What is the most popular type of coffee? It’s a simple question with a very simple answer. The most popular at-home choice is the best ground coffee. I’m pretty sure you know the reasons. Easy to prepare and easy to store; as simple as that!
It allows for enjoyment in full coffee taste if brewed with a traditional Moka pot, or pressed. There’s a lot more in brewing coffee at home in comparison to dropping by your local coffee shop and having a barista else make a latte for you. Your decaf or instant coffee is far from reaching the level of satisfaction and taste you get with ground coffee.
But how do you go about answering questions like what is the best ground version for let’s say Moka pot or pour-over brewing method? How about what is the best organic ground coffee? We’ll answer all those questions and provide you with even more information should you decide to read on!
Table of Contents
- Top 10 Best Ground Coffee Brands
- Death Wish Ground Coffee
- Illy Intenso Ground Espresso Coffee
- Valhalla Java Ground Coffee
- Lavazza Crema e Gusto Ground Coffee
- Bulletproof The Original Ground Coffee
- Peak Performance High Altitude Organic Ground Coffee
- Peet’s Coffee French Roast Dark Roast Ground Coffee
- Starbucks Peppermint Mocha Flavored Medium Roast Ground Coffee
- Caribou Coffee Caribou Blend Ground Coffee
- Green Mountain Coffee Breakfast Blend
- FAQ
- Arabica Or Robusta Coffee Beans – What To Pick?
- The Acidity of Ground Coffee
- Conclusion
Top 10 Best Ground Coffee Brands
Death Wish Ground Coffee
There’s no list of the best ground coffee without Death Wish Coffee Co. This World’s Strongest Coffee that is USDA Organic and Fair Trade certified is a blend of slow-roasted Robusta and Arabica ground beans. Compare it to just about any average coffee and you’ll find the strength of the brew to be twice as strong. The whole thing is also certified organic.
What about the flavor notes? This blend is as smooth as you’d like it to be without any bitterness. The flavor is quite intense and bold with hints of subtle chocolate and cherry. And since it’s a combination of Robusta and Arabica, the coffee offers focus and clarity often accompanied by high caffeine. But with the least amount of bitter aftertaste and acidity!
PROS
- Coffee is USDA Organic and Fair Trade certified.
- The flavor doesn’t leave a lingering bitter aftertaste.
- Original caffeine, taste, and aroma are well-preserved.
CONS
- Not for the faint-hearted coffee drinker.
Illy Intenso Ground Espresso Coffee
The chances are you want to buy the best ground espresso coffee to awaken your senses and open your mind while also caressing your senses. Meaning the caffeine should hit hard but the experience should be smooth at the same time, right? In that case, nothing beats a delicious cup of intense, dark Illy espresso coffee.
The first sip itself is wonderfully rich and fragrant. Even the consistency of this high-quality coffee is something you’re very likely to savor time and again.
As for the grind, you get the opportunity to use your espresso machine with this finely ground version of coffee. The result, every single time, is a deep, rich-flavored, full-bodied, intense cup with hints of caramel and cocoa. The chances are you’ll keep devouring one cup after another.
PROS
- CompatiblePressurized packaging seals in coffee oils and aroma. with every Keurig coffee machine
- Grind level is perfectly fine for optimal extraction during brewing.
- Full-flavored coffee, a dark espresso roast, robust, and intense
CONS
- Coffee is too strong for light drinkers.
Valhalla Java Ground Coffee
How about high octane caffeine? Are you more inclined toward drinking coffee that wakes and shakes you up? If you don’t have a problem with that, then here’s another version of strong ground coffee by Death Wish Coffee Company. It’s called the Valhalla Java Ground Coffee.
The maximum flavor of the coffee along with its incredible aroma certainly wakes you up. The flavors are remarkably sophisticated with chocolatey and nutty notes.
And just like the previous Death Wish dark roast coffee, this one too is USDA Organic and Fair Trade certified. Just have a cup of Valhalla Java and compare it to any store coffee and you’ll taste as well as smell the difference instantly.
