Every coffee drinker has their own unique opinions when it comes to what constitutes the perfect cup of coffee, with some preferring finely ground coffee beans and others favoring a coarser ground.
If you fall into the latter group, you might often struggle to find a variety that’s strong or rich enough for you.
Luckily, brands have taken it upon themselves to release some premium-quality coarse ground coffees, and today I’ll take you through some of them.
So keep reading to learn more about some of the best coarse ground coffee varieties and how to pick the best one for your preferences.
The best coarse-ground coffees: An overview
Before diving into the rest of the article, let’s go through a quick overview of the best coarse-ground coffees in today’s market:
How do you pick the best coarse ground coffee?
I’ll be diving into each of these coffees’ features, pros, and cons in a moment; however, before I do that, I want to give you some pointers on picking the best ground coffee for you.
Though all the alternatives in this article are objectively of great quality, what makes one tolerable and another perfect will ultimately depend on your preferences.
That’s why you’ll want to keep a few features in mind when choosing between these varieties to ensure you make a well-informed decision based on what you like and need.
So, without further ado, let’s see what these features are:
- Brewing method: Though there are plenty of brewing methods coffee enthusiasts can choose between, the three most common ones for which coarse coffee grounds are created include the French press, cold brew, and drip. So, before you even start eyeing a brand that piques your interest, make sure that that product, in particular, is made for your preferred brewing method.
- Roast level: This is another non-negotiable feature to consider. If you’ve already been drinking coffee for a while, chances are you already know what roast level you prefer. So, unless you’re thinking about experimenting with your coarse-ground coffee, stick to what you know works for you. You can learn more about the different coffee roasts here.
- Price point: On a more practical note, you want to ensure that the coffee grounds you choose don’t exceed your appointed coffee budget. Luckily, the options on this list come in a wide array of price points, so you’re sure to find an alternative that fits your preferences and budget.
- Origin: The country which the beans originate from speaks a lot about their quality and the overall sourcing practices. That’s why beans that come from, say, Colombia are often viewed as better quality. Similarly, when presented with the choice, always opt for Arabica beans instead of Robusta.
- Flavor: Do you like a rich or more subdued flavor? What undertones do you prefer? Do you want your coffee to taste light and fruity or dark and chocolatey? These are all questions you need to answer before checking the flavor profile of the coffee brand you’re planning on purchasing.
- Freshness: This goes without saying, but you need to opt for the freshest option possible, especially if you’re buying organic. So, make sure to check that “Packed on” date to ensure you’re getting a package that hasn’t been sitting in storage for months on end, losing its flavor and scent in the process.
Why trust me with your ground coffee choice?
Whether you’re a coffee fanatic looking to find the best grounds on the market or a conscious consumer looking to get the best value for your money, choosing a brand that matches your preferences and budget can be challenging.
And with so many options to choose from, the decision often feels downright impossible.
In the same vein, since so many online voices state their thoughts and opinions, it’s not easy to know which one to trust.
However, since I’ve tried so many different coffees over the years, I feel confident that I’ll be able to point out their advantages and drawbacks as objectively as possible.
The 7 best coarse ground coffees for all brewing methods
Now that that’s settled, let’s not waste any more time and get right to my top seven picks for the best coarse ground coffees in the market.
1. Bizzy Organic Cold Brew Coffee Smooth & Sweet Blend
The Bizzy Organic Cold Brew Coffee is a smooth and sweet blend that’s been optimized for cold brewing, yielding smooth, delicious results every time.
The best thing about these grounds is that they’re versatile and can be used in conjunction with other varieties.
Moreover, even though the coffee strength might be a concern, the good news is that you can alter the amount of water you add as you wish to get your ideal cup of coffee (even if it takes a bit of experimentation).
This brand is 100% organic and ethically sourced.
Pros
- Smooth and sweet
- Very versatile
- Can also be used for hot coffees
- 100% organic
- Ethically sourced
Cons
- Some customers claim the beans are grounded too finely for them to be considered coarse
- The packaging doesn’t contain a clear warning about allergens like nuts
2. Stone Cold Jo Dark Roast Organic Coffee
If you’re a fan of dark roast coffee, you’ll love this one.
Though it is a bit pricier than most other brands mentioned on this list, considering the beans are 100% ethically-sourced Arabica beans, I’d say the price justifies the level of quality you’ll be getting in return.
Not to mention the fact that you won’t be supporting harmful practices.
The final result’s taste, texture, and aroma will certainly live up to your expectations, too, so I highly recommend giving this Stone Cold Jo dark roast coffee a try.
Pros
- Organic and ethically sourced, kosher
- Excellent taste and aroma
- A silky, smooth flavor with chocolatey undertones
- Low acidity
Cons
- Expensive
- Not as strong as you’d expect for the price
3. Illy Intenso Ground Drip Coffee
This is yet another Arabica coffee variety that lives up to its expectations, so if you’re a drip coffee enthusiast, I can guarantee you’ll fall in love with this Illy Intenso variation.
