Why 2026 Is the Year of Better Beans

If there’s one thing that never changes, it’s our love for coffee. But the way we drink it? That’s constantly evolving. Every year, new beans, new roasts, and new flavors hit the scene. And 2026 is no different; it’s shaping up to be one of the most exciting years yet for coffee lovers.

You know what? Coffee isn’t just about caffeine anymore. According to the National Coffee Association, nearly 65% of Americans drink coffee daily, and the majority say flavor variety and bean quality are the biggest factors in what they buy. That means the days of grabbing any random bag off the shelf are gone. People want the good stuff.

So what does “the good stuff” look like in 2026? Think bold single-origin beans, artisanal espresso blends, and yes, even those fun flavored and holiday coffees that make your morning feel like a treat. (Peppermint Mocha in December? Still undefeated.)

At That’s Coffee, we’ve seen these trends firsthand. Our customers aren’t just shopping for beans, they’re searching for experiences. They want that first sip to hit with something memorable, whether it’s a smooth caramel-flavored roast or a rich holiday blend that tastes like comfort in a cup.

This guide is going to break it all down for you: the best beans to watch for  in 2026, the espresso roasts that will be stealing the spotlight, the flavors dominating search trends, and the holiday coffees you’ll want to stock up on before they sell out.

So grab your mug, settle in, and let’s talk beans.

The Best Coffee Beans of 2026

When people ask, “What are the best coffee beans right now?” the truth is, it depends on what you love most about your cup. Do you want bold, dark chocolate flavors? Something fruity and bright? Or a bean that makes killer cold brew?

The good news, 2026 has something for everyone. Let’s look at some of the top picks coffee experts and everyday drinkers can’t stop talking about.

Verve Coffee Roasters – The Crowd Favorite

Verve has been crowned one of the best overall roasters of 2026 by reviewers at The Manual. Their Sermon Blend, with hints of blueberry and chocolate, is a perfect example of how specialty beans can be both approachable and exciting.

Peet’s Major Dickason’s Blend – Affordable and Bold

Peet’s remains a classic. Major Dickason’s Blend continues to rank as a top pick because it’s reliable, full-bodied, and budget-friendly. Perfect for anyone who wants quality without spending $30 a bag.

Stumptown Coffee – Great for Bulk Buyers

Known for Hair Bender, their flagship blend, Stumptown has built a reputation for smooth, balanced beans. If you go through a lot of coffee each week, Stumptown’s larger bag options are a solid choice.

Peace Coffee – Organic and Ethical

If sustainability is a priority, Peace Coffee is making waves. Their beans are certified organic and roasted with a focus on fair trade and environmental impact. A great option for eco-conscious coffee lovers.

Café du Monde – A Flavor Icon

Not new, but still iconic, Café du Monde’s chicory coffee is a must-try if you want something different. It has a rich, earthy flavor with a hint of spice, and it’s especially popular for New Orleans–style café au lait.

How This Ties Back to You

At That’s Coffee, we curate beans with the same principles: bold flavors, ethical sourcing, and unique blends you won’t find at the grocery store. Whether you’re after a dark roast with kick or something smooth for your French press, our Coffee Beans Collection brings that 2026-level quality right to your doorstep.

As James Hoffmann, world barista champion and author of The World Atlas of Coffee, puts it:

“The best coffee beans aren’t just about flavor; they’re about freshness, consistency, and a story that connects you to where the coffee came from.”

That’s why the beans we choose matter. It’s not just what’s in the bag, but how it got there.

Next up, we’ll dig into the espresso picks of 2026, because let’s face it, espresso deserves its own spotlight.

Espresso Picks Worth Brewing in 2026

Espresso isn’t just coffee, it’s an art form. A great espresso shot should have body, sweetness, acidity, and that velvety crema on top. And the beans you use make all the difference.

In 2026, the best espresso beans will be striking a balance between traditional chocolate-caramel notes and more adventurous profiles like citrus and berry. Here are some roasters setting the bar:

Partners Coffee Roasters – Bedford Espresso

This blend is smooth and approachable, offering chocolate, caramel, molasses, and even a hint of marmalade. Serious Eats rated it one of the top espresso beans.

