The best coffees in the UK 2023

Coffee is an invigorating drink made from roasted coffee beans. According to a legend, it would be a shepherd of Abyssinia, current Ethiopia, who would have discovered the properties of the seeds. Studies conducted on Coffea arabica confirm this hypothesis. If you too are in love with it, our selection of the best coffees of the moment should please you.

Vanilla Latte Macchiato by Nescafe Dolce Gusto Starbucks 1
9/10

Best value for money

Vanilla Latte Macchiato by Nescafe Dolce Gusto Starbucks

The best coffee in 2021

Let yourself be tempted by a unique coffee flavor from Starbucks. These capsules are perfectly compatible with the Nescafe Dolce Gusto system.

18,19 £ on Amazon

Bring the iconic tastes of Starbucks coffee home with this smooth and creamy brew. Made with a harmonious blend of Arabica and Robusta beans, this coffee perfectly combines the flavor ofa Starbucks blond espresso with the aromas of Madagascar vanillas enhancing its smooth taste. The roasting process has resulted in a light and smooth body, a formula that is sure to awaken the senses.

In order to awaken the active ingredients for which this preparation is famous, you must begin by choosing the number of bars indicated on the capsule and then place the milk capsule in the Nescafé machine. Then add the coffee capsule. Wait a few seconds and you can enjoy your vanilla latte as if you were in a Starbucks. This company is in partnership with conservation international to guarantee quality coffee beans, harvested in a 100% ethical approach.

Nescafé Dolce Gusto Lungo 2
7/10

Best value for money

Nescafé Dolce Gusto Lungo

The best entry-level coffee

Enjoy the flavor of a coffee made with 100% Arabica beans from South America and East Africa. Your taste buds will be stimulated by a hint of black currant.

0,50 £ on Amazon

If you are looking for a well-balanced black coffee, roasted according to the rules of the art and with an extremely delicate body, the Nescafé Dolce Gusto lungo will please you. You will appreciate its silky body with a taste sublimated by a fine layer of cream and a hint of blackcurrant. Thanks to the Nescafé machine and its professional pressure of 15 bars, you will enjoy a unique coffee with an explosion of flavors and deep aromas. In short, the Lungo from Nescafé Dolce Gusto is a real espresso.

Note also that the capsules are completely sealed so as to preserve the heat, freshness and richness of the aromas. They are also recyclable and used models are collected in partnership with TerraCycle and its 400 collection points scattered in the UK. Finally, you should know that the planting and harvesting of the beans has been done in a 100% ethical and respectful of the producers and their community.

200 Nespresso Compatible Coffee Capsules L'OR Espresso 3
9/10

Best value for money

200 Nespresso Compatible Coffee Capsules L'OR Espresso

The best premium coffee

Vary the flavors with this assortment of 200 capsules containing twenty intense varieties created by the master of the art: L'OR. The capsules are compatible with Nespresso and L'Or Barista machines.

49,60 £ on Amazon

If you want to vary your pleasures by discovering new aromas with each cup of coffee tasted, this unique assortment signed by the master roasters of L'OR. Short or long coffee, fruity, acidulous or strong, you will have a choice of about twenty aromas and flavors. In addition to the exquisite flavors of the large assortment of L'OR, note also the presence of a smooth foam in the form of an elegant cloud.

This batch of coffee is Rainforest Alliance certified, which means that the planting and harvesting of the beans is done in a socially and environmentally responsible manner. Finally, the capsules are watertight and preserve every aroma and flavor of L'OR roasted beans. Moreover, they are totally recyclable.

Senseo Classic 180 pods 4
8/10

Very good

Senseo Classic 180 pods

The best pod

Senseo Classic soft pods have the best taste and the best price. You'll enjoy a perfectly balanced beverage with a subtle layer of foam.

21,52 £ on Amazon

It is always difficult to recommend coffee. Coffee lovers have different expectations and taste preferences. But if you're looking for great pods for your machine, the Senseo Classic is likely to please you.

It's simple, the 180 soft pods, in packs of 10 x 18 pods, are of equivalent quality to what's available in stores. In addition, the packaging is very practical as it also serves as storage for the pods. Sold at a mini price, these Senseo Classics have an intense and very aromatic taste, perfect for getting up in the morning. They are also compatible with all the brand's machines and many other models.

Buying guide • November 2023

Best coffee

Any specific needs?

