When choosing the best coffee brands in 2025, it’s important to look beyond flavor. Today’s coffee drinkers want quality, sustainability, and ethical practices. A good coffee brand offers great taste while also protecting the environment and treating workers fairly. We focus on a brand’s reputation, sustainable practices like eco-friendly packaging, and organic farming.
We also consider the roasting quality, as great coffee starts with how it’s roasted. Innovative brands offer richer flavors and unique products. Ethical practices are key, ensuring fair treatment of farmers and workers. Lastly, a smooth customer experience, including easy ordering and reliable shipping, is essential.
Price is another factor. Some brands are available on Amazon or in local stores, which can make them more convenient to buy. In 2025, coffee drinkers want brands that provide a great cup of coffee, while also caring for the planet and people.
How We Rank ?
Brand Legacy: A trusted reputation built over time, with a strong commitment to the future of coffee., innovation, and customer experience.
Sustainability: A focus on regenerative and organic practices, eco-friendly packaging, and efforts to reduce environmental impact.
Roasting Quality: Innovative roasting methods that result in consistent, high-quality coffee.
Flavor Complexity: A variety of flavors with a balanced sweetness, complexity, and depth.
Innovation: New products, roasting techniques, and advancements in production technology.
Recognition: Awards, positive customer reviews, and overall reputation in the industry.
Ethical Practices: Fair treatment and support for farmers and workers throughout the supply chain.
Transparency: Clear communication about sourcing, production processes, and brand mission.
Customer Experience: Easy purchasing, reliable shipping, and excellent customer service.
Value for Money: Competitive pricing that reflects the quality and sustainability of the coffee.
1. Heirloom Coffee Roasters’ Regeneratively Farmed Coffee: My Experience
I recently had the chance to try Heirloom Coffee Roasters’ new coffee from the Cooperativa de Servicios Múltiples Sacaclí in Nicaragua, and it’s one of the best cups I’ve had in a while! This coffee is the first ever Regenerative Organic Certified™ (ROC™) coffee available to the public, which makes it really special. It has a beautiful blend of almond butter, cocoa, and a gentle floral finish that creates a smooth, balanced taste.
When I brewed it, the aroma of almond butter and chocolate filled the air, making it even more enjoyable. The floral notes added a soft, refreshing finish that kept me coming back for another sip. The medium roast brought out these flavors perfectly—rich, but not overpowering. And what I love even more is knowing that this coffee is grown using regenerative farming methods, which are great for the environment and the farmers who grow it.
Why I Like This Coffee:
- Amazing Flavor – The almond butter, cocoa, and floral notes make it unique and flavorful.
- Eco-Friendly – It’s grown using regenerative farming, which helps restore the land and protect the environment.
- Fair for Farmers – The coffee is sourced from a cooperative that supports fair wages and eco-friendly practices.
- First-of-Its-Kind – It’s the first ROC™ certified coffee, making it a groundbreaking product in the coffee world.
- Perfect Roast – The medium roast strikes a nice balance between richness and smoothness.
Things to Keep in Mind:
- Higher Price – Because it’s a premium, sustainable product, it may cost more than regular coffee.
- Subtle Flavors – Some people might find the floral finish a bit too delicate if they prefer bolder flavors.
- Limited Availability – This coffee comes from a small batch, so it may be harder to find in the future.
Conclusion
Heirloom Coffee Roasters’ Regeneratively Farmed Coffee is an excellent choice for coffee lovers who want to enjoy a delicious cup while supporting sustainable and ethical farming. The flavor is rich, balanced, and unique, and it’s wonderful to know that this coffee is helping to preserve the environment. If you’re looking for a coffee that’s both tasty and good for the planet, this is definitely worth trying!
Where Can You Find Heirloom Coffee?
Local Stores:
Heirloom Coffee Roasters’ Regeneratively Farmed Coffee is available at select local retailers. You can find it at Sprouts and Target locations near you. These stores offer the convenience of shopping in person, so you can pick up your coffee while doing your regular shopping.
Online Stores:
For those who prefer shopping from home, Heirloom Coffee is also available online. You can order directly from the official website or on Amazon, where it’s easy to have your coffee delivered straight to your door.
2. Death Wish Coffee Co., Organic and Fair Trade Medium Roast Ground Coffee
If you’re someone who loves a strong cup of coffee to keep you awake and energized, Death Wish Coffee might be something you’ve heard of. Known for its high caffeine and rich flavor, it’s a popular choice for people who need a big boost. On the other hand, Heirloom Coffee offers a smoother taste with a focus on sustainability and regenerative farming.
