Today, let's look at the best whole bean coffee in the UK.
I have spent 10+ years in the coffee industry as a professional barista and trainer.
During this time, I have taste-tested some of the best whole bean coffee from many brands across the UK.
After all, waking up every morning and making coffee for myself has been a routine.
But picking the best UK whole bean coffee can be a very difficult PROBLEM.
First, you have to consider price, brand reputation, ethical and sustainable practices, reviews, taste and flavour.
All of which are tedious and very time-consuming processes.
But I have done all the hard work for you.
I have done the research and tried some of the current UK's best whole beans, and these are my personal favourites:
- Balance Coffee (Beginners & Expert Friendly) + GET 15% OFF
- Assembly Coffee
- Volcano Coffee
- Origin Coffee
Note: Use the below SKIP LINKS to navigate to the section majority of the 2000 readers focus on.
Now, let's break everything down, starting with the factors you must consider to make your decision-making easier.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Whole Bean Coffee
Before picking a brand that caters to your values, taste and budget, note some key things.
Knowing these key factors can differentiate between a great daily cup and a terrible one.
I will expand on that below.
Roast Level
The first thing you should look at is the roast level, as it affects the taste of your coffee.
For example, Light roasts are more suitable for Pour-over coffee than Dark roasts.
Medium roast, on the other hand, gives off a balanced flavour.
As for Dark roast, it is more favourable to espresso and has a stronger flavour.
With that said, let's look at another factor: bean origin.
Bean Origin
Speaking of beans, the country, region or estate where they are grown also affects the taste of your coffee.
For example, single origin coffee beans come from one country, region or place.
You can easily tell by the unique flavour peculiar to the place it comes from.
As for blends, they are the opposite of a single origin.
Blends are obtained by mixing beans from different places to achieve a uniform flavour.
Quickly, let's dive into another factor: flavour profiles.
Flavor Profile Preferences
The flavour profile you like would naturally factor into the coffee you pick.
If you are a fan of fruity flavours, then Africa is where such beans are mostly found.
While if nutty and chocolatey is more your preference, you'd be looking at countries from Latin America.
Now that you know the factors to look for, where can you buy whole bean coffee online?
In the next sections, I will walk you through the first three of the top 10 best whole bean coffees I have tried in the UK.
Where To Buy Whole Beans Online UK
While walking at Sanremo, I was privileged to walk with 100s of coffee brands across the United Kingdom.
And yes, I am the person sitting at the extreme right in the image below with my fellow co-workers at Sanremo.
I taste-tested beans from these brands and am thrilled that three peculiar brands are at the top.
Each stood out to me because they prioritised the customer over profit.
And the customers didn't think twice about leaving behind heartfelt reviews.
When you think of FAST delivery, FREE shipping, money-back guarantees and incentives, these guys bullied the rest in a good way.
Please pick a brand from the top 3 in the table below NOW because I have consistently used these brands for 10+ years.
Limited Time Offer: If you order Balance Coffee today, you will GET 15% OFF to enjoy a cup that boosts your energy and doubles your productivity.
| Product | Benefits | where to buy |
|---|---|---|
Balance Coffee |
|
Shop & Save 15% |
Assembly Coffee |
|
Shop Now |
Volcano Coffee |
|
Shop Now |
Now, let's dissect each brand in the top 10 to see how they measure up.
Top Brands Picks for Different Coffee Preferences
Let's dive into picking the right coffee brand for you.
Balance Coffee (Champion Healthy Coffee)
Balance Coffee has been championing the healthy coffee space.
Since its inception, it has served over 20,000 happy customers.
Don't believe me?
Here is what customers are saying about Balance Coffee.
Jonathan L Said
Stability blend is my favourite coffee bean. Although all blends are good. Haven’t had a bad one. Delicious.
See the screenshot below!
Daisy M Said
Loving this coffee so much. Great flavour, experiencing the sharper concentration without afternoon headaches at work.
See the screenshot below!