George Howell Coffee – Alchemy Espresso

For espresso purists, Alchemy nails balance. It’s deep and bittersweet without harsh bitterness, making it a favorite for straight shots and cappuccinos.

Ritual Coffee – Sweet Tooth Espresso Roast

The name says it all. Think butterscotch, toffee, and even a hint of berry. A great pick if you like your espresso bold but playful.

Onyx Coffee Lab – Geometry Roast

This one’s for the adventurous. Layers of citrus, apricot, and dark chocolate make every sip feel like a tasting experience.

Counter Culture – Big Trouble Espresso

If you want everyday espresso that still packs flavour, Big Trouble is the answer. Affordable, bold, and consistent, with tasting notes of caramel and dark cherry.

Why Espresso Beans Matter

A lot of people think any coffee bean can work for espresso, but that’s not the case. Espresso needs beans that are roasted and blended with higher solubility in mind. That’s what creates that syrupy, concentrated flavor in a shot.

At That’s Coffee, we carry a wide range of espresso-ready beans. Whether you’re pulling shots at home or using a super-automatic machine, our Espresso Collection is designed to give you that perfect crema every time.

Flavour Trends That Will Take Over in 2026

Flavoured coffee isn’t just a holiday fling anymore; it’s mainstream, and 2026 is going to be proving that in a big way.

According to Mintel’s Global New Products Database, caramel flavour appeared in 3.6% of all new coffee launches worldwide, making it the most popular flavour across the board. And if you’ve ever sipped a caramel macchiato, you know why. It’s sweet, smooth, and pairs with coffee’s natural roasted notes like a dream.

But caramel isn’t the only star this year. Here’s what’s trending:

Classic Favorites That Still Dominate

• French Vanilla – Creamy, smooth, always in demand.
• Hazelnut – Nutty and toasty, one of the top-selling flavoured coffees year after year.
• Amaretto – Sweet, almond-like richness that feels indulgent without being heavy.

(Source: Coffee Bean Flavor’s “Most Popular Coffee Flavors” report)

Holiday Vibes That Keep Coming Back

Seasonal flavours are driving serious search traffic every year. Peppermint mocha, eggnog latte, and gingerbread cappuccino rank among the most Googled coffee drinks each December. Why? Because they’re nostalgic. They make coffee feel like an event.

Newcomers to Watch for in 2026

This year, a couple of experimental flavors are starting to pop:

• Pistachio + Chocolate – creamy, nutty, with a decadent dessert-like edge.
• Yuzu Cold Brew – citrusy and refreshing, perfect for summer iced coffee.

These aren’t everywhere yet, but they’re making noise in specialty cafés. Expect to see more creative blends in the flavoured coffee aisle soon.

Where That’s Coffee Fits In

At That’s Coffee, flavoured beans are some of our bestsellers. Our customers can’t get enough of classics like French Vanilla Coffee and Hazelnut Coffee, and when the holidays roll around, limited-edition blends like Peppermint and Eggnog fly off the shelves.

We see it in our orders every year, people don’t just want caffeine; they want comfort, tradition, and a little fun in their cup.

Holiday Coffee Blends You Can’t Miss in 2026

There’s something about holiday coffee that just hits different. Maybe it’s the peppermint in the air, the first snowfall, or the fact that your mug suddenly feels like a hug. Whatever it is, flavoured holiday blends are a ritual for millions of coffee drinkers and 2026 is no exception.

Here’s what’s brewing this season:

Peppermint Mocha – The All-Time Favourite

Think candy canes, rich chocolate, and smooth coffee. Peppermint mocha is basically the official holiday drink of December. It doesn’t matter how many years it’s been around, it still dominates café menus and online searches.

Eggnog Latte – Nostalgia in a Cup

Eggnog might be divisive, but when you steam it into a latte, it becomes a cozy, creamy classic. For many coffee lovers, eggnog latte is the “it’s finally Christmas” moment.

