10 Best Organic & Ethical Coffees You Can Buy Online 2022
We’re all trying to do our part to minimize our impact on the planet and it’s the small changes we make every day that adds up to major positive influences in our local community and, eventually worldwide.
Buying organic produce is one way to cast your vote for better conditions for everyone. Sustainable farming creates healthier work environments and often goes hand in hand with ethical trade. The crops produced are free from toxic chemicals and contain more nutrients than non-organic alternatives. The summary is, organic is good for the planet and really beneficial for you.
Have I convinced you yet?
Organic coffee is free from pesticides and actually tastes better than non-organic coffee beans. The best news is, you’re not limited to just a few choices. There are hundreds of amazing coffee companies that are insisting on organic farming. Whether you enjoy a bright, floral, light roast or a bold, intense, dark roast there’s an organic coffee that’s perfect for you.
To help you out, here are ten of the best organic coffees available to buy. We have options for different roasts, caffeine content, and different bean origins. There are single origin, blends, and even low acidity options for those with sensitive stomachs.
Have a browse through our recommendations and if you like the look of any of the options here click on the ‘Price & Reviews’ button to check current prices. Now let’s dive straight in and check out our top pick today which is Lifeboost Coffee.
- 1. Best Organic Coffee – Lifeboost Coffee
- 2. Runner Up – Kicking Horse Coffee
- 3. Best Light Roast Coffee – Blk & Bold
- 4. Best Medium Roast – Tiny Footprint Coffee
- 5. Best Dark Roast Coffee – Java Planet – Organic Coffee Beans
- 6. Best Blend – Seattle’s Best Coffee – 6th Avenue Bistro
- 7. Best Organic Decaf Coffee – Fresh Roasted Coffee – Swiss Water Decaf – Peru
- 8. Highest Caffeine Content – DEATH WISH COFFEE
- 9. Best Low Acid Coffee – Subtle Earth Organic Coffee
- 10. Best African Coffee – Fresh Roasted Coffee – Organic Ethiopian Yirgacheffe
1. Best Organic Coffee – Lifeboost Coffee
Brand: Lifeboost Coffee
Roast: Medium
Origin: Nicaragua, Single Origin, Arabica Beans
Coffee Form: Whole Beans
Certifications: USDA Organic & Third Party Tested, Non-GMO
Size: 12 Ounces
Our top pick for the best organic coffee company has to Lifeboost Coffee. They really put the planet first when it comes to growing coffee and the taste of their product reflects the care and attention that has gone into growing it.
It’s an ethically sourced, non-GMO product that’s USDA certified as organic. It’s been third-party tested for pesticides, mycotoxins, and heavy metals so are safe for the consumer.
The beans are shade-grown up high in the mountains of Central America on bird-friendly coffee farms. The beans are then sun-dried and spring water washed to give a pure and delicious cup of joe.
It brews a cup of coffee that’s low in acidity and high in health-promoting antioxidants. At a pH of 6, this coffee is perfect if you suffer from acid reflux or other digestive issues that are aggravated when you drink other brands of coffee. It has a full depth of flavor and the whole beans suit every brew method from french press to espresso. Lifeboost also offers a 30-day money-back guarantee so it’s a zero-risk purchase.
There are a huge variety of roasts and flavors available to buy so you will never get bored of this brand of coffee. It’s a high-quality coffee that embodies all the values you would expect and more from an organic label. That’s why it’s been selected as our best organic coffee brand.
2. Runner Up – Kicking Horse Coffee
Brand: Lavazza
Roast: Three Sisters – Medium Roast
Origin: Indonesia, Central, and South America, Blend, Arabica Beans
Coffee Form: Pre-Ground
Certifications: Organic, Fair Trade, Kosher
Size: 10 Ounces
In second place for the best organic coffee beans is Lavazza with their Kicking Horse Coffee. The blend of this coffee is a trio of delicious beans that pays homage to the three sisters which are a trio of peaks found in the rocky mountains, Canada. The beans are selected from environmentally responsible, sustainable farms in Indonesia, Central and South America and they only select the finest arabica coffee.
