I am constantly searching for quality brews and a unique coffee experience. So, you can understand my skepticism about popular options like Folgers and Maxwell House.
Despite this:
Many folks in our Facebook group swear by these brands, sparking my curiosity. So, I decided to put them to the test.
In this comparison, we’ll dissect the differences between Folgers and Maxwell House, from the types of beans they use—Maxwell House with its 100% Arabica versus Folgers’ blend of Arabica and Robusta—to their distinct flavor profiles, pricing, and brewing times.
Join me as we navigate the coffee aisle to uncover which brand stands out.
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Table of Contents
Key Takeaways From this Comparison
- Folgers and Maxwell House offer a diverse product range from classic blends to flavored varieties and single-serve pods.
- In terms of flavor and aroma, Folgers, with its mix of Arabica and Robusta beans, provides a robust and slightly bitter taste, while Maxwell House, using 100% Arabica beans, offers a sweeter, milder flavor.
- As for taste and quality, Folgers delivers a bold, somewhat bitter profile, while Maxwell House provides a smoother and mellower experience with notable nutty and chocolatey undertones.
- When comparing prices and accessibility, Maxwell House is generally more affordable than Folgers. Both brands are widely recognized and readily available in physical and online marketplaces.
- Folgers and Maxwell House have made significant efforts towards environmental sustainability and ethical sourcing. Folgers focuses on waste reduction and sustainable farming, whereas Maxwell House emphasizes fair trade partnerships and supporting coffee-growing communities.
Product Range
An essential aspect to consider in our Folgers vs. Maxwell House discussion is the product range. Both of these coffee titans boast a variety of coffee products. Let’s delve into what they offer.
Folgers
Now:
Folgers offers diverse coffee products that satisfy various coffee lovers’ preferences and brewing methods. They offer an impressive amount of caffeine and include:
- Classic Roast: The signature Folgers blend. It is available in ground, whole bean, instant coffee, and K-cup pod formats. A balanced flavor profile makes it a hit among many coffee drinkers.
- Instant Coffee: Ideal for individuals seeking a quick brew without compromising taste.
- Single-serve pods: Compatible with different brewing machines, including Keurig. Varieties range from Morning Café to Vanilla Biscotti and 100% Colombian.
- Decaffeinated Varieties: Perfect for those preferring to limit their caffeine intake. They offer decaffeinated versions of their classic roast and other popular blends.
- Specialty Flavors: French vanilla? Hazelnut? Folgers has you covered. They provide unique twists to regular coffee flavors, adding depth to your everyday cup!
But how do coffee consumers feel about the taste?
Well:
A direct quote from an FB user, Donna verifies Folger’s taste appeal: “Folgers, I think it tastes the best.”
Maxwell House
Not to be outdone, Maxwell House has developed a unique coffee range catering to coffee enthusiasts of all types:
- Original Roast: This classic blend is available in ground, whole bean, and instant coffee formats. It’s your go-to for a reliable coffee experience with versatility in brewing methods.
- Instant Coffee: Quick, convenient, and tastes great. Maxwell House aims to make your coffee brewing experience as smooth as possible.
- Single-serve pods: Offering you versatility and ease of use. Never worry about making too much coffee again.
- Decaffeinated Varieties: Maxwell House ensures that even decaf drinkers can enjoy their signature caffeine-free blends!
- Special Blends and Flavors: Monthly flavor monotony with flavors like French Roast and Breakfast blend is a thing of the past.
Christina, another FB user, chimed in on her Maxwell House experience, “If that’s all that’s offered, Maxwell House. Folgers gives me heartburn.” Equally noteworthy is FB user Lloyd‘s comment, “I like them both, but I buy Maxwell because it’s cheaper!”
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Flavor and Aroma
Moving on from the history and legacy, let’s dive deep into the flavor and aroma aspects of both Folgers and Maxwell House coffees.
Folgers Flavor and Aroma
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Folgers is noted for its distinctive blend of Arabica and Robusta beans. This combo gives their coffee a bold taste and an earthy, smoky aroma.
However:
I’ve found that some coffee drinkers might find Folgers a bit on the bitter side. For instance, this coffee enjoyer mentioned, “There is a time and a place for Folgers. It’s never in the trash.”
This heavier, more bitter taste is likely why some people might prefer to add cream or sugar. Remember that other consumers are delighted by the almost burnt flavor profile, but folks generally try to mask the flavor as best as they can.
