Buying Guides

Top 10 Least Bitter Coffee Options For Your Taste Buds


Just so you know, if you click on a product on RoastyCoffee.com and decide to buy it, we may earn a small commission.

If there is a better aroma in this world than the smell of coffee brewing, we aren’t familiar with it. You get your cup of coffee and take a big sip, but then your lips curl up because it is so bitter. Yuck! There must be better coffee options out there. 

Well, if you don’t like bitter coffee, there are plenty of brews that can better fit your taste buds. Check out this list of the least bitter coffee you can try.

At a Glance: Our Top 5 Picks for Least Bitter Coffees

What Makes Coffee Bitter

Here’s the thing, bitter is the flavor that gives coffee its distinct taste, but there are many things that you can do to make it more or less bitter. The roast, beans, brewing, and additives for coffee all affect the taste. You have to find the right balance to get the flavor where you want it. 

Watch the Roast 

Darker roasts tend to make more bitter coffee. If you want to avoid that bitter coffee flavor, you want to find some less cooked options. When you use light roasts, you get more of the coffee bean flavor. 

There are some problems with this tradeoff to watch out for when using these roasts. Light roast tends to have more acidic notes. You need to find the right combination of acid and bitterness for the coffee that will work best for you. 

Not all dark-roasted coffee is easily labeled. Some of the hidden dark roast names include Italian Roast, French Roast, and Continental. If you are trying to stay away from bitter options, you should look for different choices in coffee. 

The Bean Matters 

There are two major types of coffee beans: Arabica and Robusta. Robusta tends to be more bitter. They are also cheaper and offer a higher caffeine content. Arabica beans cost more, but they also don’t have the same bitter taste. 

Brew Better Coffee 

You can solve a lot of bitter problems by using a better coffee brewing method. Always try to use fresh coffee beans. Clean your coffee equipment regularly to give your coffee the best flavor notes. If you grind your coffee, make sure it is the right consistency. 

Don’t oversteep the beans, either. You want to make sure the coffee grounds are allowed to bloom, but you will pull more bitterness from the beans if the hot water stays on them too long. There are plenty of helpful tutorials on how to make the best cup of coffee for your taste.

Like Free Coffee? Get your first bag free with an Atlas Coffee World Tour Click here to get the deal

Quick Summary: Least Bitter Coffees

rc2-table__imageLIFEBOOST – LIGHT ROAST
  • Low Acid Light Roast Coffee Ground
  • Non-GMO Organic Coffee
  • Sun Dried, And Spring Water Washed
Check on Lifeboost→
Coffee Bros, Light Roast — Whole Bean — 100% Arabica — 1 Bag (12oz) — Ethiopia & Colombia — Gourmet & SpecialtyCOFFEE BROS. LIGHT ROAST
  • 100% Arabica
  • Gourmet & Specialty
  • Tastes Of Honey, Citrus Fruit, And Floral
Check on Amazon →
Real Good Coffee Company - Whole Bean Coffee - Breakfast Blend Light Roast Coffee Beans - 2 Pound Bag - 100% Whole Arabica Beans - Grind at Home, Brew How You LikeREAL GOOD COFFEE CO, BREAKFAST BLEND LIGHT ROAST
  • 100% Whole Arabica Beans
  • Brisk Citrus Taste With Smooth Aromatic Notes Of Milk Chocolate And Cream
  • Smooth Flavor
Check on Amazon →
Caribou Coffee, Light Roast Ground Coffee - Daybreak Morning Blend 20 Ounce BagCARIBOU COFFEE DAYBREAK MORNING BLEND
  • Rainforest Alliance Certified
  • Fruity And Caramel Sweetness With A Nutty Finish
  • 100% Arabica Coffee
Check on Amazon →
Ethiopian Bold Light Roast Grade 1, Ground Coffee, Natural Dry Processed Single Origin, Intense Bright Bold & Aromatic Coffee, Gourmet Coffee - 12 oz BagCOOPER’S CASK COFFEE ETHIOPIAN BOLD ROAST LIGHT
  • Intense Bright Bold & Aromatic Coffee
  • Gourmet Coffee
  • 100% Single Origin Coffee
Check on Amazon →
Starbucks Blonde Roast Ground Coffee — Veranda Blend — 100% Arabica — 1 bag (20 oz.)STARBUCKS BLONDE ROAST VERANDA BLEND
  • 100% Arabica
  • More Mellow And Approachable Flavors
  • Flavorful Without Being Overly Bold
Check on Amazon →
Coffee Bean Direct Hawaiian Kona Blend Coffee, Light Roast, Whole Bean, 5 PoundCOFFEE BEAN DIRECT HAWAIIAN KONA BLEND COFFEE
  • Premium Arabica Beans
  • With Notes Of Coriander, Macadamia Nut & Mocha
  • Light Roast
Check on Amazon →
Subtle Earth Organic Coffee - Light Roast - Whole Bean Coffee - 100% Arabica Beans - Low Acidity and Non-GMO - 5lb bagSUBTLE EARTH ORGANIC COFFEE – LIGHT ROAST
  • Organic Arabica Coffee
  • Rich And Chocolatey
  • Depth Of Flavor, Velvety Body, And Low Acidity
Check on Amazon →
Black Rifle Coffee Rounds (Silencer Smooth (Light Roast), 12 Count)BLACK RIFLE COFFEE SILENCER SMOOTH
  • World's Best Single Serve Coffee
  • 100% Colombian Excelso Beans
  • Complex Flavor
Check on Amazon →
Fresh Roasted Coffee, Organic White Knight, 5 lb (80 oz), Light Roast, Fair Trade Kosher, Whole BeanORGANIC WHITE KNIGHT COFFEE
  • 100% Fair Trade Certified Arabica Coffee Beans
  • Notes Of Wild Bing Cherries And Cocoa
  • Bold Flavor
Check on Amazon →

