Among the most popular daily drinks are always fruit juices, tea and, of course, coffee. After all, coffee is the perfect combination of invigorating tart taste and pleasant aroma. The popularity of the drink has created conditions for the emergence of strong competition among its manufacturers, each of which strives to top the ranking of the best representatives of their industry. The best brands of ground coffee will be discussed in this material.
The role of coffee in the life of a modern person
The rhythm of modern life often requires full concentration of strength and attention; following this rhythm, a person begins to get tired quickly, and he simply needs an additional charge of vigor. Sometimes even one cup of cappuccino or espresso is enough to solve this problem. Here you can either quickly brew instant coffee, or do everything without rushing: roast the beans, grind them, and then brew everything in a Turk. However, there is another option - ground coffee, when you want a real classic drink, but there is no time for long preparatory procedures.
Coffee classification
The taste of the natural drink depends both on the type of coffee tree and on the place where it grows. There is a product classification that takes these factors into account:
- Arabica. The natural habitat of this tree variety is the east of the African continent. Now this species is cultivated in India, Brazil, and Indonesia. Arabica has gained high popularity due to its rich sweetish taste and pronounced aroma. This variety has a reduced caffeine content, and you can achieve the desired degree of bitterness by controlling the degree of roasting. Interestingly, even slight differences in the climatic conditions of different regions of the planet can affect the taste of the same variety of coffee tree fruit. Thus, the product produced in the homeland of this tree gives the taste of berries, the Indian product has a chocolate flavor, and the Brazilian product has a slight nutty note.
- Robusta. The birthplace of this variety is also Africa, but only the central part of this continent. Robusta is not grown anywhere else in the world. The variety is distinguished by its increased strength of taste and astringency of its aroma. It is the main raw material for the production of instant drinks. In addition, most manufacturers usually mix it half and half with Arabica.
- Liberica. Another representative of the African flora. The bitterness of its grains is even higher than that of Robusta, and accordingly the aroma is also very rich. For these reasons, Liberica is used more as an additional ingredient in the creation of different varieties of finished products sold.
- Excelsa. Representative of Indian varieties. The originality of taste and smell has made it the most expensive variety in the world today. But his admirers are willing to pay a lot of money for the right to enjoy the taste of Excelsa.
Reviews
Evgenia: We haven’t bought coffee bags for a long time. We prefer beans that are ground before brewing. Sometimes we buy ready-made ground. It's better than instant. Among budget brands, we prefer Jardine, and among expensive brands, Illy.
Margarita: Coffee is the drink that always brings me back to life in the morning. I buy only ground and only the highest grade, since I don’t want to drink a mixture of acorns and oats.
Tatyana: Today it is very difficult to buy a good ground product; the quality stated in advertisements and on packs is far from being confirmed in reality, so I rarely drink it, replacing it with green tea, which is also quite invigorating.
Ivan: I have one constant leader - Italian Lavazza, which, in my opinion, keeps the quality at the level and confirms its price. I cook it in a Turkish boiler and enjoy it.
The difference between ground coffee and instant coffee
The differences between ground and instant coffee lie in their production technologies. The instant product is very convenient to consume, store and transport. But people who are accustomed to brewing their hot drink only from roasted and ground grains do not recognize the taste of the instant product.
The use of already ground beans is a kind of compromise between maintaining the authenticity of taste and the convenience of using the instant version of the drink.
There are 3 degrees of grain grinding. The differences in grinding levels depend on how the final hot product will be prepared:
- Coffee machines use coarser ground coffee.
- Medium grind is intended for drip coffee makers.
- For cooking in a regular homemade Turk, finely ground grains are used.
Instant and ground coffee differ not only in taste, but also in the content of various microelements.
The ground version is characterized by a high content of potassium, magnesium and lipid acids. Potassium has a positive effect on the structure of muscle and bone tissue. Due to the high magnesium content, the consumption of the drink can control the processes of expansion and contraction of blood vessels. And lipid acids have an inhibitory effect on cancer cells.
Since instant coffee is made from Robusta beans, it contains more caffeine. Ground coffee is made from a mixture of Robusta and Arabica.
However, for those who like to count calories, it should be noted that there are approximately twice as many of them in the ground version as in the instant version. One cup of a natural drink contains 5-7 calories, while an instant drink contains only 2-3.
Criteria for selecting ground coffee
It is not a good idea to decide to buy ground coffee in bulk. This method of purchasing is good only if the grains are ground in front of the buyer. If the ground product lies on the display case for a long time, it will undoubtedly lose some of its properties. If the product arrives at the store already ground, then it must have sealed and opaque packaging. The best material for such packaging is three-layer foil.
