Coffee, brewed from the beans of the coffee plant, is a beverage that has captivated drinkers for centuries. The earliest records of coffee drinking date back to Yemen in the Middle East, where it eventually found its way to Europe and other parts of the world. Today, coffee is one of the world’s most popular drinks, well loved for its stimulating properties and purported health benefits as much as its taste.
Read our latest guide about the best instant coffee.
Instant vs Ground Coffee
Most coffees come in instant or ground form. Instant coffee is obtained by grinding and brewing coffee beans, before extracting the water to create a dry, powdered form. Instant coffee is very convenient to prepare, as one simply needs to add hot water – making it a leading choice for busy city dwellers. Instant coffee is usually more affordable, but due to the freeze drying or water extraction process, its flavour and aroma might be affected, which is why many purists prefer ground coffee.
While it may look like powder, ground coffee is the result of roasting and grinding fresh coffee beans. It needs to be brewed through a manual process, such as by using a plunger/press, pour over/drip method, moka pot or syphon. Although it takes slightly longer to make compared to instant coffee, ground coffee retains the flavour and aroma of the beans better and offers a much more complex coffee drinking experience. It is also easier to store and prepare than whole beans, and can even be used for other things than drinking, such as adding it to dishes and recipes. However, with so many varieties available on the market, choosing a ground coffee to suit your taste and lifestyle might seem intimidating. We’ve narrowed down some of the key things to look out for.
Read our complete guide about the best whole bean coffee.
Key Things To Consider When Choosing Ground Coffee
Types of beans
There are generally three main types of coffee beans, namely Arabica, Robusta and Liberica.
Arabica is by far the most common, accounting for 60 percent of the world’s coffee production.
It tends to have a sweeter taste and feel softer on the palate, with hints of fruitiness and a higher acidity. Arabica works best when served hot, as the quality goes down when served cold or with creamer. Arabica therefore tends to produce the best 
ground coffee.
Robusta, like its namesake, has a higher caffeine content, with a robust taste that can be described as stronger and harsher. It comes from a sturdy plant that is easier to grow compared to the delicate Arabica, which makes it cheaper as well. It also tends to have a smooth texture, nutty, chocolatey aftertaste and is low in acidity. Robusta works best with cream and sugar, as it retains its strong flavours even with milk, ice and sugar added.
Last but not least is the more uncommon Liberica, a relatively new type of coffee developed in the early 20th century. It tends to have a full body with fragrant, floral and fruity notes and a smoky, woody aftertaste. Depending on your taste, you might choose to go for ground coffee made from any of these three types of beans, or even a blend.
Origin
Similar to wine, where the beans originate from play a part in the flavours of your ground coffee as well. Coffee is grown in three main regions, including Asia, Latin America and Africa/Arabica (Middle East). Beans from Asia, such as those grown in Indonesia, Thailand and Vietnam, tend to be earthy and robust with low acidity and floral undertones. They work best with dark or very dark roasts, to preserve the full flavours. Beans from Latin America, including places such as Columbia, Mexico and Brazil tend to be light and sweet with high acidity, ideal for mild to medium roasts. Finally, beans from the Africa and Arabic regions carry a medium body and acidity with complex flavours, ranging from herb-like, spicy to chocolate and citrus. You may have heard of the term ‘single origin’ – which simply means that the beans come from one farm or a specific region and are not blended with beans from other places.
Package Size
Most coffee drinkers will be tempted to get a big, value for money pack at the store – but more does not necessarily mean better when it comes to ground coffee. Packaging is important, as the quality of ground coffee decreases with exposure to the elements (oxidisation). Choosing a small packet that is vacuum packaged ensures that your coffee stays fresh. Most ground coffee should be finished within a week from opening, and kept in a cool dark storage space away from oxygen, moisture and heat.
Roasting
After bean types, roasting is another important process to consider when selecting your ground coffee, as it determines how much flavour and aroma can be brought out from inside the beans. A light roast means that the beans are only roasted for a short 
period of time, so no oil comes to the surface. This produces a lighter coloured coffee which may have a sour tang to it, but is less likely to cause irritation to the stomach.
Medium roasts are popular in the United States, so much so that they’ve come to be known as an American roast. The beans are roasted slightly longer so they have a slightly stronger flavour. Meanwhile, dark roasts produce a rich, dark coloured coffee with a bittersweet aftertaste, and darker roasts come with a pronounced bitterness but with less acidity.
