If you're a coffee lover, a subscription service can be a great way to discover new flavors and experiences. In this guide, we'll take a closer look at some of the top coffee subscriptions and see how they stack up.
Choosing a Specialty Coffee Subscription: A Delicate Art
Finding the perfect coffee subscription can be a bit tricky, but it's worth it to get your hands on some truly delicious brews. Here are some things to think about when choosing a subscription:
- Coffee Selection: First, consider what type of coffee you like. Do you prefer single-origin beans, or do you like blends? Are you a fan of light, medium, or dark roasts? Make sure the subscription you choose offers the types of coffee you enjoy.
- Exploring Different Flavors: Next, think about variety. Do you like trying new flavors, or do you prefer sticking with your favorites? Some subscriptions offer a wide range of roasts, while others focus on a specific style. Choose the one that fits your tastes.
- Delivery Schedule: Frequency is also important to consider. How often do you want to receive coffee? Weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly shipments are all common options. Pick the one that works best for you.
- Quantity: Quantity is another factor to think about. Some subscriptions offer larger quantities, while others provide smaller amounts. Choose the one that fits your consumption needs.
- Customization: Personalization can also enhance your coffee experience. Some subscriptions allow you to provide feedback and preferences, which they use to tailor future shipments to your taste. If this is important to you, look for a subscription that offers this feature.
- Cost: Finally, consider the price. Coffee subscriptions can vary widely in cost, depending on the quality of the coffee, the roast styles, exclusivity, and quantity. Set a budget and look for subscriptions that fit within it.
With these factors in mind, let's dive into a detailed comparison of some of the best coffee subscriptions on the market.
Top-rated Specialty Coffee Subscriptions Reviewed
1. Trade Coffee (Drink Trade) - Explore a Variety of Roasters and Unique Coffee Choices
Trade Coffee, also known as Drink Trade, stands out as a premier coffee subscription service that offers a diverse selection of roasters, ensuring a unique and tailored coffee experience for every subscriber. With a broad spectrum of options, customers can choose their preferred type of roast, country of origin, and processing methods, catering to individual taste preferences.
The algorithmically generated taste profiles employed by Trade Coffee elevate the subscription experience. These profiles take into account crucial factors such as preferred brewing methods, roast styles, and the addition of milk, providing a personalized touch. Even though the profile may not always be perfect initially, the system allows for refinement over time, ensuring a more accurate representation of individual preferences.
Trade Coffee goes a step further by providing decaf options, accommodating those seeking a caffeine-free yet flavorsome coffee experience. Priced at approximately $15 per 11 oz bag with complimentary shipping, the subscription calls for 2-4 bags per month, offering flexibility and variety to suit diverse preferences.
2. Mistobox: A Personalized Coffee Curation Experience
Mistobox presents itself as a coffee subscription service that puts a premium on personalization. With a vast selection of over 60 roasters, Mistobox provides subscribers with the ability to curate their coffee choices based on individual preferences. What sets Mistobox apart from Trade Coffee, is its innovative coffee curator system, where a dedicated curator learns about the subscriber's taste inclinations and sends curated coffee selections tailored to their liking.
For added convenience, Mistobox introduces the Brew Queue feature, allowing customers to line up their desired coffees for the upcoming months. The subscription offers two tiers: the Deluxe Tier, featuring coffees in the $15-$18 retail price range, and the Exclusive Tier, offering coffees beyond the $18 retail price range. Starting at $12.71 plus shipping, Mistobox aims to create a unique, personalized, and anticipatory coffee experience for its subscribers.
3. Bean Box: Simplifying Monthly Coffee Exploration
Bean Box takes a different approach to coffee subscriptions by simplifying the process of exploring new coffees each month. Expert recommendations and customer preferences serve as the basis for Bean Box's curated monthly coffee shipments. Subscribers can easily customize their coffee deliveries, specifying their preferred grind, taste profile, quantity, and frequency.
While customers may not select specific coffees for each shipment, Bean Box allows them to tag favorite blends received in previous shipments. This streamlined approach ensures subscribers get to try new and exciting coffees regularly while leaving room for the enjoyment of familiar favorites. At $24 monthly, they also offer their coffee samplers which consists of 4 curated coffees in 1.8oz pouches,, to allow customers to taste a variety of coffee. Bean Box does not offer as much variety as Mistobox or Trade Coffee, but they have high quality coffee, and a hassle-free way to explore the world of coffee, one curated shipment at a time.
4. Atlas Coffee: Guiding Your Coffee Exploration Around the World
Atlas Coffee distinguishes itself by acting as a global tour guide to coffee origins. While some subscriptions focus on a variety of roasters, Atlas Coffee takes a unique approach by offering curated coffees from around the world. This emphasis on specific countries of origin allows subscribers to embark on a journey to discover the diverse flavors and characteristics unique to each region.
Flexibility is a key feature of Atlas Coffee subscriptions. Subscribers can choose their coffee type based on preferred brewing methods, roast level, the number of bags per month, and the frequency of deliveries. Additionally, Atlas Coffee caters to those using Keurig or Nespresso pods by offering half bags of 6 oz or 15 cups. With freshly roasted coffees and a cost starting at $9 plus shipping, Atlas Coffee invites coffee enthusiasts to explore the nuances of global coffee flavors.
5. Lux Cafe Club: Elevating Coffee to an Exclusive Experience
Lux Cafe Club takes coffee subscriptions to a different echelon by providing an exclusive and highly curated coffee experience. One of the things that sets Lux Cafe Club apart, is its focus on offering only the highest-rated coffees, all scoring above 90 points on the specialty coffee scale as per SCA scores. The beans are freshly roasted every month by partner roasters to ensure optimal freshness and flavor.
Maintaining a commitment to exclusivity, Lux Cafe Club currently offers its subscription as a unique tasting flight of 2 oz (equivalent to 5 cups) per coffee, allowing subscribers to savor and compare nuanced flavors without committing to a full-sized bag. With a monthly surprise box of 2-6 curated coffees, (depending on the membership tier), Lux Cafe Club introduces an element of mystery and excitement to each delivery.
Lux Cafe Club goes beyond the standard subscription model by incorporating innovative features. An AI sommelier guides customers through their coffee journey, curated music accompanies each subscription monthly, and new customers receive a welcome gift. Furthermore, Lux Cafe Club offers high-end premium coffees such as Ospina coffee or Kopi Luwak as one-time purchases. As a final touch, a loyalty program ensures that subscribers are continually rewarded for their commitment to the sophistication of flavor and exclusivity that only Lux Cafe Club can deliver.
Final Thoughts
With the growing interest in specialty coffee, there is a plethora of unique coffee subscription services to choose from. Whether one desires variety, personalization, simplicity, exclusivity or a guided exploration, there is likely a subscription service to satisfy individual tastes and preferences. From the diversity of Trade Coffee to the nuanced sophistication of Lux Cafe Club, coffee enthusiasts can embark on a journey tailored to their distinct coffee palate.
As we have seen, key factors that distinguish these subscriptions include the selection of roasters, ability to customize or provide feedback, frequency and quantity of shipments, price points, origin/variety focus and overall experience offered. By evaluating these components against personal needs and budget, coffee lovers can find the ideal monthly coffee subscription to continually surprise and delight their evolving coffee tastes.