Rating of coffee beans
Reviews from coffee lovers and baristas became the basis for the rating. They were studied comprehensively - the attitude of buyers to taste, smell, composition, action, price-quality ratio, and availability on the market were considered. All products were selected taking into account a combination of these criteria.
Here are a number of characteristics that helped prepare the review:
- Type of grains - Arabica and/or Robusta, as well as their ratio in composition;
- The type of drink that can be prepared from raw materials - espresso, Americano, latte, cappuccino, etc.;
- Size and color of grains;
- Roasting level – low, medium, strong;
- Country of origin;
- No dust or other foreign matter;
- Taste and smell;
- Caffeine content and strength of finished drinks;
- Type of packaging – tin can or paper bag;
- Pack volume;
- Presence of flavoring – vanilla, caramel, etc.;
- Storage period and conditions;
- Method of preparation: in a coffee machine, coffee maker or Turk.
Also, during the analysis of reviews, we noted the absence of an unpleasant aftertaste and heartburn, the effect on the body - giving vigor and improving mood, worsening sleep.
Who shouldn't drink
Caffeine, which is part of the drink, is an invigorating and tonic substance. There can be a lot of discussion about how it is perceived by the human body, but it is important to remember that even the healthiest product is useful in moderation.
Caffeine strains the cardiovascular system
It is harmful, for example, to drink on an empty stomach for those people who suffer from gastritis or stomach ulcers. Those who suffer from hypertension (regardless of the functional class of the disease) may increase their blood pressure when drinking coffee. With this disease, there is an increased load on the blood vessels and heart, and caffeine will only increase this load.
Even if there are indirect contraindications, the drink can be consumed, but in moderation. You can also choose a variety or coffee drink with less caffeine to reduce or prevent possible negative effects.
Arabica coffee beans
It is the most common and cultivated species in the world. The plant belongs to the Rubiaceae family. This coffee is often called Arabian. Its homeland in the wild is the southwestern part of Ethiopia. The ChoiceExpert project presents the four most delicious and aromatic representatives of Arabica.
Moscow coffee shop with Arabica drinks
Inexpensive, medium-roasted natural bean coffee, which is distinguished by its chocolate color, optimal balance of bitterness and sourness, and smoky aroma. It is obtained at a temperature of 210-230°C. It is characterized by a pronounced, rich taste and pure aroma.
The product is made from 100% selected Arabica beans, is distinguished by its purity and small size. Thanks to this, it is easily and quickly crushed using a special device. The mixture does not lose its taste properties for 18 months from the date of production.
Advantages:
- Not picky about storage conditions (temperature 27°C);
- Retains its properties at humidity up to 75%;
- Rich taste;
- No feeling of additives in the composition;
- Does not leave an unpleasant aftertaste.
Flaws:
- Not always even roasting.
Reviews note that coffee beans are excellent for coffee machines. After grinding, they retain their aroma for a long time, so the drink turns out fresh and tasty.
Starbucks Blonde Espresso Roast
…Almost every morning I make espresso coffee from these beans. I use a coffee machine. The result is pleasing - the aroma is pleasant, delicate, the taste is memorable, slightly sweet...
Expert opinion
Starbucks brand beans are roasted in a special way, which gives the espresso a smooth taste. It has the bright and sweet notes characteristic of the classic drink. Milk can be added to the finished product to add additional tenderness.
The composition is based on neat light beans of light roasting, so they lack bitterness and sourness. This reduces the likelihood of heartburn after drinking the drink. To produce the product in its pure form, the Arabica variety is used. According to the manufacturer's recipe, 10 g of mixture is required for 180 ml of water.
Advantages:
- Often sold on promotion;
- Sealed packaging;
- You can drink it with or without milk;
- Low consumption;
- High density.
Flaws:
- Mainly designed for making espresso.
The product is intended for preparation using a French press, Aeropress, pour over, or a special machine.
Illy
The grains are sold in packages of three volumes - 250, 1500 and 3000 g. When purchasing a larger pack, you can save more than 10% of money. The product is packaged in tins, into which moisture does not penetrate. This means that it can be stored for a long time without changing its appearance or taste.
Illy is created with a medium roast. The mixture consists of 9 varieties of 100% Arabica, grown high in the mountains. In this regard, the product is considered environmentally friendly and safe for health. Before sale, raw materials are carefully selected and undergo several stages of quality control.
Advantages:
- Balanced taste;
- Rich aroma;
- No bitterness;
- Uniform roasting;
- Retains its qualities for a long time.
