We Tried 10 Aldi Coffees and the Winner Tastes Way More Expensive Than It Is

One thing I love about Aldi is how the store makes grocery shopping easier. If you've ever walked into a massive supermarket and felt decision fatigue before you even made it past the produce section, you know what I mean. Brand overwhelm, process overwhelm, price overwhelm—it's a lot. Aldi, on the other hand, keeps it simple. Fewer choices, solid prices and a quick in-and-out experience.

And that simplicity extends to Aldi's coffee selection. Whether you're the type who takes it black, no fuss, no frills, or you're trying to dial back from your daily drive-thru latte, Aldi has something for every kind of coffee drinker. Their lineup includes everything from bagged beans to canned cold brew, plus some fun, flavored options for those looking for something in between.

To help you choose the best Aldi coffee for you, I tried 10 different options—from ready-to-drink iced coffees to whole and ground beans—to see which ones are worth brewing and which ones I think should stay on the shelf.

Related: People Love Aldi Chocolate Bars. We Ranked Our Top 10

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What to Look for When Buying Coffee

Not all coffee is brewed the same way, and the best choice comes down to how you like to drink it. Here's a quick guide to help you decide.

• Hot vs. Iced: Some coffees taste great both ways, but if you're an iced coffee drinker, look for smoother, less acidic roasts or a ready-to-drink cold brew.

• Whole Bean vs. Ground: Whole beans stay fresher longer and allow you to control the grind size, but if you want speed and convenience, ground coffee is ready to go.

• K-Cup vs. Drip vs. Espresso: If you use a Keurig, make sure you grab K-Cups. If you brew drip coffee or French press, a medium or dark roast ground coffee works best. Espresso lovers should look for a finer grind or an espresso-specific roast.

• Flavored vs. Classic: If you like seasonal or flavored coffees, look for options like vanilla, hazelnut and caramel. If you prefer a straightforward, rich coffee, stick with single-origin or classic blends.

• Budget vs. Specialty: There are many options for making an everyday coffee that gets the job done and a few fancier options that feel more like a coffee shop order. If you're after bold, high-quality beans, go for a single-origin or specialty roasts.

Related: The 19 Aldi Essentials You Need to Meal Plan Like a Pro

Why You Should Trust Me

As a food writer and former beer writer, I've spent years learning how to analyze flavors, break down tasting notes and understand what makes a great beverage. Tasting beer, wine and spirits trained me to pick up on subtle nuances—from aroma to mouthfeel to balance—which carries over into coffee. But at the end of the day, the best coffee isn't about what I think—it's about finding the one that fits your taste and routine. My goal? To give you a clear, honest breakdown so you can pick the right Aldi coffee for your mornings.

Related: The Pantry Ingredient That Makes Coffee 10x Better, According to the Experts at Cook's Illustrated

How We Tested These Aldi Coffees

To keep things fair, I brewed each coffee using the method best suited to its format—a pour-over for whole bean and ground coffee, a Keurig for K-Cups and a simple chilled preparation for iced coffee. Each was tasted black, with no cream or sugar, to get a true sense of its flavor, body and aroma. I focused on the following elements:

• Aroma: Does it smell rich and inviting or like something from a stale diner carafe?

• Flavor: Smooth and balanced, or bitter and burnt?

• Body & Mouthfeel: Thin and watery or full-bodied and satisfying?

• Overall Drinkability: Would I drink a whole cup of this? Would I buy it again?

Now, onto the rankings.

Related: We Had Coffee Experts Rank 13 Instant Coffee Brands and You Can Buy the Winner at Target

10 Aldi Coffees, Ranked from Least Favorite to Most Favorite

10. Simply Nature Organic Coffee Cups –  Extra Bold

Strong, but not in a good way.

This K-Cup definitely lives up to the "extra bold" name—it's concentrated, intense and not messing around. But instead of being rich and full-bodied, I found it to be harsh and almost over-extracted, with a finish that feels a little too bitter. If you love super strong coffee, you might like this. But for me, it lacked balance.

9. Simply Nature Organic Guatemalan Coffee Cups

Mild and chocolatey, but lighter than expected.