Steven M said.
Realing enjoying my new Balance Coffee. Lovely brew when freshly ground. Great flavour profile, no post coffee jitters. Look forward to trying the others.
See the screenshot below!
I have tried the Lion's Mane coffee, Stability blend, Rotate espresso and Darkfire Energy from Balance Coffee.
If this is your first time hearing about healthy coffee, Balance is among the top 20 best coffee bean brands in the UK.
But don't just take my word for it. BBCGoodFood says Balance Coffee have the best coffee for gifting.
Here's a screenshot from the official BBCGOODFOOD website for reference purposes.
I have also found the Balance Coffee starter pack to be amazing.
It holds three different coffees that leave you craving more.
I like the luxurious caramel and bold earthy kicks, which pack a punch in the Darkfire Energy.
The Stability Blend's milk chocolate and hazelnut flavours are my favourites, and I know you will love them, too.
Lastly, the Rotate Espresso is popular for its dark chocolate and berry brownie flavour.
Click here to try the Espresso Starter Bundle and GET 15% OFF.
Roast Level and Bean Origin
Balance Coffee beans cut across light roast to medium to dark roast.
If dark, medium, or light is your preference, look to Balance Coffee.
The brand uses single-origin and blends that are 100% Arabica beans from high-altitude areas.
Each bag also contains 1000+ antioxidants and vitamin B3, which protects and improves brain function.
Flavour Profile and Taste
Speaking of flavour, there's something for your taste buds as well.
Whether you love chocolate, strawberry, hazelnut, fig, berry brownie, peach, vanilla, creams or caramel, Balance has you covered.
Each blend is a treat with these flavours to nourish your taste buds.
In addition, the roasting process preserves all the beneficial health compounds.
Price & Suitability
I must add that it is also reasonably priced. Other than the premium-priced Lion's Mane coffee, others were affordable.
But if you care about buying the best healthy coffee beans free from toxins, then premium pricing shouldn't be a problem.
You will also get a 60-day money-back guarantee plus FREE shipping on orders above £25.
Unique Selling Points
- Each cup has over 1,000 antioxidants, more than many superfoods.
- The coffee is a speciality grade, which tastes amazing.
- Balance plant trees every month and use compostable packaging.
What I Like (Pros)
- Packed with antioxidants for health.
- Ethically sourced, supporting sustainability.
- Speciality-grade for top quality and taste.
- Free from toxins like mould, mycotoxins and pesticides.
What I Don’t Like (Cons)
- The premium price might be high for some.
- Limited flavours, mainly chocolatey notes.
Final Verdict
- Choose coffee that boosts your wellness.
- Enjoy the deep, rich flavours.
- Drink coffee that’s good for the planet.
Balance Coffee combines great taste with health benefits and ethical and sustainable practices.
If that's what you're looking for, click here to try out their selection of the best whole bean coffees.
Assembly Coffee (Flavour Variety)
I have been drinking Assembly Coffee for over five years.
The reason is simple: I love their coffee selection from regions like East Africa, Central, and South America.
I particularly like the House Espresso because it tastes like light brown sugar and orange.
In addition, the region the beans were sourced from piqued my curiosity.
Because I thought El Salvador could only produce good-tasting coffee.
But excuse my ignorance because I have since educated myself accordingly.
Rich Flavours To Captivate Your Soul
Assembly roasts their beans light so coffee lovers can highlight the complex flavours and understand their origins.
When it comes to flavour variety, Assembly stands head and shoulders tall.
You will taste Banoffee, Nutty, Rich, Orange, Silk, and light brown sugar.
These beans lend themselves wonderfully to Espresso.
This means that all you have to do is get an espresso machine like the Sage Espresso coffee machine, and you'll be gold.
It is also good for French Press and Pour-over if those are your preferred brewing methods.
Affordable Luxury
Assembly, much like Balance Coffee, is fairly priced.
For £10, you can get a 250g bag, which should be enough for you.