You Can Fix Already Made Bitter Coffee

Regardless of what coffee you get, there are always ways to help mitigate some of the bitter flavors. Your best bet is just to get a less bitter coffee, but we realize that’s not always an option. 

If you have to drink bitter coffee, there are some things you can add that can help you. Traditionally, cream and sugar help to cut the levels of bitterness in coffee. 

If you are looking for less caloric options, believe it or not, adding salt to coffee can help take away some of the bitter notes. You want to brew with it for the best results, but if it’s too late, you can still add a pinch to your cup to help out. 

Ten Least Bitter Coffees 

Here are the top ten coffees from specialty coffee roasters you can try if bitterness isn’t for you. These options will be lighter roasts made with Arabica coffee beans, so you stay away from the extra bitter sources. 

Your brewing method will still have a significant effect on the overall taste of the coffee. You’ll want to follow the best brewing methods even with these incredibly smooth roasts. 

Lifeboost – Light Roast

Lifeboost Light Roast Coffee
Lifeboost- Light Roast
Our rating:

Taste the true flavor of our Premium Lifeboost Coffee bean. Light roastings are brighter, a tad more acidic and allow you to taste the flavor notes of the coffee.

BUY NOW

If you are looking for a less bitter coffee option but are also worried about acidity, Lifeboost may be the choice. The company grows the coffee in the shade on local farms, which helps keep the acidity lower in all of their environmentally friendly coffee beans. 

Even though light roast is usually more acidic, with Lifeboost, you get a lower acid coffee than other companies’ light roast options. They wash all their beans and test them to ensure that they don’t have pesticides, which helps make them a more safe coffee. 

Coffee Bros. Light Roast

Coffee Bros. works hard to deliver a potent flavor in a light roast so that you get the best of both worlds. Not only is this a smooth-tasting coffee, but it also gives you hints of honey and floral tastes. The company uses sustainably sourced methods too, so it is nice to support them. 

When brewing this coffee, you will notice a robust aroma that pairs well with the taste. If you are trying to find a coffee with a unique flavor while avoiding the bitterness you find in many other options, Coffee Bros. Light Roast is a wonderful choice for you. 

Real Good Coffee Co, Breakfast Blend Light Roast

See, Good Coffee is right there in the name. Real Good Coffee Co. delivers on the promise by giving drinkers a cup of delicious coffee that tones down the bitter flavors and gives you a clean citrus taste with chocolate and cream notes underneath. 

The Breakfast Blend lets you get your day started right, with the smells and taste you expect to find in your morning cup of Joe. The best part is you can serve this quality cup of coffee any time of the day. 

Caribou Coffee Daybreak Morning Blend

When you brew this roast from Caribou Coffee, you enjoy knowing it was not overhandled or over-brewed. It makes a smooth and less bitter cup of coffee that plays into the beans’ sweet caramel notes, and nut, and fruit flavors. 

Every time you have this coffee, you will notice the fun scent that can bring you out of even the most profound slumber. It offers a little extra energy that everyone can enjoy, especially during your morning coffee routine. 