As for the taste of the product, you should know the degree of roasting of the beans. The 5 degrees of roasting have their own conventional names:
- Scandinavian roast. This is a light degree of roasting when the color of the roasted beans is at the stage of transition from beige to brown, that is, this color can be called dark beige or light brown. The taste and aroma here are also not very pronounced.
- Medium or, as it is also called, American roast. The grains are characterized by a bright brown color. A slight bitterness appears in the taste.
- Viennese. Here, roasting stops at the stage of the appearance of a characteristic shine on the surface of the grains. A slight sweetish taste appears.
- Strong or French roast. Here the grains are brought to a chocolate color. The taste is filled with characteristic astringency.
- Italian roast. The beans have the appearance of very dark chocolate, even closer to black. This degree of roasting is suitable for lovers of a strong, bitter drink.
General information about carob-type coffee makers
This device for brewing coffee gets its name from the features of its device. The ground grains are poured into a special nest - a glass or metal horn (it is also called a holder in English). Steam from heated water is passed through it under pressure from 9 to 15 bar.
The devices are automatic, semi-automatic and manual. To prepare large volumes of coffee, double-horn coffee makers are used.
The main difference between carob coffee makers and other types of devices is a special technology, thanks to which the drink is prepared very quickly, and the amount of sediment in the cup is minimal.
Regardless of how coffee is poured into the holder - manually or automatically, the general operating principle is the same:
- The water heats up and turns into steam, which is passed through the ground grains.
- In a special compartment, the steam is concentrated, turning into an aromatic drink.
The preparation time for coffee in a carob coffee maker is only 1–2 minutes.
Coffee makers may differ in the design of the holder: the best are those with a double bottom, which optimizes the preparation process. The volume of the horn itself and the water container are different (coffee makers are available that connect to a water supply and supply water to the reservoir directly through a softener filter).
Sometimes they are equipped with additional functions that allow you to adjust the level of steam pressure. Coffee makers are also equipped with a cappuccino maker for frothing milk.
Rating of the best ground coffee in 2022
When making and packaging ground grains, it is necessary to follow certain rules to preserve freshness and aroma. Few manufacturers can boast of strict adherence to these rules.
Jardin
The first place is occupied by the Jardin brand (produced in Switzerland and Russia). Arabica is mainly used. The choice is quite extensive; The presented line also includes ground coffee, divided into categories according to taste and strength. Another advantage of this brand’s products is their affordable price. And finally, this product can be found in most mass market stores.
Jardin ground coffee
Cost: 330 rub. 250 g.
Advantages:
- a high percentage of caffeine gives energy to the body;
- special marking indicating the strength of the coffee;
- the price starts from 300 rubles;
- guaranteed drink quality.
Flaws:
- No.
Camardo
The Italian product Camardo is catching up with the leader in the table of best manufacturers. The main ingredients are selected varieties of Robusta and Arabica. A distinctive side is the blend of ground coffee beans, which impart moderate strength, a slight hint of bitterness and a small amount of acidity. Particular attention is paid to the outer shell of the coffee. The packaging preserves all the beneficial properties present in the grains.
Cost: 550 rub. for 250 g.
Camardo ground coffee
Advantages:
- rich and slightly bitter, tart taste;
- tight sealed packaging;
- certification;
- safe processing of beans, which has a beneficial effect on the quality of the drink.
Flaws:
- No.
Mauro
The Italian brand Mauro, which is popular among Russian buyers, closes the top three. He is among the elite of coffee producers because he produces blends for making espresso. Like Camardo, the basis for the coffee is a blend of Arabica and Robusta.
Mauro ground coffee
Cost: 460 rub. for 250 g.
Advantages:
- special Italian recipe;
- wide bouquet of tastes;
- pleasant aroma.
Flaws:
- not found everywhere.
Live coffee
Russian "Live Coffee" is a good brewed product. Quite easy to prepare and can be found almost everywhere. Brazilian Arabica forms the basis of this coffee. The brand has a wide range, so you can easily choose the right taste.
Cost: 200 rub. for 250 g.
Live ground coffee
Advantages:
- interesting and spicy taste with bitterness;
- big choice;
- affordable price tag.
Flaws:
- not very reliable packaging.
Lavazza
The next position is again occupied by the Italian manufacturer Lavazza. Consists entirely of Arabica beans. This brand presents its coffee as a drink for connoisseurs. A special component is the high-mountain varieties of plants growing on Brazilian and Central American plantations. The beans go through a medium roast, and then the coffee is placed in cans or sealed foil bags, protecting the contents from external influences.
Cost: 250 rub. for 250 g.
Lavazza ground coffee
Advantages:
- natural;
- bright and rich aroma;
- quality product.
Flaws:
- Not all products from the range can be brewed in a cup.