The best coffee in 2021

The best entry-level coffee

The best premium coffee

The best pod

Your guide : Samuel

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Comparison table of the best coffees

TOP OF THE TOP NOT EXPENSIVE Top of the line BEST
Vanilla Latte Macchiato by Nescafe Dolce Gusto Starbucks 5
9/10
Nescafé Dolce Gusto Lungo 6
7/10
200 Nespresso Compatible Coffee Capsules L'OR Espresso 7
9/10
Senseo Classic 180 pods 8
8/10
OUR SELECTION
Vanilla Latte Macchiato by Nescafe Dolce Gusto Starbucks
Nescafé Dolce Gusto Lungo
200 Nespresso Compatible Coffee Capsules L'OR Espresso
Senseo Classic 180 pods
Let yourself be tempted by a unique coffee flavor from Starbucks. These capsules are perfectly compatible with the Nescafe Dolce Gusto system.
Enjoy the flavor of a coffee made with 100% Arabica beans from South America and East Africa. Your taste buds will be stimulated by a hint of black currant.
Vary the flavors with this assortment of 200 capsules containing twenty intense varieties created by the master of the art: L'OR. The capsules are compatible with Nespresso and L'Or Barista machines.
Senseo Classic soft pods have the best taste and the best price. You'll enjoy a perfectly balanced beverage with a subtle layer of foam.
Variety
Arabica and Robusta
100% Arabica
Arabica and Robusta
Arabica and Robusta
Format
Capsule
Capsule
Capsule
Capsule
Flavor(s)
Vanilla Latte
Lungo
Variety
Classic
Caffeine content
Caffeinated
Caffeinated
Caffeinated
Caffeinated
Weight
0.79 kg
0.1 kg
1,4 kg
1.25 kg

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How to choose your coffee

To get back to the pleasure of enjoying a good coffee, make the right choice by following these few criteria.

#1 - The variety

Two varieties of coffee stand out: Arabica and Robusta (from the Canephora species).

  • If you like the strong aroma of a good coffee to tickle your nostrils, choose Arabicas. Note, however, that they are light and low in caffeine.
  • If you like the taste of a strong, full-bodied coffee, turn to Robustas, which often have a bitter taste.

It should be noted that these two great varieties are declined under a panoply of subspecies and variants. This is where the origin comes into play!

#2 - The origin

Knowing the origin of the coffee allows you to know what type of soil it was grown on; this will consequently influence its taste and aroma. At the very least, try to know the region, in addition to the country, because even though we want to know as far as the terroir that produced the coffee, this information is not always mentioned on the package.

Next, check the caliber of the coffee, knowing that this will determine its quality. This information will be rated from 1 to 5; 1 being synonymous with exceptional quality.

#3 - Aroma and flavour

There are a multitude of aromas and flavors that coffee can have. Nevertheless, the connoisseurs' favorites remain:

  • The acidic taste that refers to a good coffee that is lively, light and with a slightly acidic accent that can be felt in the taste and smell;
  • The bitter taste found in full-bodied coffees with a delicate woody or burnt cocoa aroma;
  • The fruity taste found in certain varieties grown on the same land as fruit trees.

#4 - The presentation

When buying good coffee, you have three presentations to choose from:

  • Coffee beans that true coffee lovers crave. You will need a coffee grinder with which you can adjust the roast and grind level of your coffee.
  • Soluble and instant coffee to mix directly with hot water. The taste is generally light and you can obtain good fruity acidity.
  • Coffee in capsules or pods that you put in a coffee machine to obtain a flavored, full-bodied or light drink, depending on the variety and brand.

#5 - Planned preparations

You should choose your coffee according to the hot beverage you often prepare. Indeed, an espresso requires a good black, bitter and full-bodied coffee while a latte requires a lighter coffee whose taste will blend well with that of milk.

Similarly, to make a macchiato, you want more aroma and color than bitterness, while for a cappuccino, nothing beats a full-bodied espresso.

How to prepare your coffee?


To prepare a coffee, you have the choice between taking the coffee beans and grinding them or a coffee already ground. It is strongly recommended to take the coffee beans and grind them just before brewing to enjoy their aromatic qualities. On the other hand, the already ground coffee offers you an important saving of time. Some packages guarantee to preserve the coffee from oxidation for several months. However, you must make sure that the coffee keeps its character once the bag is opened.

You also need to know how to measure your coffee. It is recommended to start with one tablespoon of coffee per cup if you are looking for a good balance. Also, this will be a great help in setting the water and coffee benchmarks. To preserve the taste of the coffee as much as possible, it is best to use tap water, which is of high quality and especially too often treated.

If you want to use a machine, the use varies from one machine to another. When using a pod coffee maker, you need to heat your machine well and perform an "empty" extraction before extracting your first espresso. In addition, you must pack the coffee well in the percolator.

If you use a filter coffee maker, you must moisten the paper filter and lightly spray the ground coffee with cold water before tamping it. If you have a plunger coffee maker, pour a little boiling water into the container. Then, before discarding it, swirl it around. Don't forget to sprinkle the grounds lightly with cold water before pouring in the brewing water.

