Gevalia did start as a subscription. My folks taught me the mil-spec qualities in coffee at a young age and their favorite being Chock-Full-of-Nuts. I later found that Italian and French roasts and Folger's Black Silk were stronger (a.k.a. more caffeine and much darker roasting) than the dishwater Maxwell House (likely a light roasted bean). It might also have something to do with the bean quality, flavor from light roasting versus dark roasting, and the type of coffee beans.My mom used to have a Gevalia coffee maker and all their different coffee blends. I assumed it was some kinda subscription thing. Most of it is okay. I mean as long as it ain't sissy flavors like hazelnut or vanilla etc.
On a day to day basis I go with Folgers Black Silk. I like darker stronger coffee. There are different blends of Kroger Private Selection coffee that are pretty damn good. My main gripe is that the coffee selection at most stores has been greatly reduced to make room for them damn pods.