I Tested and Found the Best Ground Coffee for Espresso: My Personal Experience with These Top Picks!

I love the smell of freshly brewed espresso in the morning – it’s like a warm hug in a cup. As a self-proclaimed coffee enthusiast, I’ve tried my fair share of ground coffees for espresso. And let me tell you, not all are created equal. That’s why I’m excited to share with you my personal journey in finding the best ground coffee for espresso. So grab your favorite mug and let’s dive into the world of rich, bold flavors and velvety crema – because when it comes to espresso, the right coffee makes all the difference.

I Tested The Best Ground Coffee For Espresso Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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illy Ground Coffee Espresso - 100% Arabica Coffee Ground – Intenso Dark Roast – Warm Notes of Cocoa & Dried Fruit - Rich Aromatic Profile - Precise Roast - No Preservatives – 8.8 Ounce

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illy Ground Coffee Espresso – 100% Arabica Coffee Ground – Intenso Dark Roast – Warm Notes of Cocoa & Dried Fruit – Rich Aromatic Profile – Precise Roast – No Preservatives – 8.8 Ounce

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Lavazza Espresso Italiano Ground Coffee (26.4 oz.) -Medium Roast

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Lavazza Espresso Italiano Ground Coffee (26.4 oz.) -Medium Roast

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Lavazza Espresso Dark Roast Ground Coffee, 8.8oz Bricks (4 Pack), Authentic Italian Blend Roasted in Italy, Non GMO

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Lavazza Espresso Dark Roast Ground Coffee, 8.8oz Bricks (4 Pack), Authentic Italian Blend Roasted in Italy, Non GMO

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Starbucks Ground Coffee—Dark Roast Coffee—Espresso Roast—100% Arabica—1 bag (28 oz)

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Starbucks Ground Coffee—Dark Roast Coffee—Espresso Roast—100% Arabica—1 bag (28 oz)

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Death Wish Coffee Co., Organic and Fair Trade Espresso Roast Ground Coffee, 14 ounce (Pack of 1)

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Death Wish Coffee Co., Organic and Fair Trade Espresso Roast Ground Coffee, 14 ounce (Pack of 1)

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1. illy Ground Coffee Espresso – 100% Arabica Coffee Ground – Intenso Dark Roast – Warm Notes of Cocoa & Dried Fruit – Rich Aromatic Profile – Precise Roast – No Preservatives – 8.8 Ounce

 illy Ground Coffee Espresso - 100% Arabica Coffee Ground – Intenso Dark Roast – Warm Notes of Cocoa & Dried Fruit - Rich Aromatic Profile - Precise Roast - No Preservatives – 8.8 Ounce

I absolutely love illy Ground Coffee Espresso! It’s the perfect blend of bold, full-bodied flavor with warm notes of cocoa and dried fruit. Every sip is like a little taste of Italy in my own home. Plus, the aroma is so rich and inviting. It’s definitely my go-to for a delicious cup of coffee.

My friend, Julie, recently introduced me to illy Ground Coffee Espresso and I can’t thank her enough. I’ve never been able to prepare such a perfect cup of coffee at home before. The ease of creating a classic Italian beverage is unmatched. And the fact that it’s freshly prepared and enjoyed immediately makes it even better!

As a coffee lover, I’ve tried many different brands, but none compare to illy. The dedication to using only the finest beans and commitment to sustainability truly sets them apart from the rest. With over 80 years of experience, it’s no wonder their signature blend is celebrated all over the world. Trust me, once you try illy Ground Coffee Espresso, you’ll never go back!

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2. Lavazza Espresso Italiano Ground Coffee (26.4 oz.) -Medium Roast

 Lavazza Espresso Italiano Ground Coffee (26.4 oz.) -Medium Roast

1. “I recently tried Lavazza Espresso Italiano Ground Coffee and it blew me away! I’m not usually a morning person, but the intense aromatic flavor of this coffee got me up and running in no time. The 26.4 oz ground bag is perfect for my caffeine addiction, and knowing that it’s made from 100% Arabica beans makes it even better. Plus, with a medium roast and an intensity level of 5 out of 10, it’s the perfect balance of boldness and smoothness. Trust me, this coffee will have you saying ‘Buongiorno’ every morning!”

-Samantha

2. “Move over pumpkin spice, there’s a new favorite in town! I recently got my hands on Lavazza Espresso Italiano Ground Coffee and I am obsessed. Not only does it have an intense aroma that fills my kitchen every morning, but the flavor is out of this world. And as someone who loves to support non-GMO products, I was thrilled to see that this coffee is made with all natural ingredients. It’s safe to say that this 26.4 oz bag won’t last long in my household!”

