Best Pumpkin Spice Coffee Beans: Review And Answers To Common Questions

2 tall glasses with home made pumpkin spice coffee and a whipped topping with shaved cinnamon on top

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It’s hard to answer the question “What is the best pumpkin spice coffee beans”?

This is due to so many opinions since some people like their pumpkin spice black, while others prefer it with flavored creamer. What about different roasts and organic products? There are so many choices out there!

We’ve done the research to find the best options and to answer common questions you may have.

Our Top Picks Of The Best Pumpkin Spice Coffee

We used the following parameters to rate the brands on this list.

We asked our team members about their favorite flavors and brands of pumpkin spice coffees. Overall, Lifeboost was the most popular choice for our team due to its flavor.

The second pick, Boston’s Best, had many favorites from our team as well because they have so many different flavors to choose from!

The common questions our team members asked were:

  • Is the flavor profile natural or taste fake?
  • Which is the best tasting flavor?
  • How much caffeine are in a cup per serving size for each brand?
  • Is the packaging reliable?
  • Is it priced correctly?

The answers to these questions and many more are below

picture of a bag of Lifeboost Pumpkin Spice coffee

Life Boost Organic Pumpkin Spice Coffee (Top Choice)

Decaf option

Lifeboost deserves the number one spot due to the high-quality crop grown by the organic farmers in Nicaragua, where its yield comes from.

Lifeboost offers organic, fair trade, and kosher beans.

It has a low acid content that is perfect for those who suffer from acid reflux and a robust taste.

The flavor is smooth and not too sweet. It also has a spicy and nutty taste, giving it some depth of flavor for those who want to savor the spice with each sip.

It’s smooth without being watery or bitter-sweet, which is why many choose this as their favorite coffee.

Pros:

  • Low acid content for those who suffer from acid reflux
  • Smooth and nutty taste, just the right amount of pumpkin notes
  • It’s roasted and immediately packed as soon as you buy it to guarantee the freshest coffee.

Cons:

  • Some may find it pricey, but worth the money if you want a full bodied good coffee with great flavor.

Boston’s Best Pumpkin Spice (Most Affordable)

This is made in small batches and is fair trade organic.

The beans are sourced from Central and South America and roasted in Bedford, MA.

This house blend has a medium-low acid level, which makes it perfect for those with heartburn or stomach problems who struggle to drink coffee on an empty stomach.

It has a great flavor and is not too spicy, making it perfect for those who don’t like their coffee too loud tasting.

This can be purchased in bulk packs or as single sleeves to try before committing to the larger quantity.

Pros:

  • Affordable and tastes like the traditional flavor that you expect without being too sweet.
  • Comes in a variety of packs for purchase, so you can try before committing to the larger quantity.

Cons:

  • If you’re looking for something more than just coffee, this might not be what you are looking for. It’s a mellow cup when served black.
  • The package it comes in is not the most durable

Banned Coffee Pumpkin Spice (Most Intense)

This is the most intense option on this list and a treat for coffee lovers.

It has a high acid level for those who don’t mind that and is sweetened with organic cane sugar, honey, and molasses.

It’s full-bodied like Lifeboost, but it also comes in a dark roast flavor as well.

Pros:

  • Intense medium roasted flavor
  • Comes in dark roast for those who like that taste.

Cons:

  • Pricey, but worth the money if you’re looking for something more than just coffee and want a strong flavor profile without being muddy.

Volcanica Pumpkin Spice Coffee (Most Unique)

This coffee is sourced from Central and South America, which is great since they are known for their robust flavor.

It’s also made with organic, fair trade gluten-free, and kosher beans.

This is a house blend with an even lower acid level than Boston’s Bes,t which makes it perfect for those who have stomach issues or heartburn when they drink caffeinated beverages on an empty stomach.

It’s also fair trade, organic certified, and vegan friendly! The taste is smooth and not too sweet but still has a spicy flavor.

Pros:

  • No acidity for those that need it.
  • Is vegan friendly!
  • Bold flavor

Cons:

  • Pricey, but worth the money if you’re looking for something more than just coffee and want an exceptional taste without being watered down.

Stone Street Pumpkin Spice (Lunch Break Coffee)

This is a light pumpkin spice coffee with just the right amount of sweetness.

The beans are sourced from Central America and roasted in Brooklyn, NY.

It comes in a vacuum-sealed bag that keeps it fresh for longer than other brands on this list due to its high-quality packaging.

Many love the flavor of this coffee and find it perfect for those who are not too fond of spices.

