Top 20 Best Ground Coffees
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The aroma of coffee often stirs up my memory with vivid images about special events. Drinking coffee for me is more than enjoying the taste but rather recalling the event. After drinking coffee regularly, now I really like sampling various types of coffee – which is my favorite hobby in my free time. To save the extra work, I find the best ground coffee is so convenient for lazy days or busy drinkers.
Ground coffee comes with its advantages and disadvantages. While ground coffee in industrial rollers has the consistent particle size and saves you more time and effort, the coffee beans ground at home brings the freshness to your cup of coffee. Just try and see which one suits you best.
Before that, do you really understand about coffee? Read the buying guide below and check it out.
Types of Ground Coffee
Depending on how fine the coffee is ground, ground coffee is classified into three main groups: finely ground, medium ground and coarse ground coffee. Each type is used for different purposes.
Fine Grind
The finer ground beans need less time for extracting the flavor because hot water comes into contact with more surface area during brewing. This group is further classified into two smaller groups: pulverized and espresso ground coffee.
The pulverized has the finest ground coffee, of which the particle size is 100 microns. The Turkish ground coffee belongs to this group as your finger is covered with dust as you dip it into the ground coffee.
Espresso has an average particle size of 200 microns. To bring out the best flavor, the coffee bean should be dark roasted and low acid.
Medium Grind
To tell the difference between fine and medium ground coffee, just dip your finger in. If it doesn’t cling, it should be medium grind. The brewing time for this type of coffee ranges from 3 to 8 minutes. There are three smaller groups of medium ground coffee: vacuum grind, drip grind, and automatic drip grind.
The vacuum grind has an average particle size of 500 microns with 3-minute brewing. The drip grind also has the same particle size but it needs more time to let the hot water go through under its own weight. You should let it sit from 4 to 6 minutes.
The automatic drip grind is suitable for automatic drip maker with large particle size – 800 microns. The contact time is from 6 to 8 minutes.
Coarse Grind
The average particle size for this type is 1,000 microns, which is suitable for longer brewing process (more than 8 minutes). Coarse ground coffee resembles sea salt, which is ideal for cold brew or cowboy coffee.
Here Are The Best Ground Coffees for You:
Coffee drinkers prefer different tastes. However, the best ground coffee is usually strong enough but not bitter. The coarse ground coffee is more preferable because it is ideal for French press, cold brew and many other machines.
- Best Overall: McCafe Coffee Ground Coffee
”Well-balanced flavor, no bitter aftertaste, affordable price.” - Best Budget: Folgers Classic Roast Ground Coffee
”Great value, smooth flavor, Affordable price.” - Best Cinnamon: New England Coffee Cinnamon Hazelnut Ground Coffee
”No bitter aftertaste, smooth flavor, warm cinnamon and nutty hazelnut note.” - Best Decaf: Bulletproof The Original Decaf Ground Coffee
”Suitable for high blood pressure drinkers, bulletproof process minimizes toxins, smooth flavor.’’ - Best Kona Blend: Cameron’s Coffee Kona Blend Ground Coffee
”Amazingly smooth coffee, inexpensive light roast coffee blend.” - Best Light Roast: Kicking Horse Coffee Hola Ground Coffee
”Smooth flavor with the right acidity level, wonderful aroma.” - Best Dark Roast: Starbucks Dark French Roast Ground Coffee
”Many flavors available (8 flavors), bold, and mild astringent flavors, bitter and robust enough.” - Best Coarse Ground: Stone Street Coffee Cold Brew Ground Coffee
”Consistent grind, rich, bold and pure flavor.” - Best for French Press: Bulletproof French Kick Ground Coffee
”Great for French press, strong flavor with chocolate notes, great bulletproof flavor for Keto diet.” - Best for Drip Machine: Caribou Blend Ground Coffee
”Low acidity, rich and bittersweet flavor, cheaper than grocery bag, Rainforest Alliance Certified.” - Best for Most Caffeine: Death Wish Ground Coffee
”Strong but not bitter flavor, USDA Certified Organic and Fairtrade coffee, dark roast, suitable for cold brew, high caffeine.” - Best for Pour-Over: Gevalia Special Reserve Guatemala Ground Coffee
”Perfect coarse size, nice aroma, smooth and rich flavor with less acidity.” - Best for Espresso Machine: Illy Classico Espresso Ground Coffee
”Smooth, distinct flavor, great for Espresso machine, airtight steel can.” - Best for Moka Pot: Lavazza Qualita Rossa Ground Coffee Blend
”Less acidity, medium roasted, amazing for Moka pot, vacuum-sealed package.” - Best for Percolator: Primos Coffee Co. Specialty Ground Coffee
”Smooth, mild flavor, great for French press, percolators, low acidity.” - Best for Cold Brew: Tiny Footprint Coffee Organic Ground Coffee
”Great concept behind Tiny Footprint, great for cold brew, not too acidic.”