Certified organic, fair trade, and even Kosher, this coffee is fair for all. It’s shade grown at high altitudes to allow the subtle flavors to mature. It has a well-balanced flavor, with milk chocolate hints and some subtle taste of stone fruits. This coffee is perfect for a drip machine, pour-over set up, or for making cold brew to really bring out the complex flavors.
This is the kind of coffee that’s so tasty you can leave out the cream and sugar. It’s inexpensive and delicious and has coffee drinkers from all over singing its praises.
3. Best Light Roast Coffee – Blk & Bold
Brand: BLK & Bold
Roast: Light Roast
Origin: La Guadalupe Honduras, Single Origin
Coffee Form: Whole Beans
Certifications: Fair Trade, B-Corps, Kosher
Size: 12 Ounces
A light roast coffee bean is rich in complex flavors from fruity to floral notes that dance over your taste buds and leaves your mouth watering for more. These types of coffee are perfect for delicate brew methods like a pour-over, drip-machine, Aeropress, or for making cold brew.
BLK & Bold is a company founded on community impact where 5% of all profits go towards eradicating youth homelessness and enhancing workforce development so young people from poorer backgrounds can take control of their lives.
The coffee itself is certified B-corporation which is a label only given to businesses that uphold the highest standards of balancing profit and purpose.
The beans are single-origin, selected only from La Guadalupe, and are packed full of caramel, honey, and creamy flavors, guaranteed to satisfy your tastebuds.
4. Best Organic Medium Roast – Tiny Footprint Coffee
Brand: Tiny Footprint Coffee
Roast: Medium Roast
Origin: Peru, Single Origin, Arabica Beans
Coffee Form: Pre-Ground
Certifications: USDA Organic, Fair Trade
Size: 1 Lb
For a well-balanced medium roast, Tiny Footprint Coffee has hit the nail on the head. With a USDA organic certification as well as fair trade certified this is also the world’s first carbon-negative coffee. They achieve this by donating a portion of every pound of coffee sold to fund reforestation in Ecuador’s Mindo Cloud Forest.
These gourmet coffee beans are single-origin, pure arabica, shade-grown in Peru, and craft roasted for optimum flavor. It has sweet caramel and fruity flavors and a well-rounded finish. Medium roast beans suit most brew methods from pour-over to use in an espresso machine. There’s the option to buy whole beans so you can grind the coffee to suit your coffee maker.
These beans are perfect for all coffee lovers and also not harmful to the environment so a great option all round.
5. Best Organic Dark Roast Coffee – Java Planet – Organic Coffee Beans
Brand: Java Planet Organic Coffee Roasters Store
Roast: Dark Roast
Origin: Sumatra Indonesia, Single Origin, Arabica Beans
Coffee Form: Whole Bean Coffee
Certifications: Organic, Fair Trade, Non-GMO
Size: 1 Lb
The strongest coffee for making espresso or a bold french press brew is dark roast (or French roast) coffee. This option by Java Planet is packed full of dark chocolate notes with a well-rounded body, perfect for hot coffee or cold brew.
The beans are certified organic as well as fair trade and are non-GMO as well as free from pesticides. It’s packed full of antioxidants which boast loads of health benefits and is a low acid coffee so kind on your stomach.
The beans are grown at high altitude in Sumatra Indonesia and are high quality, single origin, arabica beans. It’s roasted in small batches to reduce the bitter aftertaste found in coffee that has been roasted too long and this gives the fullest and most delicious flavor to these beans.
Dark roast isn’t for everyone but the bold, single-note flavors signify the best coffee for some of us. If you’re looking for good coffee that will satisfy every intense coffee flavor craving you have then look no further than Java Planet.
Organic Coffee Buyers Guide
USDA Certified Organic
Coffee that is grown organically relies on natural farming methods that don’t rely on chemical substances to enhance the plant’s growth. Coffee can be certified as organic when the soil it is grown on has tested free from these prohibited substances for at least three years before it’s harvested. Check your coffee has the USDA-certified green label for organic farming methods.