Grind Level
How you intend to brew your coffee greatly affects the grind level you should go for with ground coffee. For pre-ground coffee, this is usually indicated on the packaging label. A coarse grind can result in weak and less flavourful coffee, but too fine and the drink can be bitter and over extracted.
A coarse grind works best for plunger pot, French press, percolator and vacuum coffee pot, while a medium grind is suitable for all types of coffee makers. If you have drip coffee makers with cone shaped filters, opt for a fine grind. Extra fine – the finest grind level – is good for pump and steam espresso machines, or for Turkish coffee.
Top 15 Best Ground Coffee in 2022
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Picture |
Name | Feature | Price |
Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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Picture |
Name | Feature | Price |
Rating |
|
1. Marley Coffee Buffalo Soldier Ground Coffee, Medium-Dark Roast |
Fair Trade Certified | $$ | 4.8 |
| 2. Caribou Coffee’s Caribou Blend Ground Coffee (Medium Roast) |
Full bodied, syrupy | $$ | 4.7 | |
|
3. Illy Caffe Coffee Ground Coffee – Medium Roast For Drip Coffeemakers |
100% Arabica coffee beans | $$ | 4.7 |
| 4. Tim Hortons 100% Arabica Medium Roast Original Blend Ground Coffee |
Medium roast | $$ | 4.6 | |
| 5. Starbucks Breakfast Blend Medium Roast Ground Coffee, 20-Ounce Bag |
Rich flavours | $$ | 4.6 | |
| 6. Valhalla Java Ground Coffee by Death Wish Coffee Company |
Nuanced flavours | $$ | 4.5 | |
| 7. Kauai Coffee Variety Pack – Vanilla Macadamia Nut and Coconut Caramel Crunch, Ground Coffee |
Single origin | $$ | 4.5 | |
| 8. Peet’s Coffee Major Dickason’s Blend Dark Roast Ground Coffee, 20 Ounce Bag Peetnik Value Pack |
Multi-layered characters | $$ | 4.4 | |
| 9. Death Wish Ground Coffee |
Notes of cherry and chocolate | $$ | 4.3 | |
| 10. Kicking Horse Coffee, Smart Ass, Medium Roast, Ground, |
100% Arabica beans | $$ | 4.3 |
|
| 11. Couple’s Coffee Co. “Homebody” Ground Coffee |
Good balance of strong and sweet | $$ | 4.2 | |
| 12. Seattle’s Best Coffee Toasted Hazelnut Flavored Medium Roast Ground Coffee |
Weaker, watered down taste | $$ | 4.1 | |
|
13. Gevalia House Blend Ground Coffee |
Fragrant aroma | $$ | 4.1 |
|
14. Bizzy Organic Cold Brew Coffee |
Sweet and smooth blend | $$ | 4.0 |
| 15. Seattle’s Best Coffee Portside Blend Medium Roast Ground Coffee |
Minimal bitter aftertaste | $$ | 3.9 |
1. Marley Coffee Buffalo Soldier Ground Coffee, Medium-Dark Roast
Founded by Rohan Marley and named after his legendary music icon father Bob Marley, Marley Coffee aims to bring together 
people from all over the world to bond over a common love – coffee. One of the brand’s most popular variants is the Buffalo Soldier ground coffee range, an earthy blend that combines Ethiopian Yirgacheffe with beans from Central America and Indonesia that are sustainably grown.
Flavour and Roast
Combining strength and subtlety in a single blend is no easy feat, but the Buffalo Soldier does it with flourish. Soulful and uplifting with a smooth texture, it is a high quality, rich and full bodied blend, with lots of interesting notes. Drinkers will get hints of dark chocolate and just a tinge of fruit, guaranteed to leave one wanting for more. The beans have undergone a medium to dark roast, but give off a sense of medium-strength coffee. While not mild, it lacks the hard hitting punch of a dark roast, and carries itself well with a nice balance of sweetness and bitterness, minus the acidity. Drinkers have described it as being ‘clean and strong, but not harsh’. For best taste and freshness, it is recommended to use two teaspoons of coffee for every six ounces of cold filtered water.
