Now more than ever, finding high-quality coffee has never been simpler, thanks to organic supermarkets and third-wave shops across the nation. But the best option for you depends on your priorities, preferences and brewing method – whole beans tend to work better with espresso machines and pour-over setups while ground coffee works better for drip coffeemakers or French presses. You also have options when purchasing in bulk vs bag – each has their own set of benefits and drawbacks.

Organic beans offer many advantages, not least of which being knowing that no synthetic pesticides, herbicides or fertilizers were used during production – protecting farmers from hazardous chemical exposure while guaranteeing your cup of joe won’t contain potentially dangerous traces.

Many of the brands in this article use authentic Fair Trade certifications that prioritize fair wages and labor rights for coffee farmers, while some also boast Smithsonian Bird Friendly certification to preserve rainforest habitat and protect biodiversity.

If mycotoxins, or natural toxins found in some food that can lead to acute poisoning and long-term immune deficiency, are of concern, look for coffee that has undergone third-party mycotoxin testing such as Allegro or Purity brands.