PROS
- Coffee is too strong for light drinkers.
- Coffee tastes delicious
- It is USDA Organic and Fair Trade certified.
CONS
- Caffeine content is higher.
Lavazza Crema e Gusto Ground Coffee
It’s time to introduce your taste buds to genuine Italian craftsmanship. Lavazza has been a part of the coffee industry since 1895. They are responsible for providing the market with high-quality, distinctive coffee blends and flavors. And the Lavazza Crema e Gusto Ground Coffee is one of them.
This ground version is full-bodied and rich with an aromatic flavor and a spiced, rich aftertaste. The level of intensity scores an 8 on 10, which is ideal for most coffee lovers. The combination of well-balanced and intense aroma is also quite enticing.
The blend consists of Robusta and Arabica. The former comes from Indonesia while the latter from Brazil. You can use your Moka pot or espresso machine for preparation. But that doesn’t mean other options like the French press and drip coffee maker are not suited for the task.
PROS
- Strong coffee with perfect foamy crema.
- Vacuum-sealed packaging preserves freshness.
- Dark roast is full-bodied with hints of chocolate.
CONS
- It is slightly acidic and bitter.
Bulletproof The Original Ground Coffee
Let me start the review by sharing the tasting notes. The Bulletproof Original Ground Coffee offers chocolate, nectarine, orange, and cinnamon opening with distinct hints of cocoa hazelnut, sweet plum, and orange-like acidity. Quite an extraordinary and diverse palette of cupping notes, right?
To sum it up, Bulletproof selects the cleanest beans of coffee and then roasts them in small batches. Every single process is meticulous to ensure nothing but pure coffee each time you decide to brew this roast at home.
PROS
- Coffee comes from organic, Rainforest Alliance-certified estates.
- Low acid profile, thus easy on the tummy.
- No bitter aftertaste and no coffee jitters either.
CONS
- Since it’s a medium roast, the intensity seems weak.
Peak Performance High Altitude Organic Ground Coffee
It’s a simple question; what is Peak Performance High Altitude Organic Ground Coffee? The coffee comes from the beautiful Guatemalan Highlands. It’s a Fair Trade and USDA Organic certified blend packed with antioxidants and no pesticides.
The medium roast prepares healthy, clean coffee for all the alertness, physical boost, and mental energy your body demands. Peak performance is something you can achieve here.
So if you’re a coffee drinker that savors the taste of coffee and not its bitterness, then I don’t see why you shouldn’t consider buying this high-altitude grown organic coffee.
PROS
- Coffee is USDA Organic and Fair Trade certified.
- Denser beans used for higher grade quality.
- Medium roast is perfectly bold and dark.
CONS
- Grounds don’t filter properly in automatic coffee makers.
Peet’s Coffee French Roast Dark Roast Ground Coffee
Fair warning; this grind is not for cautious coffee drinkers. So if you’re ready to go all-in, then this might just be the ultimate flavor for you.
Peet’s Coffee uses only top-quality Arabica beans from the high altitudes of Latin America. So the beans are harder, denser, and loaded with flavor. This means the ground coffee is plenty bold and complex. And the delicious complexity and boldness are preserved during the roasting process.
Hotter roasts like these are deeply flavored, whether or not you include sugar and cream. It’s the wood smoke, burnt caramel, and coffee-forward flavor notes that you’re highly likely to enjoy in every cup.
PROS
- French roast is intensely flavorful and bold.
- Smoky overtones with a strong yet smooth caffeine bite.
- Consistency and quality are way above average.
CONS
- Expires too fast
Starbucks Peppermint Mocha Flavored Medium Roast Ground Coffee
If you want the best ground coffee for cold brew, look no further than this Starbucks roast here. But is Starbucks ground coffee good? To be honest, if it weren’t any good, I wouldn’t have shortlisted their peppermint mocha flavor profile.
The naturally flavored peppermint tastes like an incredibly heartwarming treat. It’s got sumptuous chocolatey notes that are full of minty joyfulness.
