🕷️ Crawler Inspector

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Raw Queries and Responses

1. Shard Calculation

Query:

Response:

Calculated Shard: 157 (from laksa053)

2. Crawled Status Check

Query:

curl -X POST \
  'http://laksa157.int.ahrefs:8124/' \
  -H 'Content-Type: text/plain' \
  -H 'X-ClickHouse-Database: crawler3' \
  -H 'Authorization: Basic YXBpOg==' \
  -d 'SELECT getAhrefsURLFromUnparsed(src_unparsed) AS found_url, ifNull(toUnixTimestamp(download_stamp), 0) AS crawl_time, ifNull(toUnixTimestamp(props_url_first_seen), 0) AS first_indexed_time, download_http_code AS http_code, src_unparsed AS src_unparsed, src_root_hash AS src_root_hash, history_drop_reason AS history_drop_reason, meta_title AS meta_title, meta_descriptions AS meta_descriptions, attrs_boilerpipe_text AS attrs_boilerpipe_text, attrs_markdown AS attrs_markdown, attrs_readable_markdown AS attrs_readable_markdown, meta_canonical AS meta_canonical, ml_categories_json AS ml_categories_json, ml_types_json AS ml_types_json, ml_intent_types_json AS ml_intent_types_json, meta_language AS meta_language, attrs_author AS attrs_author, ifNull(toUnixTimestamp(attrs_publish_time), 0) AS attrs_publish_time, ifNull(toUnixTimestamp(attrs_original_publish_time), 0) AS attrs_original_publish_time, ifNull(attrs_is_republished, 0) AS attrs_is_republished, ifNull(attrs_nr_words, 0) AS attrs_nr_words, ifNull(attrs_boilerpipe_nr_words, 0) AS attrs_boilerpipe_nr_words, ifNull(body_ext_links_number, 0) AS body_ext_links_number, ifNull(body_int_links_number, 0) AS body_int_links_number, ifNull(meta_nofollow, 0) AS meta_nofollow, ifNull(meta_noarchive, 0) AS meta_noarchive, ifNull(props_was_rendered, 0) AS props_was_rendered, ifNull(src_redirect, \'\') AS src_redirect, ifNull(download_time_msec, 0) AS download_time_msec, ifNull(download_ttfb_msec, 0) AS download_ttfb_msec, ifNull(download_size, 0) AS download_size FROM crawler3.page_info_local FINAL PREWHERE (src_root_hash, src_unparsed) IN ((getAhrefsRootHashFromUnparsed(getAhrefsUnparsedNoserviceFromURL(\'https://www.olivemagazine.com/guides/best-coffee-beans-to-buy/\')), getAhrefsUnparsedNoserviceFromURL(\'https://www.olivemagazine.com/guides/best-coffee-beans-to-buy/\'))) FORMAT JSONEachRow'

Response:

{"found_url":"https:\/\/www.olivemagazine.com\/guides\/best-coffee-beans-to-buy\/","crawl_time":1776996106,"first_indexed_time":1625062646,"http_code":200,"src_unparsed":"com,olivemagazine!www,\/guides\/best-coffee-beans-to-buy\/ s443","src_root_hash":"8697920723657045557","history_drop_reason":null,"meta_title":"Best coffee beans to buy 2025, tried and tested by coffee experts | olivemagazine","meta_descriptions":["Looking for top of the range coffee beans to grind? We've gathered the best coffee beans from our favourite producers to help you pick"],"attrs_boilerpipe_text":"Whether you favour an espresso or bean-to-cup machine for your morning brew, or opt for a manual method like using a cafetiere or moka pot, your choice of coffee bean has a huge impact on flavour.\nBuying whole beans and grinding them yourself is the best way to ensure freshness, and it's important to look at the date they were roasted. For the best results, look for beans that have been roasted in the last 30 days.\nRead on for tried and tested recommendations on the best coffee beans to buy from our coffee expert Celeste Wong.\nLooking for top-of-the-range coffee beans to grind? Great coffee starts with great coffee beans. If your beans are good, then half the battle is won already.\nGet expert advice from olive's coffee expert, Celeste Wong. She has tried and tested all the below coffee beans to bring your her top picks. Make sure you use the\nbest coffee grinder\nfor your beans and find the right machine to brew the best cup with the biggest\ncoffee machine deals\navailable right now.\nJump to section:\nBest coffee beans at a glance\nThe best coffee beans to buy 2025\nWhy buy whole coffee beans?\nWhat type of coffee beans should I buy?\nWhat does coffee roast mean?\nBest coffee beans to buy at a glance\nBest for variety of coffee beans\n: Rave Coffee Roasters,\nfrom £6.98\nBest for a large selection of coffee beans:\nPact Coffee,\nfrom £9.95\nBest no-frills coffee beans:\nGrind,\nfrom £8.95\nBest high-quality coffee beans:\nAssembly Coffee,\nfrom £10\nBest carbon negative coffee beans:\nKiss The Hippo,\nfrom £11.50\nBest balanced coffee:\nRedemption Coffee Roasters,\nfrom £8.90\nMost versatile coffee beans:\nOrigin Coffee, from\n£8.50\nBest coffee beans for long-time quality:\nClimpson & Sons,\nfrom £11\nBest coffee beans for filter coffee\n: PLOT roasting,\nfrom £9\nBest coffee beans for community spirit:\nDear Green,\nfrom £10.70\nBest coffee beans for playful blends:\nPerky Blenders,\nfrom £8.90\nBest for café-quality brunch vibes at home:\nOzone Coffee Roasters,\nfrom £10\nBest for Colombian coffee:\nHermanos,\nfrom £13.50\nBest coffee beans for reliable espresso:\nCode 194,\nfrom £11\nBest coffee beans with sweet notes:\nVolcano Coffee Works,\nfrom £7.50\nRave Coffee Roasters\nAvailable\nfrom\nRave (from £6.98)\n,\nAmazon (from £11.59)\nBest for variety of coffee beans\nBased in the Cotswolds, Rave has built a loyal following since 2011 and continues to offer one of the most varied selections around. I’ve been drinking their coffee for years – especially their single origins, which now number over 20. There’s also a tidy little rare coffee range for those feeling curious, plus decaf options that use the Swiss-Water method - a natural, chemical-free way of decaffeinating while keeping its flavour (I’ve used it in a few coffee cocktails recently and it’s great). I like that they keep things accessible while championing sustainability: they support Fair Trade pricing, World Coffee Research and are part of 1% for the Planet.\nOne standout detail? They also sell small quantities of green beans, which I don’t see often. It’s handy if you're experimenting with roasting at home which I suspect might become more of a trend in the future. Quick delivery, a wide range of blends and gifts, and solid value make Rave one of my reliable go-tos. At the moment, I’m drinking their Colombian el Carmen no 50 as espresso, and their Guatemala Bosques de San Francisco no 52 as my filter.\nAvailable\nfrom:\nRave (from £6.98)\nAmazon (from £11.59)\nPact Coffee\nAvailable\nfrom\nPact Coffee (from £7.96)\nBest for a large selection\nPact Coffee has always placed an importance on working closely with suppliers and pioneering direct trade early on. While still being specialty, many of the coffees I've had in the past have employed a darker roast style than some of the other specialty coffees on the market.\nThis was my first time trying the 'coffee select' range, which offers 13 different rotating coffees, from multiple different origins and at five different grind levels. I was pleasantly surprised by the Bourbon Cream Espresso, a Brazilian and El Salvadorean blend with (unsurprisingly!) notes of bourbon cream biscuits. I also tried the Brazilian Zaroca. This was roasted similarly to the Bourbon coffee, and easily drinkable. It had a thinner mouth feel and less body, with an apple-like acidity so I would drink this as a filter coffee. Both had a good amount of sweetness, low bitterness and mild acidity.\nAvailable from:\nPact Coffee (from £7.96)\nGrind\nAvailable\nfrom\nGrind (£8 for 227g)\nBest no-frills coffee beans\nIn 2011, Grind first opened shop in the heart of Shoreditch. Now with multiple sites across London, and supplying a range of coffee shops, it boasts its own roastery and a successful online subscription service.\nIts house coffee blend is affordable (£8 per 227g bag) and neatly packaged in long, skinny postable shapes in its recognisable pink colour. Unfortunately, it doesn't disclose the origin of the coffee beans. This isn't easy to find on the site, either. But, it does disclose that the beans are specialty grade (which means they must score 80-100 points, set by SCA cupping standards) and ethically sourced. So, this coffee is more for the drinker who wants a nice standard coffee at home, and isn't too bothered about having much more information.\nYou can choose from the house blend, light, dark and decaf roasts, plus its ‘edition’ beans from Peru (which I assume changes, depending on seasons and buying). Grind's eco-footprint has improved over the years, using compostable packaging and products like coffee tins to refill your supply, minimising packaging waste.\nI found the house blend pleasant and enjoyed drinking it as a flat white with oat milk. The decaf is nice, too. Both coffees aren’t over-roasted or too dark, which is a good thing when using specialty coffee. The coffee is bold enough for milk to cut through, but it’s not overpowering and has some level of depth.\nAvailable from:\nGrind (£8 for 227g)\nAssembly Coffee\nAvailable\nfrom\nAssembly\nCoffee (from £10)\nBest high-quality coffee beans\nAssembly Coffee, roasted in Brixton, is known for its high-quality coffee and artistically painted designs that represent the flavours and characteristics of the coffee. Everything about Assembly is chic and well thought out, like much of its coffee.\nFirst I tried the House Espresso, a washed Colombian bean. I found this rich, clean, sweet and balanced with or without milk. Next I tried the Villamaria from Columbia, a naturally processed bean. I got a strawberries and cream hit at the beginning for an enjoyable bright and fresh cup, with a highly perfumed aroma.\nRoaster's toasting notes:\nVillamaria:\nhazelnut, strawberry, complex\nHouse Espresso:\nplum, brown sugar, refreshing\nAvailable from:\nAssembly\nCoffee (from £10)\nKiss The Hippo\nAvailable\nfrom\nKiss The Hippo (from £10.50)\n,\nAmazon (from £12.50)\nBest carbon negative coffee beans\nKiss The Hippo stands out for being carbon negative – going beyond carbon neutral. The brand calculated its carbon emissions and planned out ways in which it could reduce them, then made a plan with reforestation charity On A Mission to offset its remaining emissions with verified or certified sustainable reforestation projects.\nI tested out the Los Vascos Colombian coffee. This drop is lightly roasted and has a lovely light body to it. I found it had sweetness and a bright acidity like that of green apple.\nRoaster's tasting notes:\ncaramel, honey, green apple\nAvailable from:\nKiss The Hippo (from £10.50)\nAmazon (from £12.50)\nRedemption Coffee Roasters\nAvailable\nfrom\nRedemption Roasters (from £8.90)\nBest balanced coffee\nRedemption Coffee Roasters is the world's first prison-based coffee company, on a mission to reduce reoffending rates through coffee. It runs barista training academies in several prisons across the UK and on release, helps graduates find work in its own coffee shops or within its network.\n⁠The Aylesbury Blend espresso is its all-rounder espresso, and I've been really enjoying it as a long black and a flat white. It is really balanced, with low bitterness and low acidity. The Mount Blend, a coffee from Colombia and Ethiopia, had berry and floral notes. The next coffee I tried was the filter coffee, El Meridiano from Colombia. This is a bright and aromatic coffee. I really enjoyed this. The acidity is higher in this which I liked, and the pineapple flavour notes came through well.\nRoaster's tasting notes:\nAylesbury Blend:\nmarzipan, dried apricot, biscuit\nThe Mount Blend:\nraspberry, blackcurrant, tea rose\nEl Meridiano:\npineapple, lime, green apple\nAvailable from:\nRedemption Roasters (from £8.90)\nOrigin Coffee\nAvailable\nfrom\nOrigin Coffee (from £8.50)\nMost versatile coffee beans\nOrigin Coffee is a very successful and reputable roastery that started 15 years ago, based in Cornwall.\nOrigin’s San Fermin beans have been a trusty staple for many cafes around the UK, as it is omni-roasted. This means it is developed enough for espressos and yet still light enough to brew as a filter coffee, making it highly versatile. This coffee goes well in a flat white and makes a satisfying morning brew as a filter.\nRoaster's notes:\norange sherbet, caramel, berries\nAvailable from:\nOrigin Coffee (from £8.50)\nClimpson & Sons\nAvailable\nfrom\nClimpson & Sons (from £11)\nBest coffee beans for long-time quality\nClimpson & Sons has been part of the East London coffee scene since the early 2000s – first as a market stall, and now as a roastery, café and brand known for its consistent quality and creativity. They’re B Corp certified, and their focus on sustainability, quality and community has been part of their DNA from the beginning. I love that they keep a strong core range of blends and dependable single origins while offering more boutique-style options, like their Midnight Oil coffee liqueur and concentrates for easy cocktails – great for espresso martinis.\nClimpson is one of those roasters that have stayed true to their ethos while growing thoughtfully. I’ve followed their journey closely over the years, and their coffee continues to deliver every time. You might also be interested in the charitable cycling and ocean conservation initiatives they run. At the moment I’m drinking The Baron as espresso, a Brazilian pulped natural with dark chocolate, hazelnut and marzipan notes and their Sirinya single origin from Thailand. I haven’t had much coffee from Thailand, and this is a lovely naturally processed coffee, perfect for filter, with raspberry, mango and vanilla notes. Their coffee info cards are really effective and help guide you on which brew method to use, depending on what you prefer or have at home. Their decaf is lovely too, for both espresso and filter methods.\nAvailable\nfrom:\nClimpson & Sons (from £11)\nPlot Roasting\nAvailable\nfrom\nPLOT roasting (from £9)\nBest coffee beans for filter coffee\nPlot burst onto the scene a few years ago and has been the name on every barista’s lips since. At recent London Coffee Festivals, where I host MC Coffee Masters, their stand is always my first stop for a morning cup. They specialise in unusual, experimental processing – think an 84-hour yeast-anoxic natural or a honey-processed Geisha, which makes each brew a real talking point.\nFor the past year I’ve subscribed to their ICON Series: 100-150g of a genuinely rare coffee delivered monthly for £20. It’s a brilliant, affordable way to taste beans that are normally impossible to source in small amounts; a few cups is often all you need to appreciate something extraordinary before returning to your daily blend. Whether you’re an experienced coffee nerd or just want to dip a toe outside your usual filter, Plot is the place. And if rarity isn’t your thing, they still offer everyday crowd-pleasers.\nAvailable\nfrom:\nPLOT roasting (from £9)\nDear Green\nAvailable\nfrom\nDear Green (from £10.70)\nBest coffee beans for community spirit\nI’ve been a fan of this Glasgow-based roaster for years. Founded in 2011 by Lisa Lawson, an inspiring figure in the industry and long-time champion of women in coffee (myself included) – Dear Green is a values-led B Corp with an impressively high recertification score of 117.6, and a pledge to reach net-zero by 2030.\nTransparency runs deep: sourcing is traceable, with organic, decaf, espresso and filter options, plus a dedicated ‘women producer’ range and showcase coffees for something extra special. I’m currently sipping the “Dear Green City Blend” - a Peru-Colombia mix with chocolate, caramel and bright cherry notes. Great as espresso, or as a summer cold brew. £1 from each bag goes to Greenheart Growers and Wash House Garden.