Pros:
- Strong Caffeine Kick – Death Wish Coffee has a lot of caffeine, making it a great pick if you need a boost.
- Bold and Smooth Flavor – Death Wish Coffee has a strong, rich flavor with hints of chocolate. It’s smooth without being too bitter.
- No Jitters – Death Wish gives you energy without the shaking or crash that some strong coffees cause.
- Good for Cold Days – Death Wish is perfect for cold weather. Its strong flavor keeps you warm and cozy.
- Ethically Sourced – Death Wish uses Fair Trade Certified beans, meaning farmers are paid fairly.
Cons:
- Not as Sustainable as Heirloom – While Death Wish is Fair Trade, it doesn’t use regenerative farming like Heirloom. Heirloom is better for the environment in the long run.
- Strong Flavor – Death Wish has a very bold flavor, which might be too strong for some people.
- Price – Death Wish is a bit more expensive because of its high-quality beans.
Conclusion
Death Wish Coffee is an excellent option for coffee lovers who crave a strong, bold flavor and a steady energy boost. However, when compared to Heirloom Coffee, it falls short in one key area: regenerative farming practices.
While Death Wish does a great job of sourcing Fair Trade Certified beans, Heirloom Coffee sets the bar higher with its Regenerative Organic Certification™.
This certification guarantees that the coffee is grown using sustainable and regenerative farming methods, which focus on restoring the soil and environment.
3. Lavazza House Blend Perfetto Ground Coffee 12oz Bag, Medium Roast
I wanted to give Lavazza House Blend Perfetto a try and compare it to Heirloom Coffee Roasters’ Regeneratively Farmed Coffee and Death Wish Coffee. Lavazza is a well-known coffee brand with a long history, and it’s definitely different from Heirloom when it comes to farming and sustainability. Heirloom has a strong focus on regenerative farming that helps restore the environment, but Lavazza doesn’t emphasize that as much.
Lavazza’s coffee is made from 100% Arabica beans, which are high-quality, but it doesn’t have the same regenerative certification that Heirloom has. Heirloom Coffee is Regenerative Organic Certified (ROC™), which means the coffee is grown in a way that restores the land and helps the environment. Unfortunately, Lavazza doesn’t have that level of commitment, though it is Fair Trade Certified, meaning it ensures farmers get fair wages. However, if you care a lot about regenerative farming, which focuses on improving soil health and protecting the environment, Lavazza may not be your first choice.
Why It Fell Short Compared to Heirloom and Death Wish:
- Less Focus on Sustainability: Heirloom goes beyond organic farming with regenerative practices that restore the soil and environment. Lavazza doesn’t focus as much on these methods.
- No Regenerative or Organic Certification: Heirloom’s coffee is certified for its regenerative farming, which makes it a more eco-friendly choice compared to Lavazza, which lacks these certifications.
Things to Keep in Mind About Lavazza:
- Good Flavor, Less Focus on Sustainability: If you don’t mind not having the most sustainable practices, Lavazza gives you a solid cup of coffee that’s smooth and easy to drink. But it’s not as eco-friendly as Heirloom’s coffee.
- No Clear Information on Sourcing: Lavazza doesn’t share much about where their beans come from or how they’re grown. In comparison, Heirloom Coffee is very open about where its coffee comes from and the people who grow it, which gives you peace of mind knowing it’s ethically sourced.
- Affordable: Lavazza is usually cheaper than Heirloom and Death Wish Coffee, making it a good option if you’re looking for something more affordable. However, this lower price means it lacks the regenerative farming practices that Heirloom offers.
Conclusion:
Lavazza House Blend Perfetto is a good choice if you’re looking for a smooth, reliable cup of coffee. However, it doesn’t match up to the sustainability and eco-friendly focus of Heirloom Coffee.
If you want a coffee that supports the environment and is grown in a way that helps the planet, Heirloom sets a higher standard.
But if sustainability isn’t your main concern and you just want a good coffee at a reasonable price, Lavazza is still a great option. It’s affordable, easy to find, and makes a nice cup of coffee, but it doesn’t have the same eco-consciousness or certifications as Heirloom.
