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The Kitchn’s coffee review named Bulletproof Coffee Original Medium Roast its top pick after tasting 10 whole-bean medium roasts. Trader Joe’s Wake-Up Blend placed second; the results reflect one reviewer’s tasting, not a broad consumer survey.
The Kitchn’s review of 10 medium-roast coffees named Bulletproof Coffee Original Medium Roast the top pick, citing its layered citrus, spice and dark-chocolate flavors. The ranking offers shoppers a tested shortlist, though it reflects one reviewer’s palate rather than a broad or blind consumer survey.
The reviewer, who identifies as a coffee drinker and barista, sampled coffees from 10 brands in one afternoon. The selection focused on whole beans and was based on availability, popularity and price; products ranged from $8 to $22, with most around $15 at the time of tasting. The reviewer said each coffee was sampled randomly and scored for texture, appearance, aroma, willingness to buy and taste, with the scores tallied after all evaluations.
Bulletproof’s coffee scored 1.5 points higher than the other coffees in the review, according to The Kitchn. The reviewer described an aroma with floral jasmine and fruit, followed by citrus and warm spices, and a bitter dark-chocolate finish. The coffee is made with 100% Arabica beans from Rainforest Alliance-certified farms in Central and South America, the report said.
Trader Joe’s Wake-Up Blend took second place. The review described a smooth, balanced cup with fruity and nutty aromas and a toasty finish, and listed it at $8.99 for 14 ounces at Trader Joe’s. Stumptown Holler Mountain and La Colombe Nizza also received honorable mentions. The report said Holler Mountain worked well for espresso and iced coffee, while Nizza was suited to both drip brewing and espresso.
A Shortlist for Home Coffee Buyers
The ranking gives coffee shoppers a practical comparison among whole-bean medium roasts, a category that aims to balance brighter flavors with deeper, toastier ones. The review’s top choice and runner-up also show that its favorite was not the only well-rated option: Trader Joe’s blend cost less at the price listed in the report, while the named honorable mentions were described as versatile for different brewing styles.
The findings are best read as a guide to one reviewer’s preferences, not as a definitive measure of quality. Flavor descriptions such as citrus, berries or chocolate are subjective, and a coffee’s taste can vary with freshness, grind size, water and brewing method. Readers may use the list to narrow choices, but personal preference and local availability remain relevant.
whole bean medium roast coffee beans
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How the Coffee Tasting Was Done
Medium roast is positioned between light and dark roasts. The Kitchn’s report says medium-roast coffees can retain some of the bean’s brighter character while developing caramelized and toasty notes. It presents the style as a balanced option for drip coffee, rather than claiming that every medium roast will taste alike.
The review selected coffees based on retail availability, popularity and price, then evaluated them in a single afternoon. It does not describe a laboratory analysis or a large panel of tasters. Its scoring process included several sensory and purchase-related criteria, but the article excerpt does not provide the full scores for every brand or detailed brewing specifications.
“It was the clear favorite — by far.”
— The Kitchn reviewer
Limits of the Taste-Test Results
The report describes a single reviewer’s tasting, and the supplied material does not establish whether the samples were prepared blind. It also does not include the complete scores, the precise brewing recipe for each sample, roast or purchase dates, or confirmation that all coffees were tasted under identical conditions. Those details affect how readers can compare the rankings or reproduce the results.
Prices are stated as accurate at the time of publishing, but the source excerpt does not give an exact publication date. Retail prices and availability may have changed. The ranking also cannot establish how other drinkers will rate the coffees, or whether the reviewer’s flavor notes will match an individual buyer’s experience.
Check Prices and Brewing Fit
The review does not announce a follow-up test or a future product decision. Shoppers considering the picks can check current prices and product availability with retailers, then choose based on preferred brewing method and flavor profile. Those who want to compare coffees at home can use a consistent grind and brewing method and taste samples side by side; the result should still be treated as a personal preference test, not a population-wide ranking.
Key Questions
Which coffee ranked first?
Bulletproof Coffee Original Medium Roast ranked first in The Kitchn’s tasting of 10 medium-roast coffees.
What was the runner-up?
Trader Joe’s Wake-Up Blend placed second. The report listed it at $8.99 for a 14-ounce package at Trader Joe’s when the article was published; current pricing may differ.
How were the coffees evaluated?
The reviewer said the coffees were sampled randomly and scored on texture, appearance, aroma, willingness to buy and taste. The review says scores were tallied after all evaluations were complete.
Does the ranking prove Bulletproof is best for everyone?
No. The result reflects one reviewer’s preferences, and coffee flavor is subjective. The report does not describe a broad consumer survey.
Which other coffees received mentions?
Stumptown Holler Mountain and La Colombe Nizza received honorable mentions. The reviewer described both as versatile, with Holler Mountain also noted for espresso and iced coffee.
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