If you're a coffee lover, then you'll definitely want to know the best coffee for your French press. After all, if you're making coffee in a French press, it's probably because you take your coffee seriously!
There are many types of coffee that work well in a French press. Some are stronger than others; some have more oils than others; some are mellower and sweeter than others.
So, what does it actually mean when someone says, "this is the best coffee for French press?" Well, let's take a look at some of the best options available!
Our Top Picks!
We know that you have many choices when choosing the best coffee for your French press, so we're here to help.
We've done the research for you and come up with these five great picks:
1. Valhalla Java Coffee - Best Caffeine boost
If Valhalla Java coffee could survive the intensity of Thor's hammer, it can surely help you withstand your 10 a.m. meeting!
Valhalla Java is an exceptional blend of arabica and robusta beans from Central and South America—two of the best coffee beans in the world!
Robusta beans are used in blends because they produce a more bitter taste than arabica beans, which tend to be milder. So when they’re mixed together, you get a more intense flavor overall.
In addition, arabica beans have a subtle nutty flavor, and robusta beans have an earthy, almost peanut aftertaste.
Lastly, Valhalla Java is USDA Organic Certified. This means that all of its products are grown without pesticides or chemicals—and it tastes like it!
Pros
- High caffeine content
- USDA Organic Certified
- Smooth, rich texture
Cons
- Only dark roast is available
- Some people find the taste a bit too strong
- A bit pricey
2. Volcanica Costa Rica Peaberry Coffee - Best Flavor
Costa Rica's coffee is known for being of the highest quality, and the peaberry variety is especially prized.
Peaberry beans have a slightly higher concentration of flavor than regular beans—and more caffeine!
A cup of Volcanica Costa Rica Peaberry coffee has a prominent aroma, a sweeter, brighter taste that lingers on your tongue, and a subtle yet distinct acidity.
Peaberry coffee is also prized because it's so rare: it only accounts for about 5 to 10% of all coffee production worldwide.
That's because they're the result of natural mutation. They’re produced when the coffee cherry is wholly or partially formed, but only one bean grows inside it.
Because of this, peaberries tend to be smaller than regular beans and have a more concentrated flavor profile.
This can make them hard to find in stores too—but not impossible!
Pros
- It has a unique flavor (honey, lemon, and almond)
- They roast and ship their coffee beans on demand
- Pleasant aroma
Cons
- High price tag
- There is no light roast available
- It can taste slightly bitter
3. AmazonFresh Peru Coffee - Best Price
When you're looking for that perfect brew, you want something with the right balance of acidity and body.
You don't want it to be too acidic or too bitter—you just want something that's going to be smooth, rich, and delicious.
And that's where AmazonFresh Coffee comes in!
Whether you're looking for a quick jolt or something more substantial, this medium-acidic, full-bodied coffee will get you going in no time.
This 100% Arabica coffee is grown in Peru and is Fair Trade certified. It's also USDA Organic certified, so you can feel good about drinking it—and about supporting the farmers who grow it!
So, if you're a fan of mild coffee with a bit of body, this is one to try.
Pros
- Fair Trade certified
- USDA Organic certified
- Affordable
- Pleasant aroma
Cons
- It feels closer to a light roast
4. Verena Street Coffee - Best Decaf
There's nothing worse than getting a decaf coffee that tastes like you're drinking bitter chemicals.
Luckily for you, Verena Street solved the tricky equation of making a decaf coffee that tastes as good as its caffeinated counterpart.
Verena Street Coffee is a delicious brew that's bold yet smooth, with a creamy complexity.
It's also kosher-certified, meaning that every bag of Verena Street Coffee you purchase is made with no extra chemicals or flavorings.
Plus, this coffee brand has the Rainforest Alliance Certified seal! This means that the coffee beans were grown sustainably with minimal environmental impact.
So, you can enjoy your cup of coffee knowing that it’s helping the planet!
Pros
- Smooth profile
- Not bitter
- Kosher-friendly
- Rainforest Alliance Certified
Cons
- Slightly expensive
- Not ideal for those with delicate stomachs
5. Primos Coffee Co - Best for Sensitive Stomachs
It's not every day you can drink coffee from a small farm deep in Central America. However, Primos Coffee Co offers you just that!