Flaws:
- It may be necessary to pre-wet the product to open it.
The high-quality mixture is stored for 36 months without losing its original taste. It has an optimal caffeine content - up to 1.5%, so it is not harmful to health. The product is relevant when using automatic coffee makers with a container capacity of up to 300 g.
Paulig Arabica
A universal option, suitable for both making espresso and Americano. It goes great with milk. The product is medium roasted and not very brown in color, so there is no bitterness. The blend originates from Brazil and is made from 100% Arabica beans. Roasted coffee beans are equally well processed and smell nice.
Paulig Arabica is sold in vacuum packs with a capacity of 250, 500 and 1000 g. For safe storage, a tight seal is provided. In order for it to preserve its properties, it must be kept at a temperature of up to 27 degrees and a humidity of no more than 75%. Per 100 ml of freshly brewed drink there is about 0.7% caffeine. Low doses may cause increased alertness, increased energy and ability to concentrate,
Advantages:
- Easily crushed;
- Small sizes;
- No dust;
- Small consumption - 3-4 tsp. for 250 ml of boiling water;
- After brewing, it retains its original aroma for a long time.
Flaws:
- Shelf life – 24 months.
According to reviews, the aroma begins to appear already when you grind the grains and cook the ground mixture in a machine or pot.
The strongest recipe
Not only the characteristics of the blend, but also the method of preparation affects the strength of the drink.
The longer the drink is prepared in water, the more caffeine it becomes. Therefore, when prepared in a Turk, drip coffee maker or French press, the drink is stronger.
It is generally accepted that the strongest coffee is espresso. However, it is not. The concentration of coffee in it is 7 grams per 30 ml of water, which provides a rich and dense taste. But if we talk about the strongest coffee, then it is ristretto. The water content in it is half that of espresso, and the grams of coffee are the same. The result is concentrated, strong coffee, enough for one sip.
Reference! You should not put sugar in Ristretto, or add milk or cream. It is not savored, but drank in one gulp to get a charge of instant vigor. This is a kind of “shot drink” in the world of coffee drinks. Ristretto is valued solely for its strength, and not for its aroma or taste.
Ristretto is also sometimes called double espresso. It is always prepared in a coffee machine. You won’t be able to cook it in a Turkish or French press; the technology will be disrupted.
The coffee mixture (at the rate of 7-11 grams per serving) is poured into the coffee machine into a special horn and compacted with a press. After this, the powder must be “soaked” with water for 3-5 seconds in order to better reveal the aroma and taste of coffee. Then the water flow is turned on for 20 seconds, resulting in one serving of coffee with a thick light brown foam, similar in consistency to cream.
Robusta coffee beans
This is a cheap alternative to Arabica. It is extremely rare on the market in its pure form. Basically, for the sake of economy, it is mixed with a more expensive brother. World production of this species does not exceed 2% of the total. The Vyborexperta.ru team identified 2 winners among them in the category “the most aromatic and pleasant to the taste.”
Jardin Piazza del Caffe Crema Vellutata
The leader among budget options, popular among baristas due to its pickiness in preparation and bright taste. The ground grains are used both in machines and in turks for Turkish recipes. However, the rich taste is obtained mainly in the first case.
Jardin Piazza del Caffe Crema Vellutata is medium roasted, without a pronounced brown color or bitter taste. It has a soft, smooth, delicate taste and aroma, which is highly appreciated by true fans of this drink. After preparation, the drink is covered with a beautiful velvety foam and leaves a pleasant aftertaste.
Advantages:
- Sealed packaging;
- Large volume – 1 kg;
- Can be stored at temperatures up to 30 degrees;
- Selected raw materials.
Flaws:
- After opening the package, it is recommended to store no more than 1 month.
When used in vending, sellers add a creamy taste to drinks using milk.
Lavazza Gusto Forte
Representative of classic breakfast drinks. The mixture is very rich, although it consists of pure Robusta beans. The plant is grown in Asia and Africa, in ecologically clean areas, so the safety of the raw materials is not in doubt. The finished product is distinguished by its moderate strength and chocolate aroma, which appears already at the grinding stage.
Lavazza Gusto Forte is characterized by piquancy, creaminess and a long, pleasant aftertaste. Delicious bean coffee has woody undertones and notes of blueberry, without getting boring for a long time. The raw materials allow you to get good foam, so it is especially important for making cappuccino and lattes.
Advantages:
- Optimal, medium degree of roasting;
- Not artificially flavored;
- Sold in 1 kg packs;
- Reliable vacuum pack;
- It makes perfect espresso.
