Lifeboost Coffee Review

We really love coffee here at Reviewed. We are self-proclaimed coffee addicts who have strong opinions about everything from roast levels to espresso crema.

So, when we heard about Lifeboost Coffee (available at Lifeboost Coffee) , a brand that claims to be the healthiest low-acid coffee in the world, we had to try it for ourselves. With so many claims (and such a steep price tag), we wanted to know whether this premium brand of coffee is worth the investment.

About Lifeboost Coffee

Founded by chiropractic doctor, author, and nutrition researcher Charles Livingston, Lifeboost is designed to optimize the number one source of antioxidants in the United States: coffee beans.

Lifeboost coffee is sourced from beans that are certified organic, shade-grown at high elevations, and naturally low in acid. This organic coffee is designed for clean-eating coffee lovers who care about both taste and sourcing.

Lifeboost claims that growing beans under these specific circumstances results in more richly flavored, nutrient-rich coffee that's among only 2% of all coffee grown in the world. And because it's single-origin coffee grown in the high mountains of Nicaragua, each batch has a traceable quality and a consistent flavor profile.

The beans are also roasted in small batches before undergoing third-party testing for toxins. This is where researchers look for ingredients like mold, pesticides, and heavy metals, which can sometimes be found in coffee beans (in low levels).

There's also plenty of variety in Lifeboost's selection. Beyond light, medium, and dark roasts, the brand also offers a wide range of unique flavored coffees, Keurig-compatible pods, and pre-measured cold brew bags. So there's something for every palate and preferred preparation.

What we like

It's rich, smooth, and delicious

First and foremost, we enjoyed every variety of Lifeboost Coffee that we tested.

Whether we brewed freshly ground beans in a pour-over or moka pot—or took the lazy (yet efficient!) route with a pod coffee machine—we were impressed. Each cup was rich, full-bodied, and lacking any unpleasant acidity, as promised. The coffee is exceptionally smooth without any hints of bitterness, which proves the brand's specialized production process results in a unique flavor.

It’s clear Lifeboost positions itself as a clean coffee brand, and for those who prioritize clean eating and drinking, that could be a significant selling point.

Each bean is sourced mindfully

We appreciate the distinct attention to detail behind every Lifeboost bean. Every cup of coffee comes with the peace of mind of knowing you're supporting sustainable farming methods and a beverage that's free from 400 different toxins. And due to its sourcing from shade-grown regions over a mile above sea level, the beans can develop slowly and absorb more nutrients.

Lifeboost also donates a portion of profits to the Rainforest Trust and Project Alianza, which supports school building for the families of local coffee farmers. So, you can feel confident in indulging your caffeine habits with a brand that's actively supporting farmers and the wildlife that help make every cup possible.

The pod and cold brew varieties are convenient and tasty

Most high-end coffee brands don't offer the convenience of K-Cups and pre-packaged cold brew bags. That's something we especially love about Lifeboost.

The cold brew comes pre-portioned with easy-to-follow instructions that will guide you towards a cafe-grade cup of cold brew after steeping. We loved the rich, almost chocolatey flavor of the results, and didn't feel the acidity or unpleasant jitteriness that often accompanies traditional cold brews.

The coffee pods also surprised us, producing flavorful and full-bodied cups of coffee that we're not used to tasting from typical pods. The coffee was richer and more robust—yet also smooth-tasting—compared to typical pod brands.

There's a convenient subscription model

Once you're committed to the Lifeboost brand—and have chosen a favorite coffee product—you can opt to sign up for a subscription. This way, you get zero-effort refills and can save up to 42% in the process.

The subscription model isn't like what you'd find from popular coffee subscription services; you shouldn't expect to take a quiz and be matched with the best bean for your particular palate.

Instead, you have to commit to a single coffee variety. Then, Lifeboost gives you the choice between whole and ground beans, a one-, three-, or six-bag commitment, and seven different delivery frequencies—between weekly and every 12 weeks.

What we don't like

The flavored coffee is very subtle

This could be a pro or a con, depending on your palate, but we found that many of the flavors featured in Lifeboost's flavored coffees are incredibly subtle. In some cases, we struggled to decipher the underlying flavors at all.

Varieties like Caramel Macchiato and Crème Brulee—which we expected to hit us with a sweet aroma and indulgent taste immediately—had just a hint of underlying flavor that required added sugar to decipher. The coffee was still delicious, of course, but we doubt a blind taste test would've helped us identify the intended flavor.

The most pronounced flavor we tried was Highlander Grogg, which is inspired by sweet, buttery rum and offered some tasty and interesting spice notes.

It comes with a premium price tag

At over $30 for a 12-ounce bag, Lifeboost prices definitely feel like a splurge. Average prices for a similarly sized bag from a grocery store, for example, typically go for less than half of that price.

Obviously, Lifeboost doesn't taste like grocery store coffee, which means that folks who take their everyday cups of Joe seriously might consider taking the plunge—especially with the money-saving subscription model.

However, when it comes to the other promises from the brand—such as being the "healthiest" coffee or the easiest on the stomach—we found it hard to verify these claims. Sure, there was a distinct lack of acidic flavor in the varieties we sampled, but we didn't notice any difference in how our bodies digested them.

There's also something to be said about the toxin-free claim of the brand, since the myth around mold and other toxins in coffee has been largely debunked. If you're already enjoying decently high-quality java, you shouldn't need to double your coffee budget to feel comfortable drinking it.

And while it may be true that the environmental surroundings of Lifeboost coffee crops mean they contain exceptional amounts of antioxidants, all coffee beans contain healthy amounts of antioxidants—which means you don't have to break the bank to rake in those benefits.

Should you buy Lifeboost Coffee?

Yes, if you value high-quality coffee and don't mind splurging

There's no getting around it—**Lifeboost Coffee** (available at Lifeboost Coffee) is delicious. You definitely get the quality that you pay for with this brand, thanks to its special farming and harvesting processes and small batch roasting. And there are plenty of uniquely flavored coffee offerings, even though they won't offer that strong, often saccharine flavor that comes from other brands.

We also love that Lifeboost offers easy-to-make alternatives beyond pure whole beans, including ground coffee, cold brew packets, and Keurig-compatible pods.

And while we appreciate that this brand puts its products through third-party testing to ensure the beans are free from possibly harmful toxins, we don't think that process is entirely necessary to keep coffee drinkers safe.

In addition, Lifeboost’s steeper price tag can make it challenging to commit to even a subscription model. But if you're looking for other high-quality java brands we recommend, check out our roundup of the best coffee subscriptions.