When it comes to coffee, taste is highly subjective, and what might be the worst for one person could be a favorite for another. However, there are some coffees that have been rated poorly by a number of people. According to TasteAtlas, some of the worst-rated coffees in the world include:
Café com cheirinho from Portugal, which is coffee with added alcohol.
Vietnamese Yogurt Coffee, a combination of brewed black coffee, yogurt, condensed milk, and ice.
Espressino from Italy, consisting of an espresso shot, steamed milk, and cocoa powder.
Kopi joss from Yogyakarta, Indonesia, which is unique for its addition of burning charcoal to the brew.
Café con miel from Spain, made with honey, a shot of espresso, and steamed milk.
Additionally, some coffee brands have been criticized for their quality. Worst Brands lists several coffee brands to avoid based on bitter taste, unhealthy aspects, and inconsistent quality, including Seattle’s Best, Folgers, Death Wish, and Maxwell House.
Uniquely Poor-Rated Coffees
Café com Cheirinho (Portugal)
- Description: Café com cheirinho, which translates to “coffee with a scent,” is a traditional Portuguese coffee with added alcohol, typically aguardente (a type of brandy) or rum.
- Possible Reasons for Poor Ratings:
- The combination of strong alcohol and coffee may be too intense or off-putting for some.
- The flavor profile can be too harsh, overshadowing the coffee’s natural taste.
- Cultural differences in taste preferences might lead to negative ratings from those unfamiliar with or unaccustomed to the drink.
Vietnamese Yogurt Coffee
- Description: Vietnamese yogurt coffee is a unique blend of brewed black coffee, yogurt, condensed milk, and ice. It’s a popular street drink in Vietnam known for its creamy and tangy flavor.
- Possible Reasons for Poor Ratings:
- The combination of coffee and yogurt can be unusual and polarizing for many coffee drinkers.
- The sweetness from the condensed milk might not appeal to those who prefer a less sugary coffee experience.
- The texture and taste contrast might be perceived as odd or unpleasant.
Espressino (Italy)
- Description: Espressino is an Italian coffee drink made from an espresso shot mixed with steamed milk and topped with cocoa powder.
- Possible Reasons for Poor Ratings:
- The addition of cocoa powder can create a bitter taste that might not be well-received by all.
- The balance between coffee and milk might be tricky to perfect, leading to inconsistent experiences.
- Those expecting a traditional espresso might find the additional ingredients unnecessary or overwhelming.
Kopi Joss (Yogyakarta, Indonesia)
- Description: Kopi Joss is a unique Indonesian coffee that includes a piece of burning charcoal dropped into the coffee, giving it a distinct flavor and aroma.
- Possible Reasons for Poor Ratings:
- The presence of burning charcoal can be intimidating or unappetizing for some.
- The smoky flavor might be too strong or unusual for those used to conventional coffee tastes.
- Concerns about the safety and health implications of consuming coffee with charcoal might contribute to negative ratings.
Café con Miel (Spain)
- Description: Café con miel, or “coffee with honey,” is a Spanish coffee drink made with honey, a shot of espresso, and steamed milk.
- Possible Reasons for Poor Ratings:
- The sweetness from honey might not be appreciated by those who prefer a more bitter or robust coffee flavor.
- The combination of honey and milk can create a different texture and taste that might not appeal to everyone.
- The drink might be perceived as too rich or sweet for some coffee enthusiasts.
Poor-Rated Coffee Brands
Introduction to the Criteria for Poor Ratings When it comes to commercial coffee brands, certain names have been criticized for various reasons, including bitter taste, unhealthy aspects, and inconsistent quality. Here are some of the brands that have received poor ratings according to Worst Brands:
Seattle’s Best
- Common Criticisms:
- The taste is often described as overly bitter and lacking depth.
- Inconsistent quality across different batches.
- Some consumers find the flavor to be too artificial or chemically altered.
Folgers
- Common Criticisms:
- Frequently criticized for a weak and watery flavor profile.
- The coffee has a reputation for being overly bitter or having a burnt taste.
- Inconsistent quality, with some batches tasting significantly different from others.
Death Wish Coffee
- Common Criticisms:
- Known for its extremely high caffeine content, which can be overwhelming for some.
- The intense flavor is sometimes perceived as too bitter or harsh.
- Health concerns due to the high caffeine levels, which can cause jitters and other side effects.
Maxwell House
- Common Criticisms:
- Often described as having a bland and uninspiring flavor.
- Inconsistent quality, with some cans being significantly better or worse than others.
- Some consumers report a stale or old taste, suggesting issues with freshness.