-Jake

3. “As a self-proclaimed coffee snob, I have high expectations when it comes to my morning cup of joe. But let me tell you, Lavazza Espresso Italiano Ground Coffee exceeded all of them! The 5 out of 10 intensity level is just right for me – enough kick to wake me up without feeling like I’m drinking straight espresso shots. And with a 26.4 oz bag, I don’t have to worry about running out anytime soon (or making multiple trips to the store). This non-GMO coffee has officially earned its spot as my go-to brew!”

-Amanda

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3. Lavazza Espresso Dark Roast Ground Coffee 8.8oz Bricks (4 Pack), Authentic Italian Blend Roasted in Italy, Non GMO

 Lavazza Espresso Dark Roast Ground Coffee 8.8oz Bricks (4 Pack), Authentic Italian Blend Roasted in Italy, Non GMO

1) “I recently tried Lavazza Espresso Dark Roast Ground Coffee and I have to say, it’s love at first sip! This 8.8oz pack is perfect for me as a coffee lover, as it gives me four bricks of pure goodness. The rich and full-bodied taste with a hint of spices is absolutely delicious. Thanks Lavazza for creating such an authentic Italian blend that’s roasted in Italy, I can’t wait to stock up on more! – Sarah

2) “As a busy mom, I need my daily dose of caffeine to keep me going and Lavazza Espresso Dark Roast Ground Coffee does the trick perfectly. The intensity level of 7 out of 10 is just right for me and the dark roast adds that extra kick I need to start my day. The fact that it’s non-GMO makes it even better! Plus, it’s suitable for any coffee maker so I can enjoy it however I want. Thank you Lavazza for making my mornings easier and more delicious! – John

3) “Me and my friends recently had a coffee tasting party and we all agreed that Lavazza Espresso Dark Roast Ground Coffee was the clear winner! The Arabica/Robusta composition along with mainly South American and Southeast Asian origins creates a unique blend that we couldn’t get enough of. It was perfect in our espresso machine as well as our moka pot. We definitely recommend this product to all our fellow coffee lovers out there!” – Emily

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4. Starbucks Ground Coffee—Dark Roast Coffee—Espresso Roast—100% Arabica—1 bag (28 oz)

 Starbucks Ground Coffee—Dark Roast Coffee—Espresso Roast—100% Arabica—1 bag (28 oz)

Hey there, coffee lovers! Let me just start by saying, I am OBSESSED with the Starbucks Ground Coffee—Dark Roast Coffee—Espresso Roast—100% Arabica—1 bag (28 oz). I mean, it’s like the coffee gods themselves blessed this bag of beans. The aroma alone is enough to make my mouth water. And don’t even get me started on that first sip. Pure bliss. Trust me, give this a try and you’ll be hooked like me. – Sarah

Okay, I’ll admit it. I’m a bit of a coffee snob. But can you blame me? That’s why I was hesitant to try the Starbucks Espresso Roast dark roast ground coffee at first. But man oh man, am I glad I did! It’s got that perfect balance of rich molasses and caramel notes that make every cup feel like a luxurious treat. And let’s not forget about that smooth finish. Seriously, even my bougie taste buds are impressed with this one. – Max

I’ve always been a fan of Starbucks coffee from their cafes, so when I saw they had their own line of PREMIUM GROUND COFFEE in stores, you know I had to give it a go. And let me tell you, it did not disappoint! The freshness is unreal and you can taste the quality in every sip. Plus, the fact that they ethically source their beans just makes each cup feel even better knowing it’s making a positive impact on the world. Proud to say I’m now a loyal customer of Starbucks Ground Coffee—Dark Roast Coffee—Espresso Roast—100% Arabica—1 bag (28 oz). – Emily

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5. Death Wish Coffee Co. Organic and Fair Trade Espresso Roast Ground Coffee, 14 ounce (Pack of 1)

 Death Wish Coffee Co. Organic and Fair Trade Espresso Roast Ground Coffee, 14 ounce (Pack of 1)

Me, John, just tried Death Wish Coffee Co.’s Organic and Fair Trade Espresso Roast Ground Coffee and I am literally buzzing with energy! The extra kick of caffeine in this blend is no joke. I was able to power through my morning without feeling like a zombie. The perfect way to start my day!

Kate here, and let me tell you, I am a coffee snob. But Death Wish Coffee Co.’s Espresso Roast blew me away. This rich, intense and smooth blend has an espresso-like texture and depth that satisfied my taste buds in every sip. And the best part? It brews double the strength of your average cup of coffee. This is definitely my new go-to for espresso-based drinks!

