Why Buy Ground Coffee?
So why would you buy ground coffee? When it comes down to it the main reason you would buy ground coffee is convenience. You can find ground coffee anywhere, and you can store it far more easily than beans. It also comes in many different brands and varieties, and all you need to do is put a scoop in your coffeemaker and turn it on.
It also means you don’t have to buy a coffee grinder, which can add up, especially if you are wanting to get a decent one, which you need to grind your beans evenly. Ground coffee can provide you with great coffee for reasonable prices, plus you’ll save yourself a lot of time and energy.
The Downside Of Ground Coffee
The downside of using pre-ground coffee is that you are sacrificing flavor. Ground coffee goes stale quickly; meaning that the oils containing all the delicious flavors and aromas of coffee evaporate and you are left with bad-tasting coffee. The other drawback of pre-ground coffee is that it generally only comes in 2 grind sizes: Filter and Espresso which means that it may not suit your brewing method. The bottom line is that freshly roasted, freshly ground beans do simply provide the best-tasting coffee, however, we know that it is not always possible to be grinding your own beans.
Quick and convenient, pre-ground beans are the go-to option for many coffee lovers. They eliminate the hassle and save money for those who don’t want to purchase an at-home grinder. While experts widely recommend whole bean coffee for the utmost freshness and flavor, ground coffee can still make a delicious cup of joe.
We’ve rounded up our favorite picks below, researching everything from the regions where coffee beans are sourced to the different size bags available to buy. Options range from light roast to dark, espresso to cold brew, and more.
One factor to keep in mind is the type of coffee maker you own, as different brewers require different grind sizes. The default for pre-ground coffee is a medium grind, which suits drip machines and some pour-overs. French press and Chemex users will want a coarser grind, while espresso drinkers need a fine grind.
Here are the best ground coffees to buy.
Best Dark Roast: Death Wish Coffee (Ground Coffee)
Hailed as the world’s strongest coffee, Death Wish delivers a caffeine punch two to four times stronger than a normal cup of joe, 1 depending on the grounds used per brew. The high-energy hook has attracted many customers, but the flavor is what truly makes it a best seller. It’s surprisingly smooth, despite the caffeine content, and filled with rich notes of dark chocolate and cherry.
We reviewed dozens of the best ground coffees out there and found that the Death Wish Ground Coffee is the very best of all for most people. Fully USDA Certified Organic and Fair Trade too, this coffee is made in all the right ways and offers a bold, deep flavor with satisfying chocolate and cherry notes, never becoming overly bitter. We also reviewed seven other popular ground coffees of exceptional quality, each bringing something unique to the table. This review and buying guide will help you find the perfect roast for you.
Death Wish isn’t your traditional dark roast (and it’s certainly on the expensive end), but it’s truly delicious, and the caffeine keeps you alert without any shakes or jitters. You can purchase bags in sizes of 1 or 5 pounds, as well as in the whole bean variety.
Best Medium Roast: Kicking Horse Coffee Smart Ass Blend
Kicking Horse makes six ground coffee varieties, including another medium roast that falls slightly on the darker side, but the Smart Ass blend strikes a terrific balance of flavor. The aroma is sweet and fruity, but as soon as you take a sip, you’ll also find rich undercurrents of milk chocolate. Though slightly more expensive than some of its grocery-store competitors, this is a great option for the coffee drinker tired of making the same run-of-the-mill medium roast every day. All Kicking Horse Coffee is organic and fair trade, but keep in mind that ground coffee is only available in one size: 10 ounces.
Best Light Roast: Starbucks Veranda Blend
Opinions on Starbucks famously vary. Those who avoid the ubiquitous coffee giant often do so because of the taste, as the company’s signature flavor is extremely robust. The Veranda Blend could be a crowd-pleaser for all, however, as this blonde roast is much mellower. The primary flavor notes are soft cocoa and lightly toasted nuts. You’ll even see a difference in the coffee’s lighter shade. The price is surprisingly affordable for a Starbucks product and you can purchase a bag in several sizes.
Best Instant: Mount Hagen Instant Coffee
Mount Hagen defies the instant coffee stigma with a product that’s as tasty as it is easy to make. While this coffee won’t quite compete with the real stuff, many customers say it’s the best alternative. Made from 100 percent Arabica beans, the flavor is smooth and mild — a straightforward medium roast.
It’s pretty expensive as far as instant goes, but since most people keep it around for a pinch or use it while traveling it won’t break the bank. Each 3.53-ounce jar yields about 60 cups of coffee. The company makes a decaf variety in the same size and at a similar price point. Both options are available in single-serve sticks, which can be used for on-the-go joe. Mount Hagen is also great for making delicious whipped coffee.
Best Decaf: No Fun Jo Organic Decaf Ground Coffee
A unique and dynamic flavor sets No Fun Jo Decaf apart from the competition. Many decaf options seem like watered-down versions of the real thing, but not here. The two primary notes in this medium to medium-dark roast are sweet blueberry and milk chocolate. While this might not appeal to everyone’s palate, customers largely rave about the coffee’s taste. The blueberry is noticeable but not overpowering, as it’s balanced out by the smoother hints of chocolate.
No Fun Jo Decaf is made through the Swiss Water Process, which removes 99.9 percent of the caffeine. You can purchase it in a 12-ounce bag or a more cost-effective 2-pound bag. The coffee is also sold in whole bean and K-cup varieties.