The small, family-owned farm only uses the highest quality Arabica beans, which are handpicked at the peak of their ripeness.
The result? A delicious medium-roast with a smooth, sweet flavor that has citrus notes! Moreover, Primos Coffee Co. uses sustainable practices in its production practices.
They make sure their coffee is grown environmentally friendly so that it doesn't harm the environment or endanger local communities (or animals!).
Lastly, you can drink Primos coffee without worrying about upsetting your stomach.
This is because it has a low pH level, so it won't give you indigestion or heartburn. So, we highly recommend this coffee for those who need to be extra careful with their stomachs.
Pros
- Strong flavor
- Low acidity
- Affordable
Cons
- Some might consider the coffee too mild
Things You Should Consider Before Buying Coffee for Your French Press
When you're looking to buy coffee for your French press, you’ll have a lot of options. You can choose between different kinds of beans, grinds, and flavors.
So before you make any decisions, consider these things:
1. The Grind Size
The grind size is one of the most important things to consider when buying coffee for your French press.
If the grind is too fine, it’ll clog up your filter and prevent the water from passing through. If it's too coarse, it won't be able to dissolve properly, and you'll end up with grounds in your cup.
To get a consistent grind size for your press, experiment with different types of beans until you find the one that works best for your machine and palate!
However, a good rule of thumb is that you should be able to see ⅓rd of your coffee grounds in a spoon. That’s because It's better to err on the side of coarser than finer when it comes to grind size!
2. What Type of Coffee Do You Prefer
You can fall in love with any of the numerous coffee beans out there—each kind offering a different flavor and texture. For instance, you may like lighter roasts with fruity notes.
Or maybe you could like darker roasts with chocolatey undertones! The answer to this question will help determine which blend will suit your tastes.
If you're new to French press brewing, we recommend starting out with a light roast that has bright, fruity notes.
You'll be able to get used to how your new machine works while still enjoying a fresh cup of coffee every morning!
As you become more familiar with the process and want something bolder, try moving on up to medium or dark roasts.
3. Your Budget
If you drink a lot of coffee daily, then you know it can become an expensive habit. And with so many different kinds of beans out there, it can be difficult to know which will fit your budget.
Generally, the most expensive coffees are Arabica beans grown in Central America or Africa.
They’re often described as having a sweet or nutty flavor and are the most sought-after by connoisseurs because of their aromatic properties.
Luckily for you, you can still get that flavor at a lower price by comparing different brands and shopping around.
For example, the AmazonFresh Peru Coffee we mentioned earlier offers you a great flavor at an affordable price!
4. Do You Want Something Organic or Fair Trade
Suppose you're looking for a way to make your morning coffee routine more sustainable and environmentally friendly.
In that case, you’ll want to consider buying organic or fair-trade beans.
These types of beans tend to be more expensive than non-organic options. Still, they also tend to be higher quality and more sustainable than other kinds of beans on the market today!
Try a sample pack if you need help determining what kind of beans are right for your taste buds. This way, you'll be able to try out different types without having to buy a whole bag at once.
Final Verdict
Try Volcanica Costa Rica Coffee or Verena Street coffee if you want a unique flavor. However, if you want an energy boost, then Valhalla Java Coffee is the way to go. And if you're looking to save a few bucks, go ahead and get the AmazonFresh Peru Coffee or Primos Coffee.
Whether you’re looking for a simple brew or something more adventurous, any of the options above will do the trick!
Meet the expert
My coffee journey spans 15 years of diverse experiences. Starting from those first sips, my passion for the industry has grown steadily. I've enjoyed working at a local coffee shop, exploring cultures worldwide, meeting incredible farmers on plantation tours, and helping launch a family member's coffee roasting venture. Throughout this journey, discovering and buying coffee from local roasters to support community businesses has been a pleasure. Through Roast Love, I aim to create content that informs, raises awareness, and helps you, the reader, buy and brew that perfect cup of coffee.