Best-Ground-Coffees

Top 15 Best Ground Coffee for a Smooth, Rich Blend

We all enjoy coffee- whether it is at the start of our workday or in the evening with a little tidbit and some cookies, with friends and loved ones, or maybe at night to prevent the clutches of slumber grasping us during an all-night study session. Coffee is a staple in our daily lives.

While you may be tempted to rush out to your nearest Starbucks outlet or any café near your workplace to grab a quick coffee, a more feasible and cost-effective alternative might be to brew coffee by yourself at home. The best ground coffee will allow you to make smooth coffee that suits your preferences. It can have the perfect aroma, flavor, texture, acidic, bitterness, strength and not to mention the right dose of caffeine for your need and liking

Things to Consider Before Buying Ground Coffee

Strength 

Most people prefer to drink very strong coffees. The strength of a coffee will determine how efficient it is to prevent you from falling asleep, ward of any tiredness, and give you a sufficient boost of energy to keep you active and energetic throughout the day. The caffeine content of the different types of coffee can vary widely between a range starting from 100 mg per oz to up to 500mg per oz.

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Quantity

Most packs of ground coffee contain 12-20oz of coffee but some contain a lot more. If you drink coffee regularly, you might want a get a big bag of ground coffee so that you do not need to run to the stores frequently. If you are trying out new flavors or are skeptical about the quality, you might want to get a small pack.

Flavor

The manufacturers of coffee offer quite a myriad of options, variants, and flavors for you to choose from; you must experiment a little before you settle for the best one for your need. The common flavors in coffee are Vanilla, French roast, hazelnut or chocolate accents, floral additions, cinnamon or caramel flavors, etc. to name a few.

Type

Coffee can be available as a grounded or a whole bean variant. You have to ground the bean ones yourself; while this is more flavorful and aromatic, it is also a bit of a hassle to do it daily.

Decaf coffee is also widely available from almost all brands-this is coffee with trace or no amounts of caffeine for people whose blood pressure rises or have digestive issues.

Coffee can be purchased by the region of origin: Columbian, Indonesian, Brazilian or Hawaiian estate produce one of the best coffee in the world. The common type of coffee beans are Arabica (low yielding crops, with more flavors and less acidity) and Robusta beans (more acidic and harsh flavors).

Roast Level

Ground coffee usually comes in three types of roasts including a light roast, a medium roast, and a dark roast. Light and medium roasted ground coffee is unlikely to be oily and has a lighter shade compared to dark roasted ground coffee. If you love strong coffee, you might want to go for one that has medium or dark roast as they tend to have a bold flavor.

Grind Size

The most common grind sizes you will come across are coarse, extra-coarse, medium, fine, and extra-fine. If you want to make cold brew coffee or a French Press, you should use coarse or extra-coarse ground coffee. For the ones who make coffee following the pour-over or drip method, medium ground coffee will work just fine. Espresso, Moka Pot, or Turkish coffee will require fine or extra-fine ground coffee.

Packaging

Generally, ground coffee is stored in packages or bricks. Some have air-tight sealing to prevent loss of flavor. Some also come in cans or plastic containers. When buying a bigger pack, remember that coffee loses flavor the longer you keep it. You may also want to refrigerate the pack when not in use- this keeps the aroma intact. If not, just find a cool dark place for storage.

License

Most coffees nowadays come with a USDA and Fair Trade certification. A USDA certification is just proof that coffee is grown organically, without the addition of harmful additives or chemicals. The Fair Trade certification acknowledges that farmers were not exploited for labor and were given their fair share of profit.

Top 15 Best Ground Coffee


Product NameNet Weight
(ounce)
FlavorType of RoastPackage TypeGrade
Death Wish Ground Coffee16.00 Cherry, ChocolateDarkBagA
Starbucks Ground Coffee20.00Pike PlaceMediumBagA
Kicking Horse Coffee10.00Smart AssMediumBagA
Valhalla Java Ground Coffee12.00Dark Roast CoffeeDarkBagA
Tim Hortons Ground Coffee32.00Original MediumCanA
AmazonFresh Ground Coffee12.00HazelnutMediumBagA
Stumptown Coffee Roasters Ground Coffee12.00Hair BenderMediumBagA
Lavazza Crema e Gusto Ground Coffee8.80Crema e GustoDarkBagA
Peet's Ground Coffee20.00Major Dickason's BlendDarkBagB
AmazonFresh Donut Cafe Ground Coffee12.00Donut CafeMediumBagB
Seattle's Best Ground Coffee12.00Variety Medium MediumBagA
Kauai Whole Bean Coffee10.00Medium RoastMediumBagB
Melitta Colombian Supreme Ground Coffee22.00Colombian SupremeMediumCanB
Kirkland Signature Colombian Coffee48.00100% ColumbianDarkCanA
Caribou Ground Coffee12.00Caribou BlendMediumBagA

