Buying Coffee: Your Complete Selection Guide

By Joy, Joybuy Product Recommendation Officer | July 14, 2026

Choosing the right coffee online can be a challenge, given the vast array of brands, roasts, and preparation methods. This article aims to provide clear, objective guidance. We will introduce different types of coffee and present a selection based on objective product features to help simplify your purchasing decision.

Buyer's Guide: Finding the Right Coffee for You

Before you decide on a product, the following criteria will help you narrow down your search and find the coffee that best suits your habits and equipment.

1. Preparation Method: Whole Bean, Ground, Capsule, or Instant?

The form in which you buy your coffee directly impacts its preparation and aroma.

• Whole Coffee Beans: These offer the freshest aroma, as the beans are ground immediately before brewing. This is the preferred choice for owners of bean-to-cup machines or portafilter espresso machines. Bulk packs, such as 1kg coffee beans, are often more economical for frequent coffee drinkers.
• Ground Coffee: A convenient solution for drip coffee makers, French presses, or moka pots. The coffee is ready to use instantly but loses its aroma more quickly than whole beans.
• Coffee Capsules: Ideal for a quick, hassle-free cup of coffee with consistent quality. Many manufacturers now offer Nespresso compatible capsules, expanding the range of choices.
• Instant Coffee: The quickest preparation method. Instant espresso only requires hot water and is perfect for the office, travelling, or as an ingredient in desserts.

2. Bean Type and Roast: The Foundation of Flavour

The two most important coffee varieties are Arabica and Robusta, which differ in taste and caffeine content.

• Arabica: This bean is known for its aromatic complexity, featuring fruity and floral notes. It contains less caffeine and has a more delicate acidity.
• Robusta: As the name suggests, this bean is stronger and more earthy in flavour. It contains more caffeine and is essential for creating a thick, stable crema on an espresso.

A typical Italian coffee, especially for espresso, is often a blend of both varieties to achieve a balanced body, rich aroma, and a perfect crema. The roast (light, medium, dark) determines the intensity and flavour notes. Darker roasts, often labelled as espresso beans, are particularly well-suited for coffee for bean-to-cup machines.

Our Top Coffee Recommendations

Here is a curated selection of coffee products that cater to different needs and preparation methods. The descriptions are based on the manufacturer's specifications.

Lavazza Espresso Italiano, Ground, 250g

Why It Stands Out This Lavazza coffee is a classic Italian blend that comes pre-ground, making it perfect for immediate use in a moka pot or with a coffee filter. According to the manufacturer, it is made from 100% Arabica beans.

Key Features

• Composition: 100% Arabica beans from Africa, South and Central America.
• Flavour Profile: Aromatic with floral and fruity notes.
• Intensity: Rated 5 out of 10 by the manufacturer, indicating a light roast.
• Best For: Specifically designed for preparation in a moka pot or as filter coffee.

Who It's For For coffee drinkers who prefer a milder, aromatic coffee and use a moka pot or a drip coffee maker. It offers an accessible introduction to the world of Italian coffee.

Jacobs Capsules Espresso 12 Ristretto, 20 Pack

Why It Stands Out These Jacobs Espresso capsules offer high intensity and are designed for use in Nespresso* compatible machines. The blend of Arabica and Robusta ensures a powerful flavour and a dense crema.

Key Features

• Intensity: A very high intensity level of 12 out of 12 for a powerful taste.
• Compatibility: Suitable for Nespresso* compatible capsule machines.
• Certification: The coffee is 100% UTZ certified.
• Result: Delivers a Ristretto with a dense, fine-pored crema, according to the manufacturer.

Who It's For For users of Nespresso* compatible machines who appreciate a very strong, concentrated, and quick espresso or ristretto.

*Trademark of a third-party company, not affiliated with JACOBS DOUWE EGBERTS.

Jacobs Espresso Instant, 100g

Why It Stands Out This instant espresso from Jacobs allows for extremely fast preparation without a machine. It is versatile and, according to the manufacturer, retains the signature Jacobs aroma.

Key Features

• Preparation: Only requires hot, not boiling, water.
• Versatility: Ideal for the office, holidays, or as an ingredient in desserts like tiramisu.
• Taste: Designed for a full and aromatic espresso experience.

Who It's For For those looking for a simple and quick coffee option for on-the-go or at home, who value the convenience of instant coffee.

Lavazza Barista Intenso Coffee Beans, 1kg

Why It Stands Out These 1kg coffee beans from Lavazza were specially developed for use in portafilter machines and bean-to-cup coffee makers. The blend of Arabica and Robusta promises an intense flavour experience with a stable crema.

Key Features

• Blend: A composition of Arabica and Robusta beans from Southeast Asia, Africa, and South America.
• Intensity: Rated 9 out of 10 by the manufacturer, indicating a strong roast.
• Flavour Profile: Full-bodied with notes of cocoa and wood.
• Crema: Designed for a long-lasting and velvety crema.

Who It's For For owners of coffee for bean-to-cup machines or portafilter machines who grind their beans fresh and prefer an intense, full-bodied espresso with a professional character.

Looking for More Options?

If our selection doesn't fully meet your specific needs or if you're looking for different roasts and brands, you can find more alternatives in our broader product category.

Discover our entire range of Espresso Coffee.

Frequently Asked Questions About Buying Coffee

What is the difference between Arabica and Robusta beans?

Arabica beans grow at higher altitudes and are known for their complex, aromatic profile with notes of fruit and flowers. They have a higher acidity and less caffeine. Robusta beans are more resilient, grow in flatter regions, and deliver a strong, earthy flavour with a higher caffeine content. They are also prized for producing a dense crema on espresso.

How do I store coffee correctly?

To preserve the freshness and aroma of coffee, it should be stored in a cool, dry, and dark place. An airtight, opaque container is ideal. Whole beans retain their aroma longer than ground coffee. Storing coffee in the refrigerator or freezer is not recommended, as condensation and foreign odours can impair the aroma.

Which coffee is suitable for bean-to-cup machines?

For bean-to-cup machines, beans labelled as "Espresso" or "Caffè Crema" are generally suitable. Medium to dark roasted blends, often with a Robusta component, work well as they produce a full body and a good crema. It is advisable to look for beans that are not excessively oily, as these can strain the machine's grinder over time.