Joybuy Insights

Buying coffee online: how to choose the right coffee without making the wrong choice

If you want to buy coffee online, you’ll soon come across dozens of options: instant coffee, coffee capsules, coffee beans, ground coffee and ready-to-drink options. The differences aren’t just about brand or price. The brewing method, ingredients and pack size all play a part in whether a product suits your daily routine.

Common pitfalls when buying coffee online

1. Mistaking a flavour promise for the ingredients

Words such as “creamy”, “rich” or “smooth” don’t tell you much without an ingredients list. With 3-in-1 coffee, much of the mix is often made up of sugar and creamer. For example, according to the product information, NESCAFÉ 3-in-1 Smooth & Rich contains 53% sugar and 7.6% instant coffee. Douwe Egberts 3-in-1 contains 10% instant coffee, alongside sugar and creamer, according to its listed ingredients.

These sticks are convenient and sweet, but they’re not the same as black instant coffee. So always check:

  • the percentage of coffee in the ingredients;
  • the amount of sugar per serving;
  • any allergens, such as milk;
  • the recommended amount of water.

2. Forgetting to check whether you need a machine

Coffee capsules are only practical if they’re compatible with your machine. Nescafe Hazelnut Macchiato Coffee Capsules are designed for a Nescafe Dolce Gusto coffee machine. They’re not an option if you don’t have a coffee machine.

For coffee at work, on the go or on holiday, individual sticks or instant coffee are simpler. Turkish coffee, on the other hand, requires a cezve or a similar brewing method. Coffee beans need a grinder and a coffee machine, while ground coffee is suitable for a filter machine, French press, AeroPress, percolator or Chemex, among other methods.

3. Looking only at the pack size

A 200-gram jar may seem like good value, but the real cost depends on how much you use each time. Sticks cost more per individual serving, but they’re convenient and give you a set amount for each cup. So compare the price per 100 grams, the number of servings and the recommended amount of water.

Key things to check

Brewing method

First, decide how you want to make your coffee:

  • Without a coffee machine: instant coffee, 3-in-1 coffee or coffee concentrate.
  • With capsules: check the system, such as Dolce Gusto.
  • With a filter machine: choose ground coffee with a suitable grind size.
  • With an espresso machine: coffee beans or espresso coffee are sensible options.
  • Traditional preparation: Turkish coffee is ground very finely and made with water.

Ingredients and allergens

Black instant coffee often contains only coffee, as with Nescafe Gold Instant Coffee. Coffee mixes may contain added sugar, milk powder, vegetable fats and flavourings. Check the label carefully if you want to avoid milk or certain ingredients. The product information for the items mentioned lists allergens, such as milk, where applicable.

Claims about flavour, origin or sustainability come from the product description or the brand. Don’t automatically assume they’ve been independently verified. For example, some Nescafé products are described by the manufacturer as being made with selected Arabica beans or responsibly sourced coffee; this is a brand claim as described on the product label.

Best-before dates and storage

Store coffee in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight. Seal jars and bags tightly after opening. When ordering online, check the best-before date on the packaging. Don’t use damaged packaging. Ready-to-drink coffee in cans or bottles may also have storage instructions for after opening.

Our recommendations for different needs

Suitable for: Budget-conscious beginners
Nescafe Gold Instant Coffee - 25 pcs, 1.8 g

Nescafe Gold Instant Coffee - 25 pcs, 1.8 g

Why it suits this profile: The individual sachets are easy to measure and handy at home, at work or on the go. All you need is hot water.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The ingredients list instant coffee, with no added sugar or creamer according to the product information. The individual portions take the guesswork out of measuring.

Key benefit & highlights

25 sachets of 1.8 grams; no coffee machine needed; listed as free from the 14 major EU allergens according to the product information.

Suitable for: Shoppers looking for premium quality
Kurukahveci Turk Kahvesi Coffee - 250 g

Kurukahveci Turk Kahvesi Coffee - 250 g

Why it suits this profile: A good choice for fans of traditional preparation and very finely ground coffee, with a clear brewing routine.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product information clearly notes that ground coffee may settle in the cup and that stirring regularly is part of the traditional preparation.

Key benefit & highlights

250 grams; described as 100% Arabica according to the product information; suitable for hot drinks and desserts.

Suitable for: Specific needs & regular coffee drinkers
Douwe Egberts Intense Coffee Beans - 500 g

Douwe Egberts Intense Coffee Beans - 500 g

Why it suits this profile: A practical choice for homes or offices with a bean-to-cup machine, where coffee is made regularly and you want to grind the beans yourself.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product page clearly states that this is coffee beans. You can see in advance that you’ll need a grinder or a bean-to-cup machine.

Key benefit & highlights

500-gram pack; dark roasted according to the product description; suitable for espresso and bean-to-cup machines when the grind is set correctly.

Suitable for: Capsule users who enjoy milky coffee
Nescafe Hazelnut Macchiato Coffee Capsules - 6 pcs

Nescafe Hazelnut Macchiato Coffee Capsules - 6 pcs

Why it suits this profile: Handy if you want to make a latte macchiato-style drink with a hint of hazelnut at home, using a compatible Dolce Gusto machine.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product description specifies the capsule system and notes that the mix contains milk powder and sugar. So you’ll know in advance that this isn’t a black espresso.

Key benefit & highlights

6 capsules; described as 100% Arabica according to the product information; contains milk and is designed for a Nescafe Dolce Gusto machine.

Looking for more options?

We’ve put together a full, up-to-date list of products that meet these strict selection criteria and the applicable European safety regulations.

Frequently asked questions about buying coffee online

Which coffee is suitable without a coffee machine?

Instant coffee, 3-in-1 coffee and coffee concentrate are suitable if you only need hot water. For sticks, check the recommended amount of water. For example, Nescafe Espressostick recommends 60 ml of hot water per sachet. 3-in-1 sticks are usually made with around 150 ml of water.

How long does coffee keep after opening?

It varies by product and packaging. Store coffee according to the label, seal jars and bags tightly, and keep them away from moisture, heat and sunlight. The exact date is shown on the packaging. Capsules stay sealed until you use them; just check that the packaging is undamaged.

Is buying coffee online cheaper than buying it in a shop?

It depends on the pack size, delivery costs and special offers. Compare more than just the total price: check the price per 100 grams or per serving too. A large pack of coffee beans can be good value if you drink coffee every day, while sticks are especially convenient for work or when you’re on the go.