Best Hazelnut Coffee: Top 11 Picks & A Buying Guide

Searching for the best hazelnut coffee? Check out our top picks and a buying guide so you can find the best nutty coffee out there.

In a rush? Our top pick for the best hazelnut coffee is Lifeboost Hazelnut Whole Bean Coffee.

Holidays are coming up, so it’s time to make coffee even more festive.

And what says “holiday” more than a cup of hazelnut coffee?

But not all coffee tastes the same.

In fact, I’ve tried a good share of hazelnut coffee to find the best one. And today, I’ll share my findings with you. 

Let’s find the best hazelnut coffee together.

Best Hazelnut Coffee: Top 11 Picks

• Lifeboost Hazelnut Whole Bean Coffee (Best Overall)
• Volcanica Hazelnut Flavor (Most Versatile)
• San Francisco Bay Coffee Hazelnut Crème Whole Bean (Best for Espresso)
• Royal Kona Coffee Hazelnut 10% Kona Blend (Best Kona Blend)
• Lion Coffee Decaf Hazelnut (Best Decaf)
• New England Coffee Hazelnut Crème (Budget Pick)
• Cameron’s Coffee Roasted Ground Coffee Bag (Best For Pour-Over)
• Cold Brew Organic Coarse Ground Flavored Coffee (Best for Cold Brew)
• Don Francisco’s Hawaiian Hazelnut Flavored Ground Coffee (Best Packaging)
• Starbucks Hazelnut Flavored Coffee (Best for Bulk Buying)
• Lifeboost Hazelnut Coffee Pods (Best Coffee Pods)

Lifeboost Hazelnut Whole Bean Coffee 

Lifeboost has a huge range of flavored coffee, and Hazelnut is one of the most popular ones – for a good reason. 

It has the smooth flavor of toasted hazelnut, but you can still clearly distinguish individual notes of coffee beans. 

Lifeboost is the only single-origin coffee on this list. Single-origin beans have an unaltered flavor profile, unlike blends. Furthermore, coming from the same farm, single-origin beans are more sustainably and ethically grown.  

For this particular flavor, the brand uses medium roast, which is full-bodied and with a heavy mouthfeel. 

It’s worth noting that Lifeboost uses natural flavoring to achieve the taste of hazelnut. The flavoring has no sugar or calories, as well as no hidden allergens. 

This coffee is a bit more expensive compared to other picks on this list. But you can always save up a bit by subscribing instead of ordering each time manually.

Pros

• Roasted to order, so you get fresh coffee each time
• You can choose between whole beans or preground coffee, depending on whether you own a grinder or not
• 3rd party tested for mycotoxins, heavy metals, and pesticides, so you know what you’re drinking
• Uses natural flavoring, which is free from calories and additional allergens

Cons

• Slightly expensive compared to other picks

Volcanica Hazelnut Flavored Coffee

Want to drink a sweet and creamy hazelnut coffee yet still feel the caffeine kick? This coffee by Volcanica will give you that much-needed energy boost in the morning.

But even though it’s highly caffeinated, this coffee is by no means robust. It has a well-rounded but mild flavor, which might feel weak to those who prefer a punchy cup of coffee.

Made with medium-roasted Arabica beans, this coffee is creamy, aromatic, and slightly sweet. 

Whether you have a grinder or not, it doesn’t matter. You can order this coffee as whole beans or preground. And in the case of the latter, you can choose between three grind sizes: espresso, French Press, and drip coffee.

Pros

• Sold as either whole beans or preground, depending on whether you own a grinder
• A list of certifications shows that this coffee is made under strict ethics and sustainability standards
• Has a high caffeine content, so it will give you the energy boost from a single cup
• Roasted in small batches every week and packed right after that, ensuring freshness

Cons

• Those who prefer strong coffee will find this blend weak

San Francisco Bay Coffee Hazelnut Crème Whole Bean

A good shot of espresso strikes the perfect balance between acidity, sweetness, and bitterness. And that’s exactly what you get with these beans by San Francisco Bay Coffee.

Hazelnut Creme blend consists of Arabica beans grown in Central and South America at high altitudes. These beans make a very rich and slightly sweet cup of coffee. 

While these beans are perfect for espresso, you can use them for other methods as well. Medium roasted, the flavor profile is well-balanced and works great with different types of brew.

One thing I don’t like is the bag. About 50% of the packaging is transparent, showing coffee beans. 