Flaws:
- Too much robusta.
Reviews indicate that the finished drink is quite strong, so it is not recommended to drink it at night. It gives a powerful boost of energy and is especially useful in the morning.
Comparison table with prices
Each type of bean coffee discussed in the article is worthy of attention. They all differ in aromas, taste, degree of roasting of the grains and some other parameters.
At the same time, thanks to such a variety of tastes, brands, manufacturers, every coffee lover can please himself and purchase a drink in beans that will invigorate, touch all taste buds, and give a great mood for the whole day. The table shows the packaging by weight and the average cost of each type of grain product.
Name | Weight, g | Average price, rub. |
Black card | 1000 | 385 |
Paulig Arabica | 689 | |
Egoiste Noir | 732 | |
Movenpick Caffe Crema | 1000 | |
Jardin Crema | 640 | |
Dallmayr Crema d'Oro | 1200 | |
Illy medium roast | 1500 | 4000 |
Lavazza Crema e Aroma | 1000 | 1100 |
Julius Meinl Espresso Premium Collection | 1470 | |
Kimbo Extra Cream | 1370 |
Flavored coffee
This is the name of coffee, which is specially additionally flavored with natural additives. It could be vanilla, caramel, hazelnut, almond. It is used to prepare espresso, Americano, latte, and cappuccino. The rating included one such product, recognized as the best according to reviews from coffee lovers.
Live Coffee Espresso
Premium bean coffee based on pure Arabica. Before going on sale, raw materials are fried to a not very rich brown color. The process occurs evenly, so there is no unpleasant bitterness. The finished drink has an original aroma and a pronounced chocolate taste.
Live Coffee is designed primarily for making espresso, but the drink is very strong, so it is not suitable for hypertensive patients. When brewing in a machine or a Turk, practically no sediment is formed, as is the case with powder. The packaging sells already ground raw materials, which allows you to save on a coffee grinder.
Advantages:
- You don't need to let it sit for a long time to develop the aroma;
- Composition – 100% Arabica;
- Pleasant citrus notes;
- Optimal caffeine concentration;
- It invigorates well.
Flaws:
- Valid for 12 months from the date of production.
This option is recognized as safe for humans, as it does not contain GMOs and is grown in environmentally friendly areas.
Carraro Qualita Oro
An option for those who prefer a soft taste with velvety and delicate shades. It is characterized by an intense and persistent floral aroma that lasts for a long time. The smell develops even more as you use it.
Carraro Qualita Oro consists of Arabica and Robusta. The beans have a medium degree of roasting, without giving off any unpleasant bitterness. The drink is specially flavored, but has a natural smell. Raw materials are sold in tight vacuum packaging, protected from moisture penetration inside. Their volume is 500 g.
Advantages:
- Optimal ratio of species;
- Slow consumption;
- Suitable for both car and Turk;
- Easy to grind;
- Does not leave dust.
Flaws:
- Not detected.
In the ranking of bean coffee, this option is distinguished by its 80% Arabica content and 20% Robusta.
Gutenberg Irishcream
Organic product with 100% Arabica content. The packaging is free of dust and foreign matter. It has a medium degree of roasting, which makes its taste moderately bitter and its smell persistent. Artificial flavoring gives it intensity, but this does not pose any harm to health.
Gutenberg Irish cream is a black type that is often used to make espresso and Americano. It can be done either in a special apparatus or in an ordinary Turk. The raw materials are packaged in vacuum paper bags with a volume of 250 g. The shelf life is 540 days.
Advantages:
- Natural composition;
- Natural taste;
- Easy to grind;
- No sediment;
- Versatility in cooking.
Flaws:
- Not sold in all stores.
To prevent the product from deteriorating, you need to store it in dry, clean and well-ventilated areas. The air humidity in the room should not exceed 70%. The minimum permissible temperature is +5 degrees, the maximum is 25.
Comparison of the best bean coffee brands
Every buyer who wants to choose truly high-quality, tasty coffee can compare several brands of bean coffee in order to find the most suitable option.
Coffee beans are the seeds of red or yellow coffee berries that grow on evergreen trees around the equator and in the tropics.
For comparison, we selected several packages of coffee in the price category from 200 to 400 rubles:
- Live Espresso coffee;
- Egoiste Noir;
- Marcony Venezia Bar;
- Jacobs Crema.