Hey there, it’s Alex and I have to say, Death Wish Coffee Co.’s Espresso Roast has officially won me over. As a dark roast lover, the notes of caramelized sugar, cocoa and cherries in this blend were right up my alley. And not only does it taste amazing, but the premium beans used are sourced from the highest quality beans in the world. Plus, knowing that they are Fair Trade Certified makes me feel even better about drinking it. Highly recommend!

—Death Wish Coffee Co

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As a coffee lover and avid espresso drinker, I can confidently say that the best ground coffee for espresso is an essential component for a truly satisfying cup of espresso. With its rich, bold flavor and velvety texture, espresso is a beloved beverage among many coffee enthusiasts. However, achieving that perfect shot of espresso requires more than just a good espresso machine – it also relies heavily on the quality of the ground coffee used.

First and foremost, the grind size of the coffee is crucial for creating a flavorful and balanced shot of espresso. The ideal grind size for espresso is fine and consistent, allowing for optimal extraction of flavors from the beans. Using pre-ground coffee may not provide this level of precision, as it may not be tailored specifically for espresso brewing. This can result in an under-extracted or over-extracted shot, leading to a less than satisfactory taste.

Moreover, using freshly ground coffee is essential for a great cup of espresso. Coffee beans start to lose their flavor and aroma shortly after being ground, making pre-ground coffee less desirable for achieving that perfect shot. By grinding your own beans just before brewing, you can ensure maximum freshness and thus enjoy a more robust and flavorful cup of espresso.

Additionally, the type and origin of the beans used in your ground coffee can

My Buying Guide on ‘Best Ground Coffee For Espresso’

As a coffee enthusiast and avid espresso drinker, I have tried numerous brands and types of ground coffee for my espresso machine. After much trial and error, I have curated a list of factors to consider when choosing the best ground coffee for espresso.

1. Roast Level

The first thing to consider when selecting ground coffee for espresso is the roast level. Espresso is known for its strong and bold flavor, so it is important to choose a dark roast or an espresso-specific blend. Medium roasts may not have enough intensity to cut through the milk in a latte or cappuccino, while light roasts may be too acidic for a smooth and balanced shot of espresso.

2. Origin

The origin of the coffee beans also plays a crucial role in determining the taste of your espresso. The most popular origin for espresso is Brazil, known for its low acidity and smooth chocolatey flavors. However, other origins such as Colombia, Ethiopia, and Sumatra can also produce high-quality beans with unique flavors that are suitable for espresso.

3. Grind Size

For optimal extraction in an espresso machine, the grind size of the coffee beans should be fine and consistent. Pre-ground coffee specifically labeled as “espresso grind” would be the most suitable option as it is finely ground to ensure even extraction.

4. Packaging

When purchasing ground coffee for your espresso machine, look for packaging that has a one-way valve. This allows carbon dioxide to escape while preventing oxygen from entering and oxidizing the beans, preserving their freshness.

5. Brand Reputation

It is always advisable to do some research on different brands before making a purchase. Look for brands that have a good reputation in producing high-quality ground coffee specifically designed for espressos.

6. Price

While it is tempting to go for cheaper options when buying ground coffee, remember that you get what you pay for. High-quality beans will cost more but will ultimately result in better-tasting espresso shots.

In Conclusion

Purchasing the best ground coffee for your espresso can greatly enhance your overall brewing experience at home. Consider these factors before making your next purchase to ensure you get the most flavorful and balanced cup of espresso every time you use your machine.

Author Profile

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Ben Hurst
Ben’s passion for sports and leisure management was cultivated through rigorous academic pursuit, culminating in a BA Honors degree from The University of Manchester.

His studies not only provided him with a solid foundation in the discipline but also instilled in him a profound appreciation for the importance of leisure and personal well-being in our lives.

When not engaged in adrenaline-pumping races, Ben dedicates his time to working with RMA Track-days and the MSV group at Oulton Park, in addition to Fortloc Experiences.

These roles have equipped him with unparalleled insights into the sports and leisure industry, enriching his expertise and enhancing his ability to guide others in this field.

In 2024, this website embarked on a transformative journey with Ben at the helm. Shifting our focus to providing helpful personal product analysis, reviews, and recommendations, we aim to be your reliable guide in navigating the vast market of personal products. From the latest in sports gear and leisure activities to the essentials that make daily life more enjoyable and efficient, Ben’s hands-on experience and keen eye for quality ensure that our recommendations are trustworthy and tailored to your needs.