Best Ground Coffees Comparison Chart
The best ground coffee is organized in alphabetical order. You can easily choose the right type of ground coffee with its roast level. Start with small package and order bigger package if you are a coffeeholic.
Top 20 Best Ground Coffees on The Market
The best ground coffee saves you extra effort from grinding the beans yourself and the mess after grinding. However, the fresh taste doesn’t last long, which is a disadvantage if you don’t drink coffee that often.
1. McCafe Coffee Colombian Ground Coffee
(Best Overall)
There is no bitter aftertaste with McCafe Coffee Colombian blend because it is a blend between many Arabica beans from Brazil, Colombia, Guatemala, and Costa Rica. Furthermore, it also mixes up medium and dark roasted coffee beans.
It leaves no bitterness on your palate but is still strong enough to drink black. McCafe also has many other great flavors to try out with the affordable price.
Product Specification
| Coffee Bean origin | Arabica beans grown in Brazil, Colombia, Guatemala, and Costa Rica |
| Type | Single origin |
| Weight | 12 ounces |
| Package | Bag |
| Available in | Ground |
| Size | 12 oz |
Pros
- Well-balanced flavor
- No bitter aftertaste
- Affordable price
Cons
- No seal on the bag
Watch this video to see the review of McCafe Coffee Colombian Ground Coffee:
2. Folgers Classic Roast Ground Coffee
(Best Budget)
This comes in a plastic container of 38.4 ounces of ground coffee. You can see how to recycle it on the body of the canister. The interlocking cap locks in all the flavor with its tight seal.
This medium ground is just great for any cold brewers. Upon opening, you should use it within 1 or 3 weeks at room temperature. If stored at a cool temperature, the canister can last longer (around one month). If each serving is 6 fluid ounces, you can brew up to 305 servings with this canister.
Product Specification
| Coffee Bean origin | New Orleans, Louisiana |
| Type | Single origin |
| Weight | 3.6 pounds |
| Package | Plastic canister |
| Available in | Ground |
| Size | 38.4 oz canister |
Pros
- Great value
- Smooth flavor
- Affordable price
- Sealed cap
Cons
- Large package
Watch this video to see the Folgers Classic Roast Coffee Review:
3. New England Coffee Cinnamon Hazelnut Ground Coffee
(Best Cinnamon)
If you like brewing coffee with cinnamon flavor for a warm and comforting taste, check out this cinnamon hazelnut ground coffee from New England Coffee. Warm note from cinnamon, nutty flavor from hazelnut will brighten your day.
The flavor is not too bold but rather mild with a slight touch of cinnamon. The bean origin is unknown but the coffee is 100% Arabica. There is no gluten and it is Certified Kosher.
Product Specification
| Coffee Bean origin | No information |
| Type | Single origin |
| Weight | 11 ounces |
| Package | Vacuum-sealed bag |
| Available in | Ground |
| Size | 1 pack or 3 packs |
Pros
- No bitter aftertaste
- Smooth flavor
- Warm cinnamon and nutty hazelnut note
Cons
- Weak hazelnut taste
Watch this video to see the review of New England Coffee Cinnamon Hazelnut:
4. Bulletproof The Original Decaf Ground Coffee
(Best Decaf)
Bulletproof coffee is famous for handpicked crops and lab testing for high quality coffee beans. The coffee beans which are passively grown in Guatemala and Colombia are hand-picked for the right ripeness.
While the beans are dark roasted, you can only taste a hint of a smoky aroma with baking chocolate notes. To ensure the smooth and sweet flavor, the Bulletproof testing will check the purity standard of ground coffee.
They use the wet method to process the beans. Bulletproof Decaf ground coffee. Although this is decaf coffee, its flavor is smooth but a little bit bitter than normal coffee.
