Folgerscoffee

For many coffee lovers, the quest for the perfect cup begins with a choice between two beloved medium roasts: Folgers 1850 and Folgers Simply Smooth. Both sit in Folgers' premium lineup, promising richer flavor and smoother finish than the classic can. But which one truly delivers? In this head-to-head comparison, we’ll break down the differences in roast profile, tasting notes, brewing versatility, and value. Whether you’re a drip-diehard or a pour-over purist, this guide will help you decide which blend belongs in your morning routine.

What Makes a Medium Roast “Premium”?

Before diving into the specifics, let’s define what we mean by “premium medium roast.” A medium roast strikes a balance between the bright acidity of a light roast and the smoky bitterness of a dark roast. Premium blends go a step further by sourcing higher-quality beans, adjusting the roast curve to highlight natural sweetness, and often removing the harsher edge that can plague mass-market coffees. Both Folgers 1850 and Simply Smooth aim for this sweet spot, but they take different paths to get there.

Folgers 1850: Rich Heritage, Bold Ambition

Named after the year Folgers was founded, the 1850 line is a nod to tradition—but its flavor profile is anything but old-fashioned. This medium-dark roast is crafted from 100% Arabica beans and roasted in small batches to preserve oils and complexity. The result is a cup with pronounced chocolate and toasted nut notes, a full body, and a satisfyingly long finish. It’s a coffee that feels substantial without being overwhelming.

When brewed in a drip coffee maker, the 1850 blend produces a deep amber liquor with a creamy mouthfeel. The aroma is rich and slightly smoky, reminiscent of a cozy café. Many fans describe it as a “grown-up” version of Folgers Classic Roast—familiar enough to feel comforting, but elevated enough to stand out on a Sunday morning.

Tasting Notes for 1850

• Aroma: Dark chocolate, toasted almond, hint of cedar
• Flavor: Semi-sweet cocoa, brown sugar, medium acidity
• Body: Full and velvety
• Finish: Clean with a touch of dark fruit

Simply Smooth: The Art of Balance

Where 1850 leans into intensity, Simply Smooth chases gentleness. This medium roast is designed for drinkers who want a mellow cup without sacrificing flavor. Made from a proprietary blend of Arabica beans, it undergoes a longer, cooler roast process that reduces bitter compounds while preserving natural sweetness. The result is a coffee that tastes almost silky—no sharp edges, no lingering bitterness.

Pour-over lovers especially appreciate Simply Smooth. With a medium grind, the water flows evenly, extracting a clean, bright cup with notes of milk chocolate, honey, and a whisper of citrus. It’s the kind of coffee that pairs effortlessly with a danish or a good book. If you’ve ever found medium roasts too astringent, Simply Smooth is likely your answer.

Tasting Notes for Simply Smooth

• Aroma: Milk chocolate, caramel, light floral
• Flavor: Honey sweetness, mild nuttiness, low acidity
• Body: Medium-light and silky
• Finish: Smooth, with a pleasant sweetness

Head-to-Head: Folgers 1850 vs Simply Smooth

To make this comparison concrete, let’s put both blends side by side across key criteria: flavor intensity, smoothness, versatility, and value. The table below summarizes the differences.

Attribute	Folgers 1850	Simply Smooth
Roast Level	Medium-Dark	Medium
Flavor Intensity	Bold, chocolate-forward	Mellow, sweet, balanced
Acidity	Medium	Low
Body	Full, velvety	Medium-light, silky
Best Brewing Method	Drip, French press	Pour-over, drip, cold brew
Best For	Morning wake-up call, iced coffee	Afternoon sip, delicate palates
Price per Ounce	Slightly higher (premium)	Moderate

Which One Tastes Better?

The answer depends on your palate. If you enjoy a robust, full-bodied cup that lingers—think dark chocolate and toasted nuts—the Folgers Country Roast Medium Dark Roast Ground Coffee is a close cousin to the 1850 profile. For those who prefer a delicate, sweet, and low-acid experience, Simply Smooth is the clear winner. In a blind taste test, most coffee drinkers can distinguish the two within the first sip: 1850 announces itself, while Simply Smooth whispers.

Brewing Tips for Each Blend

Getting the Most from 1850

Because of its dark roast oils, 1850 benefits from water just off the boil (195–205°F) and a slightly coarser grind if using a French press. For drip brewers, use a medium grind and a 1:16 coffee-to-water ratio. A touch of cream or sugar complements the chocolate notes beautifully.

Getting the Most from Simply Smooth

Simply Smooth shines in a pour-over. Use a medium-fine grind and water at 200°F. Pour in slow, circular motions—this accentuates the honey and floral notes. If you’re using a drip machine, opt for a medium grind and a shorter brew time to avoid over-extraction. Cold brew fans will love how this blend turns out: smooth, sweet, and never bitter.

Value and Packaging

Both blends are available in ground and K-Cup formats. For cost-conscious buyers, the 1850 line typically comes in slightly smaller cans (around 10–12 ounces) at a premium price, reflecting its small-batch roasting. Simply Smooth is often sold in larger sizes, making it a better everyday value. However, both are worth the extra cost compared to standard Folgers because of the superior bean selection and roast precision.

If you’re looking to stock up, consider the Folgers Classic Medium Roast Coffee, 48 oz, 4 Cans as a reliable backup. For a premium daily driver, the Folgers Coffeehouse Blend Medium Dark Roast Ground Coffee offers a similar boldness to 1850 at a lower price point.

Final Verdict: Which Should You Buy?

For the bold coffee lover who craves intensity, Folgers 1850 is the better choice. It delivers a memorable, full-flavored experience that stands up to cream and sugar, and it’s perfect for those mornings when you need a real kick. For the smoothness seeker who wants a gentle, sippable cup any time of day, Simply Smooth wins. It’s less aggressive, more forgiving, and pairs wonderfully with pastries or on its own.

If you’re still undecided, try buying a small can of each and doing your own side-by-side tasting. You might discover that your preference shifts depending on the day, the weather, or your mood. And that’s the beauty of premium coffee—there’s no wrong answer, only great cups waiting to be brewed.

Ready to upgrade your morning routine? Explore the full lineup of premium blends at Folgers Coffee and start your taste test today. For a smooth, satisfying start, check out the Folgers French Vanilla Flavored Ground Coffee for a flavored twist on the medium roast experience.