Finally, please note that coffee should not be reheated at all, let alone boiled, regardless of the machine you use.

Arabica coffee or robusta coffee?

Arabica coffee

It is a coffee originating from Ethiopia that is popular in the world. In fact, Arabica coffee accounts for 60% of all cups drunk. It is often known for its high sugar content and low acidity. These two characteristics give it an exceptional flavor. One of the main benefits of Arabica coffee is that it contains antioxidants such as vitamin E, helping to reduce the risk of infections. It is also a great way to stay hydrated.

Another significant advantage is that it contains less caffeine than other coffee beans. One study even showed that it can reduce the risk of developing diabetes because it contains fewer calories. However, apart from these advantages, this type of coffee has some disadvantages. It is very sensitive to climate change. In other words, it requires specific environmental conditions for its cultivation. Moreover, it has only ½ of caffeine compared to robusta coffee.

Robusta coffee

Robusta grows mainly in Africa and Indonesia. It has a high caffeine content of 2.7% compared to 1.5% for Arabica. This type of coffee has a number of positive points. It is your best ally for weight loss, as long as it is not mixed with milk or sugar. With its higher caffeine content, it is a great way to start the day to provide more energy. When consumed in moderation, it helps to improve mental health and overall well-being.

In addition, it has a diuretic effect and can help fight nausea. On the other hand, it should be understood that robusta coffee has a very bitter taste due to its high caffeine and chlorogenic acid content. Also, since it has a high level of caffeine, it can cause insomnia. It can also decrease total sleep time, especially in the elderly.

Verdict

Arabica and Robusta coffees both come from the Coffea tree, from the Rubiaceae family. They are botanically the same, but not identical. The choice for one or the other will depend on your tastes and your consumption habits.

Why buy coffee?

For its stimulating effects

With a moderate consumption, coffee has a positive impact on your nervous system. Indeed, it increases your concentration while stimulating your vigilance. Consequently, you are more reactive!

For its antioxidant content

Coffee contains large quantities of antioxidants. These ensure an effective protection of your cells. By drinking coffee, you reduce the risk of getting cancer. Many studies have also shown that coffee can help improve the health of people with kidney disease. It is also an excellent beverage to optimize liver function.

For slimming

The caffeine in coffee helps burn fat. If you are following a slimming program, its consumption helps you to obtain satisfactory results. In the end, you will get a slimmer figure.

For its positive effects on digestion

Having a little coffee at the end of a meal is a good reflex. Indeed, it promotes the secretion of enzymes responsible for digestion. As a result, your intestinal transit also improves!

To give a boost

If you practice a sport, coffee is appreciated for its "doping" effect. It increases your muscular contraction as well as your heart rate. You consume it 30 minutes before the effort and you will notice the result.

To fight headaches

Thanks to its high caffeine content, coffee helps relieve headaches. It can act as an anti-inflammatory if consumed in reasonable doses. It is a more natural and healthy way to treat migraines.

To protect our brain

Coffee also helps protect our brain from various brain diseases. It fights inflammation and prevents the alteration of memory cells. People who drink coffee regularly are less exposed to Alzheimer's disease.

The best brands of coffees

In our opinion, the best brands of coffees in 2022 are :

ORIGEENS
RISTRETTO
SENSEO
LAVAZZA
CARTE NOIRE

This coffee brand was created by 3 friends who love organic coffee and tea. Their products are certified organic, they are made from high quality raw materials, 100% natural, respectful of the environment and public health.

Ristretto is a "small shot" of a more concentrated espresso. It is made with the same amount of ground coffee, but extracted with a finer grind using half as much water. The RISTRETTO is made for low-dose coffee lovers.

Senseo is a Dutch brand that offers coffee beans selected with the greatest care and from the best regions of the world. The brand distributes its products in convenient pods that do not detract from the quality of the coffee.

Founded in 1895, Lavazza is a famous Italian brand of coffee products. Lavazza coffee is one of the most popular and sought-after products, especially in the restaurant industry. Lavazza ground coffee is strong, fragrant and of the highest quality. Lavazza products are presented in 3 forms: Lavazza Blue, Lavazza Beans and Lavazza Espresso point.

Carte Noire is another coffee brand owned by Lavazza since 2016. The beans of this coffee have been particularly selected to give sweet, intense and fruity beans. They can be found in beans, pods and capsules.

What is the price for a coffee

The diagram below will help you to get an idea of the typical prices for each price range (entry-level, mid-range and high-end).

However, more expensive does not necessarily mean better.

We therefore advise you to always consult our ranking before deciding, rather than blindly relying on price ranges.

