Sipping Through the Varieties of Target’s In-House Brand
As a self-proclaimed coffee enthusiast, I’m always on the hunt for a quality cup of joe at an affordable price. So when Target launched its new in-house brand, Good And Gather, a couple years back, I was eager to taste their take on my preferred morning brew. With a wide selection of whole bean, ground, and single-serve coffee options at budget-friendly costs, I saw an opportunity to potentially ditch my usual name-brand bag in favor of something new.
Over the last few months, I’ve sampled my way through just about every roast and flavor Target’s shelves have to offer under the Good & Gather label. I wanted to discover first-hand if their coffee could compete on taste with leading national brands while beating them on price point. Consider this your guide to what I learned about Target’s expansive own-brand coffee line, from the varieties available to how they taste and everything in between.
Arabica Beans Grown with Care
The foundation of any good cup of coffee is in the quality of the beans, so I was pleased to find that Good & Gather uses only 100% Arabica beans sourced from Latin America and Africa. This type of bean has a sweeter, softer flavor profile than the bitter Robusta bean used in cheaper coffees. Target aims to build long-term sustainability partnerships with growers to ensure responsible farming and consistent flavor.
Most Good & Gather options contain single-origin beans from one country, though some blends mix regional beans for added nuance. Coffee purists often prefer single-origin for its unique terroir and more pronounced characteristics. Target offers single-origin beans from Colombia, Guatemala, Ethiopia, and more.
A Spectrum of Roasts for Every Palate
Good & Gather covers the full range of roasts from light to extra dark, making it easy to find a blend suited to your tastes. Their light offerings like Papua New Guinea and East African Roast bring out sweeter, fruitier notes, while medium options balance flavor and bitterness. For bolder, smokier flavor, go for a French or Italian dark roast.
Those who like a punch of intensity can try the Verona extra dark roast with intense burnt sugar and toasted nut flavors. It’s crafted after Starbucks’s common house blend, aiming to mimic their signature bold taste at a lower cost.
Bold Flavored and Smooth Blends
Venturing beyond classic roasts, Good & Gather blends allow you to infuse more drama into your daily drink. Their rich Hazelnut Creme coffee combines the sweet kiss of flavoring with mellow Arabica beans, while Javalings Jolt lives up to its name with a double dose of caffeine.
Looking for a smooth cup? The aptly-named crowd-pleaser Smooth Roast blends beans from Indonesia and Latin America for a mellow, balanced character. Or try Velvety Caramel Vanilla for a touch of indulgence.
Organic and Fair Trade Options Abound
Conscientious coffee lovers can sip easy with Good & Gather’s range of organic and Fair Trade certified options. Made with beans grown without pesticides or chemical fertilizers, the organic blends offer a purer taste of the land. For the Fair Trade varieties, Target pays fair wages to farmers and invests in community development projects.
The Organic Mind Body Soul medium roast aims to align your zen with notes of cocoa and fresh pastry, while the Fair Trade Breakfast Blend gives back with every energizing cup. I was glad to see Target’s commitment to responsible sourcing.
Prices as Low as Coffee Can Go
One major perk of going for the retailer’s own brand is enjoying gourmet flavor for grocery story prices. While national brands can charge $8-12 for a bag of beans, Good & Gather’s lineup is very wallet-friendly. TheirEntry-level blends like House Roast start at just $4.99 per 12 oz bag, with premium options rarely exceeding $9.99.
By cutting out middlemen and sticking to essential flavors, Target manages to keep prices impressively low across the board. Whether watching your budget or drinking multiple cups a day, the value is undeniable. Even their higher-end offerings cost less than the leading competition.
From Mild to Bold, Flavor Profiles on Point
Of course, a bargain bag means nothing if the contents don’t delight your tastebuds. In my experience, Good & Gather coffees deliver solid flavor for the price point. They may not have the same complex nuances as $15 artisan roasts, but certainly don’t taste cheap.
The brand nailed the flavor profiles for different roast levels, with proper balance of acidity and subtle notes coming through. While aficionados look for flaws in cheap coffee, I was pleasantly surprised by the smooth, well-rounded taste. These are quality beans roasted with care for optimal flavor.
Brewing Methods Put to the Test
To fully evaluate Good & Gather’s range, I brewed them every which way – drip machine, French press, pour over, cold brew, and more. I found the medium roasts especially versatile, shining through in any preparation. The light roasts excelled when tasted freshly ground and filtered, while deeper roasts stood up well to cream and sugar.
Across the board, I felt Target optimized their blends for standard at-home methods. As long as you use proper coffee-to-water ratios and brew times, you can expect a satisfying cup. The beans are roasted for optimal solubility and extraction.
Flaws? A Few Quibbles Among the Gems
In the spirit of full transparency, not every Good & Gather blend was a knockout for me. The Breakfast Blend underwhelmed as an a.m. pick-me-up, lacking punch, while the Holiday Blend tasted generically festive. I’d steer clear of flavored coffees too – hazelnut was artificial, vanilla too perfumy.
But for each middling mug, there were three stellar ones. Standouts like the smooth Guatemalan, rich French Roast, and lively East African made me a true believer in Good & Gather’s capabilities. When you’re paying $5-6 a bag, minor misses are forgivable.
Satisfaction All Around
After months of taste tests, I can confidently say Target’s Good & Gather coffee passes the bar on every front. Shoppers can find an array of specialty options – single origins, organic, ultra dark – for a fraction of big name costs. The flavors deliver on their descriptions with nuanced, balanced taste profiles.
While coffee snobs may still opt for roasts processed by award-winning baristas, Good & Gather lets everyday drinkers elevate their routine cup without the premium price tag. Next time you shop at Target, skip the Starbucks aisle and go for these affordable, quality in-house blends instead. Your tastebuds and wallet will thank you.