Hot or cold, whatever your preference, you can't deny that coffee is a great way to perk you up. What better way to do that than to brew your own coffee? We're talking about making it from scratch by using actual ground coffee. You don't have to stick to just brewed coffee all the time.
Think of all the possibilities you could do with ground coffee - from espressos to French presses. We have prepared a buying guide, fact-checked and reviewed by registered nutritionist-dietitian Samantha Morales, to help you choose the best batch for you as well as our top 8 list to bring out the inner barista in you.
Quick List - Top Ground Coffees
Samantha began her career in clinical nutrition and weight management at a tertiary hospital in Manila, Philippines. Her practice allowed her to give nutrition counseling and plan modified diets for patients with medical conditions. Presently, she does private practice to focus on true holistic wellness - an approach that believes in aligning one's mind, body, and spiritual well-being.
Our recommendation articles are carefully researched and crafted by the mybest Philippines team of writers and editors. To stay true to our company’s mission and vision to help users’ selection process easier, we also collaborate with experts from various fields to ensure that our content stays factual and useful.
The expert oversees the Buying Guide only, and does not determine the products and services featured.
Simply put, ground coffee is what brewed coffee is made of; the kind that you put into your coffee maker or buy at cafés. After its harvest, coffee cherries or berries are dried, roasted, and then ground, which pretty much explains the whole process.
It is important to note that ground coffee is not the same as instant coffee. Instant coffee is already processed. It is done by finely grinding coffee beans, brewing them, and dehydrating them. What remains is their extract, so to speak.
Unlike instant coffee, ground ones do not entirely dissolve in water but leave a bit of residue. It also contains more caffeine. This is because the water absorbs the caffeine in the bean or ground. The longer the coffee remains in the water, the more caffeine is extracted.
Here are some key points to consider:
When browsing through coffee brands, you may have come across the terms 'single origin' and 'blends.' We break them down for you.
Single-origin means the coffee beans used came from a single source - farm, country, or region. This highlights the coffee’s characteristics and any unique taste it may have acquired from its source. It allows you to savor its taste in its purest form.
Coffee blends mean that a particular batch is comprised of beans from multiple beans, regions, or even countries. This makes for a deep and complex flavor that complements one another if blended properly. It can even create a unique taste.
Unlike instant coffee, you get to choose the type of coffee bean. Get to know the common varieties in the country.
Sometimes referred to as Kapeng Tagalog, this type of coffee thrives in high altitudes, such as hillsides which is why it flourishes in the Cordillera region with notable producers found in Benguet and Sagada provinces. It is also prominent in Mexico, Costa Rica, and Guatemala.
It is the most common type of coffee bean and is used for specialty and quality drinks. Arabica is also the most acidic of all coffee beans.
Acid does not equate to sourness but rather the dry and bright sensation that can lift the taste. It is characterized by its distinct lack of bitterness and has a floral and fruity flavor with hints of sweetness such as chocolate and caramel.
Unlike Arabica, which is found on the highlands, Robusta is located in the lowlands, notably in the Southern Tagalog region such as Cavite, Mindoro, and Bulacan. Internationally, Africa, Indonesia, and Vietnam are large producers of Robusta.
It is noted for being bitter, strong, and earthy, and it has been described to have a burnt or woody, and sometimes even rubbery aftertaste. It also contains the most caffeine content, which makes it so robust, get it?
Of all bean types, Robusta is the most prominently used type in the Philippines. It has a sharper flavor profile, often used in instant coffees, and if you want to add a certain kick to your drinks. It is also ideal for espressos!
If you prefer your coffees to have a strong taste, you might want to try Liberica or Kapeng Barako, which is the local variation of this type. It is usually found in Batangas, Cavite, and Quezon provinces. It takes its name from Liberia in West Africa, which is where it originated.
Barako is described to have a strong, intense, and woody flavor profile. It is also naturally high in acidity and caffeine content. It is noted for its ability to perk you up with its distinct aroma and breakfast isn’t usually considered complete without it.
Despite its popularity, it is actually not as common a commodity as we might think. It is quite rare and in danger of extinction as it can be difficult to maintain. It requires a large land area to grow, therefore, it is replaced in favor of the more practical Robusta.