\nFrom travelling barista to founder of the Glasgow Coffee Festival, Lisa’s passion shows in every cup. With barista training, community projects, and fair-living wages baked into the business, Dear Green is more than a roastery, it’s a movement. No surprise they were named Micro Roaster of the Year by\nRoast Magazine\n.\nAvailable from:\nDear Green (from £10.70)\nPerky Blenders\nAvailable\nfrom\nPerky Blenders (from £8.90)\nBest coffee beans for playful blends\nI first came across Perky Blenders thanks to my semi-pro cyclist friends, who swore by their deliveries to fuel long rides. Based in East London (with a new café just opened), they roast sustainably with compostable packaging and a focus on traceability.\nThe bright branding and coffee names make things feel playful and accessible. “I’m So Curious” is their coffee-of-the-month pick, while “I’m So Nutty” (Forest Blend) is rich and chocolatey, and “I’m So Jammy” brings fruity funk with notes of blackberry, pineapple and coconut.\nTheir selection boxes are great for gifting or discovering your favourites, and their personalised bags for birthdays and holidays add a thoughtful twist. Right now I’m sipping their Burundi Rugembe Hill and Jazzy Max – both tropical and vibrant. I’m even tempted to blend a shot into a smoothie for a little extra zing.\nAvailable\nfrom:\nPerky Blenders (from £8.90)\nOzone Coffee Roasters\nAvailable\nfrom\nOzone Coffee (from £10)\nBest for café-quality brunch vibes at home\nSince landing in London in 2012, Ozone has earned a stellar reputation for top-tier coffee paired with that unmistakable Antipodean flair for food, helping to shape the UK’s brunch culture as we know it. Founded in New Zealand, their B Corp status reflects a strong company ethos rooted in sustainability, quality, and community. They now have several café locations across London, so you can enjoy their brews (and brilliant brunches) in person too.\nTheir home coffee range covers origins like Bolivia, Colombia and Guatemala, thanks to long-standing relationships with producers. I also love that they offer a “half caff” option – perfect if you’re caffeine-sensitive but still want a little buzz. You can shop by flavour notes like citrus, floral, nutty or cocoa, which makes picking your perfect brew feel intuitive and fun.\nPackaging is beautifully designed and fully recyclable, and deliveries are quick and well-packed. Their reserve tasting packs are a great way to explore higher-end lots, and I rate their special edition “Pride” coffee from Fazenda Inglaterra, which supports the LGBTQ+ youth charity akt. I’d recommend trying one of their Bolivians or Kenyans for something vibrant and delicious.\nAvailable\nfrom:\nOzone Coffee (from £10)\nHermanos\nAvailable\nfrom\nHermanos (from £13.50)\nBest for Colombian coffee\nHermanos works with Colombian coffee farmers and has had some unique coffees recently that I’ve really enjoyed.\nThe La Aldea is the latest. I’ve been drinking this as an espresso with milk, where the assam tea and dark chocolate flavour notes come in to balance out the milk. I’ve also been drinking it as a black filter coffee, and the plum and apricot sweetness shines through. At a slightly higher price point, this is maybe one to splash out on.\nRoaster's notes:\nblack plum, assam tea, dark chocolate\nAvailable from:\nHermanos (from £13.50)\nSantiago and Victor Gamboa, founders of Colombian coffee roasters Hermanos,\nshare their favourite food and drinks from their homeland\n.\nCode 194\nAvailable\nfrom\nCode 194 (from £11)\nBest coffee beans for reliable espresso\nThis new roastery may be the new kid on the block, but its roaster is not! With many years of experience in roasting for top roasteries in England over many years, this new south London roastery offers a solid range of delicious and reliable coffees that you can purchase online.\nHaving tried many of the specialty coffees from its range, I'd recommend the espresso blend, which changes seasonally but keeps to a similar flavour profile. As an espresso, it's bold enough for the milk to cut through, which is important if you drink coffee with milk. The Papua New Guinea coffee has fruity and milk chocolate flavour notes. Both are very reasonably priced, and come in bags of 250g.\nRoaster's notes:\ncocoa, candied citrus\nAvailable from:\nCode 194 (from £11)\nVolcano Coffee Works\nAvailable\nfrom\nVolcano Coffee Works (from £7.50)\nBest coffee beans with sweet notes\nVolcano Coffee Works is one of London’s early artisan coffee roasters, founded by Kurt Stewart, an experienced New Zealand roaster. It made its mark supplying top-notch restaurants and today still does, as well as specialty cafés.\nI tested out the espresso roast – the Mount Blend, from El Salvador and Brazil. I found this coffee nice and sweet but bold, with good body and medium acidity. A nice drop with milk.\nRoaster's tasting notes:\nCaramel, red grapes, milk chocolate.\nAvailable from:\nVolcano Coffee Works (from £7.50)\nWhy buy whole coffee beans?\nBeans stay fresher for longer, and so your coffee should taste better, too. As soon as green coffee beans are roasted, they start to release CO2, which affects the taste. They will oxidise and slowly start to go 'stale' and have a flat taste after a while. When coffee is ground, there is a higher surface area which is exposed to oxygen and that will cause them to lose their freshness faster, so it's best to keep coffee beans whole as close to brewing as possible. Treat your coffee beans similarly to potatoes: store them in a dark, dry place. It's best they are kept in a container or the bag they come in to stop oxygen and moisture getting in.\nWhat type of coffee beans should I buy?\nThere are generally two types of beans: robusta and arabica.\nArabica:\nProduced by the specialty coffee industry, this is harder to grow. Arabica beans have less caffeine than robusta, but more varied complex characteristics in taste and acidity levels because it is usually grown at higher altitudes, and better quality, nutrient-rich soil.\nRobusta:\nRobusta beans are hardy and usually used for commodity products such as cheaper instant coffee.\nWhat does coffee roast mean?\nCoffee roasts are generally described as light, medium and dark. Dark roasts can be described as more bold and strong tasting. Espresso can usually be roasted a little darker, as the coffee is extracted through machines with high pressure and temperature, so the flavour still comes through. However, medium to lighter roasts keep a lot of the bean's flavour characteristics. When you roast a bean, think of it like taking the moisture out of it: the equivalent to slow or quick cooking a cut of meat. There is also an art to roasting coffee beans, in the fact that different beans from different origins hold different moisture content and density, and therefore need to be roasted appropriately to optimise flavour and quality.\nWant to learn more about becoming an expert at-home barista? Read our guides here:\nCeleste Wong's guide to becoming\nan overnight coffee expert\nCeleste Wong's guide on\nhow to make iced coffee\nCeleste Wong's guide on\nsustainable coffee\nCeleste Wong's\nbest moka pots\nCeleste Wong's\nbest coffee grinders\nCeleste Wong's\nbest decaf coffee to try\nCeleste Wong's\nbest reusable and compostable espresso pods\nCeleste Wong's\nbest gooseneck kettles to try\nMore reviews\nBest coffee subscriptions to try\nBest Sage coffee machines\nBest coffee pod machines\nBest bean-to-cup coffee machines\nBest espresso machines\nBest matcha tea\nBest greens powders to buy","attrs_markdown":"[Skip to main content](https:\/\/www.olivemagazine.com\/guides\/best-coffee-beans-to-buy\/#site-main)\n\n- [Baking](https:\/\/www.olivemagazine.com\/recipes\/baking-and-desserts\/ \"Baking\")\n- [Product reviews](https:\/\/www.olivemagazine.com\/products-and-reviews\/ \"Product reviews\")\n- [Restaurants](https:\/\/www.olivemagazine.com\/restaurants\/ \"Restaurants\")\n- [Competitions](https:\/\/competitions.olivemagazine.com\/ \"Competitions\")\n\n- [Sign in](https:\/\/www.olivemagazine.com\/api\/auth\/login)\n- [Register](https:\/\/www.olivemagazine.com\/api\/auth\/signup)\n\n[Sign in](https:\/\/www.olivemagazine.com\/api\/auth\/login)\n\n[Register](https:\/\/www.olivemagazine.com\/api\/auth\/signup)\n\n- [Recipes](https:\/\/www.olivemagazine.com\/recipes\/ \"Recipes\")\n  - 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We've gathered the best coffee beans from our favourite producers to help you pick\n\nWhether you favour an espresso or bean-to-cup machine for your morning brew, or opt for a manual method like using a cafetiere or moka pot, your choice of coffee bean has a huge impact on flavour.\n\nAd\n\nBuying whole beans and grinding them yourself is the best way to ensure freshness, and it's important to look at the date they were roasted. For the best results, look for beans that have been roasted in the last 30 days.\n\nRead on for tried and tested recommendations on the best coffee beans to buy from our coffee expert Celeste Wong.\n\n*Looking for top-of-the-range coffee beans to grind? Great coffee starts with great coffee beans. If your beans are good, then half the battle is won already.* *Get expert advice from olive's coffee expert, Celeste Wong. She has tried and tested all the below coffee beans to bring your her top picks. Make sure you use the [best coffee grinder](https:\/\/www.olivemagazine.com\/reviews\/best-coffee-grinders-to-buy\/) for your beans and find the right machine to brew the best cup with the biggest *[coffee machine deals](https:\/\/www.olivemagazine.com\/reviews\/nespresso-offers\/) available right now.**\n\n**Jump to section:**\n\n- **[Best coffee beans at a glance](https:\/\/www.olivemagazine.com\/guides\/best-coffee-beans-to-buy\/#GLANCE)**\n- **[The best coffee beans to buy 2025](https:\/\/www.olivemagazine.com\/guides\/best-coffee-beans-to-buy\/#BEST)**\n- **[Why buy whole coffee beans?](https:\/\/www.olivemagazine.com\/guides\/best-coffee-beans-to-buy\/#BUY)**\n- **[What type of coffee beans should I buy?](https:\/\/www.olivemagazine.com\/guides\/best-coffee-beans-to-buy\/#TYPE)**\n- **[What does coffee roast mean?](https:\/\/www.olivemagazine.com\/guides\/best-coffee-beans-to-buy\/#ROAST)**\n***\n## Best coffee beans to buy at a glance\n- **Best for variety of coffee beans**: Rave Coffee Roasters, [from £6.98](https:\/\/ravecoffee.co.uk\/collections\/coffee)\n- **Best for a large selection of coffee beans:** Pact Coffee, [from £9.95](https:\/\/www.pactcoffee.com\/coffees)\n- **Best no-frills coffee beans:** Grind, [from £8.95](https:\/\/grind.pxf.io\/c\/1236178\/1025283\/13388?subId1=olivemagazine-142685&u=https%3A%2F%2Fgrind.co.uk%2Fproducts%2Ftaster-pack-coffee)\n- **Best high-quality coffee beans:** Assembly Coffee, [from £10](https:\/\/assemblycoffee.co.uk\/collections\/buy-coffee)\n- **Best carbon negative coffee beans:** Kiss The Hippo, [from £11.50](https:\/\/www.awin1.com\/cread.php?id=489797&clickref=olivemagazine-142685&awinmid=77226&p=https%3A%2F%2Fkissthehippo.com%2Fcollections%2Fcoffee)\n- **Best balanced coffee:** Redemption Coffee Roasters, [from £8.90](https:\/\/www.redemptionroasters.com\/shop\/)\n- **Most versatile coffee beans:** Origin Coffee, from [£8.50](https:\/\/www.awin1.com\/cread.php?id=489797&clickref=olivemagazine-142685&awinmid=30287&p=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.origincoffee.co.uk%2Fcollections%2Fcoffee)\n- ****Best coffee beans for long-time quality:**** Climpson & Sons, [from £11](https:\/\/climpsonandsons.com\/collections\/coffee)\n- **Best coffee beans for filter coffee**: PLOT roasting, [from £9](https:\/\/plotroasting.com\/collections\/all-coffee)\n- **Best coffee beans for community spirit:** Dear Green, [from £10.70](https:\/\/www.deargreencoffee.com\/collections\/coffee-beans)\n- **Best coffee beans for playful blends:** Perky Blenders, [from £8.90](https:\/\/perkyblenders.com\/collections\/coffee)\n- **Best for café-quality brunch vibes at home:** Ozone Coffee Roasters, [from £10](https:\/\/ozonecoffee.co.uk\/collections\/coffee)\n- **Best for Colombian coffee:** Hermanos, [from £13.50](https:\/\/hermanoscoffeeroasters.com\/collections\/colombian-specialty-coffee)\n- **Best coffee beans for reliable espresso:** Code 194, [from £11](https:\/\/code194coffee.com\/products\/194-espresso)\n- **Best coffee beans with sweet notes:** Volcano Coffee Works, [from £7.50](https:\/\/volcanocoffeeworks.com\/collections\/buy-coffee-beans)\n***\n## The best coffee beans to buy 2025\n### Rave Coffee Roasters\n- **Available** from [Rave (from £6.98)](https:\/\/ravecoffee.co.uk\/collections\/coffee), [Amazon (from £11.59)](https:\/\/www.amazon.co.uk\/Rave-Coffee-Signature-Roasted-AeroPress\/dp\/B008L1S41W?tag=olivemag-21&ascsubtag=olivemagazine-142685)\n\n**Best for variety of coffee beans**\n\nBased in the Cotswolds, Rave has built a loyal following since 2011 and continues to offer one of the most varied selections around. I’ve been drinking their coffee for years – especially their single origins, which now number over 20. There’s also a tidy little rare coffee range for those feeling curious, plus decaf options that use the Swiss-Water method - a natural, chemical-free way of decaffeinating while keeping its flavour (I’ve used it in a few coffee cocktails recently and it’s great). I like that they keep things accessible while championing sustainability: they support Fair Trade pricing, World Coffee Research and are part of 1% for the Planet.\n\nOne standout detail? They also sell small quantities of green beans, which I don’t see often. It’s handy if you're experimenting with roasting at home which I suspect might become more of a trend in the future. Quick delivery, a wide range of blends and gifts, and solid value make Rave one of my reliable go-tos. At the moment, I’m drinking their Colombian el Carmen no 50 as espresso, and their Guatemala Bosques de San Francisco no 52 as my filter.\n\n**Available** **from:**  \n[Rave (from £6.98)](https:\/\/ravecoffee.co.uk\/collections\/coffee)  \n[Amazon (from £11.59)](https:\/\/www.amazon.co.uk\/Rave-Coffee-Signature-Roasted-AeroPress\/dp\/B008L1S41W?tag=olivemag-21&ascsubtag=olivemagazine-142685)\n***\n### Pact Coffee\n- **Available** from\n  [Pact Coffee (from £7.96)](https:\/\/www.pactcoffee.com\/coffees)\n\n**Best for a large selection**\n\nPact Coffee has always placed an importance on working closely with suppliers and pioneering direct trade early on. While still being specialty, many of the coffees I've had in the past have employed a darker roast style than some of the other specialty coffees on the market.\n\nThis was my first time trying the 'coffee select' range, which offers 13 different rotating coffees, from multiple different origins and at five different grind levels. I was pleasantly surprised by the Bourbon Cream Espresso, a Brazilian and El Salvadorean blend with (unsurprisingly!) notes of bourbon cream biscuits. I also tried the Brazilian Zaroca. This was roasted similarly to the Bourbon coffee, and easily drinkable. It had a thinner mouth feel and less body, with an apple-like acidity so I would drink this as a filter coffee. Both had a good amount of sweetness, low bitterness and mild acidity.\n\n**Available from:** [Pact Coffee (from £7.96)](https:\/\/www.pactcoffee.com\/coffees)\n***\n### Grind\n- **Available** from [Grind (£8 for 227g)](https:\/\/grind.pxf.io\/c\/1236178\/1025283\/13388?subId1=olivemagazine-142685&u=https%3A%2F%2Fgrind.co.uk%2Fproducts%2Ftaster-pack-coffee)\n\n**Best no-frills coffee beans**\n\nIn 2011, Grind first opened shop in the heart of Shoreditch. Now with multiple sites across London, and supplying a range of coffee shops, it boasts its own roastery and a successful online subscription service.