1. Death Wish Ground Coffee  

Highlighted Features

  • Higher amounts of caffeine than average grounded coffee available in the market
  • Fair Trade and USDA certified organic coffee
  • Packaged for goodness: airtight packaging to help seal aroma and flavors; package and shipped the day it is roasted

This pack of ground coffee is perfect for individuals who regularly need a high dose of caffeine to get through the day. Whether you are pulling an all-nighter or working a double shift, one or two cups of this strong, rich coffee will give you lots of energy.

The 16oz bag is full of high-quality Arabica and Robusta coffee beans that are carefully extracted from all over the world. The dark roasted coffee beans provide an intense burst of flavor that helps to start your day better. Although this ground coffee has a very bold taste, it is never bitter. It has a hint of cherry and dark chocolate flavors and can be enjoyed with or without milk.

The ground coffee is made using organic ingredients that do not increase your acidity level. It does not contain any toxic chemical stimulants that are typically found in ground coffee. It is safe for your health and vegetarians will be able to enjoy this product as well.

What we liked: It has a smooth and creamy texture that blends well. Plus, it does not leave a bitter aftertaste. It also has a rich aroma and provides an instant burst of energy.

What we didn’t like: The coffee is not as strong as it claims to be. Many consumers have said that caffeine has not worked for them.

2. Starbucks Ground Coffee  

Highlighted Features

  • Comes in a 20oz bag
  • Made using pure arabica coffee

If you love flavored coffee, then you might want to try Starbucks Ground Coffee. The Pike Place flavor is known for its nutty flavor so you will get a hint of chocolate and toasted nuts in each sip. It allows you to make great coffee at home.

You will receive a pack filled with 20 ounces of medium-roasted coffee grounds that are completely made using premium arabica seeds. You will be able to prepare this coffee by using a coffee brewer, a coffee press, a pour-over, or even a Moka pot. It is recommended to use cold filtered water for making this coffee.

It does not come in a resealable bag so you will need to transfer the coffee grounds to an airtight container to keep it fresh and potent for longer periods of time. It is important that you store it in a cool, dry place that is away from direct sunlight.

What we liked: The coffee grounds are full of flavor. The coffee tastes a bit sweet so you might not need to add any sugar or other sweeteners to it.

What we didn’t like: It might taste a bit bitter if you do not follow instructions step by step.

3. Kicking Horse Coffee  

Highlighted Features

  • Kosher
  • Fair Trade and USDA certified organic coffee
  • Includes 10 ounces of medium-roasted coffee

The Kicking Horse Coffee has a rich aroma and taste that help to start your morning with a positive attitude. It smells like a mix between vanilla beans, sweet syrup, and stone fruits and it tastes quite sweet. It has a milk-chocolatey taste with tangy, fruity hints.

It contains a high amount of caffeine which makes it perfect for having it with breakfast or before work. It is made using pure Arabica shade-grown coffee so you can expect it to be quite strong and smooth. The coffee grounds are ethically sourced from Africa, South America, and Central America.

It is recommended to use fresh, cold, filtered water for making the coffee. You should use two tablespoons of coffee grounds for every cup of coffee. You may use a bit more if you want a really strong dose of coffee. The coffee can be prepared following the pour-over method or using a drip machine. You will also be able to make cold brew coffee.

What we liked: The coffee does not cause acidity or heartburn which makes it suitable for every use. Moreover, you will need only a little amount of these coffee grounds to make a strong cup of coffee.

What we didn’t like: It does not come in a resealable bag so you will need to store the coffee grounds in an airtight container to keep the aroma and flavors locked in.

4. Valhalla Java Ground Coffee 

Highlighted Features

  • Strong, dark roasted coffee with large caffeine content

Valhalla is a stronger variant of grounded coffee by the manufacturer Death Wish. It has a caffeine content greater than about 600mg per cup, two to three times that of regular grounded coffee available in the market. It has a more mellowed flavor in comparison to Death Wish and a darker roast.

It is enough to wake you up fresh in the morning without hitting you too hard. It takes some time for the caffeine rush to kick in. It is medium grounded, not very fine, and about 2 to 3 tablespoons of the grounded coffee are recommended for a 6 oz. serving.

Furthermore, Death Wish is reputed for their impeccable customer service- several customers have gladly reported getting fresh deliveries or replacement when they complained that the coffee purchased was not fresh enough.