Packaging and Preparation
The Buffalo Soldier’s 6 count 10-ounce bag of ground comes in 12 and 24 count capsules. All of the brands plastic capsules called EcoCups are recyclable, to help reduce wastage. They capsules are compatible with any brewer using the Keurig K-Cup technology, such as the Keurig 2.0. It is, however, not compatible with certain models such as Keurig Vue, Tassimo, Dolce Gusto, CBTL and Nespresso. The Buffalo Soldier is Fair Trade Certified, USDA Certified and contains non-GMO ingredients. The bag should be stored in a cool, dark place for maximum shelf life.
Additional Features
Bob Marley was known for his love for nature and humanity, which translated through his music and life’s work. Taking up the mantle of his legacy, the Marley Coffee brand partners with One Tree Planted, a non-profit organisation that supports reforestation by planting trees all over the world.
Key highlights:
- Rich, full bodied blend with dark chocolate and fruity notes
- Smooth texture
- Good balance of sweet and bitter
- Medium strength
- Medium-dark roast
- Fair Trade Certified
- USDA Certified
- Non-GMO Ingredients
2. Caribou Coffee’s Caribou Blend Ground Coffee (Medium Roast)
With hundreds of outlets all across the United States, Caribou Coffee is a well known coffee chain – the second largest retail 
roaster in the United States after Starbucks. Commercially, the company offers various blends catered to different tastes, such as the Caribou Blend, which comes in several roast levels such as medium and dark.
Flavour and Roast
Comprised of 100% Arabica beans that are sustainably sourced from The Americas and Indonesia, the Caribou Blend boasts a rich, syrupy body with a clean finish. These are handcrafted and count among the one percent of the world’s top beans. The blend is complex without being intimidating, and manages to bring out the full flavours of both beans – the rich and hearty hues from the Indonesian beans, merged with the sweet and spicy, berry notes of the Central and South American varieties, topped off with hints of bittersweet cocoa and cedar finish. The medium roast is perfect for balancing the woody, spicy notes with the blend’s bright acidity and vibrant fruitiness. Small batch roasting ensures top notch quality control. The result is a smooth and relaxing cup of joe that has a surprisingly smooth, silky mouthfeel.
Packaging
The Caribou Blend comes in single, double, triple or four packs of 20 ounces each. It can be enjoyed hot and cold. To brew it hot, it is best to put use two tablespoons of ground coffee with six ounces of filtered water. For a cold brew, use half a pound of coffee with the coarsest grind, with one gallon of filtered water and steep overnight for 12 to 14 hours. Once done, strain and enjoy over ice. This makes for 16 cups.
Additional Features
Caribou Blend is a Rainforest Alliance Certified coffee, which means that a minimum of 75 percent of the blended components are produced following sustainable ecological and socio-economic criteria as set by the Sustainable Agricultural Network, a coalition of independent, environment-focused non-governmental organisations. It is also certified kosher pareve to conform to Jewish dietary practices.
Key Highlights
- Medium roast
- Woody, spicy notes
- Full bodied, syrupy
- Bright acidity
- Lively fruitiness
- Kosher certified
- Small batch roasting for better quality control
- Rainforest Alliance certified
3. Illy Caffe Coffee Ground Coffee – Medium Roast For Drip Coffeemakers
Founded in the 1930s in Italy and renowned for its classic European touch, Illy is a coffee industry veteran, with fans all over the 
world who swear by the brand and its distinctive taste. Their medium ground coffee is specialised for drip coffee makers or the French press preparation, and produces excellent brewed coffee.
Flavour and Roast
While some coffee brands offer different blends to suit different tastes, Illy prides itself in its singular, signature blend, developed and refined to perfection through eight decades. The blend is comprised of nine different Arabica coffee beans sourced ethically and sustainably from around the globe, which are skillfully roasted in the company’s roasting facilities in Trieste, Italy. The coffee boasts a smooth, rich and full-bodied taste that is well balanced, with little to no acidity and bitterness, and caramel and chocolate tones. To truly bring out the blend’s maximum flavours and aroma, the Illy requires an above average coffee machine. Cheap coffee pots that don’t steep the coffee results in a weak taste, and undermines the blend’s true potential.
Packaging and Preparation
The Illy comes in a set of six canisters, each with 8.8 ounces of medium roast, medium grind coffee that is optimised for French presses and drip coffee makers such as the Capresso Team Pro or K-Cup Keurig. The beans are roasted, air cooled and packed in an air-free pressurised environment to preserve freshness whilst enhancing and sealing in the coffee’s precious aroma and oils. One tablespoon per 1 cup of filtered water is recommended for brewing.
