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Re-activateEight O'Clock Coffee has been around for 150 years, making it older than long-established brands like Maxwell House (1892) and Chock full o'Nuts (1926) as well as relative newcomer Starbucks (1971).
Despite its age, Eight O'Clock remains a fresh choice. In our test of 13 major brands of ground, caffeinated 100 percent Colombian coffees (available to subscribers), we found that Eight O'Clock Coffee 100% Colombian offered the best combination of taste and price. A complex blend of earthy and fruity notes and a bright, pleasing sourness helped distinguish the Eight O'Clock. And at about $6 per pound, it costs much less than several tonier-but-not-tastier coffees.
Even with this success, Eight O'Clock is giving all of its coffees a packaging face-lift. You can help determine the updated look of the company's coffees—including the Original, whose familiar red bag will morph into one of the two designs shown—by participating in the Packaging Makeover Sweepstakes. This ultimate design by committee runs until March 15 and includes more than 150 prizes, with a $5,000 top award.
Whether this promotion will pay off at the store is anyone's guess. With any luck, the company won't mess with the taste of its coffees or boost the prices once the bill for the design work and giveaway come due.—Bob Markovich
Essential information: Find the best coffeemaker to brew your favorite coffee.
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