\n\nIts house coffee blend is affordable (£8 per 227g bag) and neatly packaged in long, skinny postable shapes in its recognisable pink colour. Unfortunately, it doesn't disclose the origin of the coffee beans. This isn't easy to find on the site, either. But, it does disclose that the beans are specialty grade (which means they must score 80-100 points, set by SCA cupping standards) and ethically sourced. So, this coffee is more for the drinker who wants a nice standard coffee at home, and isn't too bothered about having much more information.\n\nYou can choose from the house blend, light, dark and decaf roasts, plus its ‘edition’ beans from Peru (which I assume changes, depending on seasons and buying). Grind's eco-footprint has improved over the years, using compostable packaging and products like coffee tins to refill your supply, minimising packaging waste.\n\nI found the house blend pleasant and enjoyed drinking it as a flat white with oat milk. The decaf is nice, too. Both coffees aren’t over-roasted or too dark, which is a good thing when using specialty coffee. The coffee is bold enough for milk to cut through, but it’s not overpowering and has some level of depth.\n\n**Available from:** [Grind (£8 for 227g)](https:\/\/grind.pxf.io\/c\/1236178\/1025283\/13388?subId1=olivemagazine-142685&u=https%3A%2F%2Fgrind.co.uk%2Fproducts%2Ftaster-pack-coffee)\n***\n### Assembly Coffee\n- **Available** from\n  [Assembly Coffee (from £10)](https:\/\/assemblycoffee.co.uk\/collections\/buy-coffee)\n\n**Best high-quality coffee beans**\n\nAssembly Coffee, roasted in Brixton, is known for its high-quality coffee and artistically painted designs that represent the flavours and characteristics of the coffee. Everything about Assembly is chic and well thought out, like much of its coffee.\n\nFirst I tried the House Espresso, a washed Colombian bean. I found this rich, clean, sweet and balanced with or without milk. Next I tried the Villamaria from Columbia, a naturally processed bean. I got a strawberries and cream hit at the beginning for an enjoyable bright and fresh cup, with a highly perfumed aroma.\n\n**Roaster's toasting notes:**\n\n**Villamaria:** hazelnut, strawberry, complex\n\n**House Espresso:** plum, brown sugar, refreshing\n\n**Available from:** [Assembly Coffee (from £10)](https:\/\/assemblycoffee.co.uk\/collections\/buy-coffee)\n***\n### Kiss The Hippo\n- **Available** from [Kiss The Hippo (from £10.50)](https:\/\/www.awin1.com\/cread.php?id=489797&clickref=olivemagazine-142685&awinmid=77226&p=https%3A%2F%2Fkissthehippo.com%2Fcollections%2Fcoffee), [Amazon (from £12.50)](https:\/\/www.amazon.co.uk\/stores\/page\/D2F642F7-5386-4743-BAA6-EA7D2296547F?tag=olivemag-21&ascsubtag=olivemagazine-142685)\n\n**Best carbon negative coffee beans**\n\nKiss The Hippo stands out for being carbon negative – going beyond carbon neutral. The brand calculated its carbon emissions and planned out ways in which it could reduce them, then made a plan with reforestation charity On A Mission to offset its remaining emissions with verified or certified sustainable reforestation projects.\n\nI tested out the Los Vascos Colombian coffee. This drop is lightly roasted and has a lovely light body to it. I found it had sweetness and a bright acidity like that of green apple.\n\n**Roaster's tasting notes:** caramel, honey, green apple\n\n**Available from:** [Kiss The Hippo (from £10.50)](https:\/\/www.awin1.com\/cread.php?id=489797&clickref=olivemagazine-142685&awinmid=77226&p=https%3A%2F%2Fkissthehippo.com%2Fcollections%2Fcoffee)  \n[Amazon (from £12.50)](https:\/\/www.amazon.co.uk\/stores\/page\/D2F642F7-5386-4743-BAA6-EA7D2296547F?tag=olivemag-21&ascsubtag=olivemagazine-142685)\n***\n### Redemption Coffee Roasters\n- **Available** from [Redemption Roasters (from £8.90)](https:\/\/www.redemptionroasters.com\/product-category\/recipes\/collection\/best-ever-coffee-recipes\/)\n###\n**Best balanced coffee**\n\nRedemption Coffee Roasters is the world's first prison-based coffee company, on a mission to reduce reoffending rates through coffee. It runs barista training academies in several prisons across the UK and on release, helps graduates find work in its own coffee shops or within its network.\n\n⁠The Aylesbury Blend espresso is its all-rounder espresso, and I've been really enjoying it as a long black and a flat white. It is really balanced, with low bitterness and low acidity. The Mount Blend, a coffee from Colombia and Ethiopia, had berry and floral notes. The next coffee I tried was the filter coffee, El Meridiano from Colombia. This is a bright and aromatic coffee. I really enjoyed this. The acidity is higher in this which I liked, and the pineapple flavour notes came through well.\n\n**Roaster's tasting notes:**\n\n**Aylesbury Blend:** marzipan, dried apricot, biscuit\n\n**The Mount Blend:** raspberry, blackcurrant, tea rose\n\n**El Meridiano:** pineapple, lime, green apple\n\n**Available from:** [Redemption Roasters (from £8.90)](https:\/\/www.redemptionroasters.com\/product-category\/coffee\/)\n***\n### Origin Coffee\n- **Available** from\n  [Origin Coffee (from £8.50)](https:\/\/www.awin1.com\/cread.php?id=489797&clickref=olivemagazine-142685&awinmid=30287&p=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.origincoffee.co.uk%2Fcollections%2Fcoffee)\n\n**Most versatile coffee beans**\n\nOrigin Coffee is a very successful and reputable roastery that started 15 years ago, based in Cornwall.\n\nOrigin’s San Fermin beans have been a trusty staple for many cafes around the UK, as it is omni-roasted. This means it is developed enough for espressos and yet still light enough to brew as a filter coffee, making it highly versatile. This coffee goes well in a flat white and makes a satisfying morning brew as a filter.\n\n**Roaster's notes:** orange sherbet, caramel, berries\n\n**Available from:** [Origin Coffee (from £8.50)](https:\/\/www.awin1.com\/cread.php?id=489797&clickref=olivemagazine-142685&awinmid=30287&p=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.origincoffee.co.uk%2Fcollections%2Fcoffee)\n***\n### Climpson & Sons\n- **Available** from [Climpson & Sons (from £11)](https:\/\/climpsonandsons.com\/collections\/coffee)\n\n**Best coffee beans for long-time quality**\n\nClimpson & Sons has been part of the East London coffee scene since the early 2000s – first as a market stall, and now as a roastery, café and brand known for its consistent quality and creativity. They’re B Corp certified, and their focus on sustainability, quality and community has been part of their DNA from the beginning. I love that they keep a strong core range of blends and dependable single origins while offering more boutique-style options, like their Midnight Oil coffee liqueur and concentrates for easy cocktails – great for espresso martinis.\n\nClimpson is one of those roasters that have stayed true to their ethos while growing thoughtfully. I’ve followed their journey closely over the years, and their coffee continues to deliver every time. You might also be interested in the charitable cycling and ocean conservation initiatives they run. At the moment I’m drinking The Baron as espresso, a Brazilian pulped natural with dark chocolate, hazelnut and marzipan notes and their Sirinya single origin from Thailand. I haven’t had much coffee from Thailand, and this is a lovely naturally processed coffee, perfect for filter, with raspberry, mango and vanilla notes. Their coffee info cards are really effective and help guide you on which brew method to use, depending on what you prefer or have at home. Their decaf is lovely too, for both espresso and filter methods.\n\n**Available** **from:**  \n[Climpson & Sons (from £11)](https:\/\/climpsonandsons.com\/collections\/coffee)\n***\n### Plot Roasting\n- **Available** from [PLOT roasting (from £9)](https:\/\/plotroasting.com\/collections\/all-coffee)\n\n**Best coffee beans for filter coffee**\n\nPlot burst onto the scene a few years ago and has been the name on every barista’s lips since. At recent London Coffee Festivals, where I host MC Coffee Masters, their stand is always my first stop for a morning cup. They specialise in unusual, experimental processing – think an 84-hour yeast-anoxic natural or a honey-processed Geisha, which makes each brew a real talking point.\n\nFor the past year I’ve subscribed to their ICON Series: 100-150g of a genuinely rare coffee delivered monthly for £20. It’s a brilliant, affordable way to taste beans that are normally impossible to source in small amounts; a few cups is often all you need to appreciate something extraordinary before returning to your daily blend. Whether you’re an experienced coffee nerd or just want to dip a toe outside your usual filter, Plot is the place. And if rarity isn’t your thing, they still offer everyday crowd-pleasers.\n\n**Available** **from:**  \n[PLOT roasting (from £9)](https:\/\/plotroasting.com\/collections\/all-coffee)\n***\n### Dear Green\n- **Available** from [Dear Green (from £10.70)](https:\/\/www.deargreencoffee.com\/collections\/coffee-beans)\n\n**Best coffee beans for community spirit**\n\nI’ve been a fan of this Glasgow-based roaster for years. Founded in 2011 by Lisa Lawson, an inspiring figure in the industry and long-time champion of women in coffee (myself included) – Dear Green is a values-led B Corp with an impressively high recertification score of 117.6, and a pledge to reach net-zero by 2030.\n\nTransparency runs deep: sourcing is traceable, with organic, decaf, espresso and filter options, plus a dedicated ‘women producer’ range and showcase coffees for something extra special. I’m currently sipping the “Dear Green City Blend” - a Peru-Colombia mix with chocolate, caramel and bright cherry notes. Great as espresso, or as a summer cold brew. £1 from each bag goes to Greenheart Growers and Wash House Garden.\n\nFrom travelling barista to founder of the Glasgow Coffee Festival, Lisa’s passion shows in every cup. With barista training, community projects, and fair-living wages baked into the business, Dear Green is more than a roastery, it’s a movement. No surprise they were named Micro Roaster of the Year by *Roast Magazine*.\n\n**Available from:**  \n[Dear Green (from £10.70)](https:\/\/www.deargreencoffee.com\/collections\/coffee-beans)\n***\n### Perky Blenders\n- **Available** from [Perky Blenders (from £8.90)](https:\/\/perkyblenders.com\/collections\/coffee)\n\n**Best coffee beans for playful blends**\n\nI first came across Perky Blenders thanks to my semi-pro cyclist friends, who swore by their deliveries to fuel long rides. Based in East London (with a new café just opened), they roast sustainably with compostable packaging and a focus on traceability.\n\nThe bright branding and coffee names make things feel playful and accessible. “I’m So Curious” is their coffee-of-the-month pick, while “I’m So Nutty” (Forest Blend) is rich and chocolatey, and “I’m So Jammy” brings fruity funk with notes of blackberry, pineapple and coconut.\n\nTheir selection boxes are great for gifting or discovering your favourites, and their personalised bags for birthdays and holidays add a thoughtful twist. Right now I’m sipping their Burundi Rugembe Hill and Jazzy Max – both tropical and vibrant. I’m even tempted to blend a shot into a smoothie for a little extra zing.\n\n**Available** **from:**  \n[Perky Blenders (from £8.90)](https:\/\/perkyblenders.com\/collections\/coffee)\n***\n### Ozone Coffee Roasters\n- **Available** from [Ozone Coffee (from £10)](https:\/\/ozonecoffee.co.uk\/collections\/coffee)\n\n**Best for café-quality brunch vibes at home**\n\nSince landing in London in 2012, Ozone has earned a stellar reputation for top-tier coffee paired with that unmistakable Antipodean flair for food, helping to shape the UK’s brunch culture as we know it. Founded in New Zealand, their B Corp status reflects a strong company ethos rooted in sustainability, quality, and community. They now have several café locations across London, so you can enjoy their brews (and brilliant brunches) in person too.\n\nTheir home coffee range covers origins like Bolivia, Colombia and Guatemala, thanks to long-standing relationships with producers. I also love that they offer a “half caff” option – perfect if you’re caffeine-sensitive but still want a little buzz. You can shop by flavour notes like citrus, floral, nutty or cocoa, which makes picking your perfect brew feel intuitive and fun.\n\nPackaging is beautifully designed and fully recyclable, and deliveries are quick and well-packed. Their reserve tasting packs are a great way to explore higher-end lots, and I rate their special edition “Pride” coffee from Fazenda Inglaterra, which supports the LGBTQ+ youth charity akt. I’d recommend trying one of their Bolivians or Kenyans for something vibrant and delicious.\n\n**Available** **from:**  \n[Ozone Coffee (from £10)](https:\/\/ozonecoffee.co.uk\/collections\/coffee)\n***\n### Hermanos\n- **Available** from [Hermanos (from £13.50)](https:\/\/hermanoscoffeeroasters.com\/collections\/colombian-specialty-coffee)\n\n![Hermanos coffee beans](https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/2\/2024\/02\/Hermanos-coffee-beans-40dfbe4.jpg?quality=90&resize=700,466)\n\n**Best for Colombian coffee**\n\nHermanos works with Colombian coffee farmers and has had some unique coffees recently that I’ve really enjoyed.\n\nThe La Aldea is the latest. I’ve been drinking this as an espresso with milk, where the assam tea and dark chocolate flavour notes come in to balance out the milk. I’ve also been drinking it as a black filter coffee, and the plum and apricot sweetness shines through. At a slightly higher price point, this is maybe one to splash out on.\n\n**Roaster's notes:** black plum, assam tea, dark chocolate\n\n**Available from:** [Hermanos (from £13.50)](https:\/\/hermanoscoffeeroasters.com\/collections\/colombian-specialty-coffee)\n\nSantiago and Victor Gamboa, founders of Colombian coffee roasters Hermanos, [share their favourite food and drinks from their homeland](https:\/\/www.olivemagazine.com\/travel\/south-america\/colombian-cuisine-10-things-we-love\/).\n***\n### Code 194\n- **Available** from [Code 194 (from £11)](https:\/\/code194coffee.com\/)\n\n![Code 194 coffee beans](https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/2\/2024\/02\/Code-194-coffee-beans-50f5c75.jpg?quality=90&resize=700,466)\n\n**Best coffee beans for reliable espresso**\n\nThis new roastery may be the new kid on the block, but its roaster is not! With many years of experience in roasting for top roasteries in England over many years, this new south London roastery offers a solid range of delicious and reliable coffees that you can purchase online.\n\nHaving tried many of the specialty coffees from its range, I'd recommend the espresso blend, which changes seasonally but keeps to a similar flavour profile. As an espresso, it's bold enough for the milk to cut through, which is important if you drink coffee with milk. The Papua New Guinea coffee has fruity and milk chocolate flavour notes. Both are very reasonably priced, and come in bags of 250g.\n\n**Roaster's notes:** cocoa, candied citrus\n\n**Available from:** [Code 194 (from £11)](https:\/\/code194coffee.com\/)\n***\n### Volcano Coffee Works\n- **Available** from [Volcano Coffee Works (from £7.50)](https:\/\/volcanocoffeeworks.com\/collections\/buy-coffee-beans)\n\n![Volcano Coffee beans](https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/2\/2025\/07\/Volcano-Coffee-beans-4b348b3.jpg?quality=90&resize=700,466)\n\n**Best coffee beans with sweet notes**\n\nVolcano Coffee Works is one of London’s early artisan coffee roasters, founded by Kurt Stewart, an experienced New Zealand roaster. It made its mark supplying top-notch restaurants and today still does, as well as specialty cafés.