Beyond coffee capsules there is a world of solutions and consumers, and for those who decide be free and choosing your own ground coffee it’s hard to come up with a good coffee that satisfies all the senses.
Although there are many types of coffee: instant, capsules or beans, ground coffee is the one that sells the mostboth in the form of natural and blended coffee, that is, combined with roasted coffee to obtain a dark coffee, with a strong and bitter flavor, as Spanish consumers traditionally drink.
The Organization of Consumers and Users (OCU) has compared natural roasted and blended coffees to guide coffee lovers in their choice. has done it in a analysis of 25 coffees ground for sale in supermarkets, although it should also be noted that there is another parallel universe in gourmet stores.
One of the good news from his analysis is that, indeed, there are good quality products without having to spend a lot money. Besides, as a result of this study, the OCU issues a warning: “If you want to control your caffeine consumption, be sure to look at the amount that each coffee contains, as there are big differences that will surprise you.”
good ratings
Other revelations of this study are that the products analyzed comply with the regulations without problem, both in terms of labeling and composition. As to contaminantsthe presence of mycotoxins (Ochratoxin A) is not detected and the acrylamide values are below the recommended maximum.
Likewise, most of the evaluations of the tasting, carried out by professional experts, are good or very good in variables such as aroma, flavor, intensity and color.
However, in the labeling, it is cast in information is missing about the origin and variety of coffee, with a “virtually general absence”.
However, most of the products do show interesting information for the consumer, such as the sensory characteristics of the product (intensity of the coffee, body and persistence) or the type of coffee maker most suitable for its preparation.
Less packaging than in capsules
As the OCU points out, the amount of material packaging is much less than that used by capsules, although differences can also be observed between brands.
In the field of costs, the price band is wide, with differences especially pronounced between distributor brands (cheaper) and own brands.
In this way, the products more expensive They are not necessarily the best: some high-priced products get good ratings, while others are at the bottom of the ranking.
Coffees with local taste
Coffee is grown in large areas of Latin America, Central Africa and India, among others, and raw (green), it is exported to the country where it is going to be consumed and it is in the place of destination where it is roasted and packaged for consumption. Once at their destination, roasters blend various types of coffee and roast them to the taste of local consumers.
According to the OCU, in Spain there is a tradition of roasting coffee: this consists of add sugar during roasting (up to 15 kg of sugar per 100 kg of green coffee). Due to the effect of the heat, the sugar caramelizes and envelops the grain, which is shiny, darker in color, almost black, and the coffee tastes stronger and bitter.
When the raw bean is roasted without further ado, it obtains what is known as natural roast coffee. Of this type are 12 of the products analyzed by the OCU. On the other hand, blended coffee is a combination of natural and roasted coffee, and the indications “coffee and sugar” appear in the list of ingredients.
Although most coffees blend they are half and half, are also combined in other proportions: 70% natural and 30% roasted, 80% and 20%. In its analysis, the OCU has 13 blended coffees.
The best ground coffees
Regarding the best ground coffees, the OCU has chosen some coffees in its comparator for its characteristics and qualities.
Alcampo natural ground coffee
Alcampo’s Tradición natural ground coffee is the first of these. With a price of 1.49 euros per container and a format of 250 grams, this coffee has an intensity of 8 and allows you to serve fifty cups.
Carrefour natural ground coffee
With a 250-gram container and a cost of 1.75 euros, this naturally roasted ground coffee from Carrefour is made in Spain and has the Social Sustainability Projects in Producing Countries seal.
Alcampo ground coffee mix
Also in a 250 gram container, this ground coffee from Alcampo is 50% natural roasted and 50% roasted. Its price is 1.44 euros.
Markus (Aldi) ground coffee mix
This Aldi coffee is a blend of 50% naturally roasted and 50% roasted. With an intense flavor, it is also sold in a 250-gram container at a price of 1.36 euros.
Monix Vitro Noir – Italian Aluminum Coffee Maker, 12-Cup Capacity, Suitable for All Types of Hobs Except Induction (Braisogona_M640012)
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