Hello, coffee lovers! It’s me, your favorite coffee expert. Today, I’m going to tell you why you should stay away from some European coffee brands. Yes, you heard me right. Stay away from them. Why? Because they are either ridiculously expensive, hard to get a hold of, or actually not that good.
Don’t get me wrong. I am from Norway and I love Europe. I’ve been traveling to different parts there many times, and I’ve enjoyed some of the best coffee in the world. But not all European coffee brands are created equal. Some of them are just overhyped, overpriced, or overrated. And I’m here to expose them to you.
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In this blog post we will look at the following:
Some European Coffee Brands That You Should Avoid:
- Nespresso: This is the brand that makes those fancy capsules that you pop into your machine and get a shot of espresso in seconds. Sounds convenient, right? Well, it’s also very expensive.
Each capsule costs about $0.70, which means you’re paying about $50 per pound of coffee. Plus, you have to buy their proprietary machine, which can cost hundreds of dollars. See ex this Nespresso VertuoPlus Deluxe Review. And don’t forget about the environmental impact of all those plastic pods. - Lavazza: This is one of the most popular Italian coffee brands, and it’s known for its rich and smooth espresso blends. But guess what? It’s also very hard to find outside of Italy.
Unless you live in a big city with a specialty store, you’ll have a hard time getting your hands on some Lavazza beans. And even if you do, you’ll have to pay a premium for them.
Feel free to pin the image to find the European coffee brands later
- Starbucks: Yes, I know. Starbucks is not technically a European coffee brand. But it’s so ubiquitous in Europe that I had to include it on this list. Why should you stay away from Starbucks?
Well, for starters, it’s not really coffee. It’s more like flavored milk with a hint of coffee. And it’s also very expensive. A latte can cost you up to $5 in some places. That’s enough to buy a whole bag of beans from a local roaster. - Jacques Vabre: This is a French coffee brand that claims to offer “the authentic taste of France”. But what does that mean exactly? Well, according to their website, it means “a subtle balance between strength and finesse”.
Sounds fancy, right? Well, not really. It’s actually just a bland and boring blend of Arabica and Robusta beans that lacks any character or flavor. - Tchibo: This is a German coffee brand that sells everything from ground coffee to instant coffee to clothing and accessories. Yes, you read that right. Clothing and accessories. Apparently, they have a weekly changing range of products that they offer alongside their coffee.
How does that make any sense? How can you trust a brand that can’t even focus on one thing? And how can you expect their coffee to be any good when they sell it next to socks and scarves?
So, there you have it. Five European coffee brands that you should avoid like the plague. But don’t worry. I’m not going to leave you hanging without any alternatives.
Speaking of Europe and coffee, here is my list of the best Italian coffee machines.
But first, a few facts about European coffee brands:
Yes, I Know We Don’t Grow Coffee in Europe
Some of you might be wondering how I can talk about best European coffee brands when we don’t actually grow coffee in Europe. Well, the answer is simple: we buy coffee beans from all over the world, process them, and sell them as our own products.
This might sound like cheating, but it’s actually a common practice in the coffee industry. Coffee is a tropical crop that requires specific climatic conditions to thrive. Only a few regions in the world can produce high-quality coffee beans, such as Latin America, Africa, and Asia.
Now, this doesn’t mean that we can’t add our own touch to the coffee we sell. In fact, we are proud of our roasting and blending skills that make our coffee unique and distinctive.
We use different techniques and equipment to roast our beans to different degrees of darkness, acidity, and flavor. We also mix different types of beans to create our own signature blends that suit our customers’ preferences.
By buying coffee beans from different sources, we also support the farmers and communities that grow them. We pay fair prices for their products and ensure that they follow ethical and sustainable practices.
We also contribute to the preservation and diversity of the coffee culture and heritage.
Feel free to pin the image to find the European coffee brands later
European coffee brands – Hard Craftsmanship
So, the next time you enjoy a cup of European coffee, remember that you are not only tasting our craftsmanship but also the hard work and passion of the coffee growers from around the world.
I have recently added another article about coffee from South America here. Now, let’s get to what you want. The list of the 13 of the best European coffee brands:
13 of the best European coffee brands
Carte Noire: This is one of the best French coffee brands, and it’s made with 100% Arabica beans that create a luxurious flavor and aroma.
