Quick answer
Choose Folgers 1850 Black Gold for a bold, full-bodied dark roast experience, or go with Trailblazer if you prefer a smoother, medium-dark roast that balances richness with drinkability.
Roast level and flavor profile
The main difference between these two ground coffees is their roast level. Black Gold is a dark roast, delivering a bold, full-bodied flavor with a robust edge. Trailblazer is a medium-dark roast, offering a smoother, more balanced cup that still has a rich taste but is less intense than a full dark roast.
If you enjoy a coffee that stands up to milk or cream, Black Gold's deep roast holds its own. For black coffee drinkers who want a bold yet approachable flavor, Trailblazer's medium-dark profile gives you richness without the heavy bitterness that some dark roasts can have.
Pack size and value
Black Gold comes in a pack of six 12-ounce bags, making it a smart choice for households that go through coffee quickly or for office setups. Trailblazer is sold as a single 12-ounce bag, which works well if you want to try it before committing to a larger quantity or if you prefer rotating between different roasts.
The catalog price for the Black Gold 6-pack compares favorably to the single-bag price of Trailblazer, giving you more coffee per dollar when you buy in bulk. However, the upfront cost is higher, so Trailblazer is the easier entry point if you're testing the 1850 line for the first time.
Brewing compatibility
Both ground coffees are suitable for drip coffee makers, which is the most common home brewing method. The grind size is designed for standard automatic drip machines, so you can use either one without adjusting your routine.
Because Black Gold is a dark roast, it can also work well in a French press or cold brew setup where you want a strong, bold flavor. Trailblazer's medium-dark roast is more forgiving and less likely to become over-extracted, making it a versatile option for pour-over or Aeropress if you experiment with brew times.
Trade-offs at a glance
- Flavor intensity: Black Gold is a dark roast with a bold, full-bodied flavor. Trailblazer is a medium-dark roast that is smoother and less intense.
- Quantity and cost: Black Gold comes in a 6-pack (12 oz each) for a lower per-bag price. Trailblazer is sold as a single 12 oz bag with a higher per-ounce cost. Buy Black Gold if you want bulk value; choose Trailblazer if you prefer to try a smaller amount first.
- Brewing flexibility: Both work in drip coffee makers. Black Gold's dark roast also suits French press and cold brew. Trailblazer's medium-dark roast is more forgiving for pour-over and Aeropress.
Product facts
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Folgers 1850 Black Gold Dark Roast Ground Coffee, 12 Ounce (Pack of 6): Dark roast ground coffee with a bold, smooth taste in a 12-ounce pack of 6. You get a lasting supply of a strong, full-flavored coffee that's ideal for daily drinking or sharing in an office setting.
Folgers 1850 Black Gold Dark Roast Ground Coffee, 12 Ounce (Pack of 6)
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1850 Trailblazer Medium-Dark Roast Ground Coffee, 12 oz: Medium-dark roast ground coffee with a trailblazing taste in a single 12-ounce package. It offers a rich yet balanced flavor that appeals to those who want a bold cup without the intensity of a full dark roast.
1850 Trailblazer Medium-Dark Roast Ground Coffee, 12 oz
Which one fits you?
Best for
- Dark roast lovers who want a bold, full-bodied cup and buy coffee in bulk
- Offices or households that go through a lot of coffee and want consistent supply
Not for
- Those who prefer a milder, less intense coffee or only need a small quantity to test a new roast
