The Best Italian Coffee to Buy In 2022: Reviews and Buying Guide

What are some of the best Italian coffee to buy in 2022 and beyond? Going to Belgium is a no-brainer if you’re seeking the best chocolate. Likewise, France is your best bet if you want an authentic cheese and wine experience. However, if perfectly balanced and intense Java beans are just what the doctor ordered for your coffee mug, all roads lead to Italy.

If you’re on the quest for a velvety touch and a strong kick to your palate, tasting the tradition that goes back generations, then you need to be picky about the brand you’ll opt for your morning fix. Offering you nothing but the best, we’ve rounded up the best Italian coffee choices for you. Here are our reviews and buying guide.

What Are Italian Coffee Beans?

Coffee isn’t grown commercially in Italy. Italians import most of their coffee beans but are world-famous for how they roast and brew their coffee.

Italians often roast the coffee beans to medium-dark and offer the qualities typically preferred in ristretto or espresso coffee. In addition, green coffee beans are roasted at high temperatures for long periods, producing brown beans with minimal surface oil and more aromatic and bolder taste.

The classic coffee originates from Italy, where simple, top-notch coffee is revered as opposed to gimmicky sugary beverages and elaborate concoctions. One of the most common reasons is that Venice was the first port to import coffee beans in the 16^th century, so it has a long history in Italy.

The Best Italian Coffee Beans to Buy

We’ve rounded up the top options to consider that will give you the best bang for your buck.

1. Illy Classico Whole Bean

As a renowned Italian coffee brand across the globe, Illy consists of 9 variants of 100% Arabica coffee beans, setting it apart from the pack. It’s a classic Medium Roast whole bean with a subtle aroma of jasmine, caramel, and orange blossom coupled with a lingering sweetness that will have you hooked after the first sip.

Illy is the world’s most ethnic coffee as it’s on the Ethisphere list for the 7^th year in a row. One of the impressive things about this brand is the pressure packaging that preserves the bold flavor while keeping it fresh.

Pros:

• Balanced and rich with notes of chocolate and caramel
• Unique pressurized coffee packaging
• Constitutes nine of the finest Arabica beans
• Ideal for the various methods of coffee preparation
• Packaging preserves the freshness, aroma, and flavor

Cons:

• Opening the can is cumbersome
• Pricey

You can read more about illy coffee in our post on Illy Coffee: Where art, innovation, and coffee meet.

2. Lavazza Super Crema

Lavazza Super Crema is our pick for the best Italian coffee. It’s flavorful and robust, but the taste is balanced without too much acidity or harshness.

The Indonesian Robusta beans add a genuinely necessary caffeine kick to the mix. They present gritty notes that allow Arabica’s nutty and sweet subtleties to sparkle even more. This blend utilizes a 60-to-40 mix of Arabica and Robusta, making a smooth mixture perfect for a regular morning cup.

If your espresso tastes too severe, you may be over-brewing, and this unpleasant taste shows under-extraction. You can utilize a Moka pot or an espresso coffee maker to make a fresh cup. A Lavazza Super Crema brew tastes better as long as you find the right setting and extraction time.

Pros

• Whole bean coffee
• Gentle and velvety medium espresso roast
• It has notes of hazelnuts and brown sugar
• Impeccably adjusted and balanced

Cons

• Not layered or complex like other Lavazza roasts

3. Coffee Bean Direct Italian Roast Espresso

Are you a connoisseur when it comes to whole coffee beans with a big bit? Then the Direct Italian Roast Espresso is right up your alley. It has a bold, vibrant taste with notes of smoky molasses and notes of cocoa. The manufacturer is quite cautious in selecting coffee varieties from various countries ranging from Kenya, Brazil, and Sumatra to Costa Rica to serve the most flavorful beans that are expertly roasted with professional

The Coffee Beans manufacturer is very cautious in choosing coffee varieties from many places around the world like Brazil, Costa Rica, and Sumatra to Kenya to serve the most flavorful beans, which are professionally roasted by expert roasters to bring out the most flavorful cup of coffee. With Coffee Bean Direct Italian Roast Espresso coffee, you have free rein to make your brew hot, cold, the pour-over technique, or a French press.

Pros:

• Foil-lined packaging to preserve the freshness
• Ideal for espresso and other brews
• Strong, pleasant, toasty flavor
• Can be stored at room temperature

Cons:

• It has a slightly acidic taste

4. Lavazza Espresso

As a 100% Arabica blend from South and Central America, the Lavazza Espresso has a burst of flavor that gets anyone hooked from the get-go. The beans have wondrous aromatic notes, a rich body, and a scrumptious flavor. With the last-long roast, it has a unique flavor that sets it apart from other Italian roast coffees.