Product Specification
| Coffee Bean origin | High altitude estates in Guatemala and Colombia |
| Type | Single origin |
| Weight | 12 ounces |
| Package | Paper bag |
| Available in | Ground, whole bean |
| Size | 12 oz |
Pros
- Suitable for high blood pressure drinkers
- Bulletproof process minimizes toxins
- Smooth flavor
Cons
- Bitter aftertaste
5. Cameron’s Coffee Kona Blend Ground Coffee
(Best Kona Blend)
Cameron’s Coffee contributes to sustainability by handcrafting and roasting in a small batch for water reduction. The blend has 10 percent of Kona coffee with other additional flavorings.
This Hawaiian blend leaves chocolate and nuts note on the tip of your tongue. Are you worried about the bitter aftertaste? This is solved with small batch roasting to prevent the beans from being over-roasted. Then the beans are cool down to reach the desired roast level.
Product Specification
| Coffee Bean origin | No information |
| Type | Blend with 10% Kona coffee (maximum) |
| Weight | 12 ounces |
| Package | Paper bag |
| Available in | Ground |
| Size | 10oz, 12oz, 28oz, or 32oz |
Pros
- Amazingly smooth coffee
- Inexpensive light roast coffee blend
- Small roasting batch
- Handcrafted coffee
Cons
- Not bold taste
6. Kicking Horse Coffee Hola Ground Coffee
(Best Light Roast)
This light roasted ground coffee from Kicking Horse has been on the market for over 20 years. The beans come from Central and South America and are roasted in Canadian Rocky Mountains.
The name Hola implies the light and something sunny from Hawaii. Light roasted is unique with its acidity level. You can taste the juicy red currant acidity with the creamy honey body. Kicking Horse also applies a great concept with sustainable growing, organic coffee without chemicals, and Fairtrade to bring profits to farmers.
The suggested brewing methods include drip machine, pour over and cold brew.
Product Specification
| Coffee Bean origin | Central & South America |
| Type | Single origin |
| Weight | 10.1 ounces |
| Package | Bag |
| Available in | Ground |
| Size | 10 oz |
Pros
- Smooth flavor with the right acidity level
- Wonderful aroma
- Organic and Fairtrade coffee
- Roasted in the Rocky Mountains
- Shade grown Arabica coffee
Cons
- Finer grind
Watch this video to see the review of Kicking Horse Coffee:
7. Starbucks Dark French Roast Ground Coffee
(Best Dark Roast)
The bean origin of Starbucks French Roast ground coffee is not disclosed, but it is roasted in Seattle, Washington. The extra dark roasted ground coffee has a hint of citrus, charred cedar, and anise.
Because it is dark roasted, the sheen of aromatic oils on the surface brings the silky full-bodied flavor when it touches your lips. The mild astringent aftertaste lingers in your mouth.
The ground coffee is packed in a valve-bag with 100% Arabica coffees. Its aroma is distinctive among other coffees.
Product Specification
| Coffee Bean origin | No information |
| Type | Single origin |
| Weight | 1.3 pounds |
| Package | Vacuum sealed bag |
| Available in | Ground, whole bean |
| Size | 20, or 28 oz. |
Pros
- Many flavors available (8 flavors)
- Bold, and mild astringent flavors
- Bitter and robust enough
Cons
- Inconsistent flavor
Watch this video to see the review of Starbucks French Roast Ground Coffee:
8. Stone Street Coffee Cold Brew Ground Coffee
(Best Coarse Ground)
Stone Street Coffee selects specialty-grade coffee beans from Colombia with Supremo size – 17 or 18. The roast quality is controlled by roasting coffee beans in small batch.
The dark roasted coarse ground coffee is ideal for French press or cold brewing, which needs long brewing time. It has the dark, deep chocolate notes with less acidity. All the flavor is sealed inside a large foil pouch with one-way de-gassing valve.
The unique packaging allows Stone Street Coffee preserves its freshness and aroma.
Product Specification
| Coffee Bean origin | Colombia |
| Type | Single origin |
| Weight | 15.2 ounces |
| Package | 3-Layer Natural Kraft + Foil large bag |
| Available in | Ground, whole bean |
| Size | 1 pound, 2 pounds or 5 pounds |
Pros
- Low level of acidity
- Consistent grind
- Rich, bold and pure flavor
- Resealable bag
Cons
- High price
Watch this video to see the review of Stone Street Cold Brew Coffee:
9. Bulletproof French Kick Ground Coffee
(Best for French Press)
If you are worried about pesticides or chemicals used during plantation, this coffee will be a great choice for you. Furthermore, the particle size is medium ground but close to the coarse ground type, which is great for French press.
