Quick answer

Brew Folgers Simply Smooth with a slightly cooler water temperature and a shorter steep time to keep the cup mellow, and store the 23-ounce bag in an airtight container away from light. It is a mild roast ground coffee, so treat it gently rather than brewing it like a bold dark roast.

Why mild roast ground coffee needs a gentler hand

Mild roast beans are roasted for less time than dark roasts, so they have less surface oil and a more delicate structure. That means they can turn harsh faster if you use boiling water or over-steep them. Folgers Simply Smooth is described as a mellow, gentle-tasting variety, so the goal is to extract sweetness without pulling out bitterness.

This also explains why the same scoop that works for a bold roast can taste thin or sharp in a mild one. Adjusting grind and contact time matters more than adding more coffee.

What to expect if you have a sensitive stomach

Simply Smooth is a mild roast, not a decaffeinated coffee, and the catalog does not state an acidity level or make digestive claims. If you are sensitive to coffee, start with a smaller cup and see how you feel. Many people find milder roasts easier to sip, but that is a personal response, not a guarantee.

If caffeine is the trigger rather than acidity, choose a decaf option instead; Simply Smooth regular ground coffee still contains caffeine.

Folgers Simply Smooth brewing FAQ

What water temperature should I use for Simply Smooth?

Use water just off the boil, around 195–205°F (90–96°C), rather than a rolling boil. For a drip brewer, choose a medium setting if available. Lower temperatures slow extraction and help keep the mild roast from turning bitter.

How much coffee per cup?

Start with 1 to 2 tablespoons of ground coffee per 6 ounces of water. Because Simply Smooth is mild, begin at the lower end and add more only if the cup tastes weak; too much coffee can make a mild roast taste sharp rather than stronger.

How long should I steep it in a French press?

Use a coarse grind and steep for 3 to 4 minutes, then press slowly. Steeping longer than 4 minutes extracts more bitterness, which is especially noticeable in a mellow roast.

Can I use Simply Smooth in a cold brew?

Yes. Use a coarse grind and a 1:4 coffee-to-water ratio by volume, steep in the refrigerator for 12 to 16 hours, then strain. Cold water extracts less acidity, so the mild character comes through clearly.

How should I store the 23-ounce bag?

Transfer the ground coffee to an airtight container and keep it in a cool, dark cupboard. Do not refrigerate or freeze it; moisture and odors from the fridge can dull the flavor. Use within a few weeks of opening for the best cup.

Is Simply Smooth the same as decaf?

No. Folgers Simply Smooth Coffee, 23 Ounce is a regular caffeinated ground coffee. If you need to avoid caffeine, look for a decaf ground coffee instead.

Product facts

  • Folgers Simply Smooth Coffee, 23 Ounce: Made from 100% pure coffee with no additives and roasted in New Orleans, Louisiana. You get a plain ground coffee with nothing added, so you can adjust strength and flavor yourself without hidden ingredients.

    Folgers Simply Smooth Coffee, 23 Ounce

    Folgers Simply Smooth Coffee, 23 Ounce

  • Folgers Simply Smooth Coffee, 23 Ounce: The Simply Smooth variety is described as having a mellow, gentle taste, and the package is 23 ounces. The mild profile suits drinkers who find bold roasts too sharp, and the larger bag gives you room to experiment with brewing ratios.