Coffee brand name | Grain type | Type of drink to prepare | Type of packaging | Additional Information | Best before date | Price |
Live Espresso coffee | Arabica | Espresso | Soft | Medium roast, light citrus notes, refined aftertaste | 12 months | 654 rubles |
Egoiste Noir | Arabica | Espresso, Americano, Ristretto | Soft | Rich taste, medium roast. Recommended storage in a cool place | 48 months | 409 rubles |
Marcony Venezia Bar | Blend of Robusta and Arabica | Espresso, Americano | Vacuum | Recommended storage in a dark, cool place | 24 months | 380 rubles |
Jacobs Crema | Arabica | Espresso, Americano | Vacuum | Rich, soft taste. Easy preparation of a drink in a Turk or coffee machine | 18 months | 242 rubles |
The most expensive coffee presented in comparison is Live Espresso coffee. The most budget-friendly, affordable coffee is Jacobs Crema.
All coffee brands in comparison are of excellent quality and medium roast - this is the standard option that most buyers like.
Decaffeinated coffee beans
According to standards, such beans contain no more than 0.3% caffeine. This percentage can be achieved through decaffeination (removal of the substance). Typically the process begins with steaming the green raw material. This procedure does not remove other components. One product of the specified type, recognized as safe, has been added to the TOP.
Julius Meinl Zumtobel
The grain drink retains its taste and aroma due to decaffeination through vaporization. This way, caffeine is removed, making the drink safe for people with high blood pressure and other contraindications. It is difficult to distinguish it from real coffee.
Julius Meinl Zumtobel can be consumed at any time of the day, including before bed. The absence of the active substance does not cause insomnia. The product is suitable for cooking both in a Turkish oven and in a car. It is made from pure Arabica coffee, medium roasted and belongs to the black variety.
Advantages:
- Has no contraindications;
- Rich taste;
- Bright aroma;
- No foreign inclusions;
- Pleasant aftertaste.
Flaws:
- High price.
To preserve the beneficial properties, original taste and smell, the packaging must be kept in a room with a temperature of up to 27°C and a humidity of no more than 75%. The opened package must be tightly closed to prevent water from penetrating inside.
How to choose coffee beans
Which coffee beans will be the best depends on the richness, brightness and memorability of the taste, which should evoke a pleasant sensation. It is also important to have an invigorating and persistent aroma. It is important that it is fried evenly and does not contain any foreign matter. To avoid damage, you should choose raw materials packaged in cans or thick craft packaging.
Type of grains
The most common varieties on the market are Arabica and Robusta. It is the first that accounts for more than 80% of plantations in the world. However, due to the difficulty of growing and capriciousness to weather conditions, it costs more than its competitor. This option is suitable for lovers of bright tastes and aromas with light sweet notes.
Robusta is preferable for connoisseurs of light sourness combined with vanilla or caramel notes. It has more caffeine than Arabica. Therefore, this type is more relevant for people who must limit its consumption for some reason.
If you want something in between Robusta and Arabica, then you should give preference to a blend based on them. In this case, the optimal combination is considered to be 20% of the first and 80% of the second component.
Drink type
Most beans available on the market are suitable for making espresso. With medium and high roasting, you can safely cook Americano. It is relevant for French presses and drip coffee machines, which produce large portions.
Those who prefer to cook raw materials in a cezve should pay attention to the dark, very last degree of roasting. However, here you need a very fine grind, almost to dust. A special Armenian coffee grinder will help you achieve it.
For preparing light morning coffee from Turkish beans, lightly roasted beans are best suited. It turns out soft and pleasant, gives the right amount of energy, but at the same time does not impair sleep. This is an excellent option for diluting with milk.
Country of origin
If you want sourness, you can buy a product from Honduras. Fans of natural mixtures of organic origin are advised to take a closer look at products from Peru or Mexico. Connoisseurs of strong drinks will not be mistaken in choosing Vietnamese products. If the priority is the taste of chocolate, then the Ethiopian variety will be relevant.
Trademarks from Guatemala are famous for their expensive premium products, which are carefully selected before frying. Fans of exotic tastes should pay attention to Indian and Colombian products. For those who prefer the classics, it is better to buy a version from Brazil, which is the leader in the number of Arabica beans grown.
Aroma
Arabica drinks have an invigorating aroma. To create a bitter taste, it is mixed with robusta. Fans of a distinct smell should pay attention to flavored coffee. For this, vanilla, hazelnut, almond, and Amaretto liqueur are used.
The benefits and harms of strong coffee
It is important to know how this invigorating drink, beloved by millions, affects the body. First of all, many people choose coffee as the easiest way to cheer up and overcome drowsiness. But it also has many more properties that have a beneficial effect on the body:
- For people suffering from hypotension, a cup of strong coffee will help normalize blood pressure.