Here is a rather unusual variety of coffee if you’re looking for something more exotic - Civet coffee. In case you’re wondering what it is, this coffee is made from coffee beans found in the excretions of the Civet cat, which feeds on coffee berries.
The coffee is noted to have a pleasant sweetness with an aroma of chocolate and a tinge of caramel taste, though some have stated that this coffee is not for the faint of heart. The digestion process in the cat reduces acidity and adds smoothness to its body.
This coffee is often found in the Davao region, specifically in Mt. Apo and Southern Luzon, where it is known as Kapeng Alamid.
Another thing you have to consider is a coffee’s roast level. Coffee has light, medium, and dark roasts.
Light roast is characterized by a light brown color and it can bring out the original flavor of the coffee as well as its caffeine content. A medium roast is neutral brown colored and has more body, which refers to the feeling or heaviness of the coffee in your mouth. Medium roasts can bring out a balanced flavor, aroma, and acidity.
A dark roast is bold, dark, and rich. It is dark brown in color, almost black, and can sometimes lean with hints of chocolaty-ness. Keep in mind that the longer the coffee roasts, the less acidic it becomes.
When buying pre-ground coffee, don’t forget to choose a grind size, which basically means how big your coffee granules are. Grind size depends on what you are going to use it for.
Extra fine is good for espressos, and a medium grind is appropriate for most coffee makers. A coarse grind is best for French presses to prevent any particles from getting into your coffee, while an extra coarse size is great for cold brew, so it is easier to filter
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Hineleban Farms Ground Coffee | ![]() | Support Local Farmers by Buying This Award-Winning Coffee | |
2 | Bo's Coffee Sagada Arabica Coffee Beans | ![]() | Enjoy Its Chocolatey Flavor With Just a Hint of Earthiness | |
3 | Silcafe Breakfast Blend | ![]() | Affordable and Amazing Blend to Start Your Day Right | |
4 | Basilio Coffee Tinatangi Blend | ![]() | Air Roasted Coffee for Maximum Flavor and Aroma | |
5 | Kickstart Philippine Barako Ground Coffee | ![]() | Kick Start Your Day With a Strong Barako Brew | |
6 | LION Coffee Vanilla Macadamia | ![]() | Savor the Flavors of Vanilla and Macadamia | |
7 | Kirkland Signature 100% Colombian Coffee Dark Roast | ![]() | Bulk Buy Coffee for the Whole Family | |
8 | Civet Cafe Alamid Philippine Civet Coffee: Liberica Gold Price | ![]() | Change Up Your Morning Cup With Civet Coffee |
Back in the 2015 Global Specialty Coffee Expo in Seattle, this ground coffee caught the attention of acclaimed coffee sommelier, Marty Curtis, as he gave it a top rating of 86. This makes it a specialty coffee, a well-deserved title as it is made from the finest hand-picked ripe red coffee cherries.
This gives it its fruity and nutty taste with a hint of bitter cocoa. It finishes off with a caramel aftertaste and a smooth texture that will have you wanting to drink this coffee all day. With its features, it was graded Excellent by the Specialty Coffee Association.
Aside from getting superb coffee, buying from Hineleban Farms also gives you the chance to support local farmers. Plus, with every bag of Hineleban Ground Coffee that you purchase, a forest tree is planted in the Mount Kitanglad range. This is part of Hineleban's Sip and Forest campaign to sustain reforestation efforts.
When it comes to coffee, Bo’s is sure to pop up. They are a proudly Filipino brand that uses homegrown beans, which are also used at their store. They support the livelihood of local farmers by sourcing their beans from Sagada, Mt. Matumtum, and Mt. Apo. Their shop has a few branches along the Metro, making them accessible.
Bo's offers quite the selection of both single origin and coffee blends. This particular bag is from Sagada, and it is noted to be sweet and nutty. It tastes chocolatey with just a hint of fresh tobacco. The earthiness from the tobacco will balance out its sweetness. Savor a fresh cup in the mornings to start your day right.
The classic blend of Arabica and Robusta will instantly wake you up, getting you ready to conquer the day ahead. It's strong, enough to give you your caffeine fix, which is why many people love it. One customer even mentioned that it's the best coffee that they've ever had. Another said that, "amoy pa lang, nakakaadik na!"