However, the brand's premium products go as high as £40.
So, if you tilt towards exclusivity, you may buy Assembly's limited edition coffees.
From Bean to Cup
You will likely be hooked forever once you make your first cup with Assembly whole beans.
Because the brand dedicates the business to providing only quality beans to customers.
This reflects its endeavour to work closely with farmers, focusing on ethical practices.
What I Like (Pros)
- A wide variety of unique flavours.
- Ethically sourced and sustainably made.
- Works well with different ways of making coffee.
What I Don’t Like (Cons)
- Premium options like the Limited Edition might be expensive for some.
- The light roast might not be everyone’s favourite if they prefer darker roasts.
Verdict
- Try a mix of flavours from all over the world in just one pack.
- Feel good knowing your coffee is made responsibly.
- Every sip shows the high quality and care that goes into making this coffee.
Assembly Coffee offers great taste and stands for sustainability and quality.
This makes it one of the best light roast whole bean coffees in the UK.
If you love flavour varieties, I recommend trying the Assembly House Espresso.
Volcano Coffee Works
While working as a coffee trainer before founding Balance Coffee, I taste-tested Volcano Mount Blend. The taste of South American coffee blew me away.
As a matter of fact, after brewing this with the Eagle One Prima, I could not help but love the milk chocolate flavour taste.
Ethiopia is one of the countries in Africa that wasn't colonised.
And this is among the countries where Volcano Coffee sources its beans.
It also sourced its beans from Colombia. In addition, the brand collaborates with local farmers.
The result? A fair practice and environmental care that ensures great-tasting coffee like the one found in the Mount Blend.
From Bean to Cup
Despite the premium services offered to customers, Volcano has maintained a budget-friendly pricing.
Since this is a factor, I have taken advantage of this price point to enjoy a great coffee.
For just £7.00, you too can begin enjoying a speciality coffee that prioritises sustainable and ethical values.
And with the newest brand's innovation, Coffee Tin, you can preserve up to 500g of coffee.
There's something for everyone, whether you prefer blends or single origins whole beans.
At this price point, Volcano Coffee is accessible, so you can enjoy the highest-grade coffee without breaking the bank.
Flavour Profiles
Volcano roasts the Mount Blend medium roast, enabling its flavours to shine through when drinking it.
While milk chocolate is very pronounced, you will taste red grapes and caramel flavour notes.
As for other options like the Firehouse Blend, chocolate, forest fruit, and dried orange are the flavours that make this coffee a must-try.
Their beans are roasted light to medium, which is just right for bringing out the unique flavours from each origin.
So whether you like your coffee smooth and subtle or bold and distinct, they’ve got you covered.
Brewing Perfection
I found Mount Blend to work best when I brewed it as espresso coffee.
If you are unfamiliar with this method of brewing coffee, you can read my blog post on how to make espresso coffee.
You can also find your luck when you brew it at a Cafetiere or French press.
Each pack even has brewing tips to help you make the best cup every time.
What I Like (Pros)
- Ethically sourced and sustainably made.
- There is a wide array of flavours and roast levels to choose from.
- Affordable luxury with options for every budget.
What I Don’t Like (Cons)
- The lighter roasts might only be for some, especially if you prefer a darker, bolder taste.
Final Verdict
- Every sip connects you to the coffee's origin, made with great care.
- Enjoy coffee that's good for the planet and its people.
- Taste the special flavours that make Volcano Coffee stand out.
Volcano Coffee Works has one of the best medium roast whole bean coffee in the UK.
And if you are into medium roasts, I encourage you to try the Mount Blend.
Origin Coffee (Smart Taste)
My brother Rhys is a seasonal coffee drinker who introduced me to Santa Elena.
This coffee comes from El Salvador, specifically the Santa Ana region.
With the rich volcanic soil and canopy shades, you can be sure this coffee hits all the right spots.
The less windy atmosphere makes the coffee ripe, and is hand-picked after the 9th month.