- When traveling, tourists are recommended to drink the drink twice a day for faster acclimatization.
- Studies have shown that drinking strong coffee every morning reduces the risk of developing Parkinson's and Alzheimer's diseases.
- In small doses, the drink will help prevent migraines.
- Women who drink strong coffee are less likely to suffer from painful menstruation.
- Caffeine reduces the risk of developing cancer.
However, you should remember that you should not get carried away with strong coffee. Its excessive use is fraught with adverse consequences:
- Caffeine is a mild alkaloid that is addictive, forcing you to increase the dose.
- In large quantities, coffee leads to overexcitation and premature wear and tear of the brain and central nervous system.
- Abuse of strong varieties can lead to a decrease in the absorption of minerals (magnesium and potassium) and B vitamins.
- Increased caffeine content causes hormonal imbalance: increased production of cortisol and adrenaline, which leads to disruption of the functioning of the thyroid gland.
On a note!
If you observe moderation and do not overindulge in your favorite drink, you can enjoy strong coffee every day. A safe dose of caffeine for a healthy person is considered to be 400 mg - this amount is contained in 2 cups of Turkish coffee or 4 servings of espresso.
For many people, coffee is the drink with which they usually start their day. More often, it is the strong types that are chosen, as they help to cheer up. But you should not overuse coffee, because despite all its beneficial properties, in large quantities it can be addictive and have a negative effect on the body.
Which coffee beans is better?
At a minimum water temperature, you can brew so-called Scandinavian light roast coffee. It barely colors the liquid and has the aroma of fresh bread. Strong processing is suitable for connoisseurs of a strong and aromatic drink. The best option is medium level.
Here's what coffee beans are best for a coffee machine and Turkish coffee, taking into account taste preferences:
- Not very strong espresso is obtained from the “Moscow coffee house on Arabica coffee” mixture with a soft and pleasant aroma.
- Connoisseurs of the classic drink should like Starbucks Blonde Espresso Roast made from pure Arabica beans.
- Fans of rich taste should pay attention to Illy, consisting of 9 varieties of robusta.
- A delicious, invigorating Americano comes out when prepared in a coffee machine or Turk from Paulig Arabica.
- If you want to achieve a beautiful foam, then it is recommended to choose Jardin Piazza del Caffe Crema Vellutata.
- For breakfast, Lavazza Gusto Forte with chocolate aroma and moderate strength will be just right.
- For those who appreciate a chocolate flavor, you can buy Live Espresso Coffee, pre-ground.
- For fans of floral aroma, Carraro Qualita Oro, consisting of a mixture of Arabica and Robusta, will be very useful.
- If we are talking about making espresso, then Gutenberg Irish Cream will be just right.
- Those who cannot consume caffeine, for example, those with hypertension, should give preference to Julius Meinl Zumtobel.
The TOP 10 delicious coffee beans represent the most popular coffee beans on the market, recognized as safe, aromatic and enjoyable. When combining these options, the choice should not disappoint.
TOP 12 bean coffee brands
Our rating includes only the best coffee brands that are popular among customers and have good reviews and ratings.
Photo | Name | Rating | Price | |
#1 | Marcony Venezia Bar | ⭐ 5 / 5 3 - votes | Find out the price | |
#2 | Barista Blend No. 4 | ⭐ 4.95 / 5 2 - votes | Find out the price | |
#3 | Espresso Live coffee | ⭐ 4.9 / 5 1 - voice | Find out the price | |
#4 | Egoiste Noir | ⭐ 4.85 / 5 7 — votes | Find out the price | |
#5 | Jardin Crema | ⭐ 4.8 / 5 2 - votes | Find out the price | |
#6 | Jacobs Crema | ⭐ 4.75 / 5 3 - votes | Find out the price | |
#7 | Compaginia Dell Arabica | ⭐ 4.7 / 5 1 - voice | Find out the price | |
#8 | Ambrassador Nero | ⭐ 4.65 / 5 2 - votes | Find out the price | |
#9 | Lavazza Gran Crema Expresso | ⭐ 4.6 / 5 7 — votes | Find out the price | |
#10 | Caffe Corsini Classio | ⭐ 4.6 / 5 2 - votes | Find out the price | |
#11 | Veronesse Espresso Grande | ⭐ 4.55 / 5 1 - voice | Find out the price | |
#12 | Schwiizer Crema | ⭐ 4.5 / 5 1 - voice | Find out the price |
What coffee beans would you choose or recommend?
Take the survey