The Lavazza Espresso is non-GMO, delivering an unforgettable experience when drinking this beverage. Moreover, it offers the flexibility of different preparation methods such as a cold brew, drip coffee machine, pour-over, French press, espresso machine, or Moka pot.

Pros:

• Comes in a sturdy can
• Non-GMO
• Compatible with various coffee preparation methods
• Aromatic notes and an unforgettable flavor
• Roasted and blended in Italy
• Aesthetically pleasing packaging

Cons:

• The edges around the rim are sharp

5. SF Bay Italian Blend

It’s a darker Italian roast coffee blend from South and Central America that is roasted to deliver the powerful flavor of toasted cinnamon, dark cocoa, and brown spice. The full-bodied is a strong smoky finish. The SF Bay Italian Blend uses the perfect combo of 100% kosher and Arabica coffee beans, delivering a unique burst of flavor to keep its customers coming back for more.

Additionally, it’s sustainably packaged and grown, leading to fewer carbon emissions. The SF Bay Italian Blend is perfect for all coffee brewers, from the Moka pot, drip machine, pour-over, and French press to an espresso maker.

Pros:

• Not as bitter as other extra-dark roasts
• Eco-friendly farmed coffee
• Compact design
• Perfect for all types of coffee brewers
• Full-bodied, powerful flavor with a smoky finish
• Certified kosher beans
• 100% Arabica

Cons:

• Bitter aftertaste
• The beans become oily after a while

6. Brooklyn Italian Dark Roast

Said to be the strongest coffee in the world, Brooklyn Italian Dark Roast beans are roasted in small amounts to preserve each pack’s unique flavor and aroma. However, what you’ll find appealing about this coffee at first glance is the sealed, airtight bag with a valve to protect the freshness.

Furthermore, the Brooklyn Italian Dark Roast is selected from Guatemala, Colombia, and Brazil, so you’re guaranteed quality. Besides espresso, it offers various brewing ways such as French press, cold, or drip brews.

Pros:

• Sealed, airtight bags with a valve
• Chocolaty after-note
• A distinct, mesmerizing aroma
• Full-bodied flavor without a bitter aftertaste
• Suitable with all preparation methods

Cons:

• The beans become after a while

7. Trombetta Caffe Gold Bar

If you’re seeking whole beans with a soft texture, balanced aroma, and taste, then your search ends here with the Trombetta Caffe Gold Bar. The blend has a smooth, full-bodied, and powerful texture, making it perfect for your morning fix or afternoon pick-me-up.

Although the Italian espresso beans are ideal for an espresso maker, they’re also suitable for other brewing methods such as pour-over and French press. The Trombetta Caffe Gold Bar is a well-balanced brew of Arabic coffee that’s bursting with notes of caramel and cocoa, giving your taste buds a delicious and unique contrast.

Pros:

• Full-bodied flavors of caramel and cocoa
• Arabica beans deliver a pleasant crema in the coffee
• Balanced flavor and aroma
• Low to medium acidity
• Higher caffeine levels make it perfect for those who want the extra boost

Cons:

• Not ideal for those who prefer decaffeinated coffee

8. Aromistico Italian Napoli Blend Dark Roast

If you’re looking for the best Italian coffee that is flavorful and nutritious, then the Aromistico Napoli Blend Dark Roast is your best bet. It’s smoky, strong, and packed with antioxidants that usher in numerous health benefits. Additionally, it’s a rich blend selected from renowned places such as the Kaapi Royale of India, the Coast of Santos in Brazil, and the Mountains of Central Africa.

With the combo of top-grade Robusta bean and Arabica bean varieties, the Aromistico Napoli Blend Dark Roast has distinct Italian blends that vary in taste and strength. You can use it for various Italian coffee bean preparations such as espresso, pour-over dripper, and French press.

Pros:

• Aromatic with a signature aftertaste
• Hand-roasted Italian coffee
• A blend of top-grade Robusta and Arabica
• Perfect for filter coffee
• Packed with antioxidants

Cons:

• Not strong enough for those who prefer bolder flavors

9. Blackout Coffee, Covert Op Cold Brew

Made of top-grade, 100% Arabica beans that are carefully roasted, the Blackout Coffee, Covert Op Cold Brew guarantees a delicious beverage every time you need it. With a delighted sense, this caffeine-rich brew might take your coffee experience to new heights giving you the best bang for your buck. The medium roast is infused with a fine taste and unique, bold flavor that’s properly refined and carefully selected, setting it apart from the pack.

It’ll bring an unforgettable experience of smoothness and freshness if you use it as a cold brew due to the lower acidity levels. Packaged in convenient 12ounce premium bags, bringing the Blackout Coffee, Covert Op Cold Brew with you is a breeze.

