The 8 Best Ground Coffee Picks To Start Your Day Right 

Organic ground coffee is an excellent choice to kickstart your day, benefiting not just the environment but also your health. With no chemicals, additives, or synthetic pesticides, you can enjoy fresh coffee without any worry about the harmful toxins that may otherwise enter your body. Plus, research has shown that organic coffee beans may have higher antioxidant levels, giving you an extra boost of health benefits with every sip.

Switching to organic ground coffee is a must-try if you're a serious coffee drinker or a coffee fanatic. The organic certification guarantees that the coffee has been produced using sustainable and eco-friendly methods, promoting healthy soil and biodiversity while supporting small-scale farmers.

To help you navigate the growing number of organic products on the market, we're breaking down everything you need to know about organic ground coffee. Plus, we're highlighting our picks for the best ground coffees that are organic-certified, and some are also fair trade. From everything from dark roast to hazelnut-flavored coffee, there's an environmentally-friendly option for every palette.

What Is Ground Coffee

Ground coffee is pre-processed coffee that has been ground into a fine or medium-fine consistency, making it suitable for brewing in a variety of ways, such as drip coffee makers, pour-over, and French press. To create ground coffee, roasted coffee beans undergo processing to remove their outer layers, leaving only the coffee seed. The beans are then roasted to varying degrees to achieve the desired flavor profile, after which they're ground into a fine or medium-fine consistency.

However, don't get ground coffee confused with instant coffee. Ground coffee and instant coffee differ from each other. Instant coffee is prepared by brewing roasted coffee beans, then drying and grinding them into a fine powder. It can be quickly prepared by adding hot water to the powder, making it a popular option for those who want a quick and easy cup of coffee.

What To Look For When Shopping For Ground Coffee

Roast level

The flavor and strength of coffee are determined by the roast level. Light roasts are milder with more acidity, while dark roasts are bolder and have less acidity. Medium roast coffee is known for a balance of acidity and body, with a slightly sweeter taste than light roast. Consider your personal taste preferences when choosing a roast level.

Flavor profile

Distinct flavor profiles are attributed to different coffee beans, which can range from nutty and chocolatey to fruity and floral. Look for ground coffee that matches your preferred flavor profile.

Origin

Coffee beans grown in various parts of the world possess unique flavors and characteristics. It's worth trying coffee from different regions to explore and determine your preference.

Certifications

When purchasing coffee, keep an eye out for certifications such as organic, fair trade, and Rainforest Alliance, as they signify sustainable cultivation and harvesting of the coffee beans.

Organic

In general, organic coffee is better for the environment than conventional varieties. Because there are no chemical fertilizers and synthetic pesticides used during the growing process, there's no pesticide and fertilizer runoff that negatively impacts local water quality and surrounding wetland ecosystems. Similarly, this lack of chemicals improves the health of coffee workers, who would otherwise have touched and breathed in these toxins. 

More than 25 million people around the world depend on coffee production for their livelihood, and it's the economic foundation of many Latin American, Asian, and African countries. In addition to a USDA-certified organic seal, there are a handful of other coffee certifications and specifications to look out for: 

• Fair Trade Certified— If you're concerned with the ethical impact of your coffee, it's equally as important to look for fair trade certifications. This ensures the product meets international standards for fair labor and equitable international trade. 

• Rainforest Alliance Certified— This certification promotes adequate living and working conditions for coffee growers, promotes growing conditions that create a healthy rainforest ecosystem, and supports a respectful relationship between coffee farmers, local communities, and global coffee companies. 

• Shade Grown— Eco-friendly coffee growers use shade trees to naturally protect coffee plants from sun overexposure and eliminate the need for chemical pesticides. These prime conditions add extra nutrients to the soil, resulting in higher-quality, better-tasting coffee beans. 

Grind size

The grind size determines the brewing method that the coffee is best suited for, and in general, coffee grounds come in three different grind sizes. Fine grind is ideal for espresso machines, while medium grind works well in drip coffee makers and French presses. Coarsely ground coffee is best for espresso and cold brew.

If you want to make a cold brew, cold brew requires a coarser grind than other brewing methods, and this allows for a slower extraction process that brings out the coffee's flavors without making it too bitter or acidic. For those interested in making a cold brew, it's recommended to seek out cold brew coffee grounds specifically intended for cold brewing.

Cost

Ground coffee prices can fluctuate considerably, influenced by multiple factors like the brand, quality, type, origin, and certification of the coffee beans. Typically, you can find ground coffee ranging from around $5 to $30 or more per pound, with specialty or premium blends often being on the higher end of the price range. Organic or fair trade coffee may also be priced higher due to the additional certifications and ethical sourcing practices involved.

It's important to note that the cost of ground coffee can also vary depending on the retailer. Therefore, it's recommended to compare prices and read reviews before making a purchase.

If you are on a budget for your pre-ground coffee, check out organic instant coffee or ground coffee made from robusta beans. Robusta beans are generally cheaper than arabica beans. Robusta beans are easier to grow, have a higher yield, and are more resistant to pests and diseases compared to arabica beans, which makes them more cost-effective to produce.