What we liked: The coffee has good flavors, is quite strong, and does not leave a bad aftertaste.

What we didn’t like: The coffee includes a high amount of caffeine so you might want to stick to drinking only one cup of this coffee per day.

5. Tim Hortons Ground Coffee 

Highlighted Features

  • Comes in easy to store cans; can be ordered directly even when the Tim Hortons shop is not in your region
  • Great aroma, rich flavors, unique taste

If you want coffee that is similar in taste to that of high-end brands at a much cheaper price, then Tim Hortons ground coffee should be your choice. Originally from Canada, Tim Hortons coffee is rich in flavors, it is dark roasted and medium grounded.

It may not be the strongest coffee but it has a rich flavor and a slight nutty accent to it which is very popular among longtime consumers of this brand. You may find some Tim Horton shop in and around the US if you’re lucky; or you can order from their website or Amazon for speedy delivery.

It may be a little too fine for drip coffee but works great for all other kinds. Also, it comes in large cans which seal in the flavor for days. Low on acidic aftertaste or residual bitterness, this is a great coffee to get hooked onto!

What we liked: The coffee is smooth, creamy, and filled with flavor with rich flavors. The smell is quite strong, too.

What we didn’t like: The coffee may lack a strong roast flavor.

6. AmazonFresh Hazelnut Ground Coffee 

Highlighted Features

  • 12oz of medium-roasted ground coffee
  • Product of USA
  • Comes with a satisfaction guarantee

This ground coffee from AmazonFresh is made using fresh, medium-roasted Arabica coffee that is extracted from regions in Central and South America. You will be able to make the coffee in a variety of styles using the steep method, the pour-over method, the drip method, or the pressure method.

It has a medium-light roast and has a strong aroma. The coffee is likely to have a rich and smooth consistency. The manufacturers use artificial flavoring to create the toasted hazelnut flavor so you can expect the coffee to be a bit sweet. You just need to use two tablespoons of this ground coffee to make 6oz of coffee.

The coffee grounds come in a well-designed package that allows you to store them easily. The attached flexible tie allows you to tightly seal the bag so that the aroma and flavors stay intact. You can also transfer them to an airtight container and store the container in a cool, dry place that is away from direct sunlight.

What we liked: It does not a weird aftertaste and does not taste too bitter. Plus, it contains a good amount of caffeine that helps to keep you energetic throughout the day.

What we didn’t like: The hazelnut flavor is not very strong and does not taste authentic.

7. Stumptown Coffee Roasters Ground Coffee 

Highlighted Features

  • 12oz of rich, sustainably grown ground coffee

Stumptown Coffee Roasters is known for its great-tasting coffee. The coffee grounds are sourced ethically and carefully selected to maintain their high quality. The Hair Bender flavor is one of their best-sellers.

The rich aroma and texture tell you how good this coffee is. You will get the true Indonesian consistency with a mix of the classic flavors from Latin America and Africa. The coffee has a citrus taste with hints of rich dark chocolate. You will be able to make espresso shots using the coffee grounds.

It comes in a well-packaged bag that shows the manufacturing date, expiry date, and other product information clearly. You can store the unopened pack in your pantry or on the shelf for a maximum of 90 days.

What we liked: The medium-roasted coffee has a smooth texture and is not too acidic. The caffeine content is moderate.

What we didn’t like: It does not have a very long lifespan. You will need to use all the coffee grounds within two weeks of opening the package.

8. Lavazza Crema e Gusto Ground Coffee

Highlighted Features

  • Comes well-packaged in vacuum-sealed plastic packaging
  • Works well for most coffee makers- high end or cheap ones
  • Very strong coffee influenced by European coffee culture

Lavazza is an Italian coffee manufacturer that has years of experience in making exceptionally good coffee. The blend is 30 percent Arabica and 70 percent Robusta, giving it a strong yet creamy taste and accents of chocolate and vanilla. It is also thick and flavorful.

The coffee grounds have higher potency compared to other coffee brands which mean that more coffee gets extracted from grounding. The Arabica adds the stimulant property to it and retains its flavors without losing its potency. It works best when brewed as espresso and mocha; might be a bit too fine for French press. It has a superior grind that doesn’t make it too fine or too coarse.

This dark roasted coffee has no harsh aftertaste and has a creamy mellowed flavor to it. The coffee comes in bricks or packs of three or four and is tightly wrapped in vacuum plastic wraps to seal in the flavor. Even then, store carefully in airtight containers.

What we liked: This coffee has an intensity level of 7 out of 10 so you expect it to be quite strong. The spiced aftertaste makes it more delicious.

