Best Non-Oily Coffee Beans Blurbs

Are you tired of poor-quality Joe and unclogging your coffee machine every day? Let’s explore the best non-oily coffee beans for great coffee with less hassle!

If you are looking for a consistent cup of coffee in the morning, then you need to find the right coffee beans. Even if your morning routine hasn’t changed, you might have noticed your coffee isn’t coming out quite right anymore.

Perhaps the machine is taking longer to brew a cup of coffee than before. Maybe you are noticing a funky aftertaste. There is a good chance that the culprit is the oil in the coffee beans.

To protect your coffee machine, you should look for the best non-oily coffee beans available. Our recommended non-oily coffee bean is from Lifeboost Coffee.

What Are Oily Coffee Beans?

Oil is a completely natural residue that develops when coffee is roasted. The natural sugars and oils rise to the surface and coat the outside of the coffee beans during the roasting process.

In general, beans that are roasted for longer amounts of time are going to be more oily. That is why dark beans tend to be more oily than light beans. You might be wondering, will oily coffee beans clog a coffee grinder?

Are Oily Coffee Beans Good?

The oily sheen on coffee beans is not a sign of quality beans, but generally, is to do with the roast profile or type of bean. Oily coffee beans are not necessarily bad; they will not have a funny taste compared to non-oily coffee. The main concern is the impact on your coffee grinder.

Dark roasted beans, like espresso beans, are more oily than light roast. This results in a thicker crema in your espresso and a decadent aroma. The downside is this oil can clog your coffee grinder and espresso machine when you’re preparing darker roasts.

Oily beans are usually French roasts or espresso beans. While non-oily beans are commonly used for pour-over, French press, or cold brew, many people use these brewing methods for oily beans too.

This is because these coffee makers and methods are easier to clean than an intricate espresso machine. Some people might also prefer to buy oily ground coffee, so they don’t need to worry about damaging their grinders by doing it themselves.

Oily Vs. Non-Oily Coffee Beans

Generally, oily beans are dark roast or medium-dark roast coffee. This is because the sugars in the beans have been caramelized during the roasting process. Medium roast coffee and light roasts will be drier.

In terms of taste, it really boils down to the types of coffee you like to drink. Dark roast coffee has deep, woody undertones with hints of dark chocolate and caramel.

Although dark coffee can sometimes taste more bitter, it is less acidic than lighter roasts, so it’s ideal for those with sensitive tummies. Lighter roasts have floral, fruity notes.

The type of bean also matters too; Arabica beans are the most popular choice, but they tend to be oiler than Robusta beans. So, if you purchase an Arabica-Robusta coffee blend or espresso blend, you may find it hard to tell whether the beans are oily. A single-origin or specialty coffee will likely be more consistent.

Robusta has a stronger taste and more caffeine, but Arabica coffee is beloved for its smoother profile. Although you should still maintain and clean your coffee machine, non-oily beans are less likely to cause build-up.

1. Lifeboost Coffee Grata Medium Roast

Lifeboost Coffee is determined to deliver healthy, delicious coffee that is free from molds, bacteria, mycotoxins, and more. Each batch is third-party tested to ensure it is clean, making it ideal for those conscious about their own health and the health of their coffee grinder. The Grata medium roast is no different. 

This blend is sourced from Central America and is shade grown to allow more complex flavors to develop in the beans. It is full-bodied with notes of chocolate, figs, and cream. It is also low-acid, so those with sensitive tummies don’t have to sacrifice comfort for coffee.

2. Volcanica Coffee Jamaican Blue Mountain Peaberry

Volcanica’s Jamaican Blue Mountain Peaberry blend is special for a number of reasons. Firstly, as the name suggests, Volcanica sources its coffee beans from rich volcanic soils. The additional nutrients make for a deep, smooth cup of Joe.

Peaberry coffee is a great option if you fancy something different, as it has a lighter, more robust flavor than regular coffee beans. Finally, Jamaican Blue Mountain coffee is one of the most highly rated coffees in the world; made from Typica beans, an Arabica varietal, it is delicate and smooth. 

This Volcanica offering has notes of chocolate and orange peel. You’ll also detect luscious milk and cream in the brew.

3. Blue Horse Kona Coffee

One of the top options if you are looking for a coffee with low oil content is Blue Horse Coffee’s Kona Coffee. This brew has a complex fragrance with lingering sweetness at the end.

The beans are hand-picked, sun-dried, and washed using rainwater. Every cup of coffee has a smooth finish. The beans are organically farmed. Learn more in our Kona coffee explainer.

4. Koffee Kult Thunder Bolt

Another coffee with a low oil content that you may want to consider is Koffee Kult Thunder Bolt. Koffee Kult Thunder Bolt will provide you with a cup of coffee that is packed with flavor. Because the beans are organically sourced, you are also investing in a product that will give back to Mother Nature.

Every cup of coffee is robust and will wake you up in the morning. The blend comes from Brazil, Colombia, Guatemala, and Sumatra. Expect this dark roast to be heavy and strong while also providing you with a sweet finish.

Furthermore, it is pretty high in caffeine, so it will certainly wake you up in the morning. Of course, the beans are not that oily, protecting your coffee machine.

5. Lavazza Dek Filtro Medium Roast

You might also want to consider going with Lavazza Dek Filtro Medium Roast. This roast has hints of cereal and is a blend of Arabica and Robusta coffee, ideal for Chemix, pour-over, and French press.