Maxwell House Flavor and Aroma
Now:
Maxwell House has shifted to using 100% Arabica beans since 2007. These beans, known for their sweetness and mild flavors, are generally considered superior and more drinkable to the stronger, more bitter Robusta beans.
Making a balance between bitterness, sweetness, and flavor, Maxwell House is applauded for its sweeter aroma and likeability.
Notably:
Maxwell House highlights nutty and bready notes reminiscent of dark chocolate – a feature that makes it desirable for a morning cup.
Neither Folgers nor Maxwell House skimps on the caffeine content, delivering a fairly similar morning jolt regardless of the brand you prefer.
However, please note that the amount of caffeine may vary depending on the specific blend or roast.
Price and Accessibility
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Looking at numbers, Maxwell House is generally the more affordable option than Folgers.
Prices are a big consideration for many of us, right?
For instance:
Maxwell House’s medium roast ground coffee in a 30.6 oz canister is priced at a reasonable $7.99, whereas you’d typically pay around $20.55 for a similar Folgers product.
Here’s a quick comparison:
| Product | Maxwell House ($) | Folgers ($) |
|---|---|---|
| Medium roast ground coffee (30.6 oz) | 7.99 | 20.55 |
| K-Cup pods | 30.84 (84 pods) | 38.19 (72 pods) |
| Instant coffee | 7.90 | 9.11 |
Look:
This trend of cost savings is prevalent with K-Cup pods and instant coffee as well. It’s especially evident with Maxwell House’s original roast instant coffee, which costs $7.90 for an 8oz jar.
If you compare this to Folgers’ classic roast of the same size, it’s priced higher at $9.11. Thrifty coffee lovers would have a hard time overlooking these savings!
Keep in mind:
Both Maxwell House and Folgers are not just about prices. These are brands widely recognized and easily found in various retail establishments like local supermarkets and grocery stores, as well as online marketplaces like Amazon.
Availability is another big tick in favor of both brands. You also need to consider the time taken to perfect their blends.
Indeed:
Some will choose Folgers for its bold flavors and product variety, from ground coffee to K-Cups and instant assortments, putting taste before cost.
After all, coffee is more than just a beverage. It’s part of our mornings, breaks, and, for many of us, a daily pleasure.
Environmental and Ethical Considerations
On the heels of the ongoing demand for environmental responsibility and ethical sourcing, Folgers and Maxwell House coffee brands have made significant strides.
Both brands understand the importance of their environmental footprint and the need to support coffee farming communities globally.
Listening to Folgers’ commitments:
They’ve leaned into reducing waste generation and promoting sustainable farming within their supply chain. They’ve done this by investing heavily in environmentally friendly packaging and energy-efficient technology.
Then:
We have Maxwell House, which is vested in ethical sourcing and fair compensation for coffee farmers.
Their efforts include establishing partnerships with farmers who advocate for sustainable practices, ensuring a more resilient and equitable coffee industry.
Consumer Loyalty and Brand Perception
I’ve heard many in our community passionately defend their choice. “Folgers just tastes better,” one friend insists, claiming its aroma and robust flavor can’t be beaten.
Meanwhile, another counters with how Maxwell House offers a smoother taste that suits their palate better, not to mention its friendlier price tag.
Robert on our Facebook page certainly shares this sentiment, stating, “Folgers taste better, and it does not affect me like Maxwell House does.”
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But:
It’s not just about taste or cost. The conversation often shifts to more nuanced considerations like health effects.
Here’s one comment that resonates with my own experience:
“Folgers doesn’t give me heartburn like other brands do,”
Some do prefer the gentle—bordering on sweet—flavor profile of Maxwell House coffee, like this Reddit user.
He explained:
“Visited my mom this weekend, and she brewed an unknown coffee in her Mr. Coffee machine. Once it cooled down, it was pretty decent…. When I found out it was Maxwell House, I felt foolish and it made me question everything I know about coffee.“
Reflecting on these discussions:
Our brand loyalty is shaped by a blend of taste, price, health considerations, and values. Each coffee lover’s choice tells a story of personal taste, budgetary constraints, and a desire to contribute positively to the world.
So:
The next time I find myself in the coffee aisle, deliberating between Folgers and Maxwell House, I’ll remember that my choice is more than just about the coffee.
It reflects my preferences, experiences, and the impact I wish to make.
And what about you? Folgers or Maxwell?
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