Maybe you want to help the environment. Maybe you just want the freshest slow-roasted beans for your morning brew. Whatever your reasons for drinking organic coffee, you should know that there are quite a few contenders out there for the best organic coffee brand. You might need a little help with narrowing down your options!
Here are just 12 of the best organic coffee brands on the market. They’ve been chosen for quality, taste, freshness and commitment to organic harvesting practices, so they’re all good and sustainable choices.
Best Organic Coffee Beans of 2024 – Top 12 Picks
You’ll just have to decide for yourself which one is destined to become your new favorite.
1. Lifeboost Organic Coffee – Our Top Pick
Beans: Arabica
Origin: Nicaragua
Any organic coffee is good for the planet, but LifeBoost seems to go the extra mile to make each of their offerings Earth-healthy.
This Certified Organic coffee wasn’t just grown without chemical pesticides or fertilizers…
It’s GMO-free, so the plant genetics can be traced to naturally-occurring plants. It’s also tested and certified mycotoxin-free, which means you don’t ever have to worry about mold in your morning cup.
And don’t forget about Fair Trade! The farmers in Nicaragua are paid 30 cents extra per pound than normal, which is a large amount for coffee growers ($1,00 per pound is normal the last couple of years, so that added 30c goes a long way!).
The coffee beans themselves are officially certified as “specialty-grade”, which means there can be less than 5 defect beans in a batch—putting it in the top 3% of coffees in the world!
Expect a robust flavor too, with smooth notes of fresh cacao, a caramel sweetness, a very mild acidity, and the rich aromas you love about great coffee.
Bottom Line
Bold, yet smooth, LifeBoost’s organic Nicaraguan coffee is a well-rounded brew anyone can get behind. It’s on the pricier side, but it’s unrivaled when it comes to being sustainably growth and ethically sourced.
2. Cafe Don Pablo: Subtle Earth Gourmet Coffee
Features:
- Brand: Cafe Don Pablo
- Item Form: Whole Bean
- Flavor: Original
- Caffeine Content: Caffeinated
- Roast Level: Medium Roast
Beans: Arabica
Origins: Honduras
Subtle Earth Coffee is grown from dark, rich soil to produce dark, rich flavors. It’s made from whole beans that are 100 percent arabica, so you can be guaranteed of its quality, but it’s also a medium-dark roast that doesn’t skew too bitter or too sweet. Like Goldilocks, it’s just right.
On the bitter side, Subtle Earth Coffee offers a kick to your taste buds to wake you up in the morning. On the sweet side, it has notes of honey and caramel to balance out its full body and strong flavor.
It’s also completely natural. Harvested from high altitudes in Honduras, its environment is so fresh and pure that farmers don’t even need pesticides to grow their coffee beans. You can rest assured that your morning mug is unspoiled by chemicals and synthetic additives.
If you’re on a mission to find the perfect cup of coffee, look no further than Subtle Earth. It has everything that you need to jump-start your morning, and it doesn’t make you choose between the two extremes of the coffee spectrum. You can enjoy the best of both worlds!
Bottom Line
Subtle Earth Coffee offers a perfect balance between strong and sweet, making it a premium coffee choice for those who like smooth, even flavors and rich arabica beans. Its organic nature is just a bonus.
3. Java Planet Colombian Organic – Medium Dark Roast
Features:
- Brand: Java Planet
- Item Form: Whole Bean
- Flavor: Colombian
- Caffeine Content: Caffeinated
- Roast Level: Dark Roast
Beans: Arabica
Origins: Colombia
There’s more to growing organic coffee than just slapping a USDA sticker on the label. A good organic coffee company will also certify their fair trade practices, guarantee their non-GMO products and advertise their connections with environmental groups. Thankfully, Java Planet does all of this and then some.
They work with the Smithsonian Migratory Bird Center to provide shade cover for their coffee beans and biodiversity for the local animals. They’re certified by the Rainforest Alliance because of their eco-friendly harvesting practices.
They also make a fine cup of coffee! Their medium roast is rich and smooth, and it will smell heavenly as it fills your kitchen with the aroma of an authentic Colombian blend.
When it comes to organic coffee, it doesn’t get much better than Java Planet. They provide a sinful coffee experience without any of the actual sin. You’ll be able to enjoy a decadent cup while still knowing that you’re doing your part for the environment.
Bottom Line
Rich, flavorful and entirely organic, Java Planet is an excellent choice for anyone who wants to enjoy their coffee without guilt. It’s grown and harvested with completely eco-friendly practices.