Blended and roasted in Italy, which has a strong coffee tradition, you will enjoy a high-quality cup of coffee every time. The acid content is relatively balanced, and there is an earthy taste to it.

With more than 100 years of experience, every batch is roasted to perfection. Furthermore, the bags are packed with nitrogen, contributing to a longer shelf life. Of course, the beans are also relatively oil-free, making them great for your coffee machine and equipment.

6. Camano Island Coffee Roasters

Camano Island Coffee Roasters offers a USDA-certified certified organic Sumatra dark roast. Although dark roast coffee beans are typically oily, Camano Island is an exception, so you can brew a delicious cup of coffee without worrying about damaging your coffee machine.

There are slight notes of nuts and fruit as you consume your coffee, along with a warm, spicy flavor that is great for the winter. Along with a low acid content, the oil content from Camano Island Coffee Roasters is also low. With an environmentally friendly product, you will protect not only your coffee machine but the Earth as well.

7. Wild Jo Coffee

Although French roast coffee is usually oily, there are some coffee roasters who manage to avoid this issue. The Wild Jo Coffee dark French roast provides you with rich, strong flavors. Every cup delights the senses with slight hints of brown sugar and dark cocoa as well, making it perfect for those who like iced coffee and black coffee.

As this is an organic, gluten-free, and Kosher product, it is popular among those who are looking for healthy or environmentally friendly coffee. Most importantly, with an irresistible aroma and robust flavor, this hits the spot without sacrificing your appliances.

8. Lavazza Super Crema

As mentioned earlier, the oil on coffee beans can contribute to a luscious crema on your espresso. However, that doesn’t mean that oily or dark roasted beans are the only beans producing good crema. Lavazza Super Crema is a medium-light roast coffee made especially for espresso.

This is a blend of Arabica and Robusta beans with notes of brown sugar and hazelnuts. This soft blend is ideal for home baristas who want to try their hand at making a latte or cappuccino from scratch.

9. Illy Classico Whole Bean Coffee

Although Illy has countless coffee blends, nothing opens the door to Italian espresso like its Classico brew. This is a medium roast Arabica blend, so it’s ideal for those who prefer milder brews. Many coffee lovers will appreciate the soft notes of jasmine, caramel, or orange blossom with a hint of chocolate.

10. Kicking Horse Coffee Hola Light Roast

Today, more coffee drinkers want to learn more about the origins of their brew and if it was sourced ethically. The good news is Kicking Horse Coffee offers Fair-Trade beans farmed with organic practices.

This light roast Arabica blend is non-oily, so you don’t have to worry about damaging your equipment when grinding this whole-bean coffee. Most importantly, the smooth taste is highly rated. It has a refreshing, light taste that can gently wake you up in the morning.

11. Starbucks Blonde Roast

If you can’t afford to go out for coffee every day, you can bring the taste of your favorite brands home to you. Starbucks light roast is underrated. While you might be thinking that espresso blends are typically dark, this blonde roast should not be overlooked.

The fruity notes take the edge off of an overly-indulgent mocha, and it also makes for a smooth latte or flat white if you prefer milky espresso drinks.

12. Stumptown Coffee Founders Blend

Stumptown Coffee has dozens of coffee blends, many of which are non-oily, but the best introduction to the brand for newcomers is the Founders Blend. This is an organic medium roast blend made of pure Arabica coffee.

This is one of the best coffee beans for espresso, with pleasant notes of brown sugar and caramel. You’ll also detect some vanilla and chocolatey cocoa powder.

13. Victor Allen’s Hazelnut Medium Roast

If you fancy a change, a flavored coffee will never go amis. The hazelnut medium roast from Victor Allen’s is deliciously toasty.

It’s made from 100% Arabica beans, which are beloved for their balanced and smooth flavors. This brew is deliciously sweet, but the robust coffee flavors can still shine.

14. Zavida Coffee 100% Colombian

Colombian coffee is quite versatile and can range from dark roast to light roast. Zavida’s Colombian blend is a non-oily medium roast. Although you can purchase it on Amazon, many customers report finding it at Costco.

This Arabica blend is smooth, full-bodied, and has a heavenly aroma. Colombian coffee is beloved for its citrus flavor notes with a touch of chocolate and nuts. Although it is not decaf, Colombian coffee is generally lower in caffeine than other types, so it’s ideal if you don’t want to cut out caffeine entirely but have a limit.

15. AmazonFresh Direct Trade Rwanda

Although a lot of coffee snobs might turn their noses up at Amazon-brand coffee, they have proven themselves to be quite capable. Their brews are more than acceptable for those seeking non-oily coffee beans while confined to a budget.

The Amazon Fresh Rwanda brew is sourced via Direct Trade. This means roasters cut out the middle man and buy right from the farmers, which often means they get a better deal on their beans. This light roast is made from 100% Arabica coffee, meaning it’s smooth with fruity, citrus, and floral notes.

16. 49th Parallel Coffee Roasters 123 W Longitude Blend

If you love filter coffee, then 49th Parallel Coffee Roasters is for you. The whole bean 123 W Longitude Blend is a medium-light roast with refreshing notes of apples, raisins, and almonds.

As premium specialty gourmet coffee, it’s a perfect treat or a brew for special occasions. The most critical coffee snobs will love the pleasant aroma, bright flavors, and low acidity. It’s been vacuum-packed for freshness, so you don’t need to worry about stale coffee arriving at your door.