Coffee is more than just a beverage; for many, it’s a ritual, a passion, and a daily necessity. Whether you prefer a robust espresso, a velvety latte, or a smooth pour-over, the quality of your coffee beans can make or break the experience. The UK coffee scene is thriving, and with so many options available, choosing the best coffee beans can be overwhelming. In this guide, we will explore the best coffee beans UK has to offer, answer common questions like “what are the best coffee beans UK?” and “what is the best raw coffee beans UK?” and help you find the top places to buy these beans online.
Why Choosing the Best Coffee Beans is Important
The flavor and quality of your coffee largely depend on the beans you choose. With factors like origin, roast level, and bean type playing key roles in the taste profile, selecting the best UK coffee beans can elevate your coffee experience. High-quality coffee beans ensure better freshness, superior flavor, and more control over your brewing process, whether you’re using an espresso machine, a French press, or an Aeropress.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Coffee Beans
Before diving into the list of top UK coffee beans, let’s discuss some important factors to consider:
- Origin: The origin of the coffee plays a big role in determining the flavor. Coffee from Africa, such as Ethiopian beans, tends to have fruity and floral notes, while beans from Latin America often have chocolatey and nutty undertones.
- Roast Level: The roast level (light, medium, or dark) influences the flavor and intensity. Light roasts maintain more of the original flavor of the bean, while dark roasts are bolder and often have a smoky taste.
- Bean Type: The two main types of coffee beans are Arabica and Robusta. Arabica beans are known for their smooth and nuanced flavors, while Robusta is stronger, with more bitterness and higher caffeine content.
- Freshness: Freshness is critical to a great cup of coffee. Look for beans with a roast date or opt for subscriptions that provide freshly roasted beans.
What Are the Best Coffee Beans UK?
Finding the best coffee beans in the UK can be subjective depending on individual preferences. However, some brands consistently stand out due to their commitment to quality, flavor, and sustainability. Here are some of the best options available in the UK:
1. Pact Coffee
Pact Coffee is known for its ethically sourced, freshly roasted coffee beans. Their variety of blends and single-origin options are perfect for any coffee enthusiast looking for a rich and flavorful cup. You can choose your roast preference, and they even offer a subscription service for convenience.
- Top Recommendation: Pact’s Colombian El Carmen for those who love a bright, citrusy flavor.
- Available on Amazon UK: Pact Coffee – Colombian El Carmen
2. Union Hand-Roasted Coffee
Union is one of the most respected names in the UK coffee industry, offering high-quality, sustainable coffee beans. Their House Blend is a popular choice for its rich, chocolatey notes and smooth finish.
- Top Recommendation: Union’s House Blend for a balanced, medium roast perfect for espresso or filter brewing.
- Available on Amazon UK: Union Hand-Roasted Coffee House Blend
3. Grumpy Mule Coffee
Grumpy Mule offers organic, Fairtrade-certified coffee beans with a wide range of flavor profiles. Their Sumatra beans are especially popular for their earthy, full-bodied taste.
- Top Recommendation: Grumpy Mule Sumatra for a bold, smoky brew with notes of dark chocolate.
- Available on Amazon UK: Grumpy Mule Sumatra Coffee Beans
4. Lavazza Qualità Oro
Lavazza is an Italian brand, but it’s incredibly popular in the UK for its accessible, high-quality coffee beans. Qualità Oro is a blend of 100% Arabica beans, known for its delicate sweetness and fruity aroma.
- Top Recommendation: Lavazza Qualità Oro for those who love a smooth, aromatic coffee.
- Available on Amazon UK: Lavazza Qualità Oro
5. Amazon Espresso Crema Ground Coffee
This company is known for its sustainable practices and commitment to producing quality coffee. They offer a variety of single-origin beans as well as blends that cater to different tastes.
- Top Recommendation: Amazon Espresso Crema Ground Coffee, Rainforest Alliance Certified.
- Available on Amazon UK: Amazon Espresso Crema Ground Coffee
What is the Best Raw Coffee Beans UK?
Raw or green coffee beans are unroasted beans that allow you to roast them at home to your preference. If you enjoy experimenting with roast levels or just want the freshest coffee possible, buying raw beans might be the way to go.
Here are some of the best raw coffee beans in the UK:
1. South American Green Coffee Beans (Unroasted)
South American beans, especially those from Brazil and Colombia, are known for their balanced flavor profile, with notes of nuts, chocolate, and mild acidity. These unroasted beans provide a perfect base for home roasting.
- Available on Amazon UK: South American Green Coffee Beans
2. Kenyan Green Coffee Beans
Kenyan beans are popular for their bright acidity and fruity, wine-like notes. If you enjoy a lighter, fruit-forward roast, Kenyan green beans are an excellent choice.
- Available on Amazon UK: Kenyan Green Coffee Beans
3. Ethiopian Green Coffee Beans
Ethiopian beans are known for their complexity and fruity, floral flavors. When roasted to a light or medium roast, these beans produce a vibrant, aromatic coffee.
- Available on Amazon UK: Ethiopian Green Coffee Beans
Benefits of Roasting Your Own Coffee Beans:
- Freshness: Roasting your own beans allows you to control the freshness, ensuring you have the best-tasting coffee.
- Customization: You can experiment with different roast levels to find your ideal flavor profile.
- Cost Savings: Green beans are generally cheaper than pre-roasted beans, so you can save money in the long run.
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: 10 Best Coffee Machines to Buy
Where to Buy Best Coffee Beans in UK Online
With the rise of specialty coffee culture, it’s easier than ever to buy quality coffee beans online in the UK. Whether you’re looking for pre-roasted beans or raw green beans, these online stores and platforms offer some of the best options.
1. Amazon UK
Amazon is one of the best platforms for buying coffee beans in the UK, offering a wide range of brands and types of coffee, from single-origin beans to popular blends. With options for subscription services and quick delivery, Amazon is a convenient choice for coffee lovers.
- Shop the Best Coffee Beans on Amazon UK: Click here
2. Pact Coffee
Pact Coffee offers a subscription service where you can get freshly roasted beans delivered directly to your door. They offer a variety of roast levels, bean types, and origins, making it easy to find the perfect coffee for your taste.
- Visit Pact Coffee Online Store: Pact Coffee
3. Union Coffee
Union’s website allows you to buy their popular blends and single-origin beans directly. They also offer a coffee subscription service for regular deliveries of freshly roasted beans.
- Visit Union Coffee Online Store: Union Coffee
4. Rave Coffee
Rave Coffee is known for its freshly roasted beans, subscription services, and variety of coffee blends. Their beans are roasted in small batches, ensuring high quality and freshness.
- Visit Rave Coffee Online Store: Rave Coffee
5. Volcano Coffee Works
Volcano Coffee Works specializes in ethically sourced, high-quality coffee beans. Their website offers both single purchases and subscriptions, making it easy to get fresh coffee delivered regularly.
- Visit Volcano Coffee Works Online Store: Volcano Coffee Works
Finding the best coffee beans UK doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With so many high-quality, ethically sourced, and delicious options available, you can easily find the right beans to suit your brewing method and flavor preferences. Whether you’re buying pre-roasted beans from brands like Pact Coffee and Union Coffee, or experimenting with raw green beans for home roasting, the key is to choose beans that match your taste and brewing style.