Origin focuses on maintaining relationships with farmers so they can get their hands on these beans.
Flavour Profile and Roast
Upon trying this coffee out, I noticed the strawberry flavours.
It blended well with the apricot and dark chocolate flavour, brightening as it brushed my lips.
Origin mainly roasts its beans within the light roast spectrum to fine-tune them to delicate flavours.
You can taste everything from fruity flavours like cantaloupe, orange, and red apple to sweet notes of milk chocolate and brown sugar.
Brewing and Pricing
Origin Coffee products work with different brewing methods.
So, if you'd prefer espresso, grind the whole bean with the fine-ground setting on your machine, and you'll be good to go.
Plus, at £9.00, you can buy coffee from Volcano Coffee editions.
Unique Selling Points
What makes Origin Coffee special?
It's a light roast, and direct trade with farmers ensures every cup bursts with clear and pure flavours.
I resonate with it very much in terms of values.
What I Like (Pros)
- Ethically sourced, which helps the planet.
- It has a wide variety of unique flavours.
- They are super fresh and high quality because they get beans directly from farmers.
What I Don’t Like (Cons)
- Special editions might be a bit pricey.
- Light roasts might not be everyone’s favourite.
Final Verdict
- Notice the fresh difference with each sip.
- It feels good to drink coffee, which helps farmers.
- Enjoy discovering flavours that have their own stories.
You can try Origin Coffee here.
Rounton Coffee (Premium Coffees)
While trying to put this article together, I rushed to Rounton and ordered the two most popular coffees: Daybreak Blend and Rich Roast.
They have been on my radar since I wrote about the best coffee roasters in the UK.
But this wasn't the first time I drank coffee from these guys.
The very first time was back in 2020 during the pandemic.
Let's talk about the flavours in the next section below to give you a clue.
Beautiful Flavours
When brewing the Daybreak Blend, I turned to Aeropress Brewing.
You can read my guide on how to brew Aeropress coffee here.
You will get a rich, bold and thick creamy crema upon drinking this coffee.
It was medium roasted, packed with all the right taste, and enjoyable.
You can also read my article on the best medium roast coffee beans.
In that article, I specifically picked brands with some of the best medium roasts.
Rounton Coffee takes you on a trip through some of the best coffee regions around the world.
They bring you beans from places like Rwanda, Uganda, and China, each chosen for its special qualities.
Rounton Coffee is known for its wide array of tastes.
For example, their Rwandan beans hint at green apples and cinnamon.
Its Colombia's Dulce Misterio Geisha offers unique bubblegum and jasmine flavours.
Pricing and Accessibility
I am also happy to tell you the brand's coffee is reasonably priced.
For as low as £8.75, you can get your hands on a bag of coffee and start enjoying it.
While I tried only the Daybreak Blend and Rich Roast, which is one of the best dark roast whole bean coffees, you can search for others within the brand.
Whether you are a light, dark, or medium roast lover, this brand has something for you.
From Farm to Cup
These guys also shine when it comes to operating the business ethically and sustainably.
Beans are sourced with strict policies that ensure the best way to make them into the bag you buy.
What I Like (Pros)
- A wide variety of flavours from different places.
- They are committed to ethical sourcing and sustainability.
- It works well with all brewing methods.
What I Don’t Like (Cons)
- Some of their special coffees might cost a bit more.
- Certain flavours are unusual for some traditional coffee drinkers.
Final Verdict
- Each type of bean takes you to a new part of the globe.
- Feel good enjoying top-quality coffee that’s sourced responsibly.
- Every cup shows Rounton’s dedication to excellence.
Rounton Coffee is among the best coffee roasters London.
And if you care about price and ethical sourcing, give them a try here.
Extract Coffee Roasters
While researching this article, Mel, a friend and trusted coffee taste tester, recommended Extract Coffee Roasters.
I wasn't sceptical because I had previously tried the Mbili Twiga PB Espresso, and it was great.