The hint of chocolate note along with smoky aroma from dark roasting keeps you drinking cups after cups. You can also buy the whole beans package and grind it yourself.
Product Specification
| Coffee Bean origin | High altitude estates in Guatemala and Colombia |
| Type | Single origin |
| Weight | 12 ounces |
| Package | Paper bag |
| Available in | Ground, whole bean |
| Size | 12 oz |
Pros
- Great for French press
- Strong flavor with chocolate notes
- Great Bulletproof flavor for Keto diet
- Hand-picked organic beans
- Dairy and gluten free
- Rainforest Alliance Certified
Cons
- Not intense for some drinkers
Watch this video to see the review of Bulletproof French Kick Ground Coffee:
10. Caribou Blend Ground Coffee
(Best for Drip Machine)
You can opt for medium roast or light roast ground coffee for your purpose. The coffee bean is harvested in central and south America. The combination of sweet, spicy, and berry notes brings a rich and bittersweet flavor.
There is no additional flavoring inside this package. With this 20-ounce bag, you can make around 150 to 175 cups. The low acidity in this ground coffee makes it perfect for pour-over or vacuum.
The Rainforest Alliance Certified means that Caribou uses water preservation method and sustainable farming practices. It is also available in many flavors like vanilla, hazelnut, chocolate, and other fruity blends.
Product Specification
| Coffee Bean origin | Central and South America |
| Type | Single origin |
| Weight | 1.25 pounds |
| Package | Paper bag |
| Available in | Ground, whole bean |
| Size | 12 oz, 20 oz & 40 oz bags |
Pros
- Low acidity
- Rich and bittersweet flavor
- Cheaper than grocery bag
- Rainforest Alliance Certified
Cons
- No tabs to seal the bag
Watch this video to see the Caribou Coffee Medium Roast Review:
11. Death Wish Ground Coffee
(Best for Most Caffeine)
This medium ground coffee from Death Wish is dark roasted, which is highly recommend for auto-drip coffee maker. The particle size is close to coarse ground coffee, but it takes less brewing time.
The super-strong flavor from this coffee is irresistible for strong coffee drinkers. However, it isn’t bitter at all thanks to the combination of premium Arabica and Robusta beans. Death Wish undergoes a slow roasting process to give out low-acidity and high-caffeine dark roast.
It is USDA Certified Organic and Fairtrade coffee with no additional flavorings. The amount of caffeine in Death Wish Coffee is 728 mg per 12 oz mug, which is among the top coffees with high caffeine.
Product Specification
| Coffee Bean origin | India and Peru |
| Type | Single origin |
| Weight | 14.9 ounces |
| Package | Paper bag |
| Available in | Ground, whole bean |
| Size | 1, 2- or 5-pounds bag |
Pros
- Strong but not bitter flavor
- USDA Certified Organic and Fairtrade coffee
- Dark roast
- High caffeine
- Suitable for cold brew
Cons
- Higher price
Watch this video from BuzzFeedVideo to see People Try Death Wish Coffee for The First Time:
12. Gevalia Special Reserve Guatemala Ground Coffee
(Best for Pour-Over)
This coarse ground coffee is from a Swedish company that has been on the market for 150 years. Gevalia coffee is one of the best sold Guatemala coffee in the market because of its smoky and earthy notes with a touch of cocoa.
With the coarse particle size, you can use this ground coffee for French press, Moka pot, cold brewing and pour-over method. All the flavor and aroma are sealed inside re-sealable bag. Moreover, the beans are collected from Rainforest Alliance Certified farms for better sustainability.
Product Specification
| Coffee Bean origin | Guatemala |
| Type | Single origin |
| Weight | 10.1 ounces |
| Package | Re-sealable bag |
| Available in | Ground |
| Size | 10 oz |
Pros
- Perfect coarse size
- Nice aroma
- Smooth and rich flavor with less acidity
- Cocoa hints flavor
Cons
- Higher price than local grocery store
Watch the video to see Gevalia Special Reserve Guatemala Coffee Review:
13. Illy Classico Espresso Ground Coffee
(Best for Espresso Machine)
Illy and Lavazza are two famous Italian coffee brand for coffee lovers. Illy, established in 1993 by Francesco Illy, focuses on espresso coffee.