Fair Trade Certified
Fairtrade ensures that the farmer has received a reasonable price for the work that has gone into growing the coffee beans. It helps to promote sustainable and ethical trade agreements. It helps provide a safety net to farmers when the market prices drop as the price covers the average cost of crop production. Fairtrade produce is often a bit more pricey but it ensures everyone gets a fair cut of the profit.
Rainforest Alliance
The Rainforest Alliance is a non-governmental organization that has offices internationally. It aims to balance the impact of humans on the environment to try and reach a place where humans and nature thrive together. It’s a non-profit organization that focuses on protecting the environment. Some coffee brands show the rainforest alliance certification if they are working alongside this company.
Shade Grown
Shade-grown coffee provides a natural cover for the plants using tree cover. This helps provide the surrounding soil with extra nutrients and house natural predators which helps reduce issues with pest species. They protect the coffee from frost damage as well as adding extra environmental value. Shade grown coffee is actually richer in flavor thanks to all these factors and a brilliant way to farm coffee organically.
Pesticides and Mycotoxins
Coffee that’s certified as organic should not rely on pesticides or mycotoxins in the farming or processing of the beans. This means no harmful chemicals have contacted the coffee bean so it’s safe for the consumer as well as environmentally friendly.
F.A.Q.s
What is the healthiest brand of coffee?
Lifeboost coffee is high-quality, organic, and low in acid so great for anyone with stomach issues. It’s packed full of healthy antioxidants and free from pesticides, mycotoxins, and GMO-free.
What is the best organic coffee to drink?
The best-tasting coffee comes down to your personal preferences. If you prefer a light mouthfeel with a bright taste and lots of complex flavors then opt for a light roast bean. If you like the bold, sweet, single-note flavors and thicker texture then choose a dark roast bean. Not sure, try medium roast!
Is it better to buy organic coffee?
Organic coffee is grown in a much more sustainable manner. No chemical pesticides are used so the coffee is free from toxins. It’s better for the environment, the beans have more antioxidants and are more flavorful. It’s better for your health and the health of the planet to drink organic.
Which coffee has the least amount of pesticides?
All certified organic coffee is grown without the use of pesticides. Shade-grown coffee cultivated natural predators that help keep pests at bay. Arabica beans are grown at high altitudes and this also helps with pests as fewer are found in these growing conditions.
What coffee is the smoothest?
Seattle’s Best Coffee is known for its expert blending that creates a wonderfully smooth and well-balanced coffee.
More Organic Coffee Beans Reviewed
6. Best Blend – Seattle’s Best Coffee – 6th Avenue Bistro
Brand: Seattle’s Best Coffee Store
Roast: Dark Roast
Origin: Latin America, Blend of Arabica Beans
Coffee Form: Pre-Ground Coffee
Certifications: USDA Organic, Fair Trade
Size: 12 Ounces
The keyword to describe Seattle’s Best Coffee has to be ‘smooth’ in flavor and their 6th Avenue Bistro is just that. It’s strong and balanced and has everything you need from a dark roast coffee. It’s a blend of the finest arabica beans from Latin America, grown at high altitude for optimum flavor.
The coffee is certified organic and fair trade and undergoes rigorous quality checks to ensure a consistent flavor throughout all their blends. This is the perfect coffee for a smooth, roasty flavor and also comes in K-cup pods so can be used in single-serve coffee makers.
After entering and winning a competition for the best-tasting cup of coffee in Seattle, the company has adopted the name ‘Seattle’s Best Coffee’ and proudly holds this title. It’s a blend like no other and sure to satisfy your early morning coffee cravings.
7. Best Organic Decaf Coffee – Fresh Roasted Coffee – Swiss Water Decaf – Colombia
Brand: Fresh Roasted Coffee LLC
Roast: Medium Roast
Origin: Huila Region, Colombia, Single Origin
Coffee Form: Whole Bean, Swiss Water Decaf
Certifications: Organic, Fair Trade, Kosher
Size: 2 Lb
If you’re sensitive to the effects of caffeine or you enjoy a cup of joe in the evening then decaf coffee is a lifesaver. Fresh Roasted Coffee LLC has developed a decaf form of their Colombian medium roast and it’s delicious.