Costing less than Php 200, this ground coffee is perfect for those who are transitioning from instant coffee to brewed coffee. It's also a great option for those with a lot of coffee drinkers in the household, since it's yummy, cost-efficient, and awakening. Join many satisfied customers and check this out now!
Basilio air roasts its beans, which means that it is roasted using a fluid bed of hot air. This is in contrast to traditional roasting, which involves tumbling the beans in a steel drum. It results in a smoother and less bitter tasting coffee. It also brings out the desired coffee flavor and aroma.
They practice fair trade in order to empower Filipino farmers to process and air roast their own coffee in their own communities. They are transparent about the origin of their coffee from soil to cup. They have also expressed their desire to promote the sustainability of the country’s coffee industry.
Beat the cold weather with a piping hot cup of kapeng barako from Kickstart. Their name comes from wanting a beverage that can kick start the day. It is also interesting to note that their 3-bestseller coffees are made to resemble the colors of the Philippine flag housed in a minimalist yet sleek design.
Their barako coffee is strong, bold, and smooth. However, it produces a slightly sweet aroma that is also reflected in its taste, no sugar required. It's smooth on the palate, having just the right amount of thickness. Despite its intensity, it doesn’t leave you dizzy. It's just a good strong brew to wake you up.
This ground coffee incorporates vanilla beans and macadamia nuts in its blend, giving it a yummy vanilla flavor that most people will enjoy. You don't have to go to coffee shops to enjoy great coffee! It has a light roast and smooth texture, so if you're not a heavy coffee drinker or don't enjoy strong coffee, this is a good option for you.
Many customers left good reviews for this coffee, with many of them intending to give it as a gift. They also mentioned that they love its flavor, with one customer saying that it's the best coffee that they've tried. If you want to try something different and flavorful, look no further than this!
If you and your family consume coffee in bulk, then you might want to try a large purchase instead of buying tingi to save more money. Kirland’s ground coffee gives you a bang for your buck, as it contains 3 pounds worth of coffee. Supremo bean means it has the highest grade according to Colombian standards.
Colombian coffee is made from Arabica beans, so it has that traditional coffee taste. It is also sweeter and less acidic. It has a dark roast, meaning it's good for making espressos, as it has more caffeine content compared to a light roast coffee. To measure, use a ratio of 1 rounded tablespoon to 6 oz of water.
Sometimes dubbed as the most expensive coffee, Civet coffee certainly raises a few eyebrows. This especially when it comes to its production process. The coffee grounds aren’t made from the Civet cat’s actual droppings per se, rather the beans that they have consumed and excreted.
Civet coffee is best consumed without any creamer, milk, and sugar, but as is. This is to ensure that you have the best experience. Despite the implications of its name, it is noted to taste sweet with hints of chocolate and caramel. One unique thing about it is its lack of bitterness so it only needs a light roast.
Below are some of the most asked questions on the web answered by the mybest team.
The standard measurement for coffee is 2 tablespoons of ground coffee per 6 ounces of water, which is the equivalent of 1 cup. You can also opt to use just 1 tablespoon of ground coffee if you want a lighter taste.
You can usually use ground coffee with coffee makers, french presses, or drip coffee filters. This information is stated in the product description, so make sure to read it in full to see if you need any other equipment to be able to brew your ground coffee properly.
Yes. However, you can use an unsealed bag of ground coffee even after 3-5 months past its expiration date. It won't go bad or make you sick. For best results, make sure to store it away from heat, light, and moisture.
Now that you've got your ground coffee beans, it's time to explore the different ways you could prepare it. Don't just stick to your trusted coffee maker! These items make preparing coffee well worth the effort.
Author: J. Cuizon
Re-Editor: Bianca Angela Dela Cruz
Our buying guide was carefully researched and crafted by the mybest team of writers and editors, in collaboration with the expert featured in this article. We used the buying guide as a basis for choosing and ranking the product recommendations, and we looked at reviews and ratings from different E-commerce sites like Lazada, Shopee, and more.
No. 1: Hineleban Farms|Ground Coffee
No. 2: Bo's Coffee|Sagada Arabica Coffee Beans
No. 3: Silcafe|Breakfast Blend
No. 4: Basilio Coffee|Tinatangi Blend
No. 5: Kickstart |Philippine Barako Ground Coffee
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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