It’s perfect for drinking black or with a splash of milk, and it comes in both ground and instant varieties.
Dallmayr: This is one of the most respected German coffee brands, and it’s made with 100% Arabica beans as well. It has a full-bodied taste and a strong aroma that many coffee lovers prefer.
It’s also specially refined to remove irritants and bitterness while retaining all of its caffeine and flavor.
Leroux: This is another French coffee brand that offers something different: chicory coffee. Chicory is a plant that has a nutty flavor and can be used as a substitute or an additive for coffee.
It’s caffeine-free and gluten-free, and it can be prepared with water or milk, hot or cold. It’s great for people who want to try something new or who have dietary restrictions.
Illy: This is one of the most famous Italian coffee brands, and it’s known for its high-quality espresso blends. It has a smooth and balanced flavor with hints of chocolate and caramel, and it comes in whole bean, ground, and capsule varieties.
It’s also one of the few coffee brands that has a certification for sustainability and ethical sourcing. And here is a post on the best Italian coffee machines
Barissimo: This is a budget-friendly European coffee brand that offers a variety of blends and roasts for different preferences. It’s available at Aldi stores, and it’s surprisingly good for its price.
It has a decent flavor and aroma, and it can satisfy your caffeine cravings without breaking the bank.
Eduscho: This is another German coffee brand that has a long history and tradition. It’s made with carefully selected beans from different origins, and it has a rich and aromatic flavor that can suit any occasion.
It comes in ground, instant, and pod varieties, and it’s easy to find online or in stores. 🛒
Grand’mère: This is a French coffee brand that has a nostalgic and cozy vibe. It’s named after the grandmother of the founder, who used to roast coffee beans in her kitchen.
It’s made with a blend of Arabica and Robusta beans, and it has a smooth and mild flavor that can be enjoyed by anyone. It’s also one of the most affordable coffee brands in France. 🇫🇷
Lavazza Gran Espresso: Yes, I know I said to stay away from Lavazza earlier. But that was for their regular blends. Their Gran Espresso blend is actually worth trying.
It’s made with 100% Arabica beans from Brazil and Colombia, and it has a dark roast that creates a strong and intense flavor with notes of chocolate and spices. It’s ideal for making espresso or cappuccino at home.
Jacobs Kronung: This is another German coffee brand that has a loyal fan base. It’s made with 100% Arabica beans from different regions, and it has a medium roast that creates a balanced and harmonious flavor with a floral aroma.
It’s one of the most popular coffee brands in Germany, and it’s easy to see why.
Legal Le Gout: This is another French coffee brand that offers a unique product: chicory-coffee blend. It’s made with 60% chicory and 40% coffee, and it has a distinctive flavor that is slightly bitter and sweet at the same time.
It’s great for people who want to reduce their caffeine intake or who enjoy a different taste.
Tchibo Feine Milde: Yes, I know I said to stay away from Tchibo earlier as well. But again, that was for their regular blends. Their Feine Milde blend is actually worth trying as well.
It’s made with 100% Arabica beans from Brazil, Colombia, Peru, and Honduras, and it has a light roast that creates a mild and smooth flavor with fruity notes.
It’s perfect for people who like a gentle and delicate coffee.
Lavazza Crema e Gusto: This is another Lavazza blend that deserves some praise. It’s made with 70% Robusta and 30% Arabica beans from Africa, Asia, and South America, and it has a dark roast that creates a full-bodied and creamy flavor with notes of chocolate and hazelnut.
It’s ideal for making espresso or latte at home.
Jacques Vabre Selection Brésil: This is the only Jacques Vabre blend that I would recommend to you. It’s made with 100% Arabica beans from Brazil, and it has a medium roast that creates a smooth and fruity flavor with hints of honey and nuts.
It’s one of the best Brazilian coffees you can find in Europe, and it’s worth giving it a try.
So, there you have it. Thirteen European coffee brands that you should try instead of the ones I told you to avoid earlier. Trust me, you won’t regret it. These are some of the best coffee brands in Europe, and they will make your mornings (or afternoons or evenings) much more enjoyable.
Conclusion – Best Coffee Brands Europe
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Until next time, keep drinking good coffee!