4. Kicking Horse Coffee: Smart Ass
Features:
- Brand: Kicking Horse
- Item Form: Whole Bean
- Flavor: Smart Ass - Medium Roast
- Caffeine Content: Caffeinated
- Roast Level: Medium Roast
Beans: Arabica
Origins: Africa, Central and South America
Kicking Horse Coffee is an independent coffee brand that advertises itself as “fanatical” about bean quality. They grow and harvest their beans 3,000 feet above sea level in the fresh air of the
mountains, and they promise that you can taste the difference when compared to something cheap and mass-produced.
They offer many different flavors, but one of their most popular is the Smart Ass brand. (Don’t worry; they’re not cursing. The picture on the logo is a donkey.)
It’s a sweet, rich and chocolatey coffee that pairs well with things like breakfast danishes and dinner desserts. It’s also full-bodied, so it will flow over your tongue like velvet.
In addition, Kicking Horse Coffee can guarantee its freshness. Offered in a resealable pouch, you can brew as much or as little as you’d like without feeling the need to rush through the bag.
If you’re tired of bitter brews that leave you with a bad taste in your mouth for hours afterward, consider a smooth and sweet alternative like Kicking Horse Coffee. It’s fresh; it’s tasty; it’s completely organic. There’s no reason not to try it!
Bottom Line
You might not be able to utter the name in polite company, but the Smart Ass brand of Kicking Horse Coffee is worth the trouble. It’s a great-tasting brew that’s all sweet and no sour.
5. Death Wish Coffee, Dark Roast
Features:
- Brand: Death Wish Coffee
- Item Form: Whole Bean
- Flavor: Dark Roast
- Caffeine Content: Caffeinated
- Roast Level: Dark Roast
Beans: Arabica and robusta
Origins: India and Peru
Death Wish Coffee lives up to its name by providing a staggering 60 mg of caffeine per ounce. For comparison’s sake, the average cup of coffee has around 15-20 mg of caffeine per ounce. This is such a high caffeine content that it can actually be dangerous when consumed in high quantities!
When brewed in moderation, however, Death Wish Coffee will answer the prayer of insomniacs everywhere.
Its energy boost is perfect for those sluggish mornings when you just can’t seem to get yourself going, and its dark roast ensures a smooth, even brew that you’ll enjoy with every sip. Its aroma will fill your home or office like you’re standing right beside a coffee shop.
Best of all, Death Wish Coffee is completely organic. It’s USDA-certified and fair trade. It’s even kosher. Who says that all-natural products can’t be just as strong as the regular stuff?
If you’ve been laboring under any delusions about the wimpiness of organic coffee, get yourself a Death Wish.
Bottom Line
For a real kick in the backside, Death Wish Coffee is one of the strongest brews on the market. It offers three times the usual amount of caffeine, so if Death Wish Coffee doesn’t wake you up, you’re probably already dead.
6. Camano Island Coffee Roasters – Organic Medium Roast
Features:
- Brand: CAMANO ISLAND COFFEE ROASTERS
- Item Form: Whole Bean
- Flavor: Whole Bean
- Caffeine Content: Caffeinated
- Roast Level: Medium Roast
Beans: Arabica
Origins: Papua New Guinea
Camano Island Coffee is also a brand with a lot of assurances to offer. Not only is it USDA certified as an organic product, but it comes with a fair trade guarantee and a specialty grade for its beans.
They only use the top one percent of their arabica beans, so their roasts are always of the highest quality.
As for taste, you’ll love the smooth, creamy flavor of Camano Island Coffee. It’s a medium roast that combines the strength of a dark roast with the hinted sweetness of a light roast, so it’s perfectly balanced for coffee drinkers of all types.
It offers a little something for everyone. It’s a great option if you’re trying to satisfy multiple caffeine addicts in your home or office.
When it comes to organic coffee, Camano Island Coffee has all of the right ingredients and makes all of the right promises. Why wouldn’t you give it a try?
Bottom Line
Made with the utmost care, Camano Island Coffee takes pride in everything from its harvesting to its brewing. The end result is a cup of coffee that you can be proud of, too.
7. Jo Espresso Coffee
Features:
- Brand: Jo Coffee
- Item Form: Whole Bean Espresso
- Flavor: Jo Espresso
- Caffeine Content: Caffeinated
- Roast Level: Medium Roast
Beans: Arabica
Origins: Unknown
There’s nothing worse than a weak, watery brew, especially on a cold morning when you need something strong to get yourself going. The good news is that Jo Espresso can make these feeble cups a thing of the past.
The best thing about Jo Espresso is its taste. It’s dark and delicious, combining rich, fragrant and earthy flavors that will delight all five of your sense. It isn’t bitter, so there won’t be any burnt or toasted elements. It’s a medium roast, so the oils are well-balanced.
Jo Espresso beans are also very versatile for people who like variety over the course of the week. If you don’t like bothering with fancy ingredients, you can brew them as plain Americanos; if you prefer rich, creamy drinks, you can add milk to create foamy lattes and cappuccinos.
