Espresso: Allegro Coffee Organic Espresso Sierra at Amazon Jump to Review Best Decaf: Kicking Horse Decaf Dark Roast Coffee at Amazon Jump to Review In This Article Expand Our Picks What to Look For What Experts Say Why Trust Verywell Fit Best Overall: Natural Force Clean Coffee 4.8 Courtesy of Amazon View On Amazon What do buyers say? 83% of 800+ Amazon reviewers rated this product 4 stars or above. Natural Force Clean Coffee is our top pick because it's made with high-quality ingredients and is free of harmful contaminants. USDA Organic and Rainforest Alliance Certified, their coffee beans are third-party lab tested and independently analyzed for the presence of mold, mycotoxins (ochratoxin A, aflatoxin), acrylamide, heavy metals, gluten, and other contaminants. It's also gluten-free, vegan, and paleo- and keto-friendly. It has a smooth taste and low acidic profile, which makes it ideal for those with sensitive stomachs. Each bag contains 12 ounces of whole beans. The bag they come in is nitrogen-flushed to remove air and keep the beans fresh. Since they are whole beans, you will need a grinder to grind the beans. Once they are ground, can add 1 to 2 tablespoons of coffee per 8 ounces of water. Reviewers note that while it is expensive, the quality makes it well worth the price. Best Ground: Stumptown Coffee Roasters Holler Mtn. Ground Organic Coffee Courtesy of Amazon View On Amazon View On Bonanza.com Stumptown is a small, boutique coffee roaster that practices transparent, direct trade sourcing of their coffee beans. Their coffee varieties highlight the regional seasonality of coffee harvesting, yielding delicately balanced flavor profiles. Holler Mountain is a medium roast with notes of creamy caramel. The flavors listed on their products are the natural flavors of the bean variety and not from added ingredients. Each bag contains 12-ounces of ground beans. Best Whole Bean: Blue Bottle Coffee Home Blend Bright Organic Whole-Bean Coffee Courtesy of Amazon View On Amazon View On Walmart If you’re looking for optimal flavor and freshness, purchase whole beans and grind them right before brewing. USDA organic, Blue Bottle Coffee Home Blend Bright Whole-Bean Coffee is sustainably sourced from Uganda and Ethiopia and is lightly roasted, retaining the fruity flavor of the beans. This variety has bright, invigorating notes of blueberry, golden raisin, and lemon zest, making it the perfect addition to your morning. Each bag contains 12 ounces of whole roasted beans. Best Instant: Joe Coffee The Daily Specialty Instant Coffee Courtesy of Amazon View On Amazon No coffee maker? No problem. Joe Coffee Speciality Instant Coffee Packets offers a quality cup of coffee just by adding water. The coffee beans are roasted, grounded, brewed, and then dehydrated in small batches with natural bean flavors of chocolate, caramel, and marzipan. Each box contains six individual sachets of instant coffee that can be used to make either hot or cold coffee. Mix one packet with eight to ten ounces of hot or cold water. The 7 Best Natural Energy Bars, According to a Dietitian Best Cold-Brew: RISE Brewing Co. Original Black Nitro Cold Brew Coffee Courtesy of Amazon View On Amazon View On Walmart View On Thrive Market Many canned and bottled coffee drinks contain added calories and sugar from milk and flavorings. Try RISE Brewing Co., Original Black Nitro Cold Brew Coffee for a fresh sip with no sugar and no dairy. Nitro coffee is infused with nitrogen gas and served from a tap, giving it a frothy texture, less acidity, and natural sweetness. Made with just organic coffee sourced from Peru and purified water, each seven fluid-ounce can contains 0 calories and 0 grams of sugar and contains 180 mg of caffeine. Best Espresso: Allegro Coffee Organic Espresso Sierra Ground Coffee Courtesy of Amazon View On Amazon View On Walmart Espresso is a brewing method that uses high pressure and high heat to extract a concentrated coffee. USDA Organic and Rainforest Alliance Certified, Allegro Coffee Organic Espresso Sierra Ground Coffee is a medium-dark roast coffee with flavors of dark chocolate and caramel sourced from Indonesia and Latin America. Each bag contains 12 ounces of ground espresso beans that can be used in an espresso maker or a drip coffee. You can sip espresso as a shot or enjoy it with foamed milk for a cappuccino or latte. Prefer your coffee cold? Pour a shot of espresso over ice and add your favorite cold milk. The 9 Best Oat Milks of 2022 by Verywell Fit Best Decaf: Kicking Horse Decaf Dark Roast Coffee Courtesy of Thrive Market View On Amazon View On Thrive Market View On Vitacost When it comes to purchasing decaf coffee, look for brands that use the Swiss