The 10 best coffee beans to buy in the UK
Whole coffee beans produce the freshest coffee beverages, making them a popular choice for many people. It is hard to define what the best coffee bean is, as it is mostly down to personal tastes and preferences. Yet finding a great tasting coffee bean isn’t always easy, especially if you have never purchased them before. Check the handy guide below for all the information you need to choose the best coffee beans:
What are coffee beans?
Coffee beans are the seed of the coffee plant and are the main source for the popular brewed drink coffee. The beans are roasted after cultivation, after which they are sold in various forms, including whole beans that keep the bean intact. Coffee plants are grown throughout the world, resulting in many different types of coffee beans, all of which have distinct flavors and notes.
Why should you buy a good coffee bean?
The best coffee beans are much more flavourful compared to other types of coffee like ground coffee and instant coffee. So, buying coffee beans usually results in a tastier beverage, with much stronger flavor and aroma produced. Coffee beans are also much fresher - you can grind a weeks’ worth with ease and it will still taste fresher than any ground coffee bought from a store. If you love the taste of coffee, then buying some quality coffee beans is highly recommended.
How to choose the right coffee bean?
Choosing the best coffee beans to brew at home is entirely down to your personal tastes. Coffee beans come in many flavors and strengths, so finding one you like can be a case of trial and error. Here are some things to consider so it’s easier to find great coffee beans:
- Roast Type: Coffee beans are sold in different roasts, and each type offers different flavors, colors, textures, sweetness, and acidities. Coffee beans are either light, medium, or dark roast, and each one comes with distinct flavors and textures, so you may want to read the description of the roast for a better idea of how it will taste.
- Strength: The best coffee beans aren’t necessarily the strongest, as many people prefer a much milder beverage. Most coffee beans come with a description of their overall strength, and remember that the stronger the coffee bean the oilier the drink will be. Stronger also means a more potent flavor, so if you prefer a mild taste to your coffee make sure the coffee beans aren’t too strong.
- Freshness: The best quality coffee beans are those that are consumed shortly after the roasting process, roughly around two weeks. After this, the flavor and richness slowly fade, meaning the best tasting coffee beans need to be fresh. So, look for coffee beans that provide a roast date, and ensure you use them within a few weeks of that date.
What is the best kind of coffee bean in the UK?
While coffee beans are typically categorized by their country of origin, there are only two main types available:
- Coffee Arabica: The best coffee beans are Arabica beans. They are widely regarded as the better tasting and smelling coffee, and as they are grown in many different countries there is a wide range of flavors and aromas available.
- Coffee Robusta: Not as flavourful or pleasant as arabica coffee, Robusta beans are grown at a lower altitude which alters the taste quite significantly. However, they are a much stronger coffee in terms of caffeine content.
Top 10 list of coffee beans in the UK 2024
The bestseller list compares brands and their coffee beans. Which coffee bean is the best?
- LAVAZZA: Lavazza Group operates in every sector of the coffee industry, offering…
- INTENSITY: The medium roasting and the 5/10 intensity give a rich taste to this golden…
- BLEND: Lavazza's Qualità Rossa coffee beans consists of a fine Arabica…
- Resealable bag for long-lasting freshness
- Safely packaged in a soft pack made of recyclable material
- Blended coffee featuring beans mainly from Brazil, Africa and Asia
- Please be aware that unless expressly indicated otherwise, product packaging may…
- Resealable bag for long-lasting freshness
- Safely packaged in a soft pack made of recyclable material
- Coffee featuring beans from South-East Asia, Africa, Central and South America
- RAINFOREST ALLIANCE CERTIFIED: The coffee we source for this product is Rainforest…
- Roasted and packed in Belgium
- 100% Arabica
- LAVAZZA: Lavazza Group operates in every sector of the coffee industry, offering…
- INTENSITY: The medium roasting and the 5/10 intensity level give this coffee a delicate…
- BLEND: These coffee beans are a selectionf of 100% Arabica fine coffees from mainly…
- Roasted with all the passion and expertise of Viennese tradition since 1929; with…
- Espresso: 30 ml; lungo: 160 ml; cappuccino: 180 ml
- The perfect choice for espresso, lungo, or cappuccino
- 2 Pack Lavazza Crema Coffee Beans And Aroma, 1000G / Pack
- Since 40% Arabica And 60% Robusta - Bean
- Ideal For All Automatic Coffee Machines
- LAVAZZA: Lavazza Group operates in every sector of the coffee industry, offering…
- PREPARATION: These coffee beans are perfect for the bean to cup and filtered coffee…
- MEDIUM ROASTING: Caffè Crema Classico is gently drum roasted for a balanced…
- Grano Milano Coffee Beans
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