Last but not least, Jo Espresso is dedicated to eco-friendliness.
The company is owned by artisan roasters who believe in natural harvests and fair trade practices, and they’re certified by everything from the Roaster’s Guild to the Rainforest Alliance. You could definitely do worse when it comes to organic brands.
Bottom Line
Rich and warm, Jo Espresso disproves the idea that espressos have to be bitter beverages that are quickly tossed back like shots. With Jo Espresso, you can take your time and savor your coffee to the very last drop.
8. Two Volcanoes Gourmet Espresso Beans – Guatemala Dark Roast
Features:
- Brand: Two Volcanoes Coffee
- Item Form: Whole Bean
- Flavor: Dark Roast Espresso Blend
- Caffeine Content: Caffeinated
- Roast Level: Dark Roast
Beans: Arabica and robusta
Origins: Guatemala
There’s a lot to love about Two Volcanoes. For starters, it’s some of the freshest coffee that you can buy. The beans are organic, “single origin” beans from Guatemala, so everything is pure and unprocessed.
The beans also come in a tight, vacuumed-sealed pouch, and Two Volcanoes even use a degassing valve to keep them at maximum freshness.
You’ll also love the sensation of swirling Two Volcanoes in your cup. It’s a smooth dark roast made from whole beans, so it’s exquisitely balanced.
It’s customizable, too. It can be used to make espressos, cappuccinos, macchiatos, lattes and many other coffee beverages from the Starbucks menu. Say goodbye to long lines and irritable baristas! You can brew your own specialty drinks at home.
As for flavor, Two Volcanoes has a strong, woodsy taste. It can be slightly bitter when over-brewed, but some people like that. If you need a bracing cup of joe to keep you awake during long days and even longer nights, this brand can provide it.
Bottom Line
Offering an eruption of flavor, Two Volcanoes Espresso Beans will give you the caffeine that you crave with the taste and aroma that you’d expect from a high-end coffee shop.
9. Ethical Bean Coffee Sweet Espresso – Medium Dark Roast
Beans: Arabica
Origins: South and Central America
As you might have guessed from the name, Ethical Bean Coffee is a company that’s devoted to organic brews.
They only buy from fair trade farmers who harvest their coffee under natural, shaded canopies, and all of their beans are free of chemicals, preservatives and synthetic fertilizers.
As for their Sweet Espresso product, it’ll be a great pick-me-up when you’re craving something sweet. You can taste everything from toffee to baker’s chocolate in its flavor profile, and all of its notes are grounded by a full-body brew made from a dark roast.
You can add milk to make it even sweeter and creamier, but this is entirely optional. It depends on how you take your coffee in the mornings.
Another great thing about the Sweet Espresso flavor is that it can be brewed in drip machines as well as espresso makers.
It’s pre-ground, so you’ll have to be careful with pouring and spilling, but you can make it work with just about any coffeemaker that you have in your kitchen. You don’t need a fancy machine to get your next fix!
Bottom Line
Ethical Coffee Bean is a guilt-free way to indulge your sweet tooth. It’ll provide the sugary notes and caffeine content of an excellent espresso, but it’ll also be fully organic and good for the environment. Everybody wins with Ethical Coffee Bean!
10. The Bean Coffee Company: Mocha Java
Features:
- Brand: The Bean Coffee Company
- Item Form: Whole Bean
- Flavor: Mocha Java, Medium Roast
- Caffeine Content: Caffeinated
- Roast Level: Medium Roast
Beans: Arabica
Origins: USA
Certified by both the USDA and California Certified Organic Farmers (CCOF), this Mocha Java is 100 percent eco-friendly.
It’s grown on the California coast under shaded tree canopies to protect it from the sun, and its soil is kept rich and fertilized through completely natural methods. The beans never touch chemicals of any kind.
The Bean Coffee Company also provides multiple blends and flavors for the coffee connoisseur with discerning taste buds.
Their Mocha Java blend is sweet and chocolatey; other flavors include Vanilla Bean and Aloha Bean, which experiment with infusions of vanilla, caramel and hazelnut.
You might need something to get you through the afternoon. You might be working late, so you require a good cup of coffee to help you burn the midnight oil.
The Mocha Java blend is here to help. No matter when you brew it, its rich, full-bodied flavor will delight your senses and give you the energy to complete the tasks of the day.
It’s even roasted in small batches to ensure its continued freshness.
Now that’s a commitment to quality!
Bottom Line
There’s a reason that the Bean Coffee Company is so popular among coffee drinkers. Mocha Java is just one of their available blends, but it’s a great example of their brewing quality.