Additional Features
Illy implements sustainable and ethical practices, and was named in Ethisphere’s list as a leader in the beverage industry.
Key Highlights
- Medium roast
- Smooth, rich and full bodied
- Caramel and chocolate notes
- Signature blend
- 100% Arabica coffee beans
- Requires higher end drip coffee machine or French press to bring out maximum flavour and potential
- Efficiently sealed to retain aroma and oils
- Little to no acidity and bitterness
- Sustainable practices
4. Tim Hortons 100% Arabica Medium Roast Original Blend Ground Coffee
Canadian coffee giant Tim Horton has long held a soft spot in the hearts of locals since its founding in 1964, with outlets as 
commonly found in the country as McDonalds would be in the United States. Of course, it’s not just about nostalgia and familiarity – fans swear by their coffee, especially their signature Original Blend. With the ground coffee, one will be enjoy the taste similar to the one you get at the store, in the comforts of one’s own home.
Flavour and Roast
Most coffee brands state where their coffee beans are from, but Tim Horton maintains a top secret recipe, simply stating that their 100% Arabica beans are sourced from ‘several of the world’s most renowned coffee growing regions’. Tastewise, the Original Blend has a medium bodied, rounded mouth feel. A high quality medium roast ensures the coffee is mellow and smooth, with bright notes and low acidity. The roast also brings out the rich flavours, but with a mild, gentle finish.
Packaging and Preparation
The Original Blend comes in six packs of 12 single servings for a total of 72 k cups, or 32.8 ounces. They work best with automatic drip makers such as the Keurig machine. The coffee should always be served within 20 minutes of brewing for maximum taste. For best results, measure 10 level tablespoons of ground coffee for every 46 fluid ounces of cold water.
Additional Features
In line with environmentally friendly practices, the Original Blend’s container is made from 40 percent post-consumer recycled material.
Key Highlights
- Ideal for automatic drip makers
- Signature Tim Horton taste
- 100% Arabica beans
- Medium roast
- Rounded mouth feel
- Well balanced
- Rich flavours but mild, gentle finish
5. Starbucks Breakfast Blend Medium Roast Ground Coffee, 20-Ounce Bag
One of the leading commercial coffee chains in the world, Starbucks needs no introduction. The brand often gets a bad rap 
among coffee connoisseurs for its over commercialisation and sugary drinks, but their premium blends offer surprisingly good quality even for picky drinkers, and a value for money experience. Being a corporate giant, Starbucks has an extremely wide range of products and blends on offer – and the Breakfast Blend is perfect for those who need an early morning caffeine boost.
Flavour and Roast
With 100 % Arabica beans sourced from Latin America, the Breakfast Blend works well for those who prefer something lighter with a crisp, citrusy tang that gives way to a clean finish. Its bright and tangy flavour profile appeals to a wider range of palates, and the medium roast provides balance between hearty rich flavours with a smooth mouth feel. In short, the Breakfast Blend appeals best to those who want a less-intense coffee to start the day, but still crave a little kick.
Packaging and Preparation
The Breakfast Blend is available in a 20 ounce bag. Since an opened bag is highly perishable, the ground coffee should be stored in an airtight container at room temperature, away from oxygen, light, heat and moisture. For the best taste, use two tablespoons of ground coffee for every six ounces of cold filtered water and keep these proportions in mind for larger portions. If results are too strong for your taste, simply add hot water to the brewed coffee.
Additional Features
Starbucks’ coffees are USDA and fairtrade certified, and the company adopts sustainable business practices, such as through funds that support smallholder farms to improve their infrastructure and crops.
Key Highlights
- 100% Arabica beans
- Citrusy tang
- Rich flavours
- Smooth mouth feel
- Medium roast
- Clean finish
- Less intense; light and bright
6. Valhalla Java Ground Coffee by Death Wish Coffee Company
A relative newcomer in the coffee industry, the quirkily named Death Wish Coffee company was started in 2012 and prides itself
in its ‘strong and delicious coffee’. Its signature is the eponymous Death Wish Coffee – touted as the ‘strongest coffee in the world’, with roughly 660 mg of caffeine per cup – equivalent to three cups of your regular joe, packed into a single serving. The Valhalla Java ground coffee is the company’s slightly toned down offering, but make no mistake – this still packs a heavy punch.