\n\nI tested out the espresso roast – the Mount Blend, from El Salvador and Brazil. I found this coffee nice and sweet but bold, with good body and medium acidity. A nice drop with milk.\n\n**Roaster's tasting notes:** Caramel, red grapes, milk chocolate.\n\n**Available from:** [Volcano Coffee Works (from £7.50)](https:\/\/volcanocoffeeworks.com\/collections\/buy-coffee-beans)\n***\n## Why buy whole coffee beans?\nBeans stay fresher for longer, and so your coffee should taste better, too. As soon as green coffee beans are roasted, they start to release CO2, which affects the taste. They will oxidise and slowly start to go 'stale' and have a flat taste after a while. When coffee is ground, there is a higher surface area which is exposed to oxygen and that will cause them to lose their freshness faster, so it's best to keep coffee beans whole as close to brewing as possible. Treat your coffee beans similarly to potatoes: store them in a dark, dry place. It's best they are kept in a container or the bag they come in to stop oxygen and moisture getting in.\n***\n## What type of coffee beans should I buy?\nThere are generally two types of beans: robusta and arabica.\n\n**Arabica:** Produced by the specialty coffee industry, this is harder to grow. Arabica beans have less caffeine than robusta, but more varied complex characteristics in taste and acidity levels because it is usually grown at higher altitudes, and better quality, nutrient-rich soil.\n\n**Robusta:** Robusta beans are hardy and usually used for commodity products such as cheaper instant coffee.\n***\n## What does coffee roast mean?\nCoffee roasts are generally described as light, medium and dark. Dark roasts can be described as more bold and strong tasting. Espresso can usually be roasted a little darker, as the coffee is extracted through machines with high pressure and temperature, so the flavour still comes through. However, medium to lighter roasts keep a lot of the bean's flavour characteristics. When you roast a bean, think of it like taking the moisture out of it: the equivalent to slow or quick cooking a cut of meat. There is also an art to roasting coffee beans, in the fact that different beans from different origins hold different moisture content and density, and therefore need to be roasted appropriately to optimise flavour and quality.\n***\n### Want to learn more about becoming an expert at-home barista? Read our guides here:\nCeleste Wong's guide to becoming [an overnight coffee expert](https:\/\/www.olivemagazine.com\/guides\/overnight-coffee-expert\/)  \nCeleste Wong's guide on [how to make iced coffee](https:\/\/www.olivemagazine.com\/drink\/how-to-make-iced-coffee\/)  \nCeleste Wong's guide on [sustainable coffee](https:\/\/www.olivemagazine.com\/guides\/sustainable-coffee\/)  \nCeleste Wong's [best moka pots](https:\/\/www.olivemagazine.com\/guides\/best-moka-pot-coffee-makers\/)  \nCeleste Wong's [best coffee grinders](https:\/\/www.olivemagazine.com\/reviews\/best-coffee-grinders-to-buy\/)  \nCeleste Wong's [best decaf coffee to try](https:\/\/www.olivemagazine.com\/guides\/best-decaf-coffee-to-buy\/)   \nCeleste Wong's [best reusable and compostable espresso pods](https:\/\/www.olivemagazine.com\/guides\/best-eco-friendly-coffee-pods\/)  \nCeleste Wong's [best gooseneck kettles to try](https:\/\/www.olivemagazine.com\/guides\/best-gooseneck-kettles-to-buy\/)\n\nAd\n\n## More reviews\n[Best coffee subscriptions to try](https:\/\/www.olivemagazine.com\/guides\/taste-tests\/best-coffee-subscriptions\/)  \n[Best Sage coffee machines](https:\/\/www.olivemagazine.com\/reviews\/best-sage-coffee-machine\/)  \n[Best coffee pod machines](https:\/\/www.olivemagazine.com\/reviews\/best-coffee-pod-machine\/)  \n[Best bean-to-cup coffee machines](https:\/\/www.olivemagazine.com\/reviews\/best-bean-to-cup-coffee-machines\/)  \n[Best espresso machines](https:\/\/www.olivemagazine.com\/guides\/best-espresso-machines\/)  \n[Best matcha tea](https:\/\/www.olivemagazine.com\/reviews\/best-matcha-tea-to-buy\/)  \n[Best greens powders to buy](https:\/\/www.olivemagazine.com\/reviews\/best-greens-powder-to-buy-tried-and-tested\/)\n\n## Authors\n![Celeste Wong in a kitchen with a pour over coffee](https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/2\/2021\/07\/Celeste-Wong-Coffee-723f381.jpg?quality=90&resize=2400,2400)\n\n[Celeste Wong](https:\/\/www.olivemagazine.com\/author\/celestewong\/)\n\n## Comments, questions and tips (1)\n#### ghulammurtaza808283171399\n2 years ago\n\nGreat resource! This is exactly what I was looking for - a guide to buying coffee beans online that considers taste preferences and brewing methods. The reviews are comprehensive and well-written, giving me a good idea of the flavor profiles of each coffee. I especially appreciate the inclusion of… More\n\nReply\n\nAd\n\nAd\n\n#### You may like\n[Best bean-to-cup coffee machines to buy 2025, tried and tested by experts](https:\/\/www.olivemagazine.com\/reviews\/best-bean-to-cup-coffee-machines\/)\n\n[Coffee loaf cake](https:\/\/www.olivemagazine.com\/recipes\/baking-and-desserts\/coffee-loaf-cake\/)\n\nA star rating of 5 out of 5.2 ratings\n\nAd\n\n#### You may also like\n[![](https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/2\/2025\/06\/EyeEm-Mobile-GmbH-via-Getty-Images-e1d59ec.png?quality=90&resize=556,505)](https:\/\/www.olivemagazine.com\/reviews\/best-bean-to-cup-coffee-machines\/)\n\n[Best bean-to-cup coffee machines to buy 2025, tried and tested by experts](https:\/\/www.olivemagazine.com\/reviews\/best-bean-to-cup-coffee-machines\/)\n\n[![An iced coffee loaf cake with one slice cut and on the side](https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/2\/2024\/11\/07-Latte-Loaf-Cake0158preview-24b43b0.jpg?quality=90&resize=556,505)](https:\/\/www.olivemagazine.com\/recipes\/baking-and-desserts\/coffee-loaf-cake\/)\n\n[Coffee loaf cake](https:\/\/www.olivemagazine.com\/recipes\/baking-and-desserts\/coffee-loaf-cake\/)\n\nA star rating of 5 out of 5.2 ratings\n\n[![A Mauritian curry with fresh herbs on the side](https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/2\/2025\/09\/CariGrosButterbeanCurrypreview-ab20b11.jpg?quality=90&resize=556,505)](https:\/\/www.olivemagazine.com\/recipes\/vegan\/mauritian-butter-bean-curry-cari-gros-pois\/)\n\n[Mauritian butter bean curry (cari gros pois)](https:\/\/www.olivemagazine.com\/recipes\/vegan\/mauritian-butter-bean-curry-cari-gros-pois\/)\n\nA star rating of 5 out of 5.2 ratings\n\n[![Platter with chutney and fresh crudités](https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/2\/2024\/05\/bean-chutney-accc046.gif?quality=90&resize=556,505)](https:\/\/www.olivemagazine.com\/recipes\/vegetarian\/spicy-runner-bean-chutney\/)\n\n[Spicy runner bean chutney](https:\/\/www.olivemagazine.com\/recipes\/vegetarian\/spicy-runner-bean-chutney\/)\n\nA star rating of 5 out of 5.2 ratings\n\n[![Two mugs of coffee topped with whipped cream and popcorn on a wooden tray alongside a bowl of popcorn](https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/2\/2021\/11\/Baileys-coffee-4287249.png?quality=90&resize=556,505)](https:\/\/www.olivemagazine.com\/recipes\/cocktails-and-drinks\/baileys-coffee\/)\n\n[Baileys coffee](https:\/\/www.olivemagazine.com\/recipes\/cocktails-and-drinks\/baileys-coffee\/)\n\nA star rating of 5 out of 5.3 ratings\n\n[![A ribbed glass of coffee with white cream on the top, garnished with two coffee beans next to a wooden bowl of coffee beans](https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/2\/2021\/11\/calypso-coffee-1d2d4ea.png?quality=90&resize=556,505)](https:\/\/www.olivemagazine.com\/recipes\/cocktails-and-drinks\/calypso-coffee\/)\n\n[Calypso coffee](https:\/\/www.olivemagazine.com\/recipes\/cocktails-and-drinks\/calypso-coffee\/)\n\nA star rating of 5 out of 5.4 ratings\n\n[![A martini glass filled with espresso martini on a grey background](https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/2\/2020\/02\/Cocktail-2_V2-2155693.jpg?quality=90&resize=556,505)](https:\/\/www.olivemagazine.com\/recipes\/cocktails-and-drinks\/espresso-martini\/)\n\n[Espresso martini](https:\/\/www.olivemagazine.com\/recipes\/cocktails-and-drinks\/espresso-martini\/)\n\nA star rating of 5 out of 5.2 ratings\n\n[![three coffee grinders in a row](https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/2\/2021\/07\/Best-coffee-grinders-olive-thumbnail-7e40655.png?quality=90&resize=556,505)](https:\/\/www.olivemagazine.com\/reviews\/best-coffee-grinders-to-buy\/)\n\n[Best coffee grinders to buy in 2025, tried, tested and reviewed by experts](https:\/\/www.olivemagazine.com\/reviews\/best-coffee-grinders-to-buy\/)\n\n#### Want to see this content?\nThis page contains olivemagazine content provided by Google reCAPTCHA. 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[Roast potatoes](https:\/\/www.olivemagazine.com\/recipes\/family\/best-ever-roast-potatoes\/ \"Roast potatoes\")\n  - [Roast chicken](https:\/\/www.olivemagazine.com\/recipes\/meat-and-poultry\/easy-roast-chicken\/ \"Roast chicken\")\n- [Vegetarian](https:\/\/www.olivemagazine.com\/recipes\/vegetarian\/ \"Vegetarian\")\n  - [Quick vegetarian recipes](https:\/\/www.olivemagazine.com\/recipes\/collection\/quick-vegetarian-recipes-ready-in-under-30-minutes\/ \"Quick vegetarian recipes\")\n  - [Vegetarian pasta](https:\/\/www.olivemagazine.com\/recipes\/collection\/best-ever-vegetarian-pasta-recipes\/ \"Vegetarian pasta\")\n  - [Vegetarian curry](https:\/\/www.olivemagazine.com\/recipes\/collection\/best-ever-vegetarian-curry-recipes\/ \"Vegetarian curry\")","attrs_readable_markdown":"Whether you favour an espresso or bean-to-cup machine for your morning brew, or opt for a manual method like using a cafetiere or moka pot, your choice of coffee bean has a huge impact on flavour.\n\nBuying whole beans and grinding them yourself is the best way to ensure freshness, and it's important to look at the date they were roasted. For the best results, look for beans that have been roasted in the last 30 days.\n\nRead on for tried and tested recommendations on the best coffee beans to buy from our coffee expert Celeste Wong.\n\n*Looking for top-of-the-range coffee beans to grind? Great coffee starts with great coffee beans. If your beans are good, then half the battle is won already.* *Get expert advice from olive's coffee expert, Celeste Wong. She has tried and tested all the below coffee beans to bring your her top picks. Make sure you use the [best coffee grinder](https:\/\/www.olivemagazine.com\/reviews\/best-coffee-grinders-to-buy\/) for your beans and find the right machine to brew the best cup with the biggest *[coffee machine deals](https:\/\/www.olivemagazine.com\/reviews\/nespresso-offers\/) available right now.**\n\n**Jump to section:**\n\n- **[Best coffee beans at a glance](https:\/\/www.olivemagazine.com\/guides\/best-coffee-beans-to-buy\/#GLANCE)**\n- **[The best coffee beans to buy 2025](https:\/\/www.olivemagazine.com\/guides\/best-coffee-beans-to-buy\/#BEST)**\n- **[Why buy whole coffee beans?](https:\/\/www.olivemagazine.com\/guides\/best-coffee-beans-to-buy\/#BUY)**\n- **[What type of coffee beans should I buy?](https:\/\/www.olivemagazine.com\/guides\/best-coffee-beans-to-buy\/#TYPE)**\n- **[What does coffee roast mean?](https:\/\/www.olivemagazine.com\/guides\/best-coffee-beans-to-buy\/#ROAST)**\n***\n## Best coffee beans to buy at a glance\n- **Best for variety of coffee beans**: Rave Coffee Roasters, [from £6.98](https:\/\/ravecoffee.co.uk\/collections\/coffee)\n- **Best for a large selection of coffee beans:** Pact Coffee, [from £9.95](https:\/\/www.pactcoffee.com\/coffees)\n- **Best no-frills coffee beans:** Grind, [from £8.95](https:\/\/grind.pxf.io\/c\/1236178\/1025283\/13388?subId1=olivemagazine-142685&u=https%3A%2F%2Fgrind.co.uk%2Fproducts%2Ftaster-pack-coffee)\n- **Best high-quality coffee beans:** Assembly Coffee, [from £10](https:\/\/assemblycoffee.co.uk\/collections\/buy-coffee)\n- **Best carbon negative coffee beans:** Kiss The Hippo, [from £11.50](https:\/\/www.awin1.com\/cread.php?id=489797&clickref=olivemagazine-142685&awinmid=77226&p=https%3A%2F%2Fkissthehippo.com%2Fcollections%2Fcoffee)\n- **Best balanced coffee:** Redemption Coffee Roasters, [from £8.90](https:\/\/www.redemptionroasters.com\/shop\/)\n- **Most versatile coffee beans:** Origin Coffee, from [£8.50](https:\/\/www.awin1.com\/cread.php?id=489797&clickref=olivemagazine-142685&awinmid=30287&p=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.origincoffee.co.uk%2Fcollections%2Fcoffee)\n- ****Best coffee beans for long-time quality:**** Climpson & Sons, [from £11](https:\/\/climpsonandsons.com\/collections\/coffee)\n- **Best coffee beans for filter coffee**: PLOT roasting, [from £9](https:\/\/plotroasting.com\/collections\/all-coffee)\n- **Best coffee beans for community spirit:** Dear Green, [from £10.70](https:\/\/www.deargreencoffee.com\/collections\/coffee-beans)\n- **Best coffee beans for playful blends:** Perky Blenders, [from £8.90](https:\/\/perkyblenders.com\/collections\/coffee)\n- **Best for café-quality brunch vibes at home:** Ozone Coffee Roasters, [from £10](https:\/\/ozonecoffee.co.uk\/collections\/coffee)\n- **Best for Colombian coffee:** Hermanos, [from £13.50](https:\/\/hermanoscoffeeroasters.com\/collections\/colombian-specialty-coffee)\n- **Best coffee beans for reliable espresso:** Code 194, [from £11](https:\/\/code194coffee.com\/products\/194-espresso)\n- **Best coffee beans with sweet notes:** Volcano Coffee Works, [from £7.50](https:\/\/volcanocoffeeworks.com\/collections\/buy-coffee-beans)\n***\n### Rave Coffee Roasters\n- **Available** from [Rave (from £6.98)](https:\/\/ravecoffee.co.uk\/collections\/coffee), [Amazon (from £11.59)](https:\/\/www.amazon.co.uk\/Rave-Coffee-Signature-Roasted-AeroPress\/dp\/B008L1S41W?tag=olivemag-21&ascsubtag=olivemagazine-142685)\n\n**Best for variety of coffee beans**\n\nBased in the Cotswolds, Rave has built a loyal following since 2011 and continues to offer one of the most varied selections around. I’ve been drinking their coffee for years – especially their single origins, which now number over 20. There’s also a tidy little rare coffee range for those feeling curious, plus decaf options that use the Swiss-Water method - a natural, chemical-free way of decaffeinating while keeping its flavour (I’ve used it in a few coffee cocktails recently and it’s great). I like that they keep things accessible while championing sustainability: they support Fair Trade pricing, World Coffee Research and are part of 1% for the Planet.\n\nOne standout detail? They also sell small quantities of green beans, which I don’t see often. It’s handy if you're experimenting with roasting at home which I suspect might become more of a trend in the future. Quick delivery, a wide range of blends and gifts, and solid value make Rave one of my reliable go-tos. At the moment, I’m drinking their Colombian el Carmen no 50 as espresso, and their Guatemala Bosques de San Francisco no 52 as my filter.\n\n**Available** **from:**  \n[Rave (from £6.98)](https:\/\/ravecoffee.co.uk\/collections\/coffee)  \n[Amazon (from £11.59)](https:\/\/www.amazon.co.uk\/Rave-Coffee-Signature-Roasted-AeroPress\/dp\/B008L1S41W?tag=olivemag-21&ascsubtag=olivemagazine-142685)\n***\n### Pact Coffee\n- **Available** from\n  [Pact Coffee (from £7.96)](https:\/\/www.pactcoffee.com\/coffees)\n\n**Best for a large selection**\n\nPact Coffee has always placed an importance on working closely with suppliers and pioneering direct trade early on. While still being specialty, many of the coffees I've had in the past have employed a darker roast style than some of the other specialty coffees on the market.