Gingerbread Cappuccino – The Comfort Drink

Ginger, nutmeg, and cinnamon, basically a gingerbread cookie in liquid form. Pair it with actual holiday baking and you’ve got a match made in heaven.

Pumpkin Spice – Not Just for Fall

Sure, pumpkin spice is king in September and October, but in 2026, people will be stretching it well into December. Google search data for “pumpkin spice coffee” spikes by over 300% each fall.

How to Bring the Holidays Home

You don’t need to stand in line at a café to get these flavours. At That’s Coffee, our Holiday Coffee Collection is built around exactly these seasonal favourites. Think Peppermint Coffee for candy-cane mornings, Eggnog Coffee for cozy nights, and limited-edition roasts that make perfect stocking stuffers.

Our customers tell us holiday blends aren’t just coffee, they’re traditions. They mark the season, spark conversations around the table, and bring back memories of holidays past.

Lifestyle Tip:
 Try creating a little “holiday coffee bar” at home. Stock it with flavoured beans, whipped cream, candy canes, and cinnamon sticks. When friends and family come over, let them build their own festive lattes. It’s simple, fun, and way cheaper than a Starbucks run.

Holiday coffee is about more than flavour, it’s about mood. And in 2026, we’re all chasing those little rituals that make life feel special.

Coffee with Culture: Rising Stars in 2026

One of the coolest things about coffee is that every bean has a story. It’s not just a drink; it’s a connection to farmers, traditions, and regions that have been growing coffee for centuries. And in 2026, that story matters more than ever.

According to a Specialty Coffee Association survey, over 60% of consumers say origin is an important factor in their coffee-buying decision. People don’t just want “a medium roast.” They want to know where it came from and why it tastes the way it does.

Here are a few cultural and specialty beans that are getting buzz right now:

Yemeni Coffee – History in a Cup

Yemen is where coffee culture first took root, and its beans are unlike anything else. Rustic, rich, and often carrying notes of dried fruit and wine, Yemeni coffee has surged in popularity in the specialty scene. Some lots are selling for over $30 per pound because of their rarity.

Ethiopian Heirloom Varietals – The Classics Stay Strong

Ethiopia remains a giant in the specialty coffee world. Beans from Yirgacheffe and Sidamo are prized for their bright citrus, floral aromas, and clean finishes. They’re the kind of coffee you sip slowly, noticing new flavours with every cup.

Latin American Single Origins – Consistency + Comfort

Colombian, Guatemalan, and Costa Rican coffees are still customer favorites because they strike that balance: chocolatey, nutty, and approachable while still offering unique notes depending on the farm and roast.

Shop the Best Coffee Beans of 2026

So, what have we learned? Coffee in 2026 isn’t just about caffeine, it’s about choice. From bold single origins to cozy holiday blends, from caramel-flavoured classics to adventurous pistachio lattes, there’s something for every kind of coffee drinker.

And here’s the best part: you don’t have to chase trends across dozens of sites or travel the globe to taste what’s new. You can explore it all right here at That’s Coffee.

Whether you’re looking for:

• A smooth French Vanilla or Hazelnut coffee that makes mornings easy
• Seasonal favorites like Peppermint Mocha or Eggnog blends that bring the holidays home
• Or a bold single-origin roast that lets you taste coffee’s story from halfway across the world

…we’ve curated a lineup that makes discovering your next favourite bean simple.

Because at the end of the day, coffee isn’t just a drink, it’s a ritual. It’s the thing that kickstarts your mornings, fuels your afternoons, and warms your evenings. And when you choose the right beans, every cup feels a little more special.

So here’s my suggestion: try one new coffee this year. Maybe it’s a flavoured bean you’ve never thought you’d like, maybe it’s a single origin with a surprising fruity kick, or maybe it’s a holiday blend that turns your kitchen into a winter café.

Your 2026 coffee adventure starts with that first sip. And we’d love to be part of it.

Explore our full selection of coffee beans, discover your next favourite, and let’s make this your best coffee year yet.