Top 10 Best Coffee Subscription Boxes in 2021 (Trade, Atlas Coffee Club, and More)

Our top 10 list includes a range of boxes for everyone, from casual coffee drinkers to connoisseurs searching for rare single-origin beans. 

There are lots of options when it comes to coffee subscription boxes, though many of them seem similar when you first start looking. Here are some things to think about to help you select a box that suits your needs. 

Whether you’re interested in the story behind your beans or just want coffee now, there's a box out there for you. The first step is to determine how adventurous you want to be.

If you already know what you like, look for a subscription box that’s tailored to your preferences. If you love coffee from a specific roaster, see if they have a subscription box. This will let you try new coffees from a trusted source. 

Different regions tend to produce coffee with specific flavor profiles. For example, Ethiopian beans are known for being wild and fruity, while coffee from Brazil is nutty and chocolatey. If you know that you prefer coffee from a specific region, look for a box that sources coffee from your favorite area. 

Whatever your preference is, take some time to check out the subscription service’s website to see what selections they offer. The more specific you can be about your preferences, the more likely you are to get something you like.

If you want to branch out with your coffee, look for a subscription service that partners with a variety of roasters so you can try beans you wouldn’t normally encounter. You can even find boxes that curate blind taste tests, which can be a fun way to find new favorites.

Not sure what you want? Some boxes have you take an online quiz when you sign up so that they can customize your box to fit your preferences.

Picking a box that fits your lifestyle and coffee-drinking habits is important. Most boxes will allow you to control the frequency of deliveries and choose between whole bean or ground coffee.

How often do you drink coffee? Are you a cup (or three) a day type of person, or is coffee an occasional treat? Since coffee is best when fresh, look for a box that fits your schedule. You don’t want a pile of unused beans, nor do you want to run out of coffee when you need it most.

Think about how long it typically takes you to go through a standard 12-ounce bag of coffee, then choose a box with a delivery schedule that matches your pace. However, boxes that send you smaller amounts of coffee are great for less frequent coffee drinkers or those who want to try a lot of different types.

French press or pour-over? Whole bean or pre-ground? When looking at boxes, look for bean preparation options that fit with your coffee routine. Some boxes let you choose between whole beans, ground coffee, or pods. 

If you prefer to get your coffee pre-ground, make sure the grind works with your brewing method. Finely ground coffee is great for pour-over and coffee machines, while a French press needs a coarser grind.

While all coffee subscription boxes have one thing in common (coffee), they differ in the details. Figure out what’s important to you in a subscription.

If having freshly roasted coffee is one of your top priorities, look for a box that lists this information upfront on their website. 

Boxes that provide coffee from multiple roasters may not guarantee a roasting date, but they should at least provide one for each bag. Boxes that come from a single roaster are more likely to be super fresh. Some roast as few as six hours before shipping.

Do you want to be able to re-order the coffee that you end up loving? Not all subscription boxes offer this, so it’s important to check beforehand. 

Boxes that specialize in rare or micro-lot coffees are less likely to let you re-order, simply because they run out. Boxes that work with bigger-name roasters are more likely to have the same coffee on hand when you want to order more.

Most coffee is grown in South America and Africa, and it goes through many steps to make it into your morning cup. Prioritizing fair trade coffee is a great way to be more conscious about the effect our coffee consumption has on farmers, their communities, and the environment. 

Fair trade coffee adheres to certain economic, environmental, and social standards, both on the sides of the producers and the traders. This helps empower producers and their workers by ensuring fair prices and ethical working conditions. 

It also helps to protect the environment by encouraging eco-friendly cultivation and preventing the use of pesticides. If buying fair trade is one of your priorities, look for a box that provides information about their sourcing practices on their website.

As coffee culture becomes more and more prevalent, people are becoming interested in its traceability. In contrast to blends, single-origin coffee comes from a single producer, crop, or region specified on the label. 

Single-origin coffee usually has a distinct flavor profile based on where it comes from; this is influenced by factors like altitude, climate, soil, and processing conditions. If you’re interested in knowing exactly who and where your coffee comes from, look for a subscription box specializing in single-origin coffee.

One of the downsides of subscription boxes is that you might get things you don’t like or need. To ensure that you enjoy your box every time, look for one that allows some level of customization. 

Some boxes allow you to choose the type of roast you like, whether it’s light, medium, or dark. Others let you pick specific coffees to add to your box, so you know exactly what you’re getting.

Your box of beans is on the way! In the meantime, make sure you have the right tools to brew the best possible cup. Check out some of our favorite pieces of coffee equipment below.

Coffee subscription boxes come in many different varieties. And while each one has its specialty, the ultimate result is the same: fresh, high-quality coffee delivered right to your doorstep. What's not to love? 

Check out the customization options to make sure the box will fit your coffee habits and preferences. If you have a specific interest, like espresso or single-origin, you can likely find a subscription specializing in that. And if you're still unsure, look for a box that allows one-time orders so you can try it out before you commit.

Author: Melissa Jong

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Need somewhere to store the beans you didn't quite get around to finishing? Try this trusty airtight container recommended by Aman, a skincare, beauty, and latte expert that knows a thing or two about brewing the perfect cup.