Guatemalan coffee is often associated with a rich, chocolatey base, mild nuttiness and subtle citrus brightness. In K-Cup form, this version keeps things smooth and very drinkable, with a slightly sweet profile that leans chocolatey, though the flavors may be more muted than expected. It's still a solid choice for those who like an easy-drinking, slightly sweet coffee. If you prefer a bolder or more complex brew, trying Aldi's Guatemalan coffee in whole bean or ground form might bring out more of its natural richness.

8. Barissimo Fair Trade Certified Colombian Ground Coffee

There are hints of chocolate and red fruit, but it's a little flat.

This one had some promise, with subtle notes of red fruit and a touch of chocolate, but it felt like it was missing something. The flavor started off nicely but didn't quite develop into anything complex. It's a decent medium roast, just not as rich or layered as I wanted.

Related: 14 Popular Coffee Mate Creamer Flavors Ranked, Including One that Fans Buy 4 at a Time

7. Simply Nature Fair Trade Organic Honduran Whole Bean Coffee

Smooth and easy-drinking, but not the most complex.

Honduran coffee is typically known for its mild sweetness, with notes of chocolate, caramel and a well-balanced acidity. This one leans on the lighter side in both color and flavor, making it a smooth, easygoing option for those who prefer a gentler, more subtle coffee. While the flavor wasn't as bold or defined as I expected, that could be due to the roast level or freshness. If you're looking for a complex, full-bodied coffee, you might find this one a little underwhelming, but if you prefer a mild, approachable cup that's ethically sourced, this is a solid choice.

6. Barissimo Fair Trade Single Origin Guatemalan Ground Coffee

Smooth with a hint of cacao.

This one was pleasantly smooth and had a bit of dried fruit and cacao flavor. It's well-balanced without any harsh bitterness. It won't blow you away with intensity, but it's a solid choice if you like a mellow, easy-drinking cup.

5. Barissimo Medium Roast Iced Coffee

A great grab-and-go iced coffee.

Pre-made iced coffee can sometimes be too watered down, but this one held up well. It's balanced, mild and easy to drink—perfect for throwing in a thermos on the way to work. If you like your iced coffee black and smooth, this one does what it needs to.

4. Barissimo Fair Trade Certified Sumatra Dark Roast Ground Coffee

Earthy, bold and drinkable.

This dark roast was surprisingly enjoyable. It had earthy, slightly spicy notes, a touch of molasses, and a clean finish. It's not as intense as some dark roasts, but that actually worked in its favor—smooth enough for everyday drinking but still bold.

3. Simply Nature Fair Trade Organic Peruvian Whole Bean Coffee

Rich, chocolatey and smooth—a standout whole bean option.

This coffee is well-balanced, rich and flavorful without being overpowering. It has deep chocolate notes with mild fruitiness and a smooth acidity that keeps it bright but not too sharp. The fact that it comes in whole bean form means you can grind it fresh to get the best flavor, and it holds up well in different brew methods. If you're looking for a high-quality, organic coffee at Aldi that feels more premium than its price suggests, this is one to grab.

2. Barissimo Blonde and Dark Roast Iced Coffee

A great balance of roasts for iced coffee lovers.

This iced coffee was a step up from the regular medium roast—it has more depth and a touch of richness but still stays smooth and refreshing. The blend of blonde and dark roast gives it a nice contrast, with a little brightness up front and a bold finish.

Related: 20 Popular Starbucks Iced Coffee Drinks, Ranked

1. Barissimo German Roasted Vacuum Pack Regular Ground Coffee Fair Trade

Rich, full-bodied, creamy and the clear winner.

This one is deep and full-bodied, with low acidity and a smooth, creamy texture. The dried fruit notes give it some complexity, and the clean finish makes it easy to drink. If you like a dark roast that's bold without being overpowering, this is a great daily coffee.

Bonus: Barissimo Sweet Vanilla Barista Cold Foam

A fun coffee-shop style upgrade at home.

This was a surprise favorite. It starts off sweet and vanilla-forward, but as you drink, it becomes less sweet and develops a slightly bitter note that balances perfectly with coffee. While you could probably use it on desserts, this was clearly made with coffee in mind, and it shows.

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