Upon her recommendations, I ordered the Kathangariri Filter sourced from Kenya.
Flavour Profiles and Taste
As directed by Extract Coffee on the product page, I decided to brew it as Pour-over coffee.
You can read my guide on how to make pour-over coffee here.
I tasted bright, fruity notes with a red currant, honey and black tea finish.
It was impressive, and it was a medium roast.
Each coffee from Extract has its special taste, from sweet caramel and cocoa to bold flavours like passionfruit jam and grape soda.
But what about the price?
Pricing and Accessibility
The Kathangariri cost me £14.95, and I frowned a bit because it was a bit pricier than the other brands.
However, you can get the Mbili Twiga PB Espresso for £12.95, a great coffee.
This isn't the best budget-friendly whole bean coffee on this list.
Look to the Balance Coffee Stability Blend if that's something you care about.
Note: This isn't a knock-on Extract but a reflection of the quality of the brand's beans.
What I Like (Pros)
- Lots of different flavours.
- Coffee comes from places that do good for farmers and the earth.
- Great for all ways of making coffee.
What I Don’t Like (Cons)
- Special editions might cost more.
- Some flavours might be too much for people who like classic coffee.
Final Verdict
- Every sip brings a new taste to discover.
- Always rich and well-made.
- Enjoy top-notch coffee and feel good about it.
I have had a great experience using Extract Roasters. While not very cheap, the coffee is too good to pass up.
You can try out Extract Coffee Roasters if the price is a small deal.
Dark Art Coffee (Enjoyable Flavours)
Dark Art sources its beans from across the globe.
The brand's coffee beans come from Brazil, Rwanda, Colombia, Indonesia, and Peru. Each blend is carefully chosen to bring out the best flavours.
From Brazil's nutty and fruity notes to Indonesia's exotic spices, you can be certain there's something for you.
Product Flavour Profiles
I picked Dark Arts SKULL FLOWER and KING GARUDA to try for this exercise.
Frankly, I needed to figure out what to expect from KING GADURA coffee because I had never tried coffee from Indonesia.
But that was different for SKULL FLOWER, which was sourced from Colombia.
I have tried beans from Colombia before, so I knew what to expect.
For Skull Flower, the creamy mouthfeel of black currant and milk chocolate notes was very striking.
But it was King Gadura coffee that amazed me because of the Mango mouth feel and cherry notes.
Dark Art also ensures their coffee suits different brewing methods, which is good.
You will find something that works for you, no matter your preferred brewing method.
Price and Value
I spent between £9.00 and £14.35 to get each bag of whole-bean.
Since it didn't cost me a fortune, you can try different options without breaking the bank.
Unique Selling Points
Dark Art Coffee holds your hand through a coffee journey from different regions.
From family farms in Brazil to Rwanda, Columbia, and Indonesia, you will experience great-tasting coffee rooted in cultural history.
What I Like (Pros)
- A wide array of unique flavours from around the world.
- Beans are ethically sourced.
- It works well with various brewing methods.
What I Don’t Like (Cons)
- Some special blends might be hard to find.
- The complex flavours might be a bit much for those new to coffee.
Final Verdict
- Each bag offers a rich taste of adventure.
- Every cup tells a story of dedication and craftsmanship.
- See how traditional methods blend with modern tastes.
You can click here to try Dark Art Coffee today.
Pact Coffee
Pact Coffee brings you up to 200 unique speciality coffees yearly from famous coffee places like Brazil, Colombia, and Ethiopia.
They have a coffee for everyone, with tastes ranging from chocolatey and fruity to exotic floral notes.
So, I had to give them a try, too. I bought the House Espresso (dark roast) and Bourbon Cream Espresso.
The House Espresso, a dark roast, gave off a sweet toffee milk chocolate taste.
I also liked that the acidity was mild, and the coffee was speciality-grade.
As for the Bourbon Cream Espresso, it tasted like a Bourbon cream biscuit with a refined sugar sweetness.
