Tips for Choosing the Right Coffee Beans

Shopping for coffee beans can feel a bit like walking into a wine store without a clue. There are a lot of words, a lot of flavours, and way too many opinions. But truthfully, choosing coffee beans doesn’t have to be complicated. You just need to know a few basics, and trust your own taste.

So, if you're standing there thinking, “How do I even begin to pick the right coffee?”, this is for you. Let’s keep it simple, practical, and a little fun.

1. Start With What You Like to Drink

The easiest place to begin on how to choose coffee beans? What kind of coffee do you actually enjoy drinking? If you like your brew smooth and chocolatey, you’ll probably love a medium or dark roast. If you’re more into bright, fruity flavours, a light roast might be your thing.

Also, think about how you usually drink your coffee. Milk or no milk? Espresso machine or plunger? If you’re a flat white fan, blends tend to hold up beautifully. If you take it black and like exploring different notes in your cup, go for a single origin.

Still not sure? Our guide on single origin vs blend lays it out clearly.

2. Don’t Stress Too Much About Roast Levels

Roast level does affect flavour, but it doesn’t need to be a deal-breaker. Here’s a quick cheat sheet:

• Light roast - brighter, fruitier, more acidic
• Medium roast - balanced and approachable
• Dark roast - bold, rich, lower acidity

If you’re not sure what you like, try a few different roasts and pay attention to what makes your taste buds happy.

3. Want to Try Something Special? Look for Micro Lots

If you like trying new things or want to taste something rare, check out micro lot coffee beans. These are small-batch beans from a specific harvest, often with unique or unusual flavours. They’re a bit like limited editions. Once they’re gone, they’re gone.

4. Need Less Buzz? Decaf’s Come a Long Way

If you love the taste of coffee but not the caffeine kick, good news: decaf doesn’t suck anymore. We roast our decaf coffee beans to bring out proper flavour, so you can still enjoy a great cup any time of day. No jitters, no compromise.

5. Freshness Matters (and So Does Where You Buy)

Old beans = dull coffee. It’s as simple as that. Look for roast dates, not expiry dates, and always aim to buy from a roaster who actually knows their stuff.

We roast in small batches and pack our beans fresh, so you’re getting peak flavour. Not something that’s been sitting on a shelf for six months. You can buy coffee beans online from us anytime, and we’ll deliver straight to your door.

Find Your Perfect Beans with Fat Cat Roasters

When it comes to how to choose the right coffee beans, there’s no need to overthink it. Go with what tastes good to you. Try a few different things. Mix it up. There’s no rule that says you can’t love both a reliable blend and a wild single origin at the same time.

At Fat Cat, we’re here for all kinds of coffee lovers. From curious newbies to long-time espresso nerds. So browse the range, ask questions, and drink what makes you happy.

Great coffee starts with great beans. And we’ve got plenty of those.