The flavor notes of Illy classio espresso ground coffee are smooth with hints of chocolate and caramel. You can expect 100% Arabica beans but from 9 different sources all over the world for a balanced taste.
The coffee is contained inside an air-free, pressurized can for the best freshness. The fragrant aroma and its velvety flavor make it popular in espresso market.
Product Specification
| Coffee Bean origin | Guatemala, Brazil, Colombia, Ethiopia, India, and Costa Rica. |
| Type | Single origin |
| Weight | 13.6 ounces |
| Package | Pressurized steel can |
| Available in | Ground |
| Size | Pack of 1, 2, 4, 6 or 12. |
Pros
- Smooth, dinstinct flavor
- Great for Espresso machine
- Airtight steel can
Cons
- Some products come without lid
14. Lavazza Qualita Rossa Ground Coffee Blend
(Best for Moka Pot)
Similar to Lavazza Crema E Gusto ground coffee blend, this Qualita Rossa blend is also blended and roasted in Italy. The sweetish flavor is suitable for morning coffee.
The difference between Qualita Rossa and Crema e Gusto is the ratio between Robusta and Arabica. With only 30 percent of Robusta, the Qualita Rossa is not as dark as Crema e Gusto.
Product Specification
| Coffee Bean origin | Brazil, Africa and Indonesia |
| Type | Blend (70 Arabicas- 30 Robusta) |
| Weight | 2.18 pounds |
| Package | Vacuum packs |
| Available in | Ground, whole bean |
| Size | 8.8-ounce bag |
Pros
- Less acidity
- Medium roasted
- Amazing for moka pot
- Vacuum sealed package
Cons
- Easy to damage package
Watch this video to see the review of Lavazza Qualita Rossa coffee bean:
15. Primos Coffee Co. Specialty Ground Coffee
(Best for Percolator)
The coarsely pre-ground coffee from Primos Coffee Co. is first handpicked when the cherries are wet and ripe enough. After that, the coffee beans are naturally dried under sunlight and drum roasted in batches.
The medium roasted coffee with coarse particle size is suitable for long brewing methods like French press, percolation, and cold brewing. The mild citrus note with medium body is the typical flavor of Premium Coffee Co. specialty coffee.
The plantation and harvesting also comply with the high standards of Nicaraguans and natural resources for sustainability.
Product Specification
| Coffee Bean origin | Nicaragua |
| Type | Single origin |
| Weight | 12.5 ounces |
| Package | Vacuum sealed bag |
| Available in | Ground, whole bean |
| Size | 12 oz |
Pros
- Smooth mild flavor
- Great for French press, percolators
- Low acidity
Cons
- Not strong flavor
16. Tiny Footprint Coffee Organic Ground Coffee
(Best for Cold Brew)
Are you an eco-conscious coffee drinker? If yes, you will fall for the business idea behind Tiny Footprint ground coffee. Part of the profit gained from selling ground coffee is donated to grow trees in Ecuador’s Mindo cloud forest.
This ground coffee is especially produced for cold brew as it is a blend of light and dark roasts. Ethiopian coffees are also added to enhance the flavor. You are no longer worried about the muted notes of light roast but still taste the bright acidity.
The flavor is sweet, silky, with a subtle note of fruit and floral. They use the vintage Probat roaster to boost the flavor and aroma.
Product Specification
| Coffee Bean origin | Remote southern province of Huila, north to the Caribbean |
| Type | Blend |
| Weight | 1 pound |
| Package | Recyclable bag |
| Available in | Ground, whole bean |
| Size | 1 pound, or 3 pounds |
Pros
- Great concept behind Tiny Footprint
- Great for cold brew
- Not too acidic
- Organic shade-grown Arabica coffee
Cons
- Blend but not single-origin coffee
17. Lavazza Crema e Gusto Ground Coffee Blend
Lavazza was set up in 1895 by Luigi Lavazza, which is notable for its blend of Arabica and Robusta. Lavazza Crema e Gusto Ground Coffee is a blend with 70 percentage of Robusta and 30 percentage of Brazilian Arabicas. Therefore, its taste is rich, light and strong at the same time.
Each brick stores 8.8 ounces of ground coffee, which is equal to 35 espresso shots (7 gram/espresso shot). This dark roast is great for espresso maker or Moka pot. Depending on your type of espresso maker, you can enjoy crema with Lavazza ground coffee blend.
Originally imported from Italia, this blend has no GMO or chemical ingredients.