When exposed to light, the coffee loses freshness at a faster rate. While the bag was probably in the warehouse most of the time, there’s always a possibility of it being exposed to light for some time.

Pros

• A creamy and light flavor with a nutty finish makes this blend suitable for different brewing methods
• The addition of both natural and artificial flavoring makes hazelnut notes rather prominent
• Rather affordable compared to most picks on this list
• Sold as beans, so you can grind it coarser or finer

Cons

• A transparent bag exposes beans to light, which causes them to lose freshness faster

Royal Kona Coffee Hazelnut 10% Kona Blend

Traditional Kona has a sweet and slightly fruity flavor with notes of brown sugar and honey. But hazelnut flavoring gives it a new dimension, making it rich and complex but not overwhelming. And since it’s roasted to a medium level, the coffee you make is rounded and well-balanced.

The coffee bag features a tin tie to close it after using it. While I like that you can reuse the bag, keep in mind that a tin tie doesn’t keep the bag airtight, so the coffee can lose some freshness.

If you don’t own a grinder, you can order an all-purpose grind. However, that’s really mostly good for drip coffee.

But if you do have a grinder, then you can get a 24-ounce bag of whole beans instead. That way, you can actually get the required grind size for your preferred brewing method.

Pros

• This Kona blend is smooth and well-balanced and not overwhelmed by the hazelnut flavor
• The slightly higher caffeine content in Kona will give you a much-needed energy boost
• Sold as both whole beans or preground, depending on what works better for you
• It’s rich and buttery, so it pairs well with milk

Cons

• The coffee bag can’t be resealed properly, so you should transfer the beans to a container

Lion Coffee Decaf Hazelnut

Those who claim that decaf tastes bland, you surely haven’t tried this one by Lion Coffee.

This blend is made with 100% Arabica beans roasted to a light level. That way, the coffee is sweet, slightly tangy, and with subtle floral notes. Now, when you add hazelnut into the equation, you get a bit of those musty and earthy tones that further accentuate the flavor profile.

Given it’s a light roast, this coffee has a mellow body, which works best for pour-over coffee. But that doesn’t mean you can’t use other brewing methods as well, like drip or siphon.

Unfortunately, since it’s a medium grind size, you can’t use it for espresso or cold brew, for instance.

To make it decaf, Lion Coffee uses the Swiss water process. This process removes as much as 99.9% of the caffeine from coffee grounds with just water. So it’s chemical-free and environmentally friendly!

Pros

• It’s light-roasted, which gives intricate notes that pair well with the hazelnut flavor
• The mellow body makes this coffee great for pour-over
• Decaffeinated using a Swiss water process, which is free of chemicals and is eco-friendly
• Has a subscription program, so you can have coffee restocked on a schedule

Cons

• It’s preground, so you can only use it for a few brewing methods

New England Coffee Hazelnut Crème 

This coffee is made with medium-roasted Arabica beans, which gives it a rich but well-balanced flavor profile. The coffee also has a creamy body and just the right amount of sweetness, which pairs exceptionally well with milk – both dairy and plant-based.

The packaging is overall really cute, but I’m not the biggest fan of tin ties. Sure, it allows you to close the bag after opening it, but it can’t make it airtight. That means that the coffee will go stale rather fast unless you transfer it to a container.

To be clear – a few days of storing coffee in the bag wouldn’t make much difference. But this is a 22-ounce bag, which should last you a while unless you drink gallons of coffee each day. So, in that case, a tin tie is not doing much.

That’s a pity because the coffee inside the bag is so fresh. The brand roasts coffee regularly in small batches, so there’s no way you can get a stale bag.

Pros

• Creamy and sweet, this coffee pairs well with milk
• Comes in a large packaging, so you don’t have to restock often
• Roasted in small batches, meaning you get a fresh bag each time
• It’s medium-roasted, so the coffee is bold without being bitter

Cons

• The tin tie doesn’t make the bag airtight, so your coffee can go stale fast

Cameron’s Coffee Roasted Ground Coffee Bag

Is pour-over your preferred brewing method? If so, then you’ll surely love this blend by Cameron’s Coffee.

Pour-over really accentuates intricate flavors, so it’s an ideal brewing method for this coffee. This blend is light-roasted, which makes it sweet and smooth, with a zesty finish. Of course, only Arabica beans are used to create this unique flavor profile.

This coffee comes preground, which is great if you don’t have a grinder at home. It’s just the right grind size for pour-over, but you can use it for drip coffee as well. 

