Buying coffee: how to choose the right coffee for home, the office or on the go

Buying coffee online seems simple, but the huge choice can make it hard to compare products. Are you looking for ground coffee for a filter machine, instant coffee for busy mornings or coffee sticks for the office? The most important things to consider are the brewing method, ingredients and pack size.

Pay attention to marketing claims, too. A phrase such as “rich aromas” doesn’t tell you much without information about the beans, grind or brewing method. A large pack may also seem like good value, but it might not seal properly once opened. And with 3-in-1 coffee, much of the product is often sugar and creamer, rather than coffee.

Three common pitfalls when buying coffee

1. The brewing method isn’t right for your machine

Ground coffee isn’t automatically suitable for every machine. A fine espresso grind works differently from coffee for a filter machine. Products for filter coffee, French press or espresso should clearly state which method they’re intended for.

2. “Coffee” doesn’t always mean coffee alone

It’s a good idea to check the ingredients list for instant coffee. 3-in-1 coffee sticks combine coffee, sugar and creamer. For example, Nescafé 3-in-1 Smooth & Rich lists 53% sugar and 7.6% instant coffee. Douwe Egberts 3-in-1 Classic lists 10% instant coffee. These products are best suited to anyone looking for a sweet, creamy drink, rather than black coffee without added ingredients.

3. Packaging and shelf life are easy to overlook

Once opened, coffee absorbs moisture and odours from its surroundings. Check whether the packaging can be sealed securely again, and store coffee in a cool, dry place away from sunlight and heat. Check the packaging for exact shelf-life information. Don’t use a product if its packaging is damaged.

Key things to compare

1. Type of coffee and grind

First, choose the type that suits your routine:

• Ground coffee: suitable for filter machines, French press, percolators or some espresso methods, depending on the grind.
• Filter coffee: usually intended for filter machines, pour-over, Chemex or similar methods.
• Instant coffee: handy at work, on the go or at home when you don’t want to use a coffee machine.
• 3-in-1 coffee: contains coffee, sugar and creamer in one sachet.
• Turkish coffee: very finely ground and intended for traditional preparation, with the grounds left in the cup.
• Iced coffee: ready to drink or made with concentrate; check the sugar content, milk ingredients and storage instructions.
• Coffee sticks: individual portions that are handy for the office, travel and keeping track of supplies.

2. Ingredients, allergens and nutritional information

The ingredients list for black ground coffee often contains just roasted coffee beans. Blends and ready-to-drink beverages may contain added sugar, milk powder, vegetable fats, flavourings and stabilisers.

Always check:

• the order of ingredients;
• whether it contains milk, soya, gluten or other allergens;
• sugar, fat and salt per serving;
• the recommended amount of water;
• any caffeine information.

The information on the label is the most reliable source. Product details can change, so always check the current packaging when you buy.

3. Pack size and cost per serving

A 500-gram bag can be handy for a household or office, but only if the coffee is used regularly. Individual coffee sticks help reduce waste and are easy to share, but generally give you less flexibility over strength and sweetness.

For a fair comparison, work out the price per cup:

1. Note the total weight or number of sachets.
2. Check the recommended amount for each serving.
3. Divide the price by the number of servings.
4. For ready-to-drink iced coffee, factor in chilling and storage too.

Our recommendations for different needs

Ideal for: Budget-conscious beginners

Nescafe Gold Instant Coffee - 200g

Why it suits this profile: This instant coffee needs no machine and is quick to make by the cup with hot water. The 200-gram jar is handy for everyday use at home or in the office.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The ingredients list identifies instant coffee as an ingredient and contains no added sugar. This makes it clearer what you’re buying than with a blend containing creamer and sugar.

Main benefit & advantages

100% responsibly sourced coffee, according to the brand’s product description; easy to prepare without a coffee machine.

Ideal for: Shoppers looking for premium quality

Illy Ground Espresso Coffee - 250 g

Why it suits this profile: This ground espresso coffee is for people who want to adjust the grind and brewing method to suit their espresso machine.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product description clearly states that this is ground roasted coffee. No sugar or creamer has been added.

Main benefit & advantages

250-gram pack; packed in a protective atmosphere; up to 1.5% caffeine according to the product information.

Ideal for: Specific needs & frequent coffee drinkers

Douwe Egberts Aroma Red Filter Coffee - 500 g

Why it suits this profile: The 500-gram bag is a good fit for households, meeting rooms and offices where several cups of filter coffee are made every day.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product description lists the suitable methods: filter machine, French press, Aeropress, percolator and Chemex. So you know how to use it before you buy.

Main benefit & advantages

500 grams of ground coffee; medium roast; intensity 05 on the stated scale of 01–09.

Ideal for: Fans of international coffee

Kurukahveci Turk Kahvesi Coffee - 250 g

Why it suits this profile: This very finely ground Turkish coffee is intended for traditional preparation and offers a different experience from filter or instant coffee.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product description explains the traditional preparation method, including regular stirring to mix the coffee grounds with the water.

Main benefit & advantages

250 grams; made from 100% Arabica coffee according to the product information; also suitable for baking and desserts.

Frequently asked questions about ordering coffee online

Which coffee is handy for the office?

Instant coffee and coffee sticks are handy when not everyone uses the same coffee machine. 3-in-1 sachets are easy to measure out, but often contain sugar and creamer. Ground filter coffee is usually a better choice for making a pot to share.

How should you store ground coffee after opening?

Keep the packaging tightly closed in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight, heat and moisture. Follow the instructions on the label. Don’t use coffee from damaged packaging.

Is ready-to-drink iced coffee cheaper than making coffee yourself?

It depends on the brand, pack size and serving size. Ready-to-drink iced coffee is convenient, but may contain sugar and needs to be stored appropriately. With coffee concentrate or instant coffee, you can choose how much water, milk and sweetener to add. Always check the storage and use instructions for chilled products.