Product Specification
| Coffee Bean origin | Brazilian Arabicas with African and Indonesian Robusta coffees |
| Type | Blend (70 Robusta – 30 Arabicas) |
| Weight | 9.1 ounces |
| Package | Brick |
| Available in | Ground, whole bean |
| Size | 8.8-ounce bag |
Pros
- Rich spiced aftertaste
- Finely ground coffee
- Great for espresso maker, moka pots
- Sealed vacuum packaging
- Non-GMO Italian ground coffee
Cons
- Small quantity of each pack
Watch this video to see how to make LavAzza Super Crema Coffee with a Bialetti Coffee Maker:
18. Melitta Colombian Supreme Ground Coffee
This ground coffee from Melitta is a great blend between and other coffee beans. The particle size is finer than average finely ground coffee.
The tin container is recyclable after you have finished all the coffee inside. The lid goes off and on easily and tights seal. The flavor is not too strong but rather smooth. Because it is extra fine, you only need short amount of brewing time for a quick breakfast.
If you use 2 tablespoons of ground coffee for each serving, this tin canister is equal to 22 servings.
Product Specification
| Coffee Bean origin | No information |
| Type | Blend |
| Weight | 1.38 pounds |
| Package | BPA-free tin container |
| Available in | Ground |
| Size | 22 ounces canister |
Pros
- Affordable price
- Rich and smooth flavor
- Reusable tin container
Cons
- Not really strong taste
19. Peet’s Coffee Single Origin Colombia Ground Coffee
The origin of Peet’s Coffee beans is from the high southern region of San Agustic, Huila to bring the strong and full-bodied flavor. With great emphasis on freshness, Peet’s only roast with order to guarantee the freshest coffee available.
The coffee will be fresh for up to 90 days if the vacuum sealed bag stays unopened. This bag contains 100% Arabica without Robusta coffee beans.
Product Specification
| Coffee Bean origin | remote southern province of Huila, north to the Caribbean |
| Type | Single origin |
| Weight | 1.25 pounds |
| Package | Vacuum sealed bag |
| Available in | Ground, whole bean |
| Size | 20 oz |
Pros
- Sealed in vacuum bag
- Light and robust flavor
Cons
- Not Fair Trade certified
- Close expiration day on the package
20. Seattle’s Best Coffee Post Alley Blend Ground Coffee
The signature blend No. 5 from Seattle’s Best Coffee is now Post Alley Blend. The design of the package has changed but the premium beans are still 100% Arabica from Latin America.
Because of the dark roasting, its flavor is smoky and intense but smooth enough. Seattle’s Best Coffee contains around 21.67 mgs of caffeine per fluid ounce, which is lower than normal Espresso coffee.
The coffee comes with great aroma, just like Starbucks Dark French Roast Ground Coffee and bold flavor. You can buy 12 or 20 oz bag with bargain price.
Product Specification
| Coffee Bean origin | Latin America |
| Type | Blend |
| Weight | 1.25 pounds |
| Package | Vacuum sealed bag |
| Available in | Ground |
| Size | 12, or 20 oz |
Pros
- Strong and robust flavor
- Inexpensive price
- No bitter aftertaste
- Amazing aroma
Cons
- Fine particle size
Watch this video to see the review of Seattle’s Best Coffee Post Alley Blend Ground Coffee:
Ground Coffee Buying Guide
This basic knowledge below will help you familiarize with coffee world or summarize the basic concepts to choose the right coffee ground for you.
Popular Coffee Plants
The three most popular coffee plants are Arabica, Robusta, and Liberica. Arabica has two main varieties: Bourbon and Typica. Arabica is famous for its desirable flavors which are derived from the ripest beans. They are handpicked for the right ripeness.
Robusta doubles the caffeine content in Arabica but has less desirable flavor, which is usually used for espresso. Lastly, Liberica has a lower yield per crop, which leads to less popularity.
Roast Level
Roasting turns the raw, green beans into the aromatic beans with flavor which goes through pyrolysis state. During this stage, the beans lose and gain sugars, their acid level decreases and increase, the coffee flavor is accumulated. There are three levels of roasted beans: dark, medium and light. The longer the roasting time, the less acid the coffee beans are.
Light roasted beans have a bright brown color with more sour taste. Medium has darker color when compared with light roast. The medium brown beans are not oily on the surface with just light acidity.