Entry-level
5 £ to 10 £
Mid-range
10 £ to 20 £
High-end
more than 20 £
Price range diagram

Tips

Roast your own coffee beans.

You might complain about the difficulty of finding freshly roasted beans of good quality, or you could roast your own beans. It's not that hard to do, just try and have fun.

Store grain in the proper manner.

Store

your beans in an airtight container, away from light at a temperature of 10°C to 20°C. You'll get better coffee with fresh beans, so don't store your beans for too long, they may lose their flavor.

Serve quickly.

Whatever

way you prepare your coffee (brewing, decoction, leaching, etc.), serve as soon as it's ready, don't wait too long. Coffee that is not served within 15 minutes can lose its flavor as the natural oils that give it flavor break down and evaporate.

Temperature and time.

The

ideal temperature for brewing coffee is between 92°C and 96°C. If, for example, you are boiling water separately for a French press or pour-over cone, let the water sit for a minute to get the right temperature. Depending on the method and choice of grind, the coffee takes 4 to 8 minutes to brew. You can use a stopwatch, if you wish.

Use mineral water.

It

's simple: good water is also a basic ingredient of good coffee. Since coffee is 99% water, any unpleasant taste in your water will pass into your coffee. Make sure the water is clean and fresh. Avoid tap water that contains a lot of minerals or that may taste like chlorine.

FAQ

How to store coffee?

Always store coffee in a cool, dark and dry place, not in the freezer or refrigerator.dark and dry, not in the freezer or refrigerator. This is essential to prevent the fine flavours and aromas of freshly roasted coffee from degrading due to exposure to light and air. If you have already opened the coffee bag, normally the worst place is the freezer, as the coffee beans absorb moisture.

What is the optimal temperature of the water during the preparation of a coffee?

According to the Specialty Coffee Association of America, 92 - 96C (197.6 - 204.8F) for 90% of the contact time is optimal water temperature for coffee. In manual brewing methods such as French presses and pour-over machines, this can be achieved by bringing the water to a boil and allowing it to stand for 3-5 minutes before adding it to the ground coffee.

Single origin or mixture?

You've probably noticed that blends are no longer the main type of coffee beans available. The single origin coffees have really exploded in popularity around the world. Single origin coffees are simply coffees from a single farm, or sometimes a small batch on a single farm. Since they are not blended with coffee from another farm, they make it easy to taste the unique characteristics of the farm of origin and the region. Blends are simply a mixture of free coffees from different farms, regions or even countries. Blending helps to get the edge on any coffee by pairing it with one or two others. It can also create a unique taste experience if done carefully.

Is it acceptable to grind grain in advance?

For the best cup, grind your beans just before use. However, the grinding options are offered with the intention that you use the ground coffee quickly and any long term intention of using it is really something we frown upon. But if you are storing your unground coffees, it is best to keep them in an airtight container in a cool, dry place.

Sources

Note: Below are some of the sources we have consulted in writing this article. Links to other sites are not continuously updated. It is therefore possible that a link may not be found. Please use a search engine to find the desired information.
  1. , quechoisir.org
  2. , consumerreports.org
  3. , consumersearch.com
  4. , bestreviews.com
  5. , gocoffeego.com
  6. , leguideducafe.org
  7. , maxicoffee.com
  8. , guide-cafetiere.com
  9. , eyrolles.com
  10. , boulanger.com
  11. , fr.wikipedia.org
  12. , maxicoffee.com
  13. , passeportsante.net
  14. , doctissimo.fr
  15. , lavazza.fr
  16. , cafesmiguel.fr
  17. , fr.wikipedia.org
  18. , kaffekapslen.fr
  19. , cuisine.journaldesfemmes.fr
  20. , graindecafe.com
  21. , cafe.cafes-pfaff.com
  22. , larbreacafe.com
  23. , nespresso.com
  24. , chacunsoncafe.fr
  25. , doctissimo.fr
  26. , amazon.co.uk
  27. , cafecaron.com
  28. , krups.fr
  29. , fr.m.wiktionary.org
  30. , chacunsoncafe.fr
  31. , simple.wikipedia.org
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Updates

March 2022 : Translation of this buying guide from our partner meilleurtest.fr

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Our selection
Vanilla Latte Macchiato by Nescafe Dolce Gusto Starbucks 9
Vanilla Latte Macchiato by Nescafe Dolce Gusto Starbucks
Nescafé Dolce Gusto Lungo 10
Nescafé Dolce Gusto Lungo
200 Nespresso Compatible Coffee Capsules L'OR Espresso 11
200 Nespresso Compatible Coffee Capsules L'OR Espresso
Senseo Classic 180 pods 12
Senseo Classic 180 pods

Lecteurs

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