However, I do wish it was sold as whole beans as well. One of the reasons is that you could grind it differently for other brewing methods – since this blend definitely works best for pour-over.

But the main reason is that coffee wouldn’t go stale as fast if it were whole beans. This is a 12-ounce coffee bag, which could definitely last a week or two, depending on how often you drink coffee.

Pros

• It’s smooth and bright, which is ideal for pour-over coffee
• Naturally sweet, so you don’t have to add sugar or milk
• It’s 100% Arabica, so there’s no bitterness in your cup
• Roasted in small batches, which ensures each bag arrives fresh

Cons

• Only comes preground, meaning it goes stale faster than whole beans

Cold Brew Organic Coarse Ground Flavored Coffee

Here’s something for all cold brew lovers out there. If you want coffee that’s mellow and smooth on both your palate and stomach, then the blend by Cold Brew Lab is definitely worth consideration.

As you already know, a good cold brew is smooth but not bland in any way. It should have a delicate flavor profile, slight sweetness, and low acidity, and that’s exactly how this coffee tastes. 

To achieve that, the brand combines medium and dark-roasted coffee. This ensures you also get a rich body and smooth mouthfeel without having to add milk. 

This blend is preground to extra coarse, just how you need it for a cold brew. Now, I’m not typically a fan of preground coffee, mainly because it goes stale faster. But given it’s a cold brew, you’ll go through the entire bag much faster than with regular coffee.

But what I don’t like is the packaging. It’s rather thin, so if not handled adequately, you might end up with a pierced bag. 

Pros

• Made with medium and dark roast, which gives it a rich body 
• Comes preground, so you can brew it right away
• Low in acidity, making it suitable for people with digestive issues
• Organically grown, so you know no pesticides were used

Cons

• Thin and flimsy packaging, so it can easily get ripped

Don Francisco’s Hawaiian Hazelnut Flavored Ground Coffee

To make it clear from the start – this blend doesn’t contain any Kona. It’s only named “Hawaiian Hazelnut” because it has a tropical aroma and flavor reminiscent of the Islands. Aside from hazelnut, you can also feel the hint of coconut, hence the name.

For this blend, only Arabica beans are used. That’s why the coffee you make is well-balanced, without any bitterness. 

I’m a huge fan of the packaging of this coffee. It comes in a steel can with a plastic cap, which prevents oxygen from getting inside. This means that your preground coffee won’t go stale faster than it should.  

What’s also great about the packaging is that you can reuse it to store coffee, cookies, or even as a sewing kit. And once you want to get rid of it, you can simply recycle it. Practical and zero-waste, what’s there not to love?

Pros

• Naturally sweet, so you don’t have to use any type of sweetener
• One of the most affordable picks on the list, so it won’t break your budget
• Comes in a steel can, which is airtight and recyclable
• Vacuum-sealed, so an unopened can last over a year

Cons

• Misleading name, so you might be disappointed because there’s no Kona in it

Starbucks Hazelnut Flavored Coffee

Do you go through coffee bags at the speed of light? Don’t worry. Many of us are guilty of the same thing. And we all know how annoying restocking can be. That’s why this bulk set by Starbucks is so great.

You get six bags of 12-ounce coffee, which should last you a while. The bag size is perfect, as you’ll probably go through it fast enough so that coffee doesn’t lose flavor. 

Speaking of which, the flavor of this hazelnut coffee is wonderful. It’s rich and naturally sweet, with prominent nutty and toasty notes. 

The coffee is preground, which is my only complaint. The flavor profile could probably suit other brewing methods, like espresso or cold brew. But the medium-coarse grind of this coffee is only suitable for drip and pour-over.

What I like about Starbucks is that its coffee is ethically and sustainably sourced. The entire production process is transparent, from bean to consumer. So you really know that it’s made responsibly, with both Earth and its humans in mind.

Pros

• Features six 12-ounce bags, so you’re set for a while
• Naturally sweet, meaning you can drink it plain
• Ethically and sustainably sourced, so you can trace it from bean to cup
• Highly caffeinated, meaning it will give you an energy kick

Cons

• Not suitable for other brewing methods than drip and pour-over

Lifeboost Hazelnut Coffee Pods

It’s no secret I’m a big fan of the brand. Every single product is made of single-origin coffee, which allows you to enjoy a delicate and more exotic flavor profile. Plus, they’re lower in acidity, which is great for those with digestive issues.