To bring out the best taste, all you have to do is make sure to use cold filtered water. It tastes the most delicious when you’re devouring the coffee in the form of a cold brew.
PROS
- Coffee is fresh-tasting.
- Peppermint mocha flavor is extremely smooth and minty.
- You can brew it in a Keurig.
CONS
- Expect no delicious mocha or peppermint aroma.
Caribou Coffee Caribou Blend Ground Coffee
Would you believe me if I said that you can now prepare coffee that tastes sweet, spicy, and layered with berry notes? I think you should, given the harmoniously balanced flavor of the Caribou Blend. The coffee brand here roasts only premium beans in limited batches. And every coffee of theirs is Rainforest Alliance-certified to keep the planet healthier too.
The coffee has a rich, spicy, and sweet character with a bittersweet cedar and cocoa finish. Your every cup is bound to taste smooth and incredibly satisfying.
PROS
- Medium roast is complex yet smooth.
- Coffee is Rainforest Alliance-certified.
- Flavors of berry and sweet-spicy are well-balanced.
CONS
- Coffee bag tears easily at the time of opening.
Green Mountain Coffee Breakfast Blend
I have only been reviewing medium and dark roasts, but what about lighter roasts? If you prefer Breakfast Blends, then I would highly recommend Green Mountain Coffee. The brand is committed to delivering coffee that’s sustainably sourced. And that says a lot about how much they care for the environment as well.
This Breakfast Blend is a light roast, no doubt, that prepares rich and bold cups of coffee. It’s bright and clean with a balanced nutty, sweet flavor. As for the aftertaste, that is nothing but silky smooth. After all, this is what should be expected when pure Arabica beans are used.
PROS
- Bright and crisp blend offers balanced nuttiness and sweetness.
- 100% Arabica coffee beans are used.
- It is Kosher-certified.
CONS
- Too weak for strong coffee drinkers.
FAQ
What Brand of Coffee Is the Smoothest?
If I’m to go by my experience in tasting these champions above, I’d say that it’s hard to beat Illy Intenso, Starbucks’ Peppermint Mocha, and Green Mountain’s Breakfast blend in terms of smoothness.
Can You Use Ground Coffee for Cold Brew?
Why, yes—of course. Just remember that you need to use twice the amount of coffee for a cold brew, so it’s a pricier option. But if you’re after that full-bodied taste this won’t stop you anyhow.
What Goes Into Choosing The Best Ground Coffee?
Coffee and wine have a lot in common, not taste-wise obviously. It all depends on where the coffee beans come from, roast type, level of grind, etc. The taste of coffee is based on many such factors. And not all ground coffees share the same characteristics.
Coffee Origin
It’s only natural to assume that every country offers a distinctive taste and there’s no single origin that could be crowned as the best. However, you don’t need to complicate the selection process if you’re a beginner. For beginners, it’s best to choose ground coffee that has multiple origins. It’s certainly the easier choice to make.
As for genuine caffeine fanatics, much like me, here are the three main coffee growing regions:
Africa: It’s the very birthplace of delicious, rich coffee. The eastern part of Africa, namely Kenya and Ethiopia, still produce the best coffee in the world. African coffee offers an extraordinary fruity character and flavor thanks to their specific method of traditional processing. In fact, Kenyan coffee has the most sumptuous full-body and intense flavor.
Americas: The primary production zones are South America and Central America, as well as the Caribbean. Brazilian coffee offers dramatic variations in terms of taste, Colombian coffee has an incredibly bold and acidic taste, while the Caribbean blends are on the milder side.
Asia-Pacific: From India and Indonesia to Hawaii, the Asia-Pacific region also offers diverse coffee characteristics. But, Kona coffee from Hawaii and Sumatran coffee from Indonesia rank as premium options across the globe.
Flavor, Body, and Aroma
I have merged these three characteristics into one because they seem to be connected in some way or another. Let me explain.
The flavor of your coffee is the most crucial factor. Coffee brands use the terms “range,” “richness,” and “balance” to describe the flavor.