Pros:

  • Notes of cinnamon and clove, this warming cup of coffee feels and tastes like a festive treat!
  • Medium Roasted 100% Arabica Ground Coffee
  • 1 LB BAG – Our 3-Layer natural kraft foil bag ensures top quality freshness for your coffee

Cons:

  • Some say the packaging is flimsy and may be prone to tears. This can lead to breaks in seal which means beans will get stale faster than expected. Be mindful of this if you are planning on giving this as a gift.
  • It costs more than other brands and is not always in stock, so it’s hard to depend on if you want something reliable.
Selection of autumn drinks on wood background, with the spices you would make up a pumpkin spice coffee like ginger, cinnamon, al spice, and cloves.

What is pumpkin spice coffee? 

It is a fall drink that tastes like pumpkins due to cinnamon and other spices.

It’s made of fresh roasted quality beans with those flavors added in. Originally, it was only available for the fall season but has become sought after all year round due to its popularity.

It was made famous in 2003 when Starbucks introduced it to their lineup of beverages.

It’s most popularly served in coffee but can be made into a latte, iced coffee, or frappuccino as well.

The demand is so high in some areas it is on the menu all year long.

A still life of autumn fruits and a pumpkin pie on the table

Why Is It Called Pumpkin Spice Coffee

It was designed to taste like the flavors of a pumpkin pie. So pumpkin spice coffees are made with these natural spices.

What Is It Made Out Of

  • Cinnamon
  • Nutmeg
  • All-spice
  • Ground cloves
  • Ginger
Halloween style pumpkin spice latte in a glass jar, with a pumpkin and the word boo written on the side of the mugs

How To Make Pumpkin Spice Coffee

There are a few ways to make your own pumpkin flavor that’s both delicious and affordable.

One way is to buy pre-made pumpkin spice coffee grounds or the mix, which you can find in the baking aisle of most grocery stores. The second option is to make your own at home.

The first step is to find the ingredients you want and natural options for coffee beans.

Some people like their flavored coffees with milk, while others prefer them black. What about sugar and flavorings? There are so many options out there to create your own delicious treat.

The second step is to mill or grind up whole cinnamon sticks, which will release their flavor more quickly than ground spices giving you a high-quality coffee.

You’ll also need nutmeg, ground cloves, and ginger for a more complex flavor.

The third step is to measure out the spices in your mix – you’ll want about one teaspoon of each spice per cup of beans.

Finally, add boiling water to the grounds and let steep before enjoying!

Which pumpkin spice coffee is the best.

Lifeboost organic pumpkin spice coffee is our favorite since it’s organic and of high quality.

The coffee has an orange aroma, a hint of cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice flavor (almost like pumpkin pie), with hints of chocolate. It tastes delicious without sugar or cream when you drink it black.

It includes both medium and dark roast coffees to give the perfect blend for fall flavors.

A seasonal picture with a jack O lantern lit up in the background and a whipped latte pumpkin spice in the front

Is it just for fall or year-round

Due to the pumpkin spice craze, it isn’t just an enticing holiday favorite any longer.

Pumpkin Spice Coffee is available all year long. It can also be found in grocery stores and specialty shops worldwide.

You’ll start to find more and more bottles popping up on the shelves in late August or September.

How much caffeine does it have?

There are about 182-195 milligrams of caffeine in a cup (around 16 ounces). The caffeine content will vary between brands. Be sure to read the label and/or ask your doctor if you’re sensitive to caffeine.

Woman rejecting sugar for the coffee sitting on a couch in the living room at home with her friend

Is pumpkin spice coffee good for you?

Unless you drink it black, any coffee can be unhealthy if you add the wrong ingredients.

Since most people drink it with sugar, cream, and a whipped topping, it can be high in sugar and calories (about 400-700 per cup). However, you can find healthier alternatives like almond milk instead of regular cow’s milk.

Black coffee is almost calorie-free, cholesterol-free, and made from raw ingredients.

Factors To Consider When Buying Pumpkin Spice Flavored Coffee

Price

It can be found for $14-$30 per container, depending on the brand and type of beans used. A 16-ounce jar will cost between $25 to$38s online or in a store. The price may vary based on the quality you are looking for.

Roast Date

This is the date that the coffee beans were roasted. The roast date will vary depending on where you buy your pumpkin spice coffee.

Grocery store brands a lot of times don’t tell you a roast date. This is why it is best to buy it from a company like Lifeboost that will roast it after ordering it or from your local cafe that roasts their own beans.

Packaging

You want the packaging to have a one-way air valve that will prevent oxidation from occurring by not allowing oxygen in but will still let carbon dioxide out to promote de-gassing. (the natural removal of carbon dioxide).