Flavour and Roast
The Valhalla Java is a blend of Arabica and Robusta beans, sourced mainly from coffee plantations that thrive in the volcanic soils in Indonesia and nutrient rich soils of Central and South America. Unlike large, commercial brands, the Valhalla Java has a more artisanal feel to it, bringing with it a balanced palette with strength and a smooth finish. Expect the medium to dark roast to bring out notes of chocolate, walnut and toast, as well as a hint of sweetness with incredible aroma. Bitterness is minimal when prepared properly. For those attuned to milder brews, the richness and strength might take some getting used to, but if you delve deeper you will notice that the blend is nuanced with sophisticated flavours, even for the refined palette.
Packaging and Preparation
The Valhalla Java comes in a 12-ounce bag. A larger five pound bag is also available. Once opened, the bag should be stored in a cool dry place to minimise loss of quality and freshness.
Additional Features
The Valhalla Java is USDA certified organic and committed to sustainability practices. They are also fair trade certified.
Key Highlights
- Strong, bold coffee with high caffeine content
- Blend of Arabica and Robusta beans
- Medium to dark roast
- Chocolate and walnut notes
- Toasty with some sweetness, minimal bitterness
- Nuanced flavours
- USDA Certified organic
- Fair trade certified
7. Kauai Coffee Variety Pack – Vanilla Macadamia Nut and Coconut Caramel Crunch, Ground Coffee
Experience a taste of Hawaii with Kauai Coffee, a company with a rich history and one of the United State’s largest coffee 
growers. Founded as a sugar plantation in the late 19th century, the company transitioned to growing coffee in the 1980s. Their premium single-origin ground coffee, enhanced with added flavours such as Vanilla Macadamia Nut and Coconut Caramel Crunch, is ideal for those who love flavoured coffee, and is priced competitively for the quality and taste it provides.
Flavour and Roast
Kauai coffee is a true Hawaiian experience, as their single origin coffee beans come from their Koloa estate in Kauai, which has over four million coffee trees spread over 3,100 acres. The warm weather, rich volcanic earth, abundant mountain rain and cool trade winds provide optimum conditions for the beans, which in turn produce coffee beans with an outstanding taste. Kauai Coffee uses 100% premium Arabica coffee, known for its smooth, delicious flavour. The Vanilla Macadamia Nut combines vanilla beans with toasted macadamia nuts for a sweet and incredible aroma, while the Coconut Caramel Crunch is the perfect blend of sweet, nutty caramel with tropical coconut. Both flavours undergo a medium roast to capture the easygoing characteristics and subtle nuances of each of its ingredients.
Packaging and Preparation
The variety pack comes in a set of two 10-ounce bags, which is perfect for those who want to try different flavours. It also makes for a good gift for friends and family.
Additional Features
Kauai maintains its high standards of quality by selecting only a portion of their harvest aside for their premium range of beans. As all processes are done on the estate, from harvesting to roasting and packaging, the company is able to deliver consistency and excellent quality control. They also employ sustainable and environmentally sound practices.
Key Highlights
- Value for money
- Single origin
- Variety pack offers two flavours in one pack
- Vanilla Macadamia is sweet and toasty
- Coconut Caramel Crunch blends sweet, nutty and tropical
- Medium roast
- Nuanced flavours
8. Peet’s Coffee Major Dickason’s Blend Dark Roast Ground Coffee, 20 Ounce Bag Peetnik Value Pack
Peet’s is a specialty coffee brand founded by Alfred Peet in the 1960s. Peet wanted to introduce better coffee to the American 
public, and his persistence and eye for quality eventually led him to be dubbed the ‘godfather of gourmet coffee in the US’. Today, the brand is renowned for its dark roasts, such as the Major Dickason’s blend – conceived by Peet himself and named after a loyal customer.
Flavour and Roast
Rich, smooth and complex, the Major Dickason is ideal for those who like their coffee with a full body and multi-layered character. It is great for traditionalists who want to experience a true coffee flavour, rather than the sweet and watered down varieties commonly found in commercial stores. The Major Dickason features a premium blend of Arabica beans sourced from the world’s premier growing regions, each lending its own characteristic to create an effortlessly smooth and balanced beverage with a hint of spiciness. Meanwhile, the dark roast gives it a smoky, almost woody aftertaste and amazing fragrance. Roasting is done individually by artisans of the craft in small batches by hand, rather than machine.