I had to make a double-shot espresso from these, which didn't disappoint.
If you don't know how to make a double shot espresso, read my blog post.
Customised Brewing Perfection
Do you love a strong espresso in the morning or a relaxing pour-over in the afternoon?
Pact Coffee has just the right grind for you.
They offer everything from whole beans for those who love fresh coffee to finely ground options.
I have written previously about the best ground coffee beans in the UK.
It's a very interesting article that is worthy of your time.
And if you have more time left, check out this article on the best ground coffee subscription.
Pricing and Accessibility
Pact Coffee makes enjoying speciality coffee easy.
With prices ranging from £9.95 to £29.95 for mixed boxes, you can surely get affordable coffees.
Ethical Sourcing and Sustainability
Every bean at Pact Coffee is ethically sourced, and the company focuses on quality, sustainability, and fair pay for farmers.
This helps make a positive difference throughout the coffee supply chain.
What I Like (Pros)
- Lots of different flavours to try.
- Sourced ethically and made sustainably.
- Great for many types of coffee brewing.
What I Don’t Like (Cons)
- Special selections might cost a bit more.
- The wide range of flavours might only suit some's taste.
Final Verdict
- Enjoy a wide range of coffees worldwide.
- Support fair and sustainable coffee making.
- Notice the richness and depth in each cup.
Click here to try Pact Coffee whole beans now!
Caravan Coffee Roasters
Caravan Coffee Roasters offers a unique coffee experience with many flavours and origins.
They source their beans from top places like Brazil and Ethiopia.
If you are big on tastes like dark chocolate, vanilla nougat, and cherry cola, this is where you need to get your coffee.
Flavour and Roast
Whether you love dark chocolate's rich taste or green apple's fresh zest, Caravan has easily covered you.
You can expect a different range of coffee, each roasted to bring out the best flavours.
Brewing and Pricing
Caravan offers speciality coffee with prices starting at £8.00 and going up to £18.00.
With such a price range, there is something for you, whether you like exclusivity or something within your budget.
Its range of whole beans caters to different brewing methods like Espresso and Filter coffee.
Speaking of espresso and filter, I wrote about coffee suitable for both processes below.
Why Caravan Coffee Roastery
Caravan's focus on sustainability and building direct farmer relationships makes it special.
It proves they are one of the many brands in the UK that champion ethical sourcing.
What I Like (Pros)
- A wide variety of flavours.
- Beans are ethically sourced.
- Fits all brewing methods.
What I Don’t Like (Cons)
- Higher prices for the very best selections.
- The many flavours might be too much for new coffee drinkers.
Final Verdict
- You will enjoy diverse and deep flavours.
- Drink coffee that helps sustainable farming.
- Each sip shows the careful roasting and expertise of the Caravan.
Caravan Coffee Roasters offers multiple tastes and is a stand-out brand among the 600+ coffee roasters in the United Kingdom.
It is easily one of the best whole beans coffee in the UK right now.
Click here to try it out for yourself.
Rave Coffee (With A Signature Blend)
While looking for what coffee to try from Rave Coffee, the Signature Blend No 1 comes to mind.
With a mind-blowing 13,000 reviews, it's hard to pass up on this.
After completing my order, I brewed this as espresso coffee because it was where it shined the best.
Before I tell you what it tasted like, Rave is known for various flavours.
From classic caramel and almond to bold walnut and dark chocolate, your taste buds will thank me for recommending them.
Flavour and Roast Range
Rave Coffee has a great range of roasts, from light to dark.
If you are the type that enjoys the deep taste of a dark roast, you are in luck.
What if a light touch of a light roast is what you fall in love with? Rave expertly roast the beans so you can enjoy even the nuanced taste.
The brand’s roasting expertise shines in its Signature Blend No 1, which tastes like milk chocolate.
Brewing Flexibility and Pricing
Rave Coffee is priced just right, from £6.08 to £12.00.
It works with all brewing methods, which means you can brew it as espresso and filter coffee using a French press.