As for the body of the coffee, it’s the texture and taste the drink leaves on your taste buds. How heavy, thick, and rich your coffee determines the body. Full-bodied coffee is often strong-flavored. Texture-wise, your cup can be buttery, smooth, or oily.
And lastly, let’s talk about the aroma of coffee. Many coffee lovers can easily identify the flavor and taste of coffee depending on the whiff. The most common terms used to describe coffee aroma are fruity, smoky, and nutty.
Type of Roast
Roasters have different approaches to the intensity with which they roast coffee.
Let’s begin with light roasts, also known as Light Cinnamon and New England. They’re a bit on the sour side and rich in terms of acidity.
Then comes the medium roast ground coffee, which delivers more flavor and acidity.
Medium-dark roasts have less acidity but a higher level of bitter-sweetness. You can refer to them as Viennese or City roasts.
The darkest roast is brown or black with a burnt flavor. It’s also commonly known as Spanish or Dark French roast. And before that comes dark and very dark brown coffee that prepares a stronger version of the bitter-sweet flavor also with less acidity. The two other very commonly used names here are Italian and French roasts.
Level of Grind
How fine is your ground coffee? Is it coarse, medium, fine, or extra-fine? Whatever the answer, what you choose depends on the method of brewing you’re comfortable with.
For example, the best ground coffee for French Press demands coarse grind size. And the other end of the spectrum, which is an extra-fine grind, requires a method that involves quick brewing.
When the ground level is extra-fine, coffee solubility is higher in water and this paves the way for faster release of flavors at the time of brewing. Makes sense, doesn’t it?
- Coarse grind for French Press and percolators.
- Medium grind for automatic and manual drip machines.
- Fine grind for espresso Moka pots.
- Extra-fine grind for steam and pump espresso coffee makers.
- Turkish grind for Turkish coffee pots.
Arabica Or Robusta Coffee Beans – What To Pick?
The two most popular and delicious types of beans are, without a doubt, Robusta and Arabica. If you are looking for good coffee, look no further. So let’s find out which one is better!
Arabica Coffee Beans
These beans are grown at a higher altitude, thus they require cooler weather to thrive. Arabica berries ripen after a very long time, and this explains why they have a lower yield than Robusta beans… And a heftier price tag!
However, the soft and sweet taste of Arabica coffee is unbeatable. It’s infused with rich undertones of sugar, berries, and fruit.
Robusta Coffee Beans
Growing in large quantities, Robusta beans require drier and warmer climates. They are mainly grown in Africa and Indonesia. Countries such as Brazil and India produce Robusta along with Arabica.
When it comes to taste, Robusta is caffeine-rich, bitter-tasting, and more concentrated. Arabica, in comparison, is less bitter/sour, more fragrant, and with less caffeine.
Many coffee manufacturers combine Robusta and Arabica to offer the best of both worlds. The unique blend, unquestionably, is more balanced and richer.
The Acidity of Ground Coffee
Coffee acidity has the power to deliver more rounded, fruitier, and juicier flavors. Acidity in coffee is what makes the beverage so refreshing. If you’re a true caffeine enthusiast, then you simply cannot deny the clean-flavored essence of a more acidic brew.
When coffee beans have an elevated acid profile, it means they come from high altitudes and have gone through the washed processing method. These beans are mainly sourced from Colombia and Kenya, so look forward to emphasized acidity and bright taste.
Conclusion
Grinding your own coffee seems like a wise move if you prioritize freshness, but not many of us have the luxury of time to be able to grind beans at home. In that case, there are many pre-ground options at your disposal.
Ground coffee paves the way for quick and affordable brewing. The best advantage here is that the ground coffee surface area is larger, which makes room for better and faster flavor extraction.
Some of these might not be found in your local grocery store, but you can always use Amazon.
So the 10 reviews in this article are 10 different ways to enjoy a more flavorful cup of coffee that you can brew quickly without leaving the comforts of your home.
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