Packaging and Preparation
The quality of good coffee is dependent on its freshness, so each bag of Peet’s comes with a roast date. It does not, however, keep very long and is best consumed quickly. The pre-ground form makes for quick and easy brewing, and it works well with devices such as the Aeropress. To prepare, measure two tablespoons or about 10 grammes for each six fluid ounces of water. It is recommended to use fresh, cold filtered water for brewing, and enjoy the coffee within 30 minutes to maintain the best taste. Unused ground coffee should be stored in an opaque, airtight container in a cool, dark place.
Additional Features
Peet’s Coffee works with local communities to grow and harvest their beans, which are grown and sourced responsibly.
Key Highlights
- Dark roast done in small batches by hand
- Smooth mouth feel
- Full body, hint of spice
- Roast date is indicated clearly on packaging
- Multi-layered characters
- Smoky, fragrant notes
9. Death Wish Ground Coffee
For those who like it strong and bold, Death Wish Coffee’s signature blend – simply called the Death Wish – is the way to go. 
Dubbed the ‘strongest coffee in the world’, each brewed cup has roughly 660 mg of caffeine, equivalent to about three cups of your regular coffee, packed into a single serving. The Death Wish is the perfect way to kick start sluggish mornings or keep you alert while pulling an all nighter, because if this doesn’t pack a punch, nothing will.
Flavour and Roast
Like its slightly milder Valhalla Java range, the Death Wish features a blend of Arabica and Robusta beans, sourced mainly from India and Peru. It is low in acidity and bitterness, without taking away from its strength and flavour. The dark, slow roasting process produces a higher caffeine content, but since of how deceptively smoot the coffee is, it’s easy to forget how high the caffeine content can be. While the coffee itself is bold and intense, expect subtle notes of cherry and chocolate.
Packaging and Preparation
The Death Wish comes in a 16 ounce bag which should be stored in a cool, dry place once opened to ensure freshness. Its pre-ground form makes it convenient to use with an auto-drip coffee maker, or with a reusable capsule for a Keurig.
Additional Features
The beans are roasted and ground within the same day as shipping. All ingredients are 100 percent natural, with no artificial additives. The coffee is USDA certified with QAI US-ORG50 certification, and uses only organic, fair trade coffee beans.
Key Highlights
- Arabica and Robusta blend
- Dark, slow roast
- High caffeine content
- Bold and intense
- Strong, rich flavours
- Notes of cherry and chocolate
- Low acidity
- Minimal bitterness
10. Kicking Horse Coffee, Smart Ass, Medium Roast, Ground,
Headquartered in Canada, Kicking Horse Coffee is a mid-sized enterprise that has been serving good coffee for over two decades,
with an emphasis on building good relationships with suppliers and a great company culture, which shows in the quality of its products. They offer a range of ground coffee with different roasts and flavour profiles, but for those who like something bright, cheeky and precocious, the Smart Ass is the way to go.
Flavour and Roast
Made from 100% Arabica beans sourced from leading coffee growing regions in Africa and Central and South America, The Smart Ass makes for delicious, vibrant coffee – with a tart red currant flavour, honeyed berry body and notes of sugar cane and milk chocolate. The medium roast works perfectly for bringing out the rich chocolate and fruitiness, and it carries a fragrant aroma of condensed sugar cane and cocoa powder. The overall mouth feel is smooth and strong, with little acidity and bitterness.
Packaging and Preparation
The Smart Ass comes in a medium grind that allows you to enjoy freshly brewed coffee within minutes. The ground coffee works well with any drip coffee machine, and is also recommended for pour over or cold brewing. The 10 ounce pack should be stored in a cool, dry place after it is opened.
Additional Features
Kicking Horse Coffee employs fairtrade and uses coffee beans that are grown in a socially and environmentally responsible way by farmers with sustainable business practices. The coffee is also certified organic and kosher. Coffee roasting is done in the company’s Rocky Mountains facility in Canada for better quality control. Be rest assured with the company’s certifications such as #1215 by Fairtrade Canada, 2018, #7R02A1311V by KosherCheck, 2017 and #A-91402-Z-66747-201 by EcoCert, 2017
Key Highlights
- 100% Arabica beans
- Tart red currant, honeyed berry body
- Sugar cane and milk chocolate notes
- Smooth and strong, minimal acidity and bitterness
- Aroma: Condensed sugar cane and cocoa powder
- Best for drip coffee, pour over and cold brewing
- Kosher, organic and fairtrade certified
11. Couple’s Coffee Co. “Homebody” Ground Coffee
Very little information is available on Couple’s Coffee Co, except that the brand was founded by an American combat veteran and
his wife. They currently only offer the ‘Homebody’ blend, which is touted to be ‘strong enough for him, and sweet enough for her’.
