Trader Joe’s Fantastic Coffee Selection
Coffee Selection at our Trader Joe's in Tucson
Well, as you know from reading this blog, we love to drop by Trader Joe’s for a coffee. Yes, you are right we are talking about the sample coffee that is always available when you shop, not a Trader Joe’s Specialty Coffee Shop (although we would just love that second option).
Those cute little cups of coffee are soo good. We usually head to the samples first, and fix a cup so that by the time we are shopping in the wine department, the little cup of coffee will be cool enough to finish. Hey- no point in trying to check out of the store with a hot shot of coffee in a paper cup, right?
So thanks to these samples, we have tried all kinds of coffee. We love the sample system as it gives us the confidence that we will love the coffee when we get home as we have tried it first in the store. (Also, as we have said, Trader Joe’s will give a refund of an item that you do not like- simply return with the receipt.) Also thanks to the samples we know which coffees to buy. Our Trader Joe’s store has a lot of coffee to choose from, and sometimes it is hard to make a decision about which one to try.
Right now we are enjoying a coffee that we have not previously tried: Trader Joe’s Fair Trade Organic Bolivian Blend. It is a medium dark roast coffee which is perfect for us, who do not enjoy those darker roasted beans.
What are your favorite kinds of coffee at Trader Joe’s??
great post as usual!
Hello — I came here looking for detailed info on Trader Joe’s Organic (whole bean) coffee varieties. I need one which is strong, robust & sweet (meaning not bitter, harsh or acidic) Do you have any suggestions beyond the Bolivian one you recommended? Does darker roast mean stronger or more bitter?! I’m not sure how my tastes compare with yours.
I guess I could do the sample/tasting thing, but I am very particular about when I drink my espresso/cappucini (mornings only) and tend to shop in the late afternoon…
Also, it is reassuring to learn about their return policy so that if I do take a chance, I can always exchange!
Thank you!
Hello and welcome to LivingTraderJoe’s
Our coffee preference is towards those lighter roasts that Trader Joe’s sells- and we make our coffee in an IKEA French Press- FYI
We used to purchase a great coffee in a black can with a large parrot on the label-sorry can’t remember the name this AM
We suggest you purchase one that sounds good to you and just try if for a few days- saving the receipt just in case 🙂
Enjoy! Kris & Delaina
Okay, I just read your more detailed write-up of the Bolivian Blend. I think I’ll have to start with that one! Thanks again.
Let us know what you think! Cheers Kris & Delaina
Thanks for your response. I’ll look out for a parrot on the lable and start experimenting with that variety. I do like the sound of the Bolivian Blend you reviewed, as well.
FYI – at home I use a burr grinder and a hand-built Salvatore Espresso machine.
Here’s my review of the machine — http://la.foodblogging.com/2006/05/16/spectacular-coffee-with-salvatore-espresso-machines-%E2%80%93-il-famosa/
Thanks for including the link back to your coffee machine- WOW it looks fantastic!
I will keep my eye out for the parrot coffee the next time I shop at Trader Joe’s.
Cheers!
Kris
I’ve never purchased coffee from trader Joe’s before. I’m somewhat of a coffee snob, or as I prefer to be called a “connoisseur”, and so tend to only buy directly, and in person from a roaster.
HOWEVER, I really wanted some coffee and was in TJ’s, so I picked up one of their cheapest canisters of whole bean coffee. It’s called “Joe… an exceptionally smooth cup of…coffee” I’m serious. That’s what they call it.
Anyway, it’s in a brown canister and it’s a medium roast 100% Arabica beans, not Fair trade or organic unfortunately, but I will tell you, it is GOOD.
ESPECIALLY considering I think I paid $5 for the whole canister of 14oz.
I am enjoying it quite thoroughly. I did however take precautions in the off chance that the coffee ended up sour or acidic, and purchased some unbleached coffee filters to go inside my mesh filter (for extra filterness) 🙂 haha.
So that might also be helping.
Well there you go! More expensive is not always better, and TJ’s is pretty darn cool.
Hi. After a brief stay in Nicaragua I fell in love with their coffee. I love the”Shade Grown Ground Espresso Blend” from the Matagalapa region. Unfortunately, I need a decaf version. Do you carry a decaf in Nicaraguan coffee? I live in the Kansas City area (Leawood). If not in the store, online?
Thanks,
Becky P.
Hi Becky
Trader Joe’s stores do have a lot of different kinds of coffee to choose from. Our suggestion is to ask an employee the next time you are shopping at either Leawood or at the Ward Parkway store and see what they suggest. Remember, you can always try a coffee and return it if you do not like it. Good Luck! Kristin