Paulig (Finland)
Paulig's classic ground product is made in Finland from high-quality coffee beans grown on the African continent. The mixture consists of 70% Arabica and about 30% Robusta. Coffee is supplied in high-quality vacuum packaging with the brand logo. Due to the universal grinding, the coffee is well suited for a coffee machine, manual brewing in a Turk, or a coffee maker of any power. The price is very affordable and starts from 300 rubles for 250 g of product.
Paulig ground coffee
Advantages:
- low cost of goods;
- the widest choice of packaging volumes from small to kilogram;
- roasting varies from light to strong;
- amazing deep taste.
Flaws:
- Some customers don't like the particular flavor.
Illi (Italy)
The owners of the Illi coffee brand, with a true Italian love for coffee, create an incredibly captivating drink in their own factories, delighting gourmets around the world. Selected Arabica beans are purchased from the most trusted suppliers on all four continents, so that the discerning buyer can enjoy the unusual blend and memorable taste of the drink.
Santos coffee beans from Brazil are the basis of most of Illi's famous blends. The most popular classic Illi coffee blends:
- lli Classico - a velvety taste with caramel-fruit notes and the perfect combination of noble bitterness is liked by fans of medium-roasted beans.
- Illi Intenso - dark roast deliciously reveals the taste, giving notes of chocolate and sweet almonds.
- Illi Strong - the whole philosophy of coffee as an invigorating drink is collected in this type of mixture. For those who are ready for strong sensations.
Thanks to the special “dark roasting” technology, coffee acquires a light, refined bitterness and an incredibly natural taste of chocolate with a hint of sweetness.
Cost: 500 rub. 250 g.
Illi ground coffee
Advantages:
- the highest level of quality for all brand products;
- more than 100,000 companies in different parts of the world purchase coffee from Illi;
- Illi coffee is only 100% Arabica in various roasting variations;
- High-class specialists develop the best coffee blends.
Flaws:
- high price - for a package of 250 you will have to pay more than 800 rubles.
Kimbo (Italy)
Gourmet Kimbo coffee is produced in Italy. The brand itself comes from Naples and is among the top five Italian coffee producers in terms of sales volume. Kimbo's popularity is due to the widest selection of products for a wide variety of consumers. Numerous praising reviews of the taste of this coffee are based on the exclusive traditional roasting of beans in Neapolitan style, which gives a completely unusual taste to the usual drink. The percentage of Robusta and Arabica is kept in the strictest confidence.
Price from 390 rubles for 250 g.
Kimbo ground coffee
Advantages:
- the excellent quality of coffee is visible already at the brewing stage;
- balance in the main indicators of acidity and bitterness, as well as interesting variations in the taste and strength of coffee;
- high-tech production.
Flaws:
- You can mainly purchase it in the online store.
Madeo (Russia)
The Moscow company Madeo has been on the coffee market for 14 years and has already managed to win the hearts of many consumers with its quality products. A huge selection of over 150 types of coffee from all plantations around the world meets the most demanding needs of customers. The Madeo brand offers for sale only natural coffee blends, including dessert varieties with chocolate, or ground mixtures of various roasts.
Price per package of 200 g from 300 rubles.
Madeo ground coffee
Advantages:
- bright taste of the drink;
- easy to prepare (can be brewed directly in a cup);
- a wide range of mixtures for every taste: from fruit and chocolate notes to alcoholic ones with a special signature bitterness.
Flaws:
- You can buy either in company stores or in the manufacturer’s online store.
Malongo (France)
The product of the French brand Malongo is among the top ten best coffee producers in 2022. The Malongo company has a half-century history from a small, almost family business to a large national manufacturer with many exclusive patents for production technologies. Coffee beans are supplied to factories from plantations in Kenya, Colombia, India and other regions of the world. The main part of the brand's products are luxury coffee blends. There are also organic coffees.
The cost of a 250 g package is from 750 rubles.
Malongo ground coffee
Advantages:
- excellent taste and aroma of the drink;
- excellent quality of grains used in production.
Flaws:
- premium product with a high price.
Hausbrandt (Italy)
The Hausbrandt brand was founded just over 100 years ago in Trieste and has been delighting customers with excellent coffee for a long time. The company employs high-level specialists who have developed various coffee blends with a huge palette of tastes and aromas. The company controls the quality of products at all stages of production - this is a guarantee of safety and exquisite taste. South America and Africa are the main suppliers of quality raw materials for Hausbrandt factories. The beans are roasted for a long time at very low temperatures - this preserves all the benefits of the drink in the finished product. The uniqueness of all blends is preserved in every cup of the drink.
Cost: 500 rub. for 250 g.