Flavour and Roast
The Homebody comprises 100% fresh Arabica gourmet coffee beans, although the source is not stated, and the medium roasting process is done in the States. Do note that this is a naturally and artificially flavoured coffee, which some coffee drinkers might want to avoid. For those who are not particular about artificial flavours, the Homebody brings a bright, bold taste that is a rich combination of strong and sweet. The smooth mouthfeel and pleasant aftertaste has very little acidity and bitterness, and masks a high caffeine content. In fact, it is sweet enough for some people without having to add extra sugar. There is also a fragrant aroma of either chocolate or vanilla permeating the coffee.
Packaging and Preparation
The Homebody comes in a 12 ounce pack with a rather fine grind. It works well for French presses and drip machines. The packaging comes in a Ziplock bag to maintain freshness.
Additional Features
No information is available on trade practices, USDA certification or organic certification.
Key Highlights
- 100% Arabica beans
- Bright and bold flavour profile
- Naturally and artificially flavoured
- Good balance of strong and sweet
- Minimal acidity and bitterness
- Smooth
- Good aroma
12. Seattle’s Best Coffee Toasted Hazelnut Flavored Medium Roast Ground Coffee
Seattle is widely regarded as a hub for coffee lovers and enthusiasts, with many roasters and supply chains located within the 
city. Among them is Seattle’s Best Coffee, a subsidiary of the world famous Starbucks chain. The company caters more to the working class compared to its parent company’s more upmarket branding, but still delivers good quality at affordable prices. For those who like nutty, flavoured coffee, opt for their Hazelnut Flavoured ground coffee range.
Flavour and Roast
Featuring 100% Arabica beans sourced exclusively from Latin America, the Hazelnut Flavoured series has a sweetly aromatic fragrance that permeates the kitchen when brewing. The resulting coffee has nutty notes of toasted hazelnut and caramel. The beans undergo a smooth roasting process for a perfectly balanced blend. Compared to some other blends, however, the taste is weaker and a bit watered down, with a slightly bitter aftertaste. The ground coffee is artificially flavoured, which might not appeal to some coffee drinkers.
Packaging and Preparation
The Seattle’s Best Coffee comes in a 12-ounce bag that is resealable to ensure freshness. For those with a Keurig machine, it also comes in 10 ounce K-cup pods. The medium grind makes it easy to use with automatic drip filters. It is recommended to use 1 tablespoon of ground coffee for every six fluid ounces of water. Cold filtered water is preferred to bring out the finest taste. The bag should also be stored in a cool, dark place to maximise shelf life.
Additional Features
The brand works closely with farmers in coffee growing regions so only top quality beans are selected and to ensure consistency. The beans are then carefully crafted by master blenders, with rigorous quality checks at all levels, such as master roasters randomly micro roasting and taste testing the coffee.
Key Highlights
- Sweet aroma
- Medium roast
- Affordable
- Weaker, watered down taste
- Artificially flavoured
- Nutty notes
- Works well with automatic drip filters
- Quality control checks
13. Gevalia House Blend Ground Coffee
The Swedish have a long tradition of drinking coffee, and are known to be one of the world’s top 10 coffee consuming nations per 
capita. Local brand Gevalia has over 150 years of coffee expertise, and their distinctive taste was so valued they became official purveyor to the royal family. Today, the brand offers a range of 30 premium coffees in various roasts and exotic varietals. Indulge in a high quality authentic European coffee with their signature House Blend, which is suitable for everyone from coffee connoisseurs to casual enthusiasts.
Flavour and Roast
Made with 100% Arabica coffee beans from the mountains of East Africa, South and Central America, Gevalia’s house blend carries a bold, uplifting flavour that results in a complex, medium bodied cup of coffee. The medium roast is ideal for bringing out the delicate notes of caramel, topped with a refreshing citrus-like finish. It also delivers rich smoothness with low to medium acidity and is never bitter, despite being quite strong. The aroma is bright and aromatic, and the coffee can be blended smoothly with milk for the ultimate indulgence.