Resealable Coffee Bag

Most pre-ground coffee comes in vacuum-sealed bags or cans to keep it fresh and flavorful. When you are shopping for pre-ground coffee, make sure you can either store ground coffee in its existing packaging or you need to have a seal-tight container. 

Avoid Artificially flavored coffee

Flavored coffee often contains added sugars and artificial flavors to achieve the desired taste. These additives can contribute to an unhealthy diet, particularly if you consume coffee with flavoring regularly. They are also often made with lower-quality beans, which can have a negative impact on the taste and overall quality of the coffee. This is because the added flavors can cover up any off-notes or flaws in the coffee.

10 Best Ground Coffees That Is Organic Certified

Now that you understand exactly what organic coffee is and how it differs from conventional varieties, it's time to highlight a few of the best ground coffees and ground coffee brands that are organic certified on the market. We recommend choosing pre-ground beans that save time and streamline your coffee routine. With the proper air-tight storage container, they'll taste just as fresh as whole beans. 

Organic Colombian Coffee from Equal Exchange

Best Overall

Equal Exchange Organic Colombian Coffee is one of the best ground coffee for those seeking a delicious and high-quality coffee experience. Whether you're a coffee aficionado or just looking for a delicious and socially responsible cup of joe, Equal Exchange Organic Colombian Coffee is the perfect choice for you.

With a rich, full-bodied flavor profile and refined citrus notes, dried fig, sweet chocolate, spice, and banana, this coffee is sure to satisfy your taste buds with every sip. This Colombian coffee is produced through organic farming practices and meticulously crafted by small-scale farmer cooperatives that prioritize fair trade principles and sustainable agriculture. The beans are carefully roasted to perfection and ground to a medium grind, ideal for use in drip coffee makers, pour-over, or French press.

But it's not just the flavor that makes this coffee so special. The coffee is sourced through Equal Exchange's Direct Trade program, which ensures that the farmers receive fair compensation for their hard work and that the beans are grown using sustainable farming practices. Every time you take a sip, you can take pride in the fact that you're supporting sustainable agriculture and small-scale farmers.

Our Ratings

Overall Rating: 4.5/5 Freshness: 4.6/5 Flavor: 4.5/5 Value for Money: 4.4/5 Quality: 4.5/5

Four Sigmatic Medium Roast Adaptogen Coffee

Best Coffee With Adaptogens

These days, who doesn't need a little support when it comes to reducing stress? With Four Sigmatic's Adaptogen Coffee, you can lower your stress level and avoid coffee's dreaded afternoon crash.

Unlike ground coffees, this pre-ground coffee features a unique blend of premium organic Arabica coffee, adaptogenic herbs, and functional mushrooms designed to support a balanced and productive lifestyle. The adaptogen grind is infused with organic Ashwagandha, recognized for its stress-reducing and cognitive function-enhancing properties.

Sigmatic's Adaptogen Coffee is made using Fair Trade, organic, single-origin Arabica beans ready to brew right out of the bag. This medium-roast ground coffee delivers a smooth and rich flavor with hints of chocolate and cinnamon. It has a well-rounded flavor profile with a medium acidity level and body. Its caramel aroma is so mouthwatering that you'll completely forget about the powerful adaptogens.

Our Ratings

Overall Rating: 4.5/5 Freshness: 4.6/5 Flavor: 4.5/5 Value for Money: 4.6/5 Quality: 4.9/5

Death Wish Ground Coffee: Dark Roast

Best Highly Caffeinated Ground Coffee

If you're looking for coffee that packs a caffeine punch, you can't beat "the world's strongest coffee," Death Wish Ground Coffee Dark Roast coffee. It's crafted from a blend of slow-roasted Arabica and Robusta beans to have double the strength of your average cup without any additives or additional caffeine. With a high caffeine content that is sure to give you a jolt of energy, this makes it the perfect choice for those who need a quick pick-me-up in the morning or throughout the day.

Unlike other high-caffeine coffees, Death Wish Coffee is a Fair Trade-certified dark roast that doesn't have a high acidity level or bitter aftertaste. Instead, it has a smooth feel with notes of black cherry and dark chocolate. With its unique combination of flavor and high caffeine content, it's sure to provide a memorable and energizing coffee experience.

Our Ratings

Overall Rating: 4.6/5 Freshness: 4.5/5 Flavor: 4.4/5 Value for Money: 4.6/5 Quality: 4.5/5

Allegro Cafe La Duena Ground Coffee

Best Medium Roast Ground Coffee

Allegro Coffee Organic Duena Ground is the best medium roast ground coffee for those looking for a smooth and full-bodied flavor with a touch of sweetness. This coffee is sourced from 100% women-owned farms in Latin America, creating equal opportunities within a male-dominated coffee industry.

The medium roast coffee beans feature the natural flavors of the beans while also providing a rich and smooth taste. The medium roast is perfectly balanced with hints of sweet chocolate. In addition to being organic, the coffee is also certified Fair Trade and Non-GMO Project verified. 

What sets Allegro Coffee Organic Duena Ground apart is its unwavering dedication to sustainability. The company sources its beans through Direct Trade relationships, which ensures that the farmers receive fair compensation for their work and that the beans are grown using sustainable farming practices.