11. Larry’s Coffee: Larry’s House Blend
Features:
- Brand: Larry's Coffee
- Item Form: Whole Bean
- Flavor: Larry's House Blend
- Caffeine Content: Caffeinated
- Roast Level: Medium Roast
Beans: Arabica
Origins: USA
There are a lot of sweet coffee flavors on the market, but Larry’s House Blend comes with a twist: Its caramel and chocolate notes are balanced out with dashes of pepper and tobacco. It’s an unusual combination, but it works.
The final result is a smooth, sweet and smokey blend that’s unlike anything else on the market today.
Some of its one-of-a-kind flavor can be attributed to its origins. Larry’s House Blend is grown and sold from North Carolina, so it doesn’t have to be shipped across the world to reach your coffeemaker.
It’s always freshly-harvested and freshly-roasted, and this allows the brand to draw out complex flavors that older, drier beans simply can’t hope to match.
You’ll also be pleased to know that Larry’s House Blend is both kosher and organic. You can enjoy it without fear that you’re harming yourself or the American ecosystem. It’s even bird-friendly! Since it’s grown in the shade, farmers encourage tree growth instead of contributing to deforestation.
Bottom Line
With an unusual combination of flavors, Larry’s House Blend takes organic coffee to the next level. It has a unique kick that you have to taste to believe.
12. Coffee Bean Direct Dark Ethiopian Yirgacheffe
Features:
- Brand: Coffee Bean Direct
- Item Form: Whole Bean
- Flavor: Organic Dark Ethiopian Yirgacheffe
- Caffeine Content: Caffeinated
- Roast Level: Dark Roast
Beans: Arabica
Origins: Ethiopia
Imported from Africa, the Dark Ethiopian Yirgacheffe is an eye-opening coffee that’s sure to get your heart pumping and your blood flowing. While it has a hint of fruity sweetness, it’s mostly a strong, dark-roasted drink that’s meant for people who aren’t afraid of a little bitterness.
Despite its heavy flavors, it’s just as fresh as you’d expect from an organic coffee brand. The beans are roasted immediately before packaging, and it’s shipped in an airtight bag that helps it maintain its quality.
Another great thing about the Dark Ethiopian Yirgacheffe is that it’s slow-roasted. This is done to bring out its subtler, fuller flavors, and it’s what keeps the brew from being completely dark and bitter. Those fruity notes are a result of the slow-roasting process.
Finally, the Dark Ethiopian Yirgacheffe is naturally harvested. None of its kick comes from chemicals. It’s organic, free trade and certified fresh, so it’s a brand that will look good on your shelf in more ways than one.
Bottom Line
The Dark Ethiopian Yirgacheffe offers a strong, dark flavor with just a hint of sweetness. It isn’t for the faint of heart, but if you’re serious about jump-starting your day with your morning coffee, it’s a brand that will get the job done.
Is Organic Coffee Better Than Regular Java?
If you’ve never tried organic coffee, you might be wondering how it’s different from the usual stuff.
You might also be wondering if it’s worth the slightly higher price tag. The answer is yes, but you don’t have to take our word for it!
Here are just a few reasons to reach for an organic label the next time that you’re in the coffee aisle.
No Pesticides
The biggest draw of organic coffee is that it’s grown and harvested without chemical assistance. There are no pesticides, herbicides, fungicides or insecticides used in the agricultural process. If fertilizer is needed to help the beans grow, farmers use natural things like compost and coffee pulp. This means that organic coffee shoppers are getting home-grown beans without nasty additives of any kind.
Eco-Friendly Farming
Another great thing about organic coffee is that it helps the environment. When coffee beans are grown in fields that have been chemically treated for mass production, the soil is poisoned and the local ecosystem suffers for it. Meanwhile, organic coffee doesn’t damage the earth, and it’s harvested in a way that emits less carbon into the air. It’s often grown in the shade, too, so it encourages and utilizes tree growth. You’ll battle deforestation, climate change and environmental pollution all at once!
Richer, Longer-Lasting Flavor
This is a subject of intense debate among caffeine junkies, but there are organic coffee drinkers who swear that they can taste the difference between natural and unnatural beans. Since organic coffee is naturally higher in antioxidants, who’s to say that they’re wrong? Their palette might be responding to the unique nutrients and compounds in their 100 percent arabica blends.
Sustainable Business Practices
Most organic coffee brands purchase their beans from “fair trade” farms. These farms don’t use child or slave labor, and they pay their workers a fairer wage than others in the industry. When you shop organic, you can be proud that you’re supporting good business practices instead of shady, cost-cutting measures from companies that are only concerned about their bottom line.
These are just a few reasons why you might switch to organic coffee. If you don’t want to hurt the environment or swallow a big mouthful of chemicals with your morning cup of joe, consider going green with your caffeine!