These pods are made with medium-roasted coffee, which makes a full-bodied and round cup. It’s sweet and viscous with a prominent hazelnut tone. 

You get 10 coffee pods in a box, which are compatible with Keurig and Keurig 2 systems.

The pods are a bit expensive, but the brand offers a subscription method alongside single-buy. This allows you to get a new box to your doorstep at regular intervals. Pretty neat for all lazy coffee lovers out there!

What’s also great is that you can recycle pods. That’s already a big plus for me.

Finally, I must mention that Lifeboost coffee is certified organic and climate pledge-friendly. That ensures every step of production is done in an ethical and sustainable way.

Pros

• Single origin, so you can taste delicate coffee notes
• The pods are recyclable, so you can stay zero-waste
• 3rd party tested, which ensures it’s free from toxins
• The subscription plan is available, allowing you to get a fresh batch on schedule

Cons

• Somewhat expensive compared to most pods on the market

Factors To Consider When Buying Hazelnut Coffee

I’m aware that most hazelnut coffee products on the market appear to be pretty similar. So now we’ll cover everything you need to consider when choosing what to buy.

Where does the flavoring come from?

You might have noticed that certain products contain natural flavoring. While others, on the other hand, use artificial instead.

Natural is always better, right?

Well, not so fast.

All flavors, be they natural or artificial, are a chemical compound or a mixture of them. It’s just that natural ones are extracted from plants, animals, or plant and animal products as found in nature. Artificial ones, on the other hand, are made in a lab.

And when made under strict standards, there’s no difference between natural and artificial flavoring in:

• Chemical structure
• Health safety
• Taste 

In fact, artificial flavoring often undergoes even more rigorous testing!

With natural flavoring, the only ingredient is, well, the extract of the plant.

But with artificial ones, a mixture of ingredients is used to create the same thing. And that’s bad for people with food allergies, especially rare ones. 

Also, the artificial flavor can be more potent. Sometimes, it’s used to mask low-quality beans. 

What’s more, the artificial flavor does a great job at pronouncing delicate flavor notes of the coffee beans. It’s also more consistent compared to natural flavoring, which can differ from packaging to packaging.

IN A NUTSHELL
There’s little difference between artificial and natural flavor when it comes to both taste and overall health impact. However, people with food allergies should avoid artificial flavors, as there might be hidden allergens in there.

The Quality and Freshness of Coffee Beans Are Also Important

Flavored coffee or not, this is always an important factor to consider.

No amount of flavoring can adequately hide the low quality of coffee beans. So to have a nice cup of java, aim for high-quality beans.

The two most popular bean varieties are Arabica and Robusta. Of the two, Arabica is considered to be of better quality. 

Arabica generally tastes sweeter and smoother, while Robusta tends to be, well, robust. It’s usually much stronger and bitter compared to Arabica and contains more caffeine. 

Of course, the origin of coffee beans is also important. Look for coffee grown in:

• Central and South America
• Africa
• Southeast Asia

These are the best regions for growing coffee, as they’re located in the tropic belt, where the soil and climate combo is ideal for this plant.

But even the best coffee in the world will taste yucky when stale.

Therefore, it’s important to only buy beans that were roasted recently.

Coffee peaks in flavor when it’s been between 5 and 14 days of roasting. But as long as it’s not older than 3 weeks, you’re good to go.

IN A NUTSHELL
The bean flavor is still really prominent with hazelnut coffee. Make sure to get Arabica beans from a good region. Furthermore, only buy a bag of coffee that was roasted recently.

What’s better – whole beans or preground coffee? 

The best coffee is fresh coffee.

The longer it’s exposed to oxygen, the quicker it begins losing its flavor and aroma.

So if you own a grinder (or you’re willing to invest in one), then I absolutely recommend getting whole-bean coffee.

But if you’re not, there’s nothing wrong with buying preground instead.

In that case, just don’t buy a coffee bag that’s too big for you to finish in a matter of a week.

IN A NUTSHELL
If you own a grinder, going with whole beans is the way to go. If you do buy preground, only buy a small batch so that it doesn’t go stale before you finish it.

Best Hazelnut Coffe: The Final Word

There are some pretty delicious hazelnut coffees on the market.

But Lifeboost Hazelnut Whole Bean Coffee is a tough one to beat.

It’s made of single-origin Arabica beans, so you can enjoy delicate coffee notes. It also uses natural flavoring, so it has no added calories or allergens. 

Most importantly, it’s sold as both grounds and whole beans. So you can enjoy it however you want!