\n\nThis was my first time trying the 'coffee select' range, which offers 13 different rotating coffees, from multiple different origins and at five different grind levels. I was pleasantly surprised by the Bourbon Cream Espresso, a Brazilian and El Salvadorean blend with (unsurprisingly!) notes of bourbon cream biscuits. I also tried the Brazilian Zaroca. This was roasted similarly to the Bourbon coffee, and easily drinkable. It had a thinner mouth feel and less body, with an apple-like acidity so I would drink this as a filter coffee. Both had a good amount of sweetness, low bitterness and mild acidity.\n\n**Available from:** [Pact Coffee (from £7.96)](https:\/\/www.pactcoffee.com\/coffees)\n***\n### Grind\n- **Available** from [Grind (£8 for 227g)](https:\/\/grind.pxf.io\/c\/1236178\/1025283\/13388?subId1=olivemagazine-142685&u=https%3A%2F%2Fgrind.co.uk%2Fproducts%2Ftaster-pack-coffee)\n\n**Best no-frills coffee beans**\n\nIn 2011, Grind first opened shop in the heart of Shoreditch. Now with multiple sites across London, and supplying a range of coffee shops, it boasts its own roastery and a successful online subscription service.\n\nIts house coffee blend is affordable (£8 per 227g bag) and neatly packaged in long, skinny postable shapes in its recognisable pink colour. Unfortunately, it doesn't disclose the origin of the coffee beans. This isn't easy to find on the site, either. But, it does disclose that the beans are specialty grade (which means they must score 80-100 points, set by SCA cupping standards) and ethically sourced. So, this coffee is more for the drinker who wants a nice standard coffee at home, and isn't too bothered about having much more information.\n\nYou can choose from the house blend, light, dark and decaf roasts, plus its ‘edition’ beans from Peru (which I assume changes, depending on seasons and buying). Grind's eco-footprint has improved over the years, using compostable packaging and products like coffee tins to refill your supply, minimising packaging waste.\n\nI found the house blend pleasant and enjoyed drinking it as a flat white with oat milk. The decaf is nice, too. Both coffees aren’t over-roasted or too dark, which is a good thing when using specialty coffee. The coffee is bold enough for milk to cut through, but it’s not overpowering and has some level of depth.\n\n**Available from:** [Grind (£8 for 227g)](https:\/\/grind.pxf.io\/c\/1236178\/1025283\/13388?subId1=olivemagazine-142685&u=https%3A%2F%2Fgrind.co.uk%2Fproducts%2Ftaster-pack-coffee)\n***\n### Assembly Coffee\n- **Available** from\n  [Assembly Coffee (from £10)](https:\/\/assemblycoffee.co.uk\/collections\/buy-coffee)\n\n**Best high-quality coffee beans**\n\nAssembly Coffee, roasted in Brixton, is known for its high-quality coffee and artistically painted designs that represent the flavours and characteristics of the coffee. Everything about Assembly is chic and well thought out, like much of its coffee.\n\nFirst I tried the House Espresso, a washed Colombian bean. I found this rich, clean, sweet and balanced with or without milk. Next I tried the Villamaria from Columbia, a naturally processed bean. I got a strawberries and cream hit at the beginning for an enjoyable bright and fresh cup, with a highly perfumed aroma.\n\n**Roaster's toasting notes:**\n\n**Villamaria:** hazelnut, strawberry, complex\n\n**House Espresso:** plum, brown sugar, refreshing\n\n**Available from:** [Assembly Coffee (from £10)](https:\/\/assemblycoffee.co.uk\/collections\/buy-coffee)\n***\n### Kiss The Hippo\n- **Available** from [Kiss The Hippo (from £10.50)](https:\/\/www.awin1.com\/cread.php?id=489797&clickref=olivemagazine-142685&awinmid=77226&p=https%3A%2F%2Fkissthehippo.com%2Fcollections%2Fcoffee), [Amazon (from £12.50)](https:\/\/www.amazon.co.uk\/stores\/page\/D2F642F7-5386-4743-BAA6-EA7D2296547F?tag=olivemag-21&ascsubtag=olivemagazine-142685)\n\n**Best carbon negative coffee beans**\n\nKiss The Hippo stands out for being carbon negative – going beyond carbon neutral. The brand calculated its carbon emissions and planned out ways in which it could reduce them, then made a plan with reforestation charity On A Mission to offset its remaining emissions with verified or certified sustainable reforestation projects.\n\nI tested out the Los Vascos Colombian coffee. This drop is lightly roasted and has a lovely light body to it. I found it had sweetness and a bright acidity like that of green apple.\n\n**Roaster's tasting notes:** caramel, honey, green apple\n\n**Available from:** [Kiss The Hippo (from £10.50)](https:\/\/www.awin1.com\/cread.php?id=489797&clickref=olivemagazine-142685&awinmid=77226&p=https%3A%2F%2Fkissthehippo.com%2Fcollections%2Fcoffee)  \n[Amazon (from £12.50)](https:\/\/www.amazon.co.uk\/stores\/page\/D2F642F7-5386-4743-BAA6-EA7D2296547F?tag=olivemag-21&ascsubtag=olivemagazine-142685)\n***\n### Redemption Coffee Roasters\n- **Available** from [Redemption Roasters (from £8.90)](https:\/\/www.redemptionroasters.com\/product-category\/recipes\/collection\/best-ever-coffee-recipes\/)\n\n**Best balanced coffee**\n\nRedemption Coffee Roasters is the world's first prison-based coffee company, on a mission to reduce reoffending rates through coffee. It runs barista training academies in several prisons across the UK and on release, helps graduates find work in its own coffee shops or within its network.\n\n⁠The Aylesbury Blend espresso is its all-rounder espresso, and I've been really enjoying it as a long black and a flat white. It is really balanced, with low bitterness and low acidity. The Mount Blend, a coffee from Colombia and Ethiopia, had berry and floral notes. The next coffee I tried was the filter coffee, El Meridiano from Colombia. This is a bright and aromatic coffee. I really enjoyed this. The acidity is higher in this which I liked, and the pineapple flavour notes came through well.\n\n**Roaster's tasting notes:**\n\n**Aylesbury Blend:** marzipan, dried apricot, biscuit\n\n**The Mount Blend:** raspberry, blackcurrant, tea rose\n\n**El Meridiano:** pineapple, lime, green apple\n\n**Available from:** [Redemption Roasters (from £8.90)](https:\/\/www.redemptionroasters.com\/product-category\/coffee\/)\n***\n### Origin Coffee\n- **Available** from\n  [Origin Coffee (from £8.50)](https:\/\/www.awin1.com\/cread.php?id=489797&clickref=olivemagazine-142685&awinmid=30287&p=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.origincoffee.co.uk%2Fcollections%2Fcoffee)\n\n**Most versatile coffee beans**\n\nOrigin Coffee is a very successful and reputable roastery that started 15 years ago, based in Cornwall.\n\nOrigin’s San Fermin beans have been a trusty staple for many cafes around the UK, as it is omni-roasted. This means it is developed enough for espressos and yet still light enough to brew as a filter coffee, making it highly versatile. This coffee goes well in a flat white and makes a satisfying morning brew as a filter.\n\n**Roaster's notes:** orange sherbet, caramel, berries\n\n**Available from:** [Origin Coffee (from £8.50)](https:\/\/www.awin1.com\/cread.php?id=489797&clickref=olivemagazine-142685&awinmid=30287&p=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.origincoffee.co.uk%2Fcollections%2Fcoffee)\n***\n### Climpson & Sons\n- **Available** from [Climpson & Sons (from £11)](https:\/\/climpsonandsons.com\/collections\/coffee)\n\n**Best coffee beans for long-time quality**\n\nClimpson & Sons has been part of the East London coffee scene since the early 2000s – first as a market stall, and now as a roastery, café and brand known for its consistent quality and creativity. They’re B Corp certified, and their focus on sustainability, quality and community has been part of their DNA from the beginning. I love that they keep a strong core range of blends and dependable single origins while offering more boutique-style options, like their Midnight Oil coffee liqueur and concentrates for easy cocktails – great for espresso martinis.\n\nClimpson is one of those roasters that have stayed true to their ethos while growing thoughtfully. I’ve followed their journey closely over the years, and their coffee continues to deliver every time. You might also be interested in the charitable cycling and ocean conservation initiatives they run. At the moment I’m drinking The Baron as espresso, a Brazilian pulped natural with dark chocolate, hazelnut and marzipan notes and their Sirinya single origin from Thailand. I haven’t had much coffee from Thailand, and this is a lovely naturally processed coffee, perfect for filter, with raspberry, mango and vanilla notes. Their coffee info cards are really effective and help guide you on which brew method to use, depending on what you prefer or have at home. Their decaf is lovely too, for both espresso and filter methods.\n\n**Available** **from:**  \n[Climpson & Sons (from £11)](https:\/\/climpsonandsons.com\/collections\/coffee)\n***\n### Plot Roasting\n- **Available** from [PLOT roasting (from £9)](https:\/\/plotroasting.com\/collections\/all-coffee)\n\n**Best coffee beans for filter coffee**\n\nPlot burst onto the scene a few years ago and has been the name on every barista’s lips since. At recent London Coffee Festivals, where I host MC Coffee Masters, their stand is always my first stop for a morning cup. They specialise in unusual, experimental processing – think an 84-hour yeast-anoxic natural or a honey-processed Geisha, which makes each brew a real talking point.\n\nFor the past year I’ve subscribed to their ICON Series: 100-150g of a genuinely rare coffee delivered monthly for £20. It’s a brilliant, affordable way to taste beans that are normally impossible to source in small amounts; a few cups is often all you need to appreciate something extraordinary before returning to your daily blend. Whether you’re an experienced coffee nerd or just want to dip a toe outside your usual filter, Plot is the place. And if rarity isn’t your thing, they still offer everyday crowd-pleasers.\n\n**Available** **from:**  \n[PLOT roasting (from £9)](https:\/\/plotroasting.com\/collections\/all-coffee)\n***\n### Dear Green\n- **Available** from [Dear Green (from £10.70)](https:\/\/www.deargreencoffee.com\/collections\/coffee-beans)\n\n**Best coffee beans for community spirit**\n\nI’ve been a fan of this Glasgow-based roaster for years. Founded in 2011 by Lisa Lawson, an inspiring figure in the industry and long-time champion of women in coffee (myself included) – Dear Green is a values-led B Corp with an impressively high recertification score of 117.6, and a pledge to reach net-zero by 2030.\n\nTransparency runs deep: sourcing is traceable, with organic, decaf, espresso and filter options, plus a dedicated ‘women producer’ range and showcase coffees for something extra special. I’m currently sipping the “Dear Green City Blend” - a Peru-Colombia mix with chocolate, caramel and bright cherry notes. Great as espresso, or as a summer cold brew. £1 from each bag goes to Greenheart Growers and Wash House Garden.\n\nFrom travelling barista to founder of the Glasgow Coffee Festival, Lisa’s passion shows in every cup. With barista training, community projects, and fair-living wages baked into the business, Dear Green is more than a roastery, it’s a movement. No surprise they were named Micro Roaster of the Year by *Roast Magazine*.\n\n**Available from:**  \n[Dear Green (from £10.70)](https:\/\/www.deargreencoffee.com\/collections\/coffee-beans)\n***\n### Perky Blenders\n- **Available** from [Perky Blenders (from £8.90)](https:\/\/perkyblenders.com\/collections\/coffee)\n\n**Best coffee beans for playful blends**\n\nI first came across Perky Blenders thanks to my semi-pro cyclist friends, who swore by their deliveries to fuel long rides. Based in East London (with a new café just opened), they roast sustainably with compostable packaging and a focus on traceability.\n\nThe bright branding and coffee names make things feel playful and accessible. “I’m So Curious” is their coffee-of-the-month pick, while “I’m So Nutty” (Forest Blend) is rich and chocolatey, and “I’m So Jammy” brings fruity funk with notes of blackberry, pineapple and coconut.\n\nTheir selection boxes are great for gifting or discovering your favourites, and their personalised bags for birthdays and holidays add a thoughtful twist. Right now I’m sipping their Burundi Rugembe Hill and Jazzy Max – both tropical and vibrant. I’m even tempted to blend a shot into a smoothie for a little extra zing.\n\n**Available** **from:**  \n[Perky Blenders (from £8.90)](https:\/\/perkyblenders.com\/collections\/coffee)\n***\n### Ozone Coffee Roasters\n- **Available** from [Ozone Coffee (from £10)](https:\/\/ozonecoffee.co.uk\/collections\/coffee)\n\n**Best for café-quality brunch vibes at home**\n\nSince landing in London in 2012, Ozone has earned a stellar reputation for top-tier coffee paired with that unmistakable Antipodean flair for food, helping to shape the UK’s brunch culture as we know it. Founded in New Zealand, their B Corp status reflects a strong company ethos rooted in sustainability, quality, and community. They now have several café locations across London, so you can enjoy their brews (and brilliant brunches) in person too.\n\nTheir home coffee range covers origins like Bolivia, Colombia and Guatemala, thanks to long-standing relationships with producers. I also love that they offer a “half caff” option – perfect if you’re caffeine-sensitive but still want a little buzz. You can shop by flavour notes like citrus, floral, nutty or cocoa, which makes picking your perfect brew feel intuitive and fun.\n\nPackaging is beautifully designed and fully recyclable, and deliveries are quick and well-packed. Their reserve tasting packs are a great way to explore higher-end lots, and I rate their special edition “Pride” coffee from Fazenda Inglaterra, which supports the LGBTQ+ youth charity akt. I’d recommend trying one of their Bolivians or Kenyans for something vibrant and delicious.\n\n**Available** **from:**  \n[Ozone Coffee (from £10)](https:\/\/ozonecoffee.co.uk\/collections\/coffee)\n***\n### Hermanos\n- **Available** from [Hermanos (from £13.50)](https:\/\/hermanoscoffeeroasters.com\/collections\/colombian-specialty-coffee)\n\n![Hermanos coffee beans](https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/2\/2024\/02\/Hermanos-coffee-beans-40dfbe4.jpg?quality=90&resize=700,466)\n\n**Best for Colombian coffee**\n\nHermanos works with Colombian coffee farmers and has had some unique coffees recently that I’ve really enjoyed.\n\nThe La Aldea is the latest. I’ve been drinking this as an espresso with milk, where the assam tea and dark chocolate flavour notes come in to balance out the milk. I’ve also been drinking it as a black filter coffee, and the plum and apricot sweetness shines through. At a slightly higher price point, this is maybe one to splash out on.\n\n**Roaster's notes:** black plum, assam tea, dark chocolate\n\n**Available from:** [Hermanos (from £13.50)](https:\/\/hermanoscoffeeroasters.com\/collections\/colombian-specialty-coffee)\n\nSantiago and Victor Gamboa, founders of Colombian coffee roasters Hermanos, [share their favourite food and drinks from their homeland](https:\/\/www.olivemagazine.com\/travel\/south-america\/colombian-cuisine-10-things-we-love\/).