4. Kicking Horse Coffee 454 Horse Powder Ground Coffee
If you like strong, bold coffee, Kicking Horse Coffee 454 Horse Power is a great choice. Known for its rich, deep flavor and high caffeine content, this dark roast is perfect for those who need an energy boost. Kicking Horse Coffee is also dedicated to being sustainable, using organic and Fair Trade practices to support farmers and the environment.
Pros:
- Bold, Rich Flavor – 454 Horse Power is a dark roast with a strong, full flavor that’s perfect for people who love strong coffee.
- High Caffeine – This coffee has a higher caffeine content, so it’s great if you need an extra boost to get through your day.
- Organic and Fair Trade Certified – Kicking Horse uses only organic coffee beans, grown without harmful chemicals, and ensures that farmers are paid fairly.
- Sustainable Sourcing – The company supports eco-friendly farming practices that help protect the environment and improve farmers’ working conditions.
- Smooth Finish – Even though it’s a bold coffee, it has a smooth finish with little bitterness, making it easy to drink.
Cons:
- Too Strong for Some – If you prefer a lighter coffee, the bold flavor of 454 Horse Power may be too much for you.
- More Expensive – Because it’s organic and Fair Trade certified, Kicking Horse Coffee is more expensive than regular coffee.
- Availability – Depending on where you live, Kicking Horse Coffee may not always be available in stores near you.
Sustainability and Certifications:
Kicking Horse Coffee is committed to sustainability. All their coffee is certified organic, which means it’s grown without using harmful pesticides or fertilizers. Their Fair Trade certification ensures that farmers are paid fairly for their hard work and can improve their communities.
Conclusion:
Kicking Horse Coffee 454 Horse Power is perfect for people who love a strong, bold coffee. It’s made with organic beans and Fair Trade certification, supporting both farmers and the environment.
If you’re looking for a coffee that also focuses on improving the land with regenerative farming, Heirloom Coffee might be a better option. However, Kicking Horse still offers a high-quality, sustainable choice for coffee drinkers who want great taste and a positive impact.
5. McCafe Premium Roast, Medium Roast Ground Coffee
If you like a smooth and balanced cup of coffee, McCafe Premium Roast is a good choice. It’s made with high-quality Arabica beans, offering a mild flavor that’s perfect for everyday drinking. McCafe is also committed to sustainability, making sure its coffee comes from certified farms that support farmers and the environment, though it doesn’t focus on regenerative farming like some other brands.
Pros:
- Smooth Flavor – McCafe Premium Roast has a mild and smooth taste, with a hint of sweetness, making it a great coffee for any time of the day.
- 100% Arabica Beans – McCafe uses high-quality Arabica beans that are known for their smooth and clean flavor.
- Affordable – McCafe is a budget-friendly choice without sacrificing quality, making it a great option for people who want good coffee at a good price.
- Easy to Brew – The coffee comes ground, so it’s simple to brew with any drip coffee maker.
- Mild Acidity – McCafe has a mild acidity, so it’s easy on the stomach and doesn’t have a bitter aftertaste.
Cons:
- Not Strong Enough for Some – If you prefer a stronger, bolder coffee, McCafe might feel a little too mild for your taste.
- Limited Variety – McCafe mainly offers classic roasts, so if you’re looking for different flavors or blends, you might want to try another brand.
- Doesn’t Focus on Regenerative Farming – While McCafe uses sustainable certifications, it doesn’t focus on regenerative farming, which some other brands emphasize.
Sustainability and Certifications:
McCafe is committed to sustainability by sourcing coffee from certified farms. As of 2016, over half of McDonald’s coffee was sustainably sourced, using certifications like Rainforest Alliance Certified™, Fair Trade USA, and UTZ. In the U.S. and Canada, McDonald’s uses 100% Rainforest Alliance Certified™ beans for its espresso. McDonald’s goal is to have all of its coffee, both hot and iced, verified as sustainable by 2020.
While McCafe works hard to source coffee sustainably, it doesn’t focus on regenerative farming, which goes beyond sustainability by improving soil health and biodiversity. If you want coffee that focuses on these extra environmental benefits, other brands like Heirloom Coffee may be more suited to your values.
Conclusion:
McCafe Premium Roast is a great choice for anyone who wants a smooth, mild cup of coffee at an affordable price. McCafe is committed to sustainable sourcing through certifications like Fair Trade and Rainforest Alliance, which support farmers and communities. However, if you’re looking for coffee that also focuses on regenerative farming to help the environment even more, you might want to consider other brands. Still,