Water Process, like Kicking Horse Decaf Coffee. The Swiss Water method uses water and carbon filtration, while other common decaf processes use chemical solvents to extract the caffeine from coffee beans. Kicking Horse Coffee is a Canadian company that is organic and Fairtrade Certified. Their decaf blend is sourced from Central and South America and has flavor notes of roasted hazelnut and chocolate. The coffee comes in 1-pound or 2.2-pound bags of whole bean coffee and can be used in a variety of brewing methods including, French press, drip machine, pour-over, espresso, and cold brew. The 8 Best Green Teas of 2022, According to a Dietitian Final Verdict For a USDA Organic and Rainforest Alliance Certified product that is third-party tested for chemicals, try Natural Force Clean Coffee (view at Amazon). Looking for a delicious cup of coffee without caffeine? Go for Kicking Horse Decaf Coffee (view at Amazon). What to Look for in Coffee Quality Look for brands that practice transparent and ethical sourcing with certifications like Fairtrade and Rainforest Alliance Certified. Choose USDA organic or high-quality brands to reduce potential exposure to mold and mycotoxins. Type Choose a product that works with the equipment you have in your kitchen. Coffee varieties like French press, drip, and espresso require specialized equipment to brew. No coffee machine? Try an instant coffee or bottled nitro brew with no added sugars. Nutritional Content Many bottled and prepared coffee drinks have added calories, sugar, and saturated fats from flavored syrups and high-fat milk products. If you add milk to your coffee and want to enjoy a latte or cappuccino with fewer calories, use skim milk or an unsweetened milk alternative like almond or coconut. Frequently Asked Questions What is French press coffee? Is it better for you? French press coffee is made by steeping coarse coffee grounds in hot water and then pressing a mesh strainer down to release the coffee. Because this is an unfiltered method, the natural oils found on coffee beans, called diterpenes, are transferred into the coffee. While this can enhance the flavor, high-amounts (five to eight cups) of unfiltered coffee have been shown to raise LDL, “bad,” cholesterol levels. If you choose to consume French press coffee, stick to four cups or less a day. If you have or are predisposed to high cholesterol, choose a filtered coffee option like drip coffee instead. Is flavored coffee healthy? Flavored coffee comes from coffee beans that have flavors added during processing. While some companies use natural flavors to coat their beans, many spray their beans with artificial flavorings and oils. In general, it’s best to enjoy the natural flavor varieties of coffee beans and skip those with chemically processed, added flavors. Depending on the region, type of bean, and level of roasting, coffee beans can yield a diverse range of natural flavors to suit your palate. Is decaf coffee okay for you to consume? Decaf coffee is a good alternative to regular coffee if you are looking to limit your caffeine intake. There are two main types of processes used to decaffeinate coffee: solvent-based (direct solvent and indirect solvent) and non-solvent-based (Swiss Water Process and CO2 Process). Both direct and indirect solvents use chemical solvents, including ethyl acetate or methylene chloride, to remove the caffeine from coffee beans. When purchasing decaf coffee, look for a brand that uses the Swiss Water Process, as it is a carbon filtration process that does not use chemicals and retains a high-quality flavor. What Experts Say "Coffee is a delicious and well-loved beverage that many people use to start their day. While coffee can give you an energy boost, it can also be incredibly dehydrating. Be sure to drink a cup of water or two before your coffee to counteract the dehydrating effects."—Eliza Savage, MS, RD, CDN Why Trust Verywell Fit As a Registered Dietitian, Anne Carroll uses her clinical expertise to cut through marketing claims and get down to the science. These are all products that she has researched, vetted, and would recommend to her clients in private practice and incorporate into her own diet. 2 Sources Verywell Fit uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. Harvard Health Publishing. Pressed coffee is going mainstream—but should you drink it? Britannica. How is coffee decaffeinated? See Our Editorial Process Meet Our Review Board Share Feedback Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! What is your feedback? Other Helpful Report an Error Submit Related Articles Exactly How Much Caffeine Is in Your Cup of Coffee? 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