\n***\n### Code 194\n- **Available** from [Code 194 (from £11)](https:\/\/code194coffee.com\/)\n\n![Code 194 coffee beans](https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/2\/2024\/02\/Code-194-coffee-beans-50f5c75.jpg?quality=90&resize=700,466)\n\n**Best coffee beans for reliable espresso**\n\nThis new roastery may be the new kid on the block, but its roaster is not! With many years of experience in roasting for top roasteries in England over many years, this new south London roastery offers a solid range of delicious and reliable coffees that you can purchase online.\n\nHaving tried many of the specialty coffees from its range, I'd recommend the espresso blend, which changes seasonally but keeps to a similar flavour profile. As an espresso, it's bold enough for the milk to cut through, which is important if you drink coffee with milk. The Papua New Guinea coffee has fruity and milk chocolate flavour notes. Both are very reasonably priced, and come in bags of 250g.\n\n**Roaster's notes:** cocoa, candied citrus\n\n**Available from:** [Code 194 (from £11)](https:\/\/code194coffee.com\/)\n***\n### Volcano Coffee Works\n- **Available** from [Volcano Coffee Works (from £7.50)](https:\/\/volcanocoffeeworks.com\/collections\/buy-coffee-beans)\n\n![Volcano Coffee beans](https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/2\/2025\/07\/Volcano-Coffee-beans-4b348b3.jpg?quality=90&resize=700,466)\n\n**Best coffee beans with sweet notes**\n\nVolcano Coffee Works is one of London’s early artisan coffee roasters, founded by Kurt Stewart, an experienced New Zealand roaster. It made its mark supplying top-notch restaurants and today still does, as well as specialty cafés.\n\nI tested out the espresso roast – the Mount Blend, from El Salvador and Brazil. I found this coffee nice and sweet but bold, with good body and medium acidity. A nice drop with milk.\n\n**Roaster's tasting notes:** Caramel, red grapes, milk chocolate.\n\n**Available from:** [Volcano Coffee Works (from £7.50)](https:\/\/volcanocoffeeworks.com\/collections\/buy-coffee-beans)\n***\n## Why buy whole coffee beans?\nBeans stay fresher for longer, and so your coffee should taste better, too. As soon as green coffee beans are roasted, they start to release CO2, which affects the taste. They will oxidise and slowly start to go 'stale' and have a flat taste after a while. When coffee is ground, there is a higher surface area which is exposed to oxygen and that will cause them to lose their freshness faster, so it's best to keep coffee beans whole as close to brewing as possible. Treat your coffee beans similarly to potatoes: store them in a dark, dry place. It's best they are kept in a container or the bag they come in to stop oxygen and moisture getting in.\n***\n## What type of coffee beans should I buy?\nThere are generally two types of beans: robusta and arabica.\n\n**Arabica:** Produced by the specialty coffee industry, this is harder to grow. Arabica beans have less caffeine than robusta, but more varied complex characteristics in taste and acidity levels because it is usually grown at higher altitudes, and better quality, nutrient-rich soil.\n\n**Robusta:** Robusta beans are hardy and usually used for commodity products such as cheaper instant coffee.\n***\n## What does coffee roast mean?\nCoffee roasts are generally described as light, medium and dark. Dark roasts can be described as more bold and strong tasting. Espresso can usually be roasted a little darker, as the coffee is extracted through machines with high pressure and temperature, so the flavour still comes through. However, medium to lighter roasts keep a lot of the bean's flavour characteristics. When you roast a bean, think of it like taking the moisture out of it: the equivalent to slow or quick cooking a cut of meat. There is also an art to roasting coffee beans, in the fact that different beans from different origins hold different moisture content and density, and therefore need to be roasted appropriately to optimise flavour and quality.\n***\n### Want to learn more about becoming an expert at-home barista? Read our guides here:\nCeleste Wong's guide to becoming [an overnight coffee expert](https:\/\/www.olivemagazine.com\/guides\/overnight-coffee-expert\/)  \nCeleste Wong's guide on [how to make iced coffee](https:\/\/www.olivemagazine.com\/drink\/how-to-make-iced-coffee\/)  \nCeleste Wong's guide on [sustainable coffee](https:\/\/www.olivemagazine.com\/guides\/sustainable-coffee\/)  \nCeleste Wong's [best moka pots](https:\/\/www.olivemagazine.com\/guides\/best-moka-pot-coffee-makers\/)  \nCeleste Wong's [best coffee grinders](https:\/\/www.olivemagazine.com\/reviews\/best-coffee-grinders-to-buy\/)  \nCeleste Wong's [best decaf coffee to try](https:\/\/www.olivemagazine.com\/guides\/best-decaf-coffee-to-buy\/)   \nCeleste Wong's [best reusable and compostable espresso pods](https:\/\/www.olivemagazine.com\/guides\/best-eco-friendly-coffee-pods\/)  \nCeleste Wong's [best gooseneck kettles to try](https:\/\/www.olivemagazine.com\/guides\/best-gooseneck-kettles-to-buy\/)\n\n## More reviews\n[Best coffee subscriptions to try](https:\/\/www.olivemagazine.com\/guides\/taste-tests\/best-coffee-subscriptions\/)  \n[Best Sage coffee machines](https:\/\/www.olivemagazine.com\/reviews\/best-sage-coffee-machine\/)  \n[Best coffee pod machines](https:\/\/www.olivemagazine.com\/reviews\/best-coffee-pod-machine\/)  \n[Best bean-to-cup coffee machines](https:\/\/www.olivemagazine.com\/reviews\/best-bean-to-cup-coffee-machines\/)  \n[Best espresso machines](https:\/\/www.olivemagazine.com\/guides\/best-espresso-machines\/)  \n[Best matcha tea](https:\/\/www.olivemagazine.com\/reviews\/best-matcha-tea-to-buy\/)  \n[Best greens powders to buy](https:\/\/www.olivemagazine.com\/reviews\/best-greens-powder-to-buy-tried-and-tested\/)","meta_canonical":null,"ml_categories_json":"{\"\/Food_and_Drink\":969,\"\/Food_and_Drink\/Beverages\":930,\"\/Food_and_Drink\/Beverages\/Coffee_and_Tea\":927}","ml_types_json":"{\"\/Article\":887,\"\/Article\/Product_or_Brand_Review\":868}","ml_intent_types_json":"{\"Commercial\":965,\"Informational\":220}","meta_language":"en","attrs_author":"Celeste Wong","attrs_publish_time":1712409827,"attrs_original_publish_time":1625062646,"attrs_is_republished":1,"attrs_nr_words":"4179","attrs_boilerpipe_nr_words":"3308","body_ext_links_number":54,"body_int_links_number":171,"meta_nofollow":0,"meta_noarchive":0,"props_was_rendered":1,"src_redirect":"","download_time_msec":82,"download_ttfb_msec":59,"download_size":109805}

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Best coffee beans to buy 2025, tried and tested by coffee experts | olivemagazine

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Looking for top of the range coffee beans to grind? We've gathered the best coffee beans from our favourite producers to help you pick

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Whether you favour an espresso or bean-to-cup machine for your morning brew, or opt for a manual method like using a cafetiere or moka pot, your choice of coffee bean has a huge impact on flavour. Buying whole beans and grinding them yourself is the best way to ensure freshness, and it's important to look at the date they were roasted. For the best results, look for beans that have been roasted in the last 30 days. Read on for tried and tested recommendations on the best coffee beans to buy from our coffee expert Celeste Wong. Looking for top-of-the-range coffee beans to grind? Great coffee starts with great coffee beans. If your beans are good, then half the battle is won already. Get expert advice from olive's coffee expert, Celeste Wong. She has tried and tested all the below coffee beans to bring your her top picks. Make sure you use the best coffee grinder for your beans and find the right machine to brew the best cup with the biggest coffee machine deals available right now. Jump to section: Best coffee beans at a glance The best coffee beans to buy 2025 Why buy whole coffee beans? What type of coffee beans should I buy? What does coffee roast mean? Best coffee beans to buy at a glance Best for variety of coffee beans : Rave Coffee Roasters, from £6.98 Best for a large selection of coffee beans: Pact Coffee, from £9.95 Best no-frills coffee beans: Grind, from £8.95 Best high-quality coffee beans: Assembly Coffee, from £10 Best carbon negative coffee beans: Kiss The Hippo, from £11.50 Best balanced coffee: Redemption Coffee Roasters, from £8.90 Most versatile coffee beans: Origin Coffee, from £8.50 Best coffee beans for long-time quality: Climpson & Sons, from £11 Best coffee beans for filter coffee : PLOT roasting, from £9 Best coffee beans for community spirit: Dear Green, from £10.70 Best coffee beans for playful blends: Perky Blenders, from £8.90 Best for café-quality brunch vibes at home: Ozone Coffee Roasters, from £10 Best for Colombian coffee: Hermanos, from £13.50 Best coffee beans for reliable espresso: Code 194, from £11 Best coffee beans with sweet notes: Volcano Coffee Works, from £7.50 Rave Coffee Roasters Available from Rave (from £6.98) , Amazon (from £11.59) Best for variety of coffee beans Based in the Cotswolds, Rave has built a loyal following since 2011 and continues to offer one of the most varied selections around. I’ve been drinking their coffee for years – especially their single origins, which now number over 20. There’s also a tidy little rare coffee range for those feeling curious, plus decaf options that use the Swiss-Water method - a natural, chemical-free way of decaffeinating while keeping its flavour (I’ve used it in a few coffee cocktails recently and it’s great). I like that they keep things accessible while championing sustainability: they support Fair Trade pricing, World Coffee Research and are part of 1% for the Planet. One standout detail? They also sell small quantities of green beans, which I don’t see often. It’s handy if you're experimenting with roasting at home which I suspect might become more of a trend in the future. Quick delivery, a wide range of blends and gifts, and solid value make Rave one of my reliable go-tos. At the moment, I’m drinking their Colombian el Carmen no 50 as espresso, and their Guatemala Bosques de San Francisco no 52 as my filter. Available from: Rave (from £6.98) Amazon (from £11.59) Pact Coffee Available from Pact Coffee (from £7.96) Best for a large selection Pact Coffee has always placed an importance on working closely with suppliers and pioneering direct trade early on. While still being specialty, many of the coffees I've had in the past have employed a darker roast style than some of the other specialty coffees on the market. This was my first time trying the 'coffee select' range, which offers 13 different rotating coffees, from multiple different origins and at five different grind levels. I was pleasantly surprised by the Bourbon Cream Espresso, a Brazilian and El Salvadorean blend with (unsurprisingly!) notes of bourbon cream biscuits. I also tried the Brazilian Zaroca. This was roasted similarly to the Bourbon coffee, and easily drinkable. It had a thinner mouth feel and less body, with an apple-like acidity so I would drink this as a filter coffee. Both had a good amount of sweetness, low bitterness and mild acidity. Available from: Pact Coffee (from £7.96) Grind Available from Grind (£8 for 227g) Best no-frills coffee beans In 2011, Grind first opened shop in the heart of Shoreditch. Now with multiple sites across London, and supplying a range of coffee shops, it boasts its own roastery and a successful online subscription service. Its house coffee blend is affordable (£8 per 227g bag) and neatly packaged in long, skinny postable shapes in its recognisable pink colour. Unfortunately, it doesn't disclose the origin of the coffee beans. This isn't easy to find on the site, either. But, it does disclose that the beans are specialty grade (which means they must score 80-100 points, set by SCA cupping standards) and ethically sourced. So, this coffee is more for the drinker who wants a nice standard coffee at home, and isn't too bothered about having much more information. You can choose from the house blend, light, dark and decaf roasts, plus its ‘edition’ beans from Peru (which I assume changes, depending on seasons and buying). Grind's eco-footprint has improved over the years, using compostable packaging and products like coffee tins to refill your supply, minimising packaging waste. I found the house blend pleasant and enjoyed drinking it as a flat white with oat milk. The decaf is nice, too. Both coffees aren’t over-roasted or too dark, which is a good thing when using specialty coffee. The coffee is bold enough for milk to cut through, but it’s not overpowering and has some level of depth. Available from: Grind (£8 for 227g) Assembly Coffee Available from Assembly Coffee (from £10) Best high-quality coffee beans Assembly Coffee, roasted in Brixton, is known for its high-quality coffee and artistically painted designs that represent the flavours and characteristics of the coffee. Everything about Assembly is chic and well thought out, like much of its coffee. First I tried the House Espresso, a washed Colombian bean. I found this rich, clean, sweet and balanced with or without milk. Next I tried the Villamaria from Columbia, a naturally processed bean. I got a strawberries and cream hit at the beginning for an enjoyable bright and fresh cup, with a highly perfumed aroma. Roaster's toasting notes: Villamaria: hazelnut, strawberry, complex House Espresso: plum, brown sugar, refreshing Available from: Assembly Coffee (from £10) Kiss The Hippo Available from Kiss The Hippo (from £10.50) , Amazon (from £12.50) Best carbon negative coffee beans Kiss The Hippo stands out for being carbon negative – going beyond carbon neutral. The brand calculated its carbon emissions and planned out ways in which it could reduce them, then made a plan with reforestation charity On A Mission to offset its remaining emissions with verified or certified sustainable reforestation projects. I tested out the Los Vascos Colombian coffee. This drop is lightly roasted and has a lovely light body to it. I found it had sweetness and a bright acidity like that of green apple. Roaster's tasting notes: caramel, honey, green apple Available from: Kiss The Hippo (from £10.50) Amazon (from £12.50) Redemption Coffee Roasters Available from Redemption Roasters (from £8.90) Best balanced coffee Redemption Coffee Roasters is the world's first prison-based coffee company, on a mission to reduce reoffending rates through coffee. It runs barista training academies in several prisons across the UK and on release, helps graduates find work in its own coffee shops or within its network. ⁠The Aylesbury Blend espresso is its all-rounder espresso, and I've been really enjoying it as a long black and a flat white. It is really balanced, with low bitterness and low acidity. The Mount Blend, a coffee from Colombia and Ethiopia, had berry and floral notes. The next coffee I tried was the filter coffee, El Meridiano from Colombia. This is a bright and aromatic coffee. I really enjoyed this. The acidity is higher in this which I liked, and the pineapple flavour notes came through well. Roaster's tasting notes: Aylesbury Blend: marzipan, dried apricot, biscuit The Mount Blend: raspberry, blackcurrant, tea rose El Meridiano: pineapple, lime, green apple Available from: Redemption Roasters (from £8.90) Origin Coffee Available from Origin Coffee (from £8.50) Most versatile coffee beans Origin Coffee is a very successful and reputable roastery that started 15 years