Does Folgers Sell Whole Bean Coffee? A Close Look at Folgers’ Coffee Options

Folgers is one of the most well-known and popular coffee brands in the United States, Walk down any coffee aisle in the grocery store and you’re sure to see their iconic red canisters lined up, Folgers has been around since the 1850s and has become synonymous with American coffee culture,

But does this classic coffee company sell whole bean coffee in addition to their popular ground coffee products? Let’s take a closer look at what Folgers has to offer for whole bean coffee aficionados

An Overview of Folgers Coffee

Folgers is owned by The J.M. Smucker Company, which also owns other popular coffee brands like Dunkin’ Donuts, Café Bustelo, and Starbucks canned coffee. They offer a wide range of coffee products including:

• Ground coffee (regular, decaf, flavored)
• Single-serve coffee pods
• Ready-to-drink canned and bottled coffee beverages
• Iced coffee
• Coffee concentrates

The brand is probably best known for their classic Roast and Ground coffees which come in their signature red canisters. These pre-ground coffee products are convenient, consistent, and popular among many American households.

But what about whole bean coffee? Let’s find out if Folgers offers any options for those who prefer the freshness and customizable grind size that comes with whole coffee beans.

Folgers Whole Bean Coffee Options

After scouring the Folgers website and looking at product listings on various grocery websites, it appears that Folgers does sell some whole bean coffee options, though the selection is limited compared to their wide range of pre-ground coffee products.

Here are the Folgers whole bean coffee options I was able to find:

• Folgers Classic Roast Whole Bean – This is their signature medium roast coffee made with 100% Arabica coffee beans. It comes in a 12 oz bag or larger 26.8 oz canister.

• Folgers Black Silk Dark Roast Whole Bean – A darker roast blend with a smoky, full-bodied flavor. Comes in a 12 oz bag.

• Folgers 100% Colombian Whole Bean – A medium roast single-origin 100% Colombian coffee. Only available in select stores in a 12 oz bag.

• Folgers Simply Smooth Whole Bean – A lighter, smoother roast blend. Also appears to be store-exclusive in a 12 oz bag.

• Folgers Flavors Whole Bean – Various flavored coffee options like Caramel Drizzle, Mocha, Vanilla, and Cinnamon. Only sold at select retailers in 11-12 oz bags.

Reasons For Folgers’ Limited Whole Bean Selection

There are a few reasons why whole bean coffees make up only a small fraction of Folgers’ extensive product lineup:

Pre-ground coffee has wider appeal – Pre-ground coffee is simply more convenient and approachable for the average coffee drinker. Whole beans require extra steps like grinding at home. Folgers likely focuses on pre-ground for wider day-to-day use.

Shelf-life concerns – Whole beans stay fresher longer than pre-ground coffee. Folgers likely limits whole bean products to rotate stock faster and avoid stale coffee sitting on shelves.

Regional preferences – Certain regions may have higher demand for whole bean. Folgers caters their whole bean offering to stores in these areas while supplying pre-ground everywhere.

Limited supply chain – Folgers may not want to overextend their supply chain capabilities by offering lots of whole bean options nationwide. Their core competency is large-scale pre-ground production.

Brand recognition – For better or worse, Folgers is synonymous with their classic red canisters of pre-ground coffee. They likely don’t want to dilute their brand identity by offering tons of obscure whole bean options.

How To Buy Folgers Whole Bean Coffee

If you do want to purchase Folgers whole bean coffee, here are a few tips:

• Check larger grocery stores like Kroger, Safeway, Albertsons, etc. The product listings indicate regional availability at chains like these.

• Browse the coffee aisle thoroughly. Folgers whole bean bags are generally sold alongside their pre-ground cans rather than with other whole bean brands.

• Look for the black Whole Bean tags on the shelves beneath specific flavors. The whole bean options don’t always stand out.

• Search for availability on the websites of grocery chains in your area. You may be able to see if they carry certain Folgers whole bean products online.

• Consider ordering online if you can’t find in-store. Websites like Amazon and Walmart.com have some Folgers whole bean listings.

• Grab it when you see it – these products may come and go. If your local store has it in stock, enjoy the convenience while you can!

While finding Folgers whole bean isn’t always easy, a little detective work at your grocery store or online may pay off if you prefer the freshness of grinding whole coffee beans at home. The classic Folgers taste you love with the added whole bean quality you want – it is possible to find.

Great Alternative Whole Bean Coffee Brands

If Folgers whole bean coffee still proves tricky to find in your area, no worries. Plenty of exceptional whole bean coffee options are widely available both online and in stores. Here are some great brands to explore:

• Peet’s – My personal favorite. Rich, complex blends and single-origin options roasted fresh. Major grocery stores carry Peet’s whole bean bags.

• Starbucks – Of course Starbucks offers delicious Kenya and Latin American bean blends in whole bean form. Find them at most Starbucks cafes or grocery stores.

• Eight O’Clock – An underrated 100% Arabica bean brand available as affordable whole beans with various roast styles to suit any taste.

• Trader Joe’s – Their house brand coffee beans offer an affordable yet quality coffee grinding experience. Lots of unique and fair trade bean blends to choose from.

• Caribou – This Midwest coffee chain offers their signature blends and single-origin offerings in whole bean bags sold at grocery stores.

• Stone Street – A smaller brand focusing on direct trade coffee that’s roasted then delivered fresh. Order online for ultimate whole bean freshness.

While Folgers may have limited availability, these whole bean coffee brands offer freshness, fair pricing, and delicious flavor readily available wherever you shop. The wide range of options allows you to easily find an upgrade from pre-ground to tailor your coffee experience.

Grinding Your Own Whole Beans – Freshness You Can Taste

Here’s a quick primer if you’re new to grinding your own whole coffee beans:

• Invest in a basic burr coffee grinder. They provide a more even, consistent grind compared to blade grinders. Entry-level models start around $20.

• Play around with grind size – larger grains for French press and finer powder for drip. The grind you choose hugely impacts flavor!

• Only grind what you need per brew to preserve freshness. Whole beans stay fresher for longer.

• Store beans properly in a sealed, opaque container away from air, light, and moisture. Enjoy the freshness for up to 2 weeks.

• Clean your grinder regularly by using rice to absorb old oils and coffee residue.

Grinding your own whole beans may take more effort than Folgers’ convenient pre-ground cans, but you’ll be rewarded with unmatched aroma, richer taste, and pure coffee enjoyment.

The Bottom Line – Whole Bean Coffee For a Fresher Folgers Experience

While limited, Folgers does produce a small line of whole bean coffee options for enthusiasts who want fuller flavor from freshly ground beans. But their availability is spotty compared to the widespread presence of their classic pre-ground cans and canisters.

If hunting down Folgers whole beans begins to feel like an impossible quest, pivot to the many exceptional whole bean brands that you can easily find at any grocery store or online. Grinding your own beans is the best way to optimize freshness and customize your preferred roast style.

At the end of the day, few pleasures in life compare to the first sip of coffee from freshly ground beans. The enticing aroma immediately intoxicates your senses, as the eager first taste provides an explosion of flavor that pre-ground simply can’t replicate.

So seek out Folgers or any whole bean brand that piques your interest, invest in a simple grinder, and start exploring the lively world of coffee freshly ground. Your taste buds will thank you.