Our Ratings

Overall Rating: 4.5/5 Freshness: 4.2/5 Flavor: 4.4/5 Value for Money: 4.3/5 Quality: 4.5/5

Peet's Coffee Organic French Roast

Best Coffee with Smoky Flavor

Peet's Coffee French Roast Ground is the best ground coffee for those who enjoy a dark and smoky flavor. For their deepest roast ever, the San Francisco-based coffee roaster used high-altitude beans sourced from Guatemala and Colombia. The unique growing conditions result in heartier beans that retain their rich, full-bodied, and complex flavor profile throughout the roasting process. 

The freshly roasted coffee beans are roasted to a French Roast level, which brings out the beans' natural flavors while also providing a bold and smoky taste. With its fine grind, this coffee is perfectly suited for French press brewing, delivering a rich and full-bodied taste experience. Whether you prefer your coffee black or with a touch of cream and sugar, Peet's Coffee French Roast Ground is the perfect choice for those seeking a bold and flavorful coffee experience that's also sustainably sourced.

Our Ratings

Overall Rating: 4.7/5 Freshness: 4.9/5 Flavor: 4.6/5 Value for Money: 4.5/5 Quality: 4.8/5

Tiny Footprint Coffee Nicaragua Segovia PRODECOOP Dark Roast

Best Carbon Negative Ground Coffee 

Tiny Footprint Coffee is on a mission to create an ethical and sustainable global coffee industry. They source their beans, like those used in their delicious Dark Roast, from family-owned farms that are members of PRODECOOP. The coffee cooperative strives to improve coffee producers' quality of life while creating the highest quality organic coffee possible for their customers.

Their dark roast coffee grounds are filled with traditional Nicaraguan flavor notes of apricot, fig, and spice that blend perfectly with the smoky dark roast. It's made from a blend of Catuai, Caturra, Bourbon, and Typica beans that are organic, Fair Trade, and kosher.

Its commitment to sustainability makes Tiny Footprint Coffee Organic Nicaragua Segovia stand out. The company is the world's first carbon-negative coffee company, and they use a portion of their profits to fund reforestation efforts in Ecuador's Mindo cloud forest. Additionally, the packaging is made with 100% post-consumer waste and is fully recyclable, making it an eco-friendly choice for conscious coffee drinkers.

Our Ratings

Overall Rating: 4.5/5 Freshness: 4.9/5 Flavor: 4.6/5 Value for Money: 4.5/5 Quality: 4.8/5

Jo Coffee No Fun Jo Decaf Ground Coffee

Best Decaf Ground Coffee

No Fun Jo Decaf Organic Ground Coffee is the best ground coffee for those who want to enjoy the rich and full-bodied taste of coffee without the jitters and other side effects associated with caffeine. Jo Coffee No Fun Jo Decaf Ground Coffee is a perfect choice, whether you're looking to reduce your caffeine intake or just want to enjoy a delicious cup of coffee without the negative side effects.

Made from a blend of medium and dark roast coffee grounds using the Swiss Water roasting method for a mouthwatering chocolatey scent and a full body with flavor notes of blueberry. The medium-dark roast and finely ground coffee provide a smooth and full-bodied flavor that's perfect for use in drip coffee makers, pour-over, or French press. Not only is Jo coffee certified organic, but it's also Fair Trade-certified and kosher. 

Our Ratings

Overall Rating: 4.5/5 Freshness: 4.6/5 Flavor: 4.5/5 Value for Money: 4.4/5 Quality: 4.6/5

Lavazza Organic Ground Coffee Premium Blend

Best Light Roast

Lavazza is a renowned and reputable brand in the coffee industry, known for its consistency and high-quality products. And with the added benefit of sustainable and organic sourcing practices, you can feel good about enjoying this coffee while supporting responsible and ethical farming practices.

Lavazza ¡Tierra! Organic Ground Premium Coffee is carefully crafted from a blend of high-quality 100% Arabica beans sourced from Africa, Central, and South America. Organic Ground Premium Coffee is the best ground coffee for anyone seeking light roast. It offers a well-balanced and complex flavor profile with flowers and fruit notes. The organic and sustainably harvested beans used to create Lavazza ¡Tierra! make it a top choice for those seeking ethical and eco-friendly products. 

The medium-fine consistency of the light roast coffee grounds makes them versatile and suitable for various brewing methods, including drip coffee makers, pour-over, and French press. The vacuum-sealed packaging ensures the freshness and quality of the coffee, preserving the aroma and taste until it's ready to be brewed.

Our Ratings

Overall Rating: 4.7/5 Freshness: 4.6/5 Flavor: 4.6/5 Value for Money: 4.7/5 Quality: 4.8/5

How We Picked

Our approach to selecting the best ground coffee is meticulous, combining personal experience with comprehensive research of customer reviews across multiple retail platforms and expert barista feedback. We prioritize critical factors like coffee bean origin, flavor profile, taste, and overall quality to ensure we curate a premium collection that meets the highest standards. Our ultimate goal is to provide our valued readers with top recommendations for the ultimate coffee experience.