How to Choose a Coffee Subscription: One Bag vs. Two Bags for Your Home

Quick Answer

Choose a one-bag subscription if you drink about one 12-ounce bag every two weeks and prefer to focus on a single coffee. Choose a two-bag subscription if you go through more than one bag every two weeks or want the flexibility to alternate between two different coffees.

Coffee subscriptions are a convenient way to keep your home stocked with fresh, delicious coffee. But once you decide to subscribe, the next question is often: should you get one bag or two? The answer depends on how much coffee you drink, how much variety you want, and how you like to brew.

In this guide, we'll walk through the key considerations to help you decide between a one-bag and a two-bag subscription. We'll also look at a few Counter Culture coffees to see how different options might fit your routine.

How Much Coffee Do You Actually Drink?

The most important factor is your daily consumption. A standard 12-ounce bag of coffee contains about 340 grams, which yields roughly 20 to 24 cups depending on your brew strength. If you drink one cup a day, a single bag will last about three weeks. If you drink two cups a day, it will last closer to two weeks.

If you find yourself running out before your next delivery, a two-bag subscription might be a better fit. On the other hand, if you often have coffee left over, you may be better off with a single bag to ensure you're always drinking fresh coffee.

• Track your coffee consumption for a week to estimate how many cups you brew per day.
• Remember that different brewing methods use different amounts of coffee; a French press uses more than a pour-over.

Variety vs. Consistency

A one-bag subscription means you'll commit to a single coffee for the duration of each delivery. This is great if you have a favorite that you love to drink daily. However, it can get monotonous if you enjoy exploring different flavors.

A two-bag subscription lets you alternate between two different coffees. You could have one bag for your morning espresso and another for a pour-over, or you could switch between a light roast and a dark roast depending on your mood. This is ideal for those who crave variety and want to expand their palate.

Budget and Storage Considerations

Two bags obviously cost more than one, but the per-bag price is often the same. You'll need to decide if the extra cost is worth the convenience of not running out or the pleasure of having more variety.

Storage is another factor. Coffee stays freshest when stored in an airtight container away from light and heat. If you buy two bags, you'll need enough space to store both properly, especially if you don't go through them quickly.

Decision Rules for One Bag vs. Two Bags

• If you drink 1 cup a day: A single 12-ounce bag will last about 3 weeks. A one-bag subscription is likely sufficient. Choose one bag to avoid stale coffee.
• If you drink 2+ cups a day: You'll go through a bag in 1-2 weeks. A two-bag subscription ensures you never run out. Choose two bags for uninterrupted supply.
• If you crave variety: A two-bag subscription lets you alternate between different origins, roasts, or processing methods. Choose two bags to keep your palate engaged.
• If you have a favorite coffee: A one-bag subscription to that specific coffee gives you consistent satisfaction every day. Choose one bag for reliability.

Coffee Options to Consider

• Fast Forward: Fast Forward is a curated blend of similar coffees from different harvest periods, ensuring you can savor the freshest flavors no matter the season. The ever-changing selection of organic coffees guarantees a delightful balance of nutty and sweet notes, wrapped in a creamy body. If you choose a one-bag subscription, Fast Forward offers a consistent yet dynamic cup that changes subtly throughout the year, keeping things interesting without requiring a second bag.
• Forty-Six: Forty-Six isn't your average dark-roast coffee. Sourced from some of the world's most renowned coffee-growing regions, this extraordinary blend of organic-certified coffees is carefully chosen to maximize sweetness and maintain complexity through dark roasting. For a two-bag subscription, pairing Forty-Six with a lighter single-origin like Cinco de Junio gives you a dark roast for milk-based drinks and a brighter option for pour-overs, covering a wide range of brewing styles.

Which Subscription Fits You?

Best for

• One-bag: solo drinkers who consume about 12 ounces every two to three weeks.
• Two-bag: households with multiple coffee drinkers or those who brew more than two cups a day.

Not for

• One-bag: heavy households that would run out before the next shipment.
• Two-bag: those who don't have proper storage space or worry about coffee going stale.

Choosing between a one-bag and two-bag coffee subscription comes down to your consumption, desire for variety, and storage capacity. Assess your daily routine and preferences, then pick the option that keeps your coffee fresh and enjoyable. Whether you opt for a single origin or a blend, Counter Culture has options to suit your home brewing needs.