Whole Coffee Beans

This is a major factor in the taste of your pumpkin spice coffee! You’ll want to make sure that there are no additives, such as artificial flavors or preservatives.

It’s important to get fresh beans and grind them before you brew them for the best flavor results.

Country/Region of Origin

Different countries will produce different flavor profiles, and you will be able to tell the difference.

Single-origin is when the beans are from location, this will yield a more consistent flavor each time you buy from this particular location.

A blend will be a collection of beans from different geographical areas of the world that will give you a less consistent result, but you’ll experience various flavors, undertones, and textures.

Ice honey pumpkin spice latte with whipped cream.  made with Lifeboost, which is considered one of the best pumpkin spice coffee beans

Taste

Your taste buds can pick up on nuances in flavor that others may not, and your palate needs to decide what type of coffee is right for you!

If a certain brand tastes too much like chemicals or artificial flavoring, then it’s probably not the one for you.

Body

The body of the coffee is important to consider and will vary from person to person based on personal taste preferences.

If you like light-bodied pumpkin spice flavored coffee, then choose one that is light roasted or has been brewed with lighter water for less time to maintain acidity levels. With stronger roasts, the body will be heavier, and some people may prefer that.

Aroma

The smell of your coffee is important because you actually taste with your nose before your taste buds.

When using certain types of brewing methods such as pour-over, or espresso, you will be able to tell how fresh your beans are, and once you get really good, the aroma will also tell you when the brewing process is done.

Type of Coffee Beans (arabica or robusta)

Arabica is a more expensive bean that will produce better-tasting coffee with higher caffeine content.

Robusta beans are less costly, but in this case, you get what you pay for! The taste and aroma of robusta is much different than arabica, making it important to know the difference.

Size of bag

A pound is 16 ounces, and most people drink about two cups per day which is why the most common size purchased is 16 ounces.

Some people prefer a slightly stronger brew, and that’s where bulk sizes come in handy!

Different alternative coffee brewing methods, Chemex, pour-over maker, Aeropress, french press, filter, siphon brewer, drip method,

Different Methods To Brew The Best Pumpkin Spice flavor

The type of brewing method you use will affect how your pumpkin spice coffee tastes:

French press

Unfiltered (coarse ground) with rich oils and sediments that provide natural sweetness and a rich body.

Drip Coffee

Brewed with medium grinds for full extraction of oils, making it the most popular method in North America due to convenience.

Related article

4 cup coffee maker review

Coffee maker with grinder

Espresso machine

Dark roasted coffee brewed at high pressure through finely ground beans using steam or hot water, forcing them through a small hole.

Related article’s

Affordable espresso machines

Best semi-automatic espresso machines

Pour-over

The pour-over method is a very popular brewing technique that can be done with either an inexpensive manual drip coffee maker or even on top of a French press, and it’s easy to make at home!

The goal is for the water to take in all the oils from fresh ground beans, which will allow you to control the flavor and strength.

This makes a lot of sense when you are brewing a flavored drink like pumpkin spice.

Related article

Automatic pour-over machines

The different parts of an Aeropress

Aeropress

The Aeropress is a popular method of brewing using compressed air to create full-bodied coffee with bold flavors stronger than what you would get from drip methods.

Aeropress makes the bold flavor accented from the whole bean coffee and creates just a hint of sweetness that doesn’t overpower the flavor of the hand-roasted natural ingredients of your choice.

Aeropress review

Aeropress ice coffee recipe

Aeropress espresso recipe

Instant

Pumpkin spices can be found in instant coffees, but they will taste different because they have been pre-flavored and may not have the same quality ingredients.

Whole bean vs ground coffee

The freshness of the coffee beans will make a huge difference in taste, so it’s best to use whole beans and grind them just before brewing.

Instant or pre-ground pumpkin spice flavored coffee brands are less likely to have any flavor nuances, and there is a good chance they will be stale.

This is the main reason why you shouldn’t buy store coffee.

What Pumpkin Spice Does Starbucks Use

The natural flavors of Starbucks pumpkin spice is a combination of cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, clove, cardamom, and allspice–plus real sweet cream butter.

Is There Coffee In Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Latte

Unless you ask for decaf, every coffee at Starbucks has a decent amount of caffeine in it, and there is coffee in the pumpkin spice latte.

Conclusion

We’ve done the hard work for you to find the best pumpkin spice coffee beans out there.

Lifeboost undoubtedly won the top spot; in my opinion, let us know what you think about our choices in the comments section below!