Consumer Reports' Highest-Rated Coffee Blend Isn't Folgers Or Kirkland Signature

There are seemingly endless options for your morning cup of joe. For all the good coffee that exists, there's plenty worth skipping. Luckily for drip lovers, Consumer Reports conducted a lengthy ranking of several popular coffees to find out which ones shoppers should buy. The top-rated blend wasn't produced by likely suspects such as Folgers or Kirkland Signature, but rather the Intelligentsia House Blend.

It received the highest score of 89 in the ranking. The lab test took into consideration, flavor, price, and quantity before scoring. Consumer Reports says this coffee is prime for folks who prefer their brew black thanks to its minimal bitterness and citrusy profile. According to Intelligentsia, the beans, which are sourced from Costa Rica, are on the blonder side of medium-roast. Tasting notes include orange, caramel, and red apple, creating a well-rounded yet still vibrant, easy-drinking coffee.

Folks seem to agree with the accolade, as the house blend is a best-seller for the brand. It's collected dozens of reviews in the Intelligentsia online store, most of them overwhelmingly positive. A first-place nod from Consumer Reports is a big deal, considering it's an independent nonprofit organization that prides itself in objectively and meticulously testing products. The org surveys millions of consumers for real feedback and rejects outside advertising to maintain fairness in its reviews, so it's a recommendation you can trust.

Folks agree with Consumer Reports about Intelligentsia's house blend coffee. "Intelligentsia continues to be the best 'large' roaster in the U.S. Their blends are as good as more complex single-origins," wrote one Intelligentsia reviewer. "This is absolutely a staple in our house. Smooth and delicious. Not bitter. We're known as the house with the good coffee, thanks to this," chimed in a second. "Our family has been enjoying this blend for 15 years! We live in rural Arkansas and order the house blend in five-pound bags ... very reliable and prompt!" explained a third.

Intelligentsia is a coffee brand known for using high-quality beans, and its reputation spans more than 30 years of history. The brand's direct trade model benefits farmers, and reps work with producers to maintain both quality and the company's relationship with growers. Another detail you didn't know about Intelligentsia coffee? You can order the beans for delivery via a subscription service if you don't live in a city with an Intelligentsia café or grocery presence.

To many, it's no surprise that the house blend won Consumer Reports' ranking. Close behind were Counter Culture's Big Trouble with an 87 and Tim Horton's original blend with an 86. Competitors like Folgers, Starbucks, and Kirkland Signature scored significantly lower: 59, 54, and 40, respectively. Maxwell House came in last with a score of 39. Pair Intelligentsia's beans with Consumer Reports' highest-rated drip coffee maker for the ultimate cuppa.