Dark roast is much darker and rich in flavor. The acidity is now replaced by the bittersweet aftertaste. The caramelization notes like nutty, chocolate are more apparent in dark roasted beans.
Features
The label on the body of the package indicates some features you should be familiar with to understand the process of plantation, roasting and the quality of coffee beans. Look at some features below and understand the label better.
Regarding the planting process and farming method, you should know these terms: Sustainable farming, Rainforest Alliance Certified, and USDA Organic Certified.
Sustainable farming refers to the farming method of the coffee bean. The brand aims to protect the environment with less or none chemicals, recycling whenever possible and organic practices.
Rainforest Alliance Certified indicates the limited amount of chemicals during the planting process. Also, it has high conservation of soil and water and offers fair prices with farmers.
USDA Organic Certified first involves organic practice: no pesticides, herbicides, fertilizers, or chemicals in general to meet the standards founded by the USDA’s National Organic Program.
One term referring to the price of coffee beans sold to the manufacturer is Fairtrade. Fairtrade ensures a reasonable buying price for farmer’s benefits. The farmer – seller is guaranteed a reasonable price.
Two other terms refer to the flavor of the coffee are Kosher Certified and Decaffeinated.
Decaffeinated is simply no caffeine in the roasted coffee because it is eliminated before the roasting process. After steaming, they scrape off the outer layers which have caffeine. The result is more bland decaffeinated coffee beans.
Kosher Certified simply means no kosher flavors added before or after the roasting process. Kosher food indicates food satisfying the Jewish Dietary Laws. Before the roasting process, because only water is used for washing the coffee beans, they are kosher. After roasting, if the flavors added comply the Jewish law, they will be certified kosher.
Bean Origin
There are so many regions growing beans. I’ve listed some of the most popular places with distinctive coffee flavor or high yield per crop right below. The places are classified in alphabetical order.
Brazil
Brazil is the largest coffee exporters thanks to its fertile soil with high yield. The coffee grown here has rather low acidity which is ideal for blending.
Central and South America
This region is popular with the modern coffee taste, although it joined the coffee plantation latest.
Colombia
This country has started growing coffee since 1900 at a rapid pace. The standardized system classifies the size of coffee beans and grades them.
Costa Rica
There are so many factors for supporting the coffee growth in this country: rich volcanic soil, ideal weather, high altitude, and modern processing. However, its taste is not distinctive.
Guatemala
The coffee beans in Guatemala are unique thanks to volcanic earth, high mountains, and distinctive wood-burning drying method.
Mexico
If you prefer the nutty flavor with a light earthy tone, look for Mexico’s coffee. They have great farming methods to make up for not ideal growing conditions. The flavor is light but pleasant with snappy acidity.
Nicaragua
Farmers here grow fine Bourbon Arabica, which has a similar taste and appearance to Guatemalan’s coffee beans with a less smoky flavor.
Hawaii
The volcanic soil and good climate support the growth of some fine coffee in Hawaii.
Sumatra
If you are a coffee connoisseur but not knowing about Sumatra coffee, you are skipping one of the most distinctive coffees. Sumatran coffee has a good to colossal body with muted spicy acidity which lingers at the back of your mouth. The taste is also enhanced by dry processing.
Packaging
Ground coffee is usually stored in packages, bricks, or containers. While most of them come in vacuum sealed condition, other packages are easy to get damaged during transportation. You can buy the canister or vacuum sealed package for the best flavor.
How to Store Ground Coffee
With unopened ground coffee, the best way to store it is on a pantry shelf to prevent moisture in the fridge. You should put it in an airtight container away from heat and sunlight. Unopened ground coffee in an airtight container can last from 1 to 6 months.
After you open the bag of ground coffee, transfer it into an airtight container. If you have vacuum sealing equipment, use the vacuum pack to store it for a longer time. The pantry shelf is always the best place for storing coffee beans or ground. However, if you delay drinking coffee for such a long time, put it in the vacuum seal bag or canister and place it in the freezer.
My suggestion is to buy enough coffee for a 2-3 week period and enjoy the fresh coffee.
My Top Pick
After considering all the ground coffee in the market, I decide to go with McCafe Coffee Ground Coffee. First, the small package (12 ounces) allows me to try and see if the taste is just right for me. Second, the combination of medium and dark roast makes me feel excited about its taste. Finally, the reasonable price urges me to try it. Just why not?
What is your favorite ground coffee? Just share with me in the comment below so I can try it and discuss it with you.