Cooper’s Cask Coffee Ethiopian Bold Roast Light

Cooper’s Cask loves using tiny batches to ensure that you get the freshest flavor with each roast. The light version gives you lemon, honey, and floral notes that enhance the coffee experience. 

By keeping the roast light, you’ll skip the bitterness that some of their darker options give you. The beans all come from the same region so that you can pull out the same unique and bold flavors every time.   

Starbucks Blonde Roast Veranda Blend

Many people love Starbucks, and if you are not a fan of bitter flavors, the company has you covered. Their Blonde Roast is a light option that offers mellow notes that offer you a pleasant coffee drinking experience and won’t leave a bitter taste in your mouth. 

You can enjoy the smooth chocolate and malt taste with a clean finish that doesn’t hide the flavors. Even if you don’t always like Starbucks blends, this lighter option may offer a new experience that is fun to try. 

Coffee Bean Direct Hawaiian Kona Blend Coffee

People love Kona, but pure Kona high-quality coffee beans can often be cost-prohibitive. This amazing coffee blend gives you a great mix of Kona and other Arabica beans that offer a great bold flavor. With the light roast, you ditch the bitterness and focus on the unique tastes that Kona excels at delivering. 

If you love experiencing tastes from all over the world but want to ensure that they are not overly bitter, Coffee Bean Direct is a practical option. They give you an affordable Hawaiian bean taste of citrus, chocolate, and nuts. 

Subtle Earth Organic Coffee – Light Roast

On Sale

Subtle Earth Light Roast focuses on the fresh flavors of the coffee bean, so you get a smooth drink that doesn’t overpower your palate with bitterness. The clean flavor allows you to pull out the caramel and sweet coffee notes. 

The resultant coffee is so easy to drink that you can enjoy it throughout your day. It pairs well with many different food choices, including sweet and savory, with a flavor that isn’t overpowering. 

Black Rifle Coffee Silencer Smooth

Black Rifle Coffee brings back a customer favorite small-batch product in a much larger run so that everyone can try it. The light roast focuses on the brown sugar, almond, and chocolate flavor that takes away the bitter bite that you don’t want. 

The Costa Rican beans come from a farm operating since the 1920s, offering time-tested flavors that many people enjoy. 

Organic White Knight Coffee

White Knight coffee gives you cherry and chocolate flavors that are fun and memorable. The brew is very mild and avoids the bitter overtones that you don’t need in your coffee. 

The coffee uses organic and fair trade beans that you can enjoy knowing you are supporting a positive coffee community. The blend delivers bold flavors while still giving a clean finish. 

Final Thoughts 

Almost every coffee will have some bitter taste, but it doesn’t have to be the most overpowering flavor in your cup. Finding the proper coffee that will help make your experience more fun. 

Trying the least bitter coffee options can help you enjoy your whole cup every time. There are plenty of light roasts out there, so you don’t have to suffer from bitter brews. 

Happy Caffeinating! 

Share the goods

Recommended Reads

  • Buying Guides

    Driftaway Coffee Review

    Driftaway is one of the most popular coffee subscription services out there, and if you're considering getting a subscription of your own, there are some important things you should know. Make sure to read our review of Driftaway, right here.

  • Buying Guides

    Coffee Bros. Coffee Review

    One of the newer roasters to emerge from the New York coffee scene, Coffee Bros. Coffee has been producing some of the most delicious coffee on the market, and we got the chance to taste it for ourselves. Check out our full review right here!

  • Buying Guides

    Best Mexican Coffee Brands: Taste, Blend, And Roast

    Check out our list of the top Mexican coffee brands that offer many different flavors, roasts, blends, textures, and many more.

  • Buying Guides

    Papua New Guinea Coffee: Coming From The Coffee Gardens

    While over 85% of Papua New Guinea's coffee comes from coffee gardens that are small and low in production, the coffee beans are spreading all over.

  • Coffee Facts

    Starbucks vs. McDonald’s Coffee

    Want to know the main differences between Starbucks vs McDonald's coffee? Check out our comparison to decide which you'll order from!

  • Buying Guides

    Blue Mountain Coffee: What Makes It So Expensive?

    We are tapping into the elusive worth of premium, gourmet coffee with a Jamaican coffee that some people can't stop raving about: Blue Mountain Coffee. We're covering everything from what it is, why it's noteworthy, what's with the price point and even how to brew it.

Brew like a Barista
from home

The Home Barista Coffee Course 14-lesson video course about brewing consistently amazing coffee at home. Stream or download the entire course to learn how to make coffee as good as your local barista for a fraction of the cost.

Learn more