Hausbrandt ground coffee
Advantages:
- consistent quality of all products;
- correct, gentle roasting;
- exclusive production technology;
- control of the production of each package;
- Different types of packaging allow you to make the right choice.
Flaws:
- difficult to acquire.
Degree of roasting of beans
Roasting of coffee beans can be of different intensity
Just like meat can be fried or may contain blood, coffee can be of different degrees of roasting - weak (light), medium, strong and high. Which one to choose is purely a matter of taste.
- Lightly roasted beans have a mild taste and are usually used to make drinks with the addition of milk or cream.
- Medium-roasted beans hold the lead among coffee lovers, as they have a strong aroma and a bitter “coffee” taste.
- Highly roasted coffee for those who love pure dark and strong coffee.
- Highly roasted coffee will appeal to those who value strength and bitterness in this drink. It is from these beans that espresso and double espresso are prepared.
In general, it depends on the taste and color, as they say, but one rule must be followed in any case - roasting must be uniform.
Lavazza Tierra Selection
Medium roast blend, Arabica variety. The grains are grown in Brazil. Price from 1300 rub.
Pros:
- Stability of raw materials
- Moderate taste
- Chocolate notes can be seen in the aftertaste
Minuses:
- The packaging is intended for one-time opening
- Hand mills must be used to avoid overheating.
La Famiglia Pellegrini Kenya
Kenyan medium roast Arabica coffee. Price from 1500 rub.
Pros:
- Stable quality
- Strong deep aroma
- Pronounced sourness for lovers
Minuses:
- Foam and taste depend on the cooking method
- Not everyone likes sourness
What to look for when choosing
In order not to be mistaken about how to choose the most delicious ground coffee, it is recommended that you familiarize yourself with the criteria:
- Single variety or mixtures. Arabica is milder in taste, without bitter notes, but contains less caffeine. Robusta is strong, but the taste is bitter. Perhaps mixtures are more suitable - this will have to be decided by trial.
- The degree of roasting also affects the taste. Even Arabica beans can be roasted so that they become bitter. Brands of Italian and French coffee have a richer and bitter taste due to long roasting. Spanish producers produce the most roasted beans.
- The presence of additional ingredients, for example, cognac or liqueur. Most of them are of artificial origin, so it is better to add spices yourself so as not to spoil the taste of the grains.
- Soft or hard packaging. Experts believe that it is better to buy the hard one, but if the soft one has a special valve, this indicates that the product was sealed immediately after grinding.
- Manufacturer. Even the most famous and expensive variety may not be to your liking, so first it is better to go through different premium brands, decide on the manufacturer, and then look for your taste in more detail.
- Freshness. One of the most important indicators. The sooner the product reaches the store, the better.
A rating in Russia based on brands and quality will help you understand which ground coffee is the best. Why only in Russia? Because some varieties are produced in limited quantities and you won’t be able to buy them in every supermarket.
Video: How to choose the best coffee
At best, you can buy a fake and get the wrong opinion. Russian consumers are not characterized by a scrupulous attitude towards the drink, as, for example, in the East or in Italy, so they prefer to choose based on price.
Compagnia Dell'Arabica Jamaica Blue Mountain
Rare single variety Arabica. The blend is collected in Jamaica, from high mountain fields. Price from 44,000 rubles.
Pros:
- Unforgettable taste
- Multifaceted aroma
- Premium coffee
Minuses:
- Difficult to buy
- High price
Di Maestri Sicilia
Coffee with a very interesting aroma. It is composed of 80% Culumbian and Guatemalan
Arabica and 20% Robusta from Indonesia.
Pros:
- Deep strong taste
- Unusual aftertaste with chocolate notes and spice elements
Minuses:
- Fortress
- Oxidizes in air
Goppion Caffe JBM
Medium roast coffee from highland Jamaican fields. Price from 1800 rubles
Pros:
- Coffee is light and versatile in preparation
- Characteristic taste for its more expensive counterpart Jamaica Blue Mountain
- Excellent combination of price and taste
Minuses:
- Difficult to buy
- Regular non-vacuum packaging
Diemme Caffe Miscela Excellent
Medium roast Arabica is a blend of beans from Colombia, Costa Rica, Brazil, Kenya and Tanzania. Price from 1500 rubles and above.
Pros:
- Stability of raw materials
- No bitterness or astringency in taste
- The blend is ideal for making espresso
Minuses:
- Overpriced
- The taste depends on the type of grind and the type of coffee grinder.
Pelican Rouge Orfeo
Dark roast coffee made from 20% Robusta and 80% Arabica. Price from 1150 rubles
Pros:
- Favorable combination of price and quality
- Revitalizing effect of the drink
- There is no sourness in the taste
Minuses:
- Unstable blend quality
- Oxidizes in air
