How to Read a Coffee Bag Label

A good coffee bag tells you almost everything you need to know before you buy — if you know how to read it. Here's what the key terms mean.

Roast date

The single most important piece of information. Look for an actual roast date, not just a "best by." Coffee is at its best within a few weeks of roasting. If a bag only shows a distant expiration date, the coffee may already be stale.

Origin

This tells you where the coffee grew — a country (Ethiopia, Colombia), a region, or even a single farm. More specific usually means more traceable and carefully sourced.

Process

How the coffee cherry was processed shapes flavor. Washed tastes clean and bright; natural tastes fruity and heavy; honey lands in between.

Roast level

Light, medium, or dark — a major driver of taste. Light is brighter and more origin-forward; dark is bolder and roastier.

Tasting notes

These describe flavors the roaster tastes, like "blueberry, chocolate, citrus." They're a guide to the cup's character, not added ingredients.

Buy with confidence

Our bags list roast date, origin, process, and tasting notes so you always know what you're getting. Browse the current lineup.