What I Like (Pros)
- A big range of flavours.
- It works in any way you want to make coffee.
- It helps the environment with every sale.
What I Don’t Like (Cons)
- Some special blends might be hard to find.
- Finding your favourite might take some trying out.
Final Verdict
- Enjoy many different, carefully chosen flavours.
- Every sip supports the earth.
- Rave Coffee has options for everyone.
Click here to try one of the best 10 whole bean coffees in the UK.
Bonus: Storing Your Whole Bean Coffee
So, how do you store your whole bean coffee?
Follow the bullet points below to store your coffee beans properly.
But why should you store them properly?
The simple reason is that storing your coffee beans right is key to keeping them fresh and flavoured.
Here we go:
- Keep them away from air, moisture, heat, and light.
- Use an opaque, air-tight container.
- Store your beans at room temperature.
If you buy a lot of coffee, put some in the freezer in an air-tight container.
But once you take them out, don’t put them back in because that can make them go bad faster.
I have written an entire article on the best coffee storage containers.
It's a must-read if you want to find a good storage can for your coffee.
You can also read my article about the best grind size for coffee.
It should help you determine which grind size you should use for different brew methods.
People Also Asked Questions (FAQs)
So you will have some questions running through your mind.
Here are some answers to your common questions about whole-bean coffee.
Is buying whole bean coffee better?
Absolutely! Buying whole bean coffee is usually better than getting pre-ground coffee. Whole beans stay fresher and tastier longer because they are less exposed to air, moisture, and light. Plus, grinding your beans right before brewing gives you more control over the grind size, which is super important for getting the best flavour from your coffee, no matter how you brew it.
Why is whole bean coffee so expensive?
There are a few reasons why whole-bean coffee might cost more. First, it often comes from really good crops and undergoes a lot of careful sorting and processing to ensure that only the best beans end up in your bag. Also, whole-bean coffee can include speciality beans from specific places with unique flavours. These beans are often grown in smaller batches and have higher production standards, which can increase the price.
How long does whole bean coffee last?
Whole bean coffee can stay tasty for about six months to a year if you store it right—in a cool, dark place in a tight-sealed container. After that, it won’t necessarily go bad, but it might lose some of its flavour and smell.
For the yummiest coffee, try to use it within a few weeks of when it is roasted.
What's so great about whole bean coffee?
The biggest perk of whole-bean coffee is that it keeps its freshness and flavour way longer than ground coffee. When you grind the coffee, it touches more air, losing its yummy taste faster. Whole beans let you grind your coffee how you like it for making coffee, which means you get the best taste and a great cup of coffee.
Which costs less: whole bean or ground coffee?
Usually, ground coffee costs less than whole bean coffee. That's because ground coffee is made in big amounts and might mix different kinds of beans, which lowers the price. Even though whole bean coffee might cost a bit more initially, it could be a better deal in the long run. It stays fresh longer and tastes better, so you get more yummy coffee for your money.
Is whole bean coffee stronger?
The strength of your coffee mostly comes from how you make it and how much coffee you use compared to the water. But, because whole beans stay fresh longer, they keep their strong flavour and smell better. This can make your coffee taste more robust and lively if you brew it right. Whole beans are not naturally stronger; they keep their great qualities better.
Conclusion
Choosing the best whole bean coffee in the UK is about more than just grabbing a bag off the shelf.
It's about soaking in the small details that enrich your experience.
Knowing roast levels, origins and flavour can easily guide your choice.
Once you have that dialled in, the next step is to pick a brand that prioritises your most valuable assets.
Thankfully, I have provided ten brands I have taste-tested and drank their coffee to help you make a smart choice.
You may love a strong dark roast in your morning espresso or enjoy a light, aromatic pour-over to start your day.
Either way, you have everything you need to decide on the best single-origin whole bean coffee and blends.
And lastly, if you love whole bean speciality-grade coffee priced reasonably and healthy, start here.