Pros:

• No artificial flavors
• Portable packaging
• Suitable for a morning fix
• 100% pure Arabica
• Intense flavor
• Lower acidity levels compared to other blends

Cons:

• Slight bitterness

10. Caffè Vergnano Gran Aroma

This Caffe Vergnano Gran Aroma coffee includes a blend of Arabica and Robusta beans, combining all the delicious taste and flavor profiles. Whether you drink straight espresso or add steamed milk or crema for a sweeter flavor, you can enjoy your coffee either way.

Coffee made with Caffè Vergnano Gran Aroma offers strength for an espresso with a syrup-like surface. There are subtle hot notes and numerous crema for those who love it in their espresso.

The blend finds harmony between aroma, crema, and texture, which relatively few beans can do these days. These coffee beans provide a rich flavor.

This Italian coffee option is ideal for individuals who value a rich, hearty, uniform coffee with spicy notes. With a decent balance between aroma, body, and flavor, this Arabica and Robusta mix is ideal for people who want to enjoy the best of both worlds.

Pros

• Unobtrusive spicy notes
• Produced using Arabica and Strong beans
• It has a decent amount of crema

Cons

• Not everyone enjoys the spicy notes

Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Italian Coffee

Here are a few pointers to consider when selecting Italian ground coffee best suited for your taste buds.

Roast Profile

There are various types of Italian roast ranging from dark and extra-dark to light, with each having a distinctive taste. The uniquely sourced coffee beans that are similar in moisture and size facilitate a more consistent roasting profile with an impressive outcome in aroma and taste.

Caffeine Concentration

The roasting process that the raw coffee undergoes directly impacts the caffeine concentration in the coffee beans. Slightly roasted beans have mild levels of caffeine. Likewise, the dark and medium roast has moderate levels of caffeine. Knowing the caffeine concentration that a pack of Italian coffee has will guide you as to whether or not it’s a great fit for you.

Arabica vs. Robusta Coffee Beans

Robusta beans grow in low-altitude areas and are renowned for their overpowering and bitter taste. Contrarily, Arabica beans thrive in high elevation areas and have a distinctive slight acidic taste. Depending on your preference, you can choose the best Italian coffee for you.

Outstanding Brands

Here are the two reputable brands of Italian coffee that deliver unmatched quality to their customers.

1. Lavazza

The coffee beans of this brand are a blend of Robusta and Arabica. They also adhere to stringent quality standards. The carefully selected Lavazza coffee beans have notes of dark chocolate, an aroma of dried fruit, and a rich, smooth flavor.

2. Illy

It focuses on 100% Arabica coffee beans from India, Guatemala, Brazil, Costa Rica, Ethiopia, and Columbia. The blends are roasted in different temperatures, producing a unique taste for each roast level. That sets Illy apart from the pack. Please see our full article on Illy Coffee.

The Bottom Line

Granted, there’s no better place for coffee lovers than Italy if you’re on the quest for bold, addictive flavors and aromas. After all, it’s the homeland of espresso. However, you can bring Italy to you with these options of the best Italian coffee, so get yours today!

FAQ

Here are the answers to some of the most commonly asked questions.

What types of coffee beans are typically found in Italy?

Although the go-to coffee beans for Italians are Arabica due to their low caffeine content and acidity, Robusta is also popular among people with a preference for high caffeine levels and a bold taste.

What differentiates Italian coffee from other types?

An espresso cup, for instance, has a thicker consistency and higher acidity than drip coffee from a coffee maker. It’s not surprising that Italians drink espresso at all times of the day, which is most popularly ordered in coffee shops in Italy.

How is decaffeinated Italian coffee made?

There are two ways to decaffeinate coffee. For starters, the direct method entails processing coffee beans with solvents before washing them off, getting rid of the caffeine. Secondly, green coffee beans are steamed with water and then filtered to separate the water from the caffeine.

Why are there various grinds for Italian coffee?

The various brewing methods call for different types of coffee grinding. For instance, coarse grinding is the go-to for the French press or brewing equipment with big format filters. While fine to medium grind is suitable for most drip coffee makers, fine grinding is best suited for making espresso.

Similar Posts

Best Dark Roast Coffee Beans

Best Coffee Liqueur to Buy In 2021

8 Best Light Roast Coffee: Flavor and Caffeine Content Reviewed

The 10 Best Espresso Beans for 2021 – Reviewed and Ranked

Join Our Good Brews Club

Join our Good Brews Club for discounts, giveaways, a chance to win free coffee every month, the best coffee recommendations, special deals, and much more!

>>>Click to learn more about the Good Brews Cub