Swiss water decaf process is a chemical-free, environmentally friendly method of removing 99% of the caffeine from your coffee beans, making them safe and still brimming with flavor.
These beans are single-origin beans grown at high altitudes and sun-dried to retain all those delicious flavors. It’s bold and balanced with honey-sweetness and walnut flavors throughout. It’s all organic, fair trade, and kosher so safe for everyone to enjoy.
8. Highest Caffeine Content – DEATH WISH COFFEE
Brand: Death Wish Coffee Co.
Roast: Dark Roast
Origin: India, Peru, Blend of Arabica and Robusta Beans
Coffee Form: Whole Bean Coffee, High Caffeine
Certifications: USDA Certified Organic, Fair Trade
Size: 1 Lb
The very opposite of decaf coffee is Death Wish Coffee. This is an ultra-caffeinated blend of arabica beans for the delicious flavors and more bitter robusta beans for the high caffeine content. With rich notes of cherry and dark chocolate, this coffee will blow your socks off with the after-buzz it gives you.
It’s bold in flavor as well as a bold choice to get you out of bed in the morning. The beans come with a money-back guarantee so if you find it’s not the coffee for you you can get a full refund from the manufacturer.
USDA certified as organic and fair trade makes this a sustainable choice and it’s roasted in small batches for balanced flavors notes. It’s the perfect coffee for those who like it as strong as possible and want to feel the caffeine buzz throughout their system for hours on end.
9. Best Low Acid Coffee – Subtle Earth Organic Coffee
Brand: Cafe Don Pablo
Roast: Medium-Dark Roast
Origin: Honduras, Arabica Beans
Coffee Form: Whole Bean
Certifications: CCOF Organic, GMO-Free
Size: 2 Lb
If you suffer from acid reflux, IBS, gastric ulcers, or any other digestive upset that can’t cope with the acidity of coffee then this option may suit you. Subtle Earth Organic Coffee is around pH 6 (rather than the typical pH 4 of most beans). This medium to dark roast coffee is rich, chocolaty that balances the caramelized sweetness of dark roast with the depth of flavors found in lighter roast beans.
100% Arabica coffee, only the finest beans are selected for this option and it’s all GMO and chemical-free. Certified organic, these beans are grown using compost and fertilizers made from the coffee cherries, and vermiculture is used to nourish the soil.
Cafe Don Pablo offers a money-back guarantee so you can contact them directly through Amazon if the coffee falls short of your expectations for any reason.
10. Best African Coffee – Fresh Roasted Coffee – Organic Ethiopian Yirgacheffe
Brand: Fresh Roasted Coffee LLC
Roast: Medium Roast
Origin: Yirgacheffe Ethiopia, Single Origin
Coffee Form: Whole Beans
Certifications: USDA Organic, Fair Trade, Kosher
Size: 2 Lb
There’s a complex and unique fruity flavor that accompanies African coffee beans. They are sweet and flavorful and deserve their own place on this list of the best organic coffee. Fresh Roasted Coffee LLC has a single origin, Ethiopian coffee that’s bursting with citrus flavors. It’s high in acidity which gives the coffee a ‘brightness’ and has a dry finish.
The coffee is grown in an organic, fair trade environment and Fresh Roasted Coffee now uses advanced roasting technology that reduces carbon emissions by 80% compared to standard techniques.
It’s a medium roast, perfect for most brewing methods, and brews coffee with a light mouthfeel that’s citrusy with subtle hints of honey. It’s a lovely balanced flavor and defiantly worth a try if you’re a fan of African coffee beans.
Final Thoughts
There’s no shortage of options when it comes to organic coffee beans and no matter what your preferences are, there’s one to suit you. I hope this article has helped narrow down some of the many choices out there so you can easily focus in on the option that you’re keen to try next. When it comes to good coffee, there’s no reason why organic shouldn’t be a key factor in the selection process.
I wish you a sustainable and healthy cup of joe, happy brewing!