ago, based in Cornwall. Origin’s San Fermin beans have been a trusty staple for many cafes around the UK, as it is omni-roasted. This means it is developed enough for espressos and yet still light enough to brew as a filter coffee, making it highly versatile. This coffee goes well in a flat white and makes a satisfying morning brew as a filter. Roaster's notes: orange sherbet, caramel, berries Available from: Origin Coffee (from £8.50) Climpson & Sons Available from Climpson & Sons (from £11) Best coffee beans for long-time quality Climpson & Sons has been part of the East London coffee scene since the early 2000s – first as a market stall, and now as a roastery, café and brand known for its consistent quality and creativity. They’re B Corp certified, and their focus on sustainability, quality and community has been part of their DNA from the beginning. I love that they keep a strong core range of blends and dependable single origins while offering more boutique-style options, like their Midnight Oil coffee liqueur and concentrates for easy cocktails – great for espresso martinis. Climpson is one of those roasters that have stayed true to their ethos while growing thoughtfully. I’ve followed their journey closely over the years, and their coffee continues to deliver every time. You might also be interested in the charitable cycling and ocean conservation initiatives they run. At the moment I’m drinking The Baron as espresso, a Brazilian pulped natural with dark chocolate, hazelnut and marzipan notes and their Sirinya single origin from Thailand. I haven’t had much coffee from Thailand, and this is a lovely naturally processed coffee, perfect for filter, with raspberry, mango and vanilla notes. Their coffee info cards are really effective and help guide you on which brew method to use, depending on what you prefer or have at home. Their decaf is lovely too, for both espresso and filter methods. Available from: Climpson & Sons (from £11) Plot Roasting Available from PLOT roasting (from £9) Best coffee beans for filter coffee Plot burst onto the scene a few years ago and has been the name on every barista’s lips since. At recent London Coffee Festivals, where I host MC Coffee Masters, their stand is always my first stop for a morning cup. They specialise in unusual, experimental processing – think an 84-hour yeast-anoxic natural or a honey-processed Geisha, which makes each brew a real talking point. For the past year I’ve subscribed to their ICON Series: 100-150g of a genuinely rare coffee delivered monthly for £20. It’s a brilliant, affordable way to taste beans that are normally impossible to source in small amounts; a few cups is often all you need to appreciate something extraordinary before returning to your daily blend. Whether you’re an experienced coffee nerd or just want to dip a toe outside your usual filter, Plot is the place. And if rarity isn’t your thing, they still offer everyday crowd-pleasers. Available from: PLOT roasting (from £9) Dear Green Available from Dear Green (from £10.70) Best coffee beans for community spirit I’ve been a fan of this Glasgow-based roaster for years. Founded in 2011 by Lisa Lawson, an inspiring figure in the industry and long-time champion of women in coffee (myself included) – Dear Green is a values-led B Corp with an impressively high recertification score of 117.6, and a pledge to reach net-zero by 2030. Transparency runs deep: sourcing is traceable, with organic, decaf, espresso and filter options, plus a dedicated ‘women producer’ range and showcase coffees for something extra special. I’m currently sipping the “Dear Green City Blend” - a Peru-Colombia mix with chocolate, caramel and bright cherry notes. Great as espresso, or as a summer cold brew. £1 from each bag goes to Greenheart Growers and Wash House Garden. From travelling barista to founder of the Glasgow Coffee Festival, Lisa’s passion shows in every cup. With barista training, community projects, and fair-living wages baked into the business, Dear Green is more than a roastery, it’s a movement. No surprise they were named Micro Roaster of the Year by Roast Magazine . Available from: Dear Green (from £10.70) Perky Blenders Available from Perky Blenders (from £8.90) Best coffee beans for playful blends I first came across Perky Blenders thanks to my semi-pro cyclist friends, who swore by their deliveries to fuel long rides. Based in East London (with a new café just opened), they roast sustainably with compostable packaging and a focus on traceability. The bright branding and coffee names make things feel playful and accessible. “I’m So Curious” is their coffee-of-the-month pick, while “I’m So Nutty” (Forest Blend) is rich and chocolatey, and “I’m So Jammy” brings fruity funk with notes of blackberry, pineapple and coconut. Their selection boxes are great for gifting or discovering your favourites, and their personalised bags for birthdays and holidays add a thoughtful twist. Right now I’m sipping their Burundi Rugembe Hill and Jazzy Max – both tropical and vibrant. I’m even tempted to blend a shot into a smoothie for a little extra zing. Available from: Perky Blenders (from £8.90) Ozone Coffee Roasters Available from Ozone Coffee (from £10) Best for café-quality brunch vibes at home Since landing in London in 2012, Ozone has earned a stellar reputation for top-tier coffee paired with that unmistakable Antipodean flair for food, helping to shape the UK’s brunch culture as we know it. Founded in New Zealand, their B Corp status reflects a strong company ethos rooted in sustainability, quality, and community. They now have several café locations across London, so you can enjoy their brews (and brilliant brunches) in person too. Their home coffee range covers origins like Bolivia, Colombia and Guatemala, thanks to long-standing relationships with producers. I also love that they offer a “half caff” option – perfect if you’re caffeine-sensitive but still want a little buzz. You can shop by flavour notes like citrus, floral, nutty or cocoa, which makes picking your perfect brew feel intuitive and fun. Packaging is beautifully designed and fully recyclable, and deliveries are quick and well-packed. Their reserve tasting packs are a great way to explore higher-end lots, and I rate their special edition “Pride” coffee from Fazenda Inglaterra, which supports the LGBTQ+ youth charity akt. I’d recommend trying one of their Bolivians or Kenyans for something vibrant and delicious. Available from: Ozone Coffee (from £10) Hermanos Available from Hermanos (from £13.50) Best for Colombian coffee Hermanos works with Colombian coffee farmers and has had some unique coffees recently that I’ve really enjoyed. The La Aldea is the latest. I’ve been drinking this as an espresso with milk, where the assam tea and dark chocolate flavour notes come in to balance out the milk. I’ve also been drinking it as a black filter coffee, and the plum and apricot sweetness shines through. At a slightly higher price point, this is maybe one to splash out on. Roaster's notes: black plum, assam tea, dark chocolate Available from: Hermanos (from £13.50) Santiago and Victor Gamboa, founders of Colombian coffee roasters Hermanos, share their favourite food and drinks from their homeland . Code 194 Available from Code 194 (from £11) Best coffee beans for reliable espresso This new roastery may be the new kid on the block, but its roaster is not! With many years of experience in roasting for top roasteries in England over many years, this new south London roastery offers a solid range of delicious and reliable coffees that you can purchase online. Having tried many of the specialty coffees from its range, I'd recommend the espresso blend, which changes seasonally but keeps to a similar flavour profile. As an espresso, it's bold enough for the milk to cut through, which is important if you drink coffee with milk. The Papua New Guinea coffee has fruity and milk chocolate flavour notes. Both are very reasonably priced, and come in bags of 250g. Roaster's notes: cocoa, candied citrus Available from: Code 194 (from £11) Volcano Coffee Works Available from Volcano Coffee Works (from £7.50) Best coffee beans with sweet notes Volcano Coffee Works is one of London’s early artisan coffee roasters, founded by Kurt Stewart, an experienced New Zealand roaster. It made its mark supplying top-notch restaurants and today still does, as well as specialty cafés. I tested out the espresso roast – the Mount Blend, from El Salvador and Brazil. I found this coffee nice and sweet but bold, with good body and medium acidity. A nice drop with milk. Roaster's tasting notes: Caramel, red grapes, milk chocolate. Available from: Volcano Coffee Works (from £7.50) Why buy whole coffee beans? Beans stay fresher for longer, and so your coffee should taste better, too. As soon as green coffee beans are roasted, they start to release CO2, which affects the taste. They will oxidise and slowly start to go 'stale' and have a flat taste after a while. When coffee is ground, there is a higher surface area which is exposed to oxygen and that will cause them to lose their freshness faster, so it's best to keep coffee beans whole as close to brewing as possible. Treat your coffee beans similarly to potatoes: store them in a dark, dry place. It's best they are kept in a container or the bag they come in to stop oxygen and moisture getting in. What type of coffee beans should I buy? There are generally two types of beans: robusta and arabica. Arabica: Produced by the specialty coffee industry, this is harder to grow. Arabica beans have less caffeine than robusta, but more varied complex characteristics in taste and acidity levels because it is usually grown at higher altitudes, and better quality, nutrient-rich soil. Robusta: Robusta beans are hardy and usually used for commodity products such as cheaper instant coffee. What does coffee roast mean? Coffee roasts are generally described as light, medium and dark. Dark roasts can be described as more bold and strong tasting. Espresso can usually be roasted a little darker, as the coffee is extracted through machines with high pressure and temperature, so the flavour still comes through. However, medium to lighter roasts keep a lot of the bean's flavour characteristics. When you roast a bean, think of it like taking the moisture out of it: the equivalent to slow or quick cooking a cut of meat. There is also an art to roasting coffee beans, in the fact that different beans from different origins hold different moisture content and density, and therefore need to be roasted appropriately to optimise flavour and quality. Want to learn more about becoming an expert at-home barista? Read our guides here: Celeste Wong's guide to becoming an overnight coffee expert Celeste Wong's guide on how to make iced coffee Celeste Wong's guide on sustainable coffee Celeste Wong's best moka pots Celeste Wong's best coffee grinders Celeste Wong's best decaf coffee to try Celeste Wong's best reusable and compostable espresso pods Celeste Wong's best gooseneck kettles to try More reviews Best coffee subscriptions to try Best Sage coffee machines Best coffee pod machines Best bean-to-cup coffee machines Best espresso machines Best matcha tea Best greens powders to buy

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We've gathered the best coffee beans from our favourite producers to help you pick Whether you favour an espresso or bean-to-cup machine for your morning brew, or opt for a manual method like using a cafetiere or moka pot, your choice of coffee bean has a huge impact on flavour. Ad Buying whole beans and grinding them yourself is the best way to ensure freshness, and it's important to look at the date they were roasted. For the best results, look for beans that have been roasted in the last 30 days. Read on for tried and tested recommendations on the best coffee beans to buy from our coffee expert Celeste Wong. *Looking for top-of-the-range coffee beans to grind? Great coffee starts with great coffee beans. If your beans are good, then half the battle is won already.* *Get expert advice from olive's coffee expert, Celeste Wong. She has tried and tested all the below coffee beans to bring your her top picks. Make sure you use the [best coffee grinder](https://www.olivemagazine.com/reviews/best-coffee-grinders-to-buy/) for your beans and find the right machine to brew the best cup with the biggest *[coffee machine deals](https://www.olivemagazine.com/reviews/nespresso-offers/) available right now.** **Jump to section:** - **[Best coffee beans at a glance](https://www.olivemagazine.com/guides/best-coffee-beans-to-buy/#GLANCE)** - **[The best coffee beans to buy 2025](https://www.olivemagazine.com/guides/best-coffee-beans-to-buy/#BEST)** - **[Why buy whole coffee beans?](https://www.olivemagazine.com/guides/best-coffee-beans-to-buy/#BUY)** - **[What type of coffee beans should I buy?](https://www.olivemagazine.com/guides/best-coffee-beans-to-buy/#TYPE)** - **[What does coffee roast mean?](https://www.olivemagazine.com/guides/best-coffee-beans-to-buy/#ROAST)** *** ## Best coffee beans to buy at a glance - **Best for variety of coffee beans**: Rave Coffee Roasters, [from £6.98](https://ravecoffee.co.uk/collections/coffee) - **Best for a large selection of coffee beans:** Pact Coffee, [from £9.95](https://www.pactcoffee.com/coffees) - **Best no-frills coffee beans:** Grind, [from £8.95](https://grind.pxf.io/c/1236178/1025283/13388?subId1=olivemagazine-142685&u=https%3A%2F%2Fgrind.co.uk%2Fproducts%2Ftaster-pack-coffee) - **Best high-quality coffee beans:** Assembly Coffee, [from £10](https://assemblycoffee.co.uk/collections/buy-coffee) - **Best carbon negative coffee beans:** Kiss The Hippo, [from £11.50](https://www.awin1.com/cread.php?id=489797&clickref=olivemagazine-142685&awinmid=77226&p=https%3A%2F%2Fkissthehippo.com%2Fcollections%2Fcoffee) - **Best balanced coffee:** Redemption Coffee Roasters, [from £8.90](https://www.redemptionroasters.com/shop/) - **Most versatile coffee beans:** Origin Coffee, from [£8.50](https://www.awin1.com/cread.php?id=489797&clickref=olivemagazine-142685&awinmid=30287&p=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.origincoffee.co.uk%2Fcollections%2Fcoffee) - ****Best coffee beans for long-time quality:**** Climpson & Sons, [from £11](https://climpsonandsons.com/collections/coffee) - **Best coffee beans for filter coffee**: PLOT roasting, [from £9](https://plotroasting.com/collections/all-coffee) - **Best coffee beans for community spirit:** Dear Green, [from £10.70](https://www.deargreencoffee.com/collections/coffee-beans) - **Best coffee beans for playful blends:** Perky Blenders, [from £8.90](https://perkyblenders.com/collections/coffee) - **Best for café-quality brunch vibes at home:** Ozone Coffee Roasters, [from £10](https://ozonecoffee.co.uk/collections/coffee) - **Best for Colombian coffee:** Hermanos, [from £13.50](https://hermanoscoffeeroasters.com/collections/colombian-specialty-coffee) - **Best coffee beans for reliable espresso:** Code 194, [from £11](https://code194coffee.com/products/194-espresso) - **Best coffee beans with sweet notes:** Volcano Coffee Works, [from £7.50](https://volcanocoffeeworks.com/collections/buy-coffee-beans) *** ## The best coffee beans to buy 2025 ### Rave Coffee Roasters - **Available** from [Rave (from £6.98)](https://ravecoffee.co.uk/collections/coffee), [Amazon (from £11.59)](https://www.amazon.co.uk/Rave-Coffee-Signature-Roasted-AeroPress/dp/B008L1S41W?tag=olivemag-21&ascsubtag=olivemagazine-142685) **Best for variety of coffee beans** Based in the Cotswolds, Rave has built a loyal following since 2011 and continues to offer one of the most varied selections around. I’ve been drinking their coffee for years – especially their single origins, which now number over 20. There’s also a tidy little rare coffee range for those feeling curious, plus decaf options that use the Swiss-Water method - a natural, chemical-free way of decaffeinating while keeping its flavour (I’ve used it in a few coffee cocktails recently and it’s great). I like that they keep things accessible while championing sustainability: they support Fair Trade pricing, World Coffee Research and are part of 1% for the Planet. One standout detail? They also sell small quantities of green beans, which I don’t see often. It’s handy if you're experimenting with roasting at home which I suspect might become more of a trend in the future. Quick delivery, a wide range of blends and gifts, and solid value make Rave one of my reliable go-tos. At the moment, I’m drinking their Colombian el Carmen no 50 as espresso, and their Guatemala Bosques de San Francisco no 52 as my filter. **Available** **from:** [Rave (from £6.98)](https://ravecoffee.co.uk/collections/coffee) [Amazon (from £11.59)](https://www.amazon.co.uk/Rave-Coffee-Signature-Roasted-AeroPress/dp/B008L1S41W?tag=olivemag-21&ascsubtag=olivemagazine-142685) *** ### Pact Coffee - **Available** from [Pact Coffee (from £7.96)](https://www.pactcoffee.com/coffees) **Best for a large selection** Pact Coffee has always placed an importance on working closely with suppliers and pioneering direct trade early on. While still being specialty, many of the coffees I've had in the past have employed a darker roast style than some of the other specialty coffees on the market. This was my first time trying the 'coffee select' range, which offers 13 different rotating coffees, from multiple different origins and at five different grind levels. I was pleasantly surprised by the Bourbon Cream Espresso, a Brazilian and El Salvadorean blend with (unsurprisingly!) notes of bourbon cream biscuits. I also tried the Brazilian Zaroca. This was roasted similarly to the Bourbon coffee, and easily drinkable. It had a thinner mouth feel and less body, with an apple-like acidity so I would drink this as a filter coffee. Both had a good amount of sweetness, low bitterness and mild acidity. **Available from:** [Pact Coffee (from £7.96)](https://www.pactcoffee.com/coffees) *** ### Grind - **Available** from [Grind (£8 for 227g)](https://grind.pxf.io/c/1236178/1025283/13388?subId1=olivemagazine-142685&u=https%3A%2F%2Fgrind.co.uk%2Fproducts%2Ftaster-pack-coffee) **Best no-frills coffee beans** In 2011, Grind first opened shop in the heart of Shoreditch. Now with multiple sites across London, and supplying a range of coffee shops, it boasts its own roastery and a successful online subscription service. Its house coffee blend is affordable (£8 per 227g bag) and neatly packaged in long, skinny postable shapes in its recognisable pink colour. Unfortunately, it doesn't disclose the origin of the coffee beans. This isn't easy to find on the site, either. But, it does disclose that the beans are specialty grade (which means they must score 80-100 points, set by SCA cupping standards) and ethically sourced. So, this coffee is more for the drinker who wants a nice standard coffee at home, and isn't too bothered about having much more information. You can choose from the house blend, light, dark and decaf roasts, plus its ‘edition’ beans from Peru (which I assume changes, depending on seasons and buying). Grind's eco-footprint has improved over the years, using compostable packaging and products like coffee tins to refill your supply, minimising packaging waste. I found the house blend pleasant and enjoyed drinking it as a flat white with oat milk. The decaf is nice, too. Both coffees aren’t over-roasted or too dark, which is a good thing when using specialty coffee. The coffee is bold enough for milk to cut through, but it’s not overpowering and has some level of depth. **Available from:** [Grind (£8 for 227g)](https://grind.pxf.io/c/1236178/1025283/13388?subId1=olivemagazine-142685&u=https%3A%2F%2Fgrind.co.uk%2Fproducts%2Ftaster-pack-coffee) *** ### Assembly Coffee - **Available** from [Assembly Coffee (from £10)](https://assemblycoffee.co.uk/collections/buy-coffee) **Best high-quality coffee beans** Assembly Coffee, roasted in Brixton, is known for its high-quality coffee and artistically painted designs that represent the flavours and characteristics of the coffee. Everything about Assembly is chic and well thought out, like much of its coffee. First I tried the House Espresso, a washed Colombian bean. I found this rich, clean, sweet and balanced with or without milk. Next I tried the Villamaria from Columbia, a naturally processed bean. I got a strawberries and cream hit at the beginning for an enjoyable bright and fresh cup, with a highly perfumed aroma. **Roaster's toasting notes:** **Villamaria:** hazelnut, strawberry, complex **House Espresso:** plum, brown sugar, refreshing **Available from:** [Assembly Coffee (from £10)](https://assemblycoffee.co.uk/collections/buy-coffee) *** ### Kiss The Hippo - **Available** from [Kiss The Hippo (from £10.50)](https://www.awin1.com/cread.php?id=489797&clickref=olivemagazine-142685&awinmid=77226&p=https%3A%2F%2Fkissthehippo.com%2Fcollections%2Fcoffee), [Amazon (from £12.50)](https://www.amazon.co.uk/stores/page/D2F642F7-5386-4743-BAA6-EA7D2296547F?tag=olivemag-21&ascsubtag=olivemagazine-142685) **Best carbon negative coffee beans** Kiss The Hippo stands out for being carbon negative – going beyond carbon neutral. The brand calculated its carbon emissions and planned out ways in which it could reduce them, then made a plan with reforestation charity On A Mission to offset its remaining emissions with verified or certified sustainable reforestation projects. I tested out the Los Vascos Colombian coffee. This drop is lightly roasted and has a lovely light body to it. I found it had sweetness and a bright acidity like that of green apple. **Roaster's tasting notes:** caramel, honey, green apple **Available from:** [Kiss The Hippo (from £10.50)](https://www.awin1.com/cread.php?id=489797&clickref=olivemagazine-142685&awinmid=77226&p=https%3A%2F%2Fkissthehippo.com%2Fcollections%2Fcoffee) [Amazon (from £12.50)](https://www.amazon.co.uk/stores/page/D2F642F7-5386-4743-BAA6-EA7D2296547F?tag=olivemag-21&ascsubtag=olivemagazine-142685) *** ### Redemption Coffee Roasters - **Available** from [Redemption Roasters (from £8.90)](https://www.redemptionroasters.com/product-category/recipes/collection/best-ever-coffee-recipes/) ### **Best balanced coffee** Redemption Coffee Roasters is the world's first prison-based coffee company, on a mission to reduce reoffending rates through coffee. It runs barista training academies in several prisons across the UK and on release, helps graduates find work in its own coffee shops or within its network. ⁠The Aylesbury Blend espresso is its all-rounder espresso, and I've been really enjoying it as a long black and a flat white. It is really balanced, with low bitterness and low acidity. The Mount Blend, a coffee from Colombia and Ethiopia, had berry and floral notes. The next coffee I tried was the filter coffee, El Meridiano from Colombia. This is a bright and aromatic coffee. I really enjoyed this. The acidity is higher in this which I liked, and the pineapple flavour notes came through well. **Roaster's tasting notes:** **Aylesbury Blend:** marzipan, dried apricot, biscuit **The Mount Blend:** raspberry, blackcurrant, tea rose **El Meridiano:** pineapple, lime, green apple **Available from:** [Redemption Roasters (from £8.90)](https://www.redemptionroasters.com/product-category/coffee/) *** ### Origin Coffee - **Available** from [Origin Coffee (from £8.50)](https://www.awin1.com/cread.php?id=489797&clickref=olivemagazine-142685&awinmid=30287&p=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.origincoffee.co.uk%2Fcollections%2Fcoffee) **Most versatile coffee beans** Origin Coffee is a very successful and reputable roastery that started 15 years ago, based in Cornwall. Origin’s San Fermin beans have been a trusty staple for many cafes around the UK, as it is omni-roasted. This means it is developed enough for espressos and yet still light enough to brew as a filter coffee, making it highly versatile. This coffee goes well in a flat white and makes a satisfying morning brew as a filter. **Roaster's notes:** orange sherbet, caramel, berries **Available from:** [Origin Coffee (from £8.50)](https://www.awin1.com/cread.php?id=489797&clickref=olivemagazine-142685&awinmid=30287&p=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.origincoffee.co.uk%2Fcollections%2Fcoffee) *** ### Climpson & Sons - **Available** from [Climpson & Sons (from £11)](https://climpsonandsons.com/collections/coffee) **Best coffee beans for long-time quality** Climpson & Sons has been part of the East London coffee scene since the early 2000s – first as a market stall, and now as a roastery, café and brand known for its consistent quality and creativity. They’re B Corp certified, and their focus on sustainability, quality and community has been part of their DNA from the beginning. I love that they keep a strong core range of blends and dependable single origins while offering more boutique-style options, like their Midnight Oil coffee liqueur and concentrates for easy cocktails – great for espresso martinis. Climpson is one of those roasters that have stayed true to their ethos while growing thoughtfully. I’ve followed their journey closely over the years, and their coffee continues to deliver every time. You might also be interested in the charitable cycling and ocean conservation initiatives they run. At the moment I’m drinking The Baron as espresso, a Brazilian pulped natural with dark chocolate, hazelnut and marzipan notes and their Sirinya single origin from Thailand. I haven’t had much coffee from Thailand, and this is a lovely naturally processed coffee, perfect for filter, with raspberry, mango and vanilla notes. Their coffee info cards are really effective and help guide you on which brew method to use, depending on what you prefer or have at home. Their decaf is lovely too, for both espresso and filter methods. **Available** **from:** [Climpson & Sons (from £11)](https://climpsonandsons.com/collections/coffee) *** ### Plot Roasting - **Available** from [PLOT roasting (from £9)](https://plotroasting.com/collections/all-coffee) **Best coffee beans for filter coffee** Plot burst onto the scene a few years ago and has been the name on every barista’s lips since. At recent London Coffee Festivals, where I host MC Coffee Masters, their stand is always my first stop for a morning cup. They specialise in unusual, experimental processing – think an 84-hour yeast-anoxic natural or a honey-processed Geisha, which makes each brew a real talking point. For the past year I’ve subscribed to their ICON Series: 100-150g of a genuinely rare coffee delivered monthly for £20. It’s a brilliant, affordable way to taste beans that are normally impossible to source in small amounts; a few cups is often all you need to appreciate something extraordinary before returning to your daily blend. Whether you’re an experienced coffee nerd or just want to dip a toe outside your usual filter, Plot is the place. And if rarity isn’t your thing, they still offer everyday crowd-pleasers. **Available** **from:** [PLOT roasting (from £9)](https://plotroasting.com/collections/all-coffee) *** ### Dear Green - **Available** from [Dear Green (from £10.70)](https://www.deargreencoffee.com/collections/coffee-beans) **Best coffee beans for community spirit** I’ve been a fan of this Glasgow-based roaster for years. Founded in 2011 by Lisa Lawson, an inspiring figure in the industry and long-time champion of women in coffee (myself included) – Dear Green is a values-led B Corp with an impressively high recertification score of 117.6, and a pledge to reach net-zero by 2030. Transparency runs deep: sourcing is traceable, with organic, decaf, espresso and filter options, plus a dedicated ‘women producer’ range and showcase coffees for something extra special. I’m currently sipping the “Dear Green City Blend” - a Peru-Colombia mix with chocolate, caramel and bright cherry notes. Great as espresso, or as a summer cold brew. £1 from each bag goes to Greenheart Growers and Wash House Garden. From travelling barista to founder of the Glasgow Coffee Festival, Lisa’s passion shows in every cup. With barista training, community projects, and fair-living wages baked into the business, Dear Green is more than a roastery, it’s a movement. No surprise they were named Micro Roaster of the Year by *Roast Magazine*. **Available from:** [Dear Green (from £10.70)](https://www.deargreencoffee.com/collections/coffee-beans) *** ### Perky Blenders - **Available** from [Perky Blenders (from £8.90)](https://perkyblenders.com/collections/coffee) **Best coffee beans for playful blends** I first came across Perky Blenders thanks to my semi-pro cyclist friends, who swore by their deliveries to fuel long rides. Based in East London (with a new café just opened), they roast sustainably with compostable packaging and a focus on traceability. The bright branding and coffee names make things feel playful and accessible. “I’m So Curious” is their coffee-of-the-month pick, while “I’m So Nutty” (Forest Blend) is rich and chocolatey, and “I’m So Jammy” brings fruity funk with notes of blackberry, pineapple and coconut. Their selection boxes are great for gifting or discovering your favourites, and their personalised bags for birthdays and holidays add a thoughtful twist. Right now I’m sipping their Burundi Rugembe Hill and Jazzy Max – both tropical and vibrant. I’m even tempted to blend a shot into a smoothie for a little extra zing. **Available** **from:** [Perky Blenders (from £8.90)](https://perkyblenders.com/collections/coffee) *** ### Ozone Coffee Roasters - **Available** from [Ozone Coffee (from £10)](https://ozonecoffee.co.uk/collections/coffee) **Best for café-quality brunch vibes at home** Since landing in London in 2012, Ozone has earned a stellar reputation for top-tier coffee paired with that unmistakable Antipodean flair for food, helping to shape the UK’s brunch culture as we know it. Founded in New Zealand, their B Corp status reflects a strong company ethos rooted in sustainability, quality, and community. They now have several café locations across London, so you can enjoy their brews (and brilliant brunches) in person too. Their home coffee range covers origins like Bolivia, Colombia and Guatemala, thanks to long-standing relationships with producers. I also love that they offer a “half caff” option – perfect if you’re caffeine-sensitive but still want a little buzz. You can shop by flavour notes like citrus, floral, nutty or cocoa, which makes picking your perfect brew feel intuitive and fun. Packaging is beautifully designed and fully recyclable, and deliveries are quick and well-packed. Their reserve tasting packs are a great way to explore higher-end lots, and I rate their special edition “Pride” coffee from Fazenda Inglaterra, which supports the LGBTQ+ youth charity akt. I’d recommend trying one of their Bolivians or Kenyans for something vibrant and delicious. **Available** **from:** [Ozone Coffee (from £10)](https://ozonecoffee.co.uk/collections/coffee) *** ### Hermanos - **Available** from [Hermanos (from £13.50)](https://hermanoscoffeeroasters.com/collections/colombian-specialty-coffee) ![Hermanos coffee beans