Packaging and Preparation
Available in a 20 ounce portion, the coffee is finely ground for easy brewing and works well with automatic drip brewing machines. It does not, however, come in k cups. For maximum flavour, one tablespoon of ground coffee is recommended for six ounces of water. The resealable tin tie bag opens easily and keeps the ground coffee fresh, down to the last spoonful.
Additional Features
The Gevalia is certified kosher.
Key Highlights
- Arabica beans from Africa, Central and South America
- Bold, uplifting flavour
- Rich and smooth
- Fragrant aroma
- Caramel notes with citrusy finish
- Low acidity, not bitter
- For automatic drip machines
- Resealable tin tie bag keeps ground coffee fresh
14. Bizzy Organic Cold Brew Coffee
Why splurge on expensive coffee from the cafe, when you can enjoy a quality brew in the comforts of your own home? Bizzy’s 
Organic Cold Brew allows you to do just that. Easy and convenient to make convenient and delicious, this delicious blend is specially engineered for cold brewing, with a unique grinding process that creates a coarse grind optimised for extra smooth cold brews.
Flavour and Roast
The Bizzy Organic features an exotic blend of 100% Arabica beans from Nicaragua and Peru, which are roasted light, medium and dark for a smooth and sweet finish. Strong but not bitter, it has an ultra smooth consistency with a full bodied flavour and minimal acidity. Its versatility means that it can be enjoyed in a variety of ways, be it black or mixed with caramel or vanilla and ice cubes to make a frappe. As it is pretty sweet on its own, it does not need a sweetener.
Packaging and Preparation
The Bizzy Organic comes in a 16 ounce bag. Being specially formulated for cold brews, the Bizzy Organic allows you to take the ground coffee and brew it to a strength you desire in a cold brew maker of your choice, be it a mason jar or French press. For best results, add three cups of cold water to 1.5 cups of the ground coffee and stir for a brew concentrate. The strength can be adjusted to your preference by adding more or less water. The coffee can be steeped for 14 to 20 hours at room temperature before using the French press. An ideal ratio would be one part coffee with two parts water and ice.
Additional Features
The Bizzy Organic carries USDA organic certification, with beans ethically sourced following fair trade practices.
Key Highlights
- Specially formulated for cold brews
- Versatile
- Ideal for mason jar or French press
- Convenient preparation
- 100% Arabica beans from Peru and Nicaragua
- Not bitter but good strength
- Full body
- Sweet and smooth blend, requires no added sugar
- Mixed roast
15. Seattle’s Best Coffee Portside Blend Medium Roast Ground Coffee
Enjoy quality coffee in the comfort of your own kitchen with Seattle’s Best Coffee, an American coffee brand targeted at the 
working class and casual drinkers. Formerly known as their Signature Blend No.3, the Portside Blend Medium Roast ground coffee comes in sleek new packaging, with the familiar taste most fans have come to love.
Flavour and Roast
Like all of the brand’s blends, the Portside Blend comprises of 100% Arabica beans sourced from Latin America. It has a hearty, well-rounded profile with a rich, full body that will instantly perk up your mornings. The medium roast brings out a smooth and distinctive taste with an aromatic fragrance. The blend has medium strength – stronger and bolder than its Hazelnut series, but not overpowering. It also has minimal acidity, slips well down the throat and has very little bitter aftertaste. Pair it with cream and sugar or other condiments for the ultimate morning or afternoon treat.
Packaging and Preparation
The Portside blend comes in a 12 ounce bag which is resealable to ensure freshness. Since an opened bag of coffee is highly perishable, it is recommended to store the coffee in an airtight container at room temperature for no longer than a week, keeping it away from oxygen, light, heat and moisture. For the best taste, use one tablespoon of ground coffee for every six fluid ounces of water, and use cold filtered water.
Additional Features
The Portside’s smooth blends are a result of careful processes, which start from choosing the best beans. The beans are then crafted by master blenders to create an easy, approachable taste. Rigorous quality checks are also performed at all levels, whereby the beans are sampled at three crucial steps and expertly roasted to get the brand’s signature flavour.
Key Highlights
- Medium roast
- Medium strength
- Hearty, well-rounded balanced profile
- Smooth, little acidity
- Minimal bitter aftertaste
- 100% Arabica beans from Latin America
- Careful quality control processes