Though the company states that its beans are sourced from all over the world, most of its imports come from Brazil, a country known for its high-quality coffee.
According to the description on the Amazon link embedded above, Illy has spent over eight decades perfecting the exact type of coffee they’re offering you today, so you know that it’ll check all of the boxes in your “perfect cup of coffee” checklist.
Pros
- A blend of several high-quality Arabica sources
- A very rich taste and aroma, which is uncommon for coarse ground coffees
- High-end packaging
- Naturally sweet and smooth
- Consistent texture
- Low acidity
- Organic and ethically sourced
Cons
- Expensive
- Can leave a bitter aftertaste
4. Primos Coffee Co French Press Specialty Coffee
This mild-tasting coffee is excellent for those who like to avoid overly strong and bitter varieties.
Primos makes all its coffees from premium-quality Arabica beans, so you can rest assured that you’re getting your money’s worth.
These beans are 100% organic and ethically sourced, adding even more to the value of that brown Primos package you’ll be getting in your mail.
The taste, though mild, is excellent too. It’s smooth, sweet, non-acidic, and very consistent.
Pros
- Excellent taste and aroma
- Low acidity
- A balanced flavor that’s neither too sweet nor too bitter
- Medium roast, catering to many coffee drinkers
Cons
- Can be a bit weak at times
- It can leave a film over your teeth after drinking
5. Cafe Du Monde Coffee
If you love the taste of coffee, but your body doesn’t react well to its chemical composition, you’ll love this chicory root blend.
Be warned; the blend still contains actual coffee beans; however, since they’re not as concentrated, this Cafe du Monde option is still excellent for those who want to cut back on their caffeine consumption.
The coffee is artisanally made at Cafe du Monde in New Orleans, which has been operating for almost two centuries.
You can, therefore, have peace of mind that they have a long-standing history of making top-tier quality coffee blends.
Pros
- Premium quality
- Excellent value for what you’ll be getting
- The addition of chicory makes this coffee better suited for those who want to cut back on caffeine
Cons
- The taste can be disappointing to those who don’t like chicory
- Not as strong as varieties made 100% from coffee beans
6. Tiny Footprint Coffee Organic Cold Brew
Don’t let the fact that this is the only light roast coffee in this article fool you; the Tiny Footprint Organic Cold Brew Coffee still packs quite a punch.
While on the topic, I also want to note that although I’ve categorized this coffee as a light roast, it’s actually a blend of beans that have been roasted to different levels (though most of them are lighter roast).
This coffee is 100% organic and ethically sourced. It also boasts a pleasant and smooth flavor accentuated by some fruity and floral notes.
Pros
- Excellent taste and aroma
- Organic and ethically sourced, carbon-negative
- Low acidity
- Great value for the money
Cons
- Not as strong as some darker-roast varieties
- Can leave a bitter aftertaste
7. Gevalia Special Reserve Coffee
The Gevalia Special Reserve Coffee is a rich, 100%-organic Arabica variety that’s been ethically sourced, so even those keeping Kosher will get to enjoy this high-quality single-origin coffee.
Their beans are all slow-roasted, so they’ve locked in a lot of flavor and aroma, which is especially essential when it comes to coarse grounds.
Pros
- Premium quality
- Great value
- Rich taste and aroma
- Smooth consistency
- Low acidity
Cons
- Not as sweet as some of the other options mentioned on this list
- Can sometimes be too strong if you’re after a medium roast
Coarse-ground coffee FAQs
Now that you know more about the seven best coarse-ground coffees in today’s market, let’s clear some commonly-asked questions about coarse-ground coffee in general.
Is coarse-ground coffee stronger than fine-ground coffee?
Coarse-ground coffee isn’t stronger than fine-ground coffee; the opposite is true.
While the grounding level doesn’t directly affect the taste or caffeine content, since finer grounds have greater surface contact with water (or any liquid of choice), they’ll infuse more flavor.
What should coarse-grind coffee look and feel like?
Coarse grind coffee usually resembles kosher salt both in looks and feel.
So, if you’ve never seen this type of coffee before and want to check whether you’ve gotten the right variety, you want the coffee to be coarser than the usual espresso grind consistency but not so coarse that it has big chunks:
Is ground coffee the same as coarse ground coffee?
Ground coffee is not the same as coarse ground coffee. When we use the general term “ground coffee,” we speak of the default grounding level, which is fine.
That means that while ground coffee has the consistency of talk powder, coarse ground coffee has the consistency of kosher salt.
Final verdict
Whichever of the coffees mentioned on this list you choose, you can rest assured that you’ll be starting your day off right.
Each of these coarsely-grounded beans offers a rich, compelling taste and aroma that’ll surely wake you up.
However, if you’re a bit specific about your preferences, make sure to keep the advantages, drawbacks, and considerations mentioned above in mind during the selection process.
That way, you can find a variety that best fits your needs, wants, and budget.
