5 Tips For Buying the Best Ground Coffee
Ground coffee is ideal for those who do not want to grind whole beans each time they brew. However, not all ground coffee is created equal.
When choosing ground coffee, pay attention to the production date and best-before dates. Avoid any products that have been on shelves for too long, as they will lose their freshness and flavor over time.
1. Look for Quality
When it comes to coffee, quality is key. But finding the best ground coffee can be challenging when there are so many options available. When selecting a coffee, make sure to consider things like:
Look for a brand with a good reputation and quality control standards. This will help ensure that you are getting the highest quality possible. You should also check the brewing ratios on the package to ensure that you are using the correct proportions of beans and water for optimal flavor and extraction.
It is also important to look at the origin of the coffee. Many people enjoy single-origin coffees, which are sourced from a specific location, such as Colombia. Others prefer blended coffees, which combine beans from various locations, such as Black Rifle Coffee Company Gunship Ground Coffee.
It is also important to look for packaging that is airtight to preserve the freshness of the coffee. Moisture can degrade the coffee, so it is essential to store it in a dry area away from sunlight. It is also a good idea to check for labels like “fair trade” and “organic,” which will indicate that the coffee has been sustainably produced.
2. Look for Freshness
Ground coffee can lose its quality over time, especially when it is pre-ground. Once the beans are ground, they have a much greater surface area exposed to air, which speeds up the process of degradation. The incredibly delicate oils and compounds within the coffee bean undergo a chemical reaction as soon as they come into contact with oxygen, which diminishes the flavour and aroma at an alarming rate.
To avoid buying stale coffee, look for the “Roasted On” date rather than the “Best By” date on the package. This is a better indicator of freshness as it gives you the best chance to buy beans that have been roasted recently and have yet to be affected by age.
You can also try to purchase your coffee from a small roaster instead of a big supermarket. They are likely to sell more small batches that will move quickly, ensuring the beans remain fresh. In addition, if the ground coffee is sourced directly from the farm, you will know that it has been freshly harvested and the flavours have not been tampered with over time.
3. Look for Value
When shopping for ground coffee, the price tag is also important to consider. It’s a good idea to compare prices from different retailers online in order to find the best value for your money.
In general, premium coffee will come with a higher price tag, but it can be worth it for those who appreciate the quality of a cup of joe. Look for coffee that is certified organic, fair trade, and sustainable. You can also find coffee that is kosher certified.
Lastly, you will want to pay attention to the production date of the coffee. It’s generally agreed upon that ground coffee starts to lose its flavor within four to fourteen days after it is roasted. For this reason, it’s a good idea to only buy a bag of coffee that you will be able to use quickly. If you drink a cup of coffee every day, a smaller bag of ground coffee may be more cost effective than a larger bulk bag. The smaller bags are also more convenient for those who use drip coffee makers like a Chemex or pour over.
4. Look for Added Flavors
Just like whole pepper loses its flavor when ground, coffee beans can also begin to degrade the moment they are pre-ground. This is why it’s always better to buy your coffee beans whole and grind them just before you brew.
However, not everyone has a grinder and purchasing whole beans can be pricey. That is why ground coffee has been a popular option for many coffee lovers. It offers the convenience of simply adding a scoop to your cup and turning on the machine.
There are a number of factors to consider when buying the best ground coffee including flavor, quality, and blend type. It’s also important to keep in mind that coffee grounds lose their taste quickly when exposed to air. So, be sure to purchase a bag that comes sealed in resealable bags and stores well.
Moreover, the altitude at which the coffee beans were grown can impact their flavors. For example, high-altitude coffees tend to be more acidic whereas low-altitude coffees are usually less so. You may also want to look for coffees that are certified organic and Fair Trade so you can rest assured that your coffee is both healthy and ethically sourced.
5. Look for Packaging
It is important to look for ground coffee that comes in the best possible packaging. It should be sealed in airtight bags to keep out oxygen that can cause the coffee to go stale and absorb odors. The packaging should also make it easy to tell the production date so you can choose fresh ground coffee.
A good example of great ground coffee is Lola Savannah Cinnamon Hazelnut, a gourmet coffee that is free from caffeine but is still full of spice and other flavors to give you a wonderful tasting cup. This ground coffee is roasted and prepared in the USA and is sold in re-sealable, smartly packaged bags that are both easy to open and protect the contents from oxygen.
The packaging also includes helpful information about how to store the coffee properly to keep it fresh and tasty. This is a great way to help new coffee drinkers and old brew masters alike get the most out of their purchase. Using descriptive and informative packaging is a great way to build brand loyalty and encourage repeat purchases from your customer base.