What we didn’t like: The bricks will lose flavor if not kept in airtight containers.

9. Peet's Ground Coffee

Highlighted Features

  • Dark roasted, medium grounded coffee with a smoky feel and great strength
  • Best if bought in Peetnik 20 ounces pack that lasts pretty long and costs decent

The Peet’s Ground Coffee makes a well-balanced and flavorful cup of coffee. It is made using 100% Arabica beans that give your coffee a non-bitter taste. The beans are roasted using superior techniques and in small batches, to ensure no aroma or flavor is lost..

This medium grind works well in whichever method you choose to brew it. What makes this delicious coffee stand out is the fact that the company actually mentions the roast date so you can get your coffee fresh!

This smooth coffee does not have a bitter aftertaste and is low on acidity especially when French pressed. A lot of the consumers make a big deal about the “Fresh By” date but it really is about giving you an idea about when the coffee was roasted. It is not an expiry date: the coffee can still be consumed but will not be as fresh and aromatic.

What we liked: The coffee itself has a very rich, creamy consistency so you might not need to add any extra creamers or sugar to it. It comes in a resealable bag that is easy to open and makes for easy storage.

What we didn’t like: The packaging does not contain detailed information about the product. It does not show the roast date or the expiry date clearly.

10. AmazonFresh Donut Cafe Ground Coffee

Highlighted Features

  • Made using pure Arabica coffee
  • Includes 12oz of medium-roasted ground coffee
  • Product of USA

The AmazonFresh Donut Cafe Ground Coffee is for all those individuals who love a bit of sweetness in their cup of coffee. It is made using rich Arabica coffee that has a medium level of roast. The coffee is sourced from the Central and South regions of America. AmazonFresh ensures that you receive quality products at all times.

The coffee has a well-balanced flavor and aroma that allows you to enjoy it. It does not raise the acidity level of your body. It contains a moderate amount of caffeine that keeps you energized for the day. It is unlikely to make you sick.

You will be able to make this coffee in a variety of styles. If you want a coarse french press, you should follow the steep method. For a medium-coarse Chemex, you should follow the pour-over method. If you want a fine espresso, the pressure method will yield great results.

What we liked: The packaging keeps the opened bag of ground coffee fresh and safe for later use. You can seal the opening to maintain its potency.

What we didn’t like: The coffee may taste a bit bland. Many users have said that the coffee tastes really bitter and lacks a robust flavor.

11. Seattle's Best Ground Coffee

Highlighted Features

  • Comes in a pack of 3
  • Includes 3 different flavors
  • Medium-roast coffee blend

If you are someone who gets bored of having the same type of coffee every day, you might want to switch it up with Seattle's Best Ground Coffee. You will receive 3 popular flavors including a House Blend, a Breakfast Blend, and a Portside Blend.

The House Blend coffee has a full and balanced flavor that gives off a nutty and slightly sweet taste. If you feel tired or have a long shift ahead, you might want to drink a cup of the Morning Blend coffee to get you pumped up. On the other hand, you might want to drink the Portside Blend if you want an extremely smooth coffee.

Each bag contains 12oz of pure Arabica ground coffee. All of them are smooth-roasted, caffeinated coffee that is made using fresh ingredients and is easy to brew. It is recommended to use two tablespoons of ground coffee for every 6oz cup of water.

What we liked: The ground coffee has a very deep and rich flavor that suits most people’s preferences. It is quite smooth and does not leave a bad aftertaste.

What we didn’t like: The ground coffee can be stored in an airtight container for up to a week only so you might not want to open all three bags at the same time.

12. Kauai Ground Coffee 

Highlighted Features

  • Rich, deep and flavorful coffee
  • Beans are not homogenous; may consist of blends unless otherwise stated

If you’re looking for rich flavorful Hawaiian coffee, then look no further because this is the coffee that best reproduces the tastes of Hawaii. You can even visit their estates in Koloa, Hawaii to see the manufacture and roasting process.

However, the advertising is somewhat deceitful to people who abide by principles. The coffee packages previously mentioned of being 100% Hawaiian but they no longer do so meaning that they are actually a blend. The packaging may also be different when received compared to what is advertised. The Peaberry variant, for example, has peaberries but also contains other beans.

Ignoring that, this is a great flavorful coffee. It is easy to make and is extremely friendly on your wallet. The bold taste gives a bright start to your day. It is light, full-bodied but not bitter. The caffeine content may not be the greatest and some consumers have complained of an acidic aftertaste. This coffee scores perfect on aroma and freshness and is a must-have addition to your shelf if you enjoy Hawaiian high-end brands like Kona.

What we liked: The coffee has a sweet, nutty flavor and can be brewed easily.

What we didn’t like: Drinking this coffee may cause acidity and heartburns. Moreover, product information may be misleading as it is not completely made using Hawaiian coffee. It includes mixes from other regions, too.

13. Melitta Colombian Supreme Ground Coffee 

Highlighted Features

  • Comes in many flavor options and variants

This ground coffee from Melitta is one of the many superb flavors that Melitta offers. The Colombian Supreme is one of their best offerings. It has a rich and flavorful taste that leaves no harsh aftertaste or causes much acidity.

This one is a medium roast and therefore ideal for people who don’t like their coffee very strong. The rich texture makes it similar to high-end brands. However, beware of some bad batches, and some flavor may actually be stronger and more delicious than others. Experiment a little before settling for one type.

What we liked: There is no bitter aftertaste and the coffee does not taste too sweet.

What we didn’t like: The coffee has a very mild flavor that does not seem to change, even when you add more tablespoons of coffee grounds.

14. Kirkland Signature Colombian Coffee 

Highlighted Features

  • Dark roasted, Fine ground, strong coffee
  • Available in easy to store cans; sold in greater amounts to reduce the hassle of frequent ordering

If you live near a Costco store outlet then you’re in luck because you can easily stock this rich flavorful coffee for your daily needs. If not, purchase it online: it is worth it! At a very affordable price tag, this is one of the best-selling and most popular ground coffee.

Moreover, it comes in 3lb cans with a plastic lid. Inside, the coffee is well package in foil. The flavor and aroma are never lost, even till the last spoon of the coffee. It is easy to store and buying large amounts save you the hassle of ordering frequently.

It is one of the best dark roasted coffee in the market, with a rich flavor and a strong taste. It has the perfect amount of caffeine to get you up in the morning and working without needing to drink frequent cups of coffee. It can also be used for making a mocha or cold brews. Neither does it cause acidity nor does it have those mild, nutty flavors. It is one strong coffee for serious coffee drinkers. Gift it to your friends and family and they will forever thank you for this. Not many coffees reproduce the flavors of original Columbian coffee as this one does.

What we liked: You only need to use a small number of coffee grounds to make a strong cup of coffee. Moreover, you will receive 3 pounds of coffee grounds which will last for quite some time.

What we didn’t like: The dark-roasted coffee grounds may make the coffee a bit too strong for some individuals.

15. Caribou Ground Coffee 

Highlighted Features

  • Organically grown; certified for Rainforest Alliance; Decaffeinated effectively using the Swiss Water process
  • Flavorful, medium roasted, rich coffee

This coffee comes in seven different flavors for your liking- Caribou Blend, Costa Rica, French Roast, Lacuna, etc. to name a few. The manufacturer of this coffee really puts some thought into sustainable coffee growing and fair trade and their stores and products are evidence of that. They are one of the few brands to have rainforest alliance certification.

This is a balanced coffee- the caffeine kick is just right to start your day without making you feel bloated. It is medium roasted, light and has no bitter aftertaste or acidic feeling. Start your day with it and it has got enough to keep you working without needing another soon after one.

The decaf version of the coffee is one of the best decafs- it is very mild without being bland and without you having to mix normal coffee to decaf to enhance the taste. This is your perfect mellowed flavorful coffee at a very reasonable price tag. This bold coffee also doesn’t upset your digestive system.

What we liked: Drinking this coffee is unlikely to make you feel bloated. Plus, the ingredients are sourced sustainably.

What we didn’t like: You cannot leave it on your shelf for too long as it tends to lose its rich aroma and flavors gradually.


FAQ

How do I make the coffee taste less bitter?

If your coffee is too bitter, you might have added too much water or have not brewed it well. You should always add two tablespoons of coffee for every 6oz of water. If it still tastes bitter, you should use fewer amounts of coffee grounds. Another thing that you could do is add a pinch of salt to your coffee to mask the bitter taste. 

How to tell if ground coffee is still fresh?

Fresh ground coffee will have a rich aroma that you can smell very easily. Moreover, it will have a non-faded brown or black color. If it has gone bad, it is likely to have a mild aroma and a faded color.

Conclusion

If you do not want to waste your dollars on coffee every day, you might want to get a bag of ground coffee. Most ground coffees are easy to brew and produce great flavor and aroma if prepared in the right way. You no longer have to sit through long wait times for purchasing those over-priced coffees. You can just make them at home using the best ground coffees.

5/5 - (14 votes)

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James Miller

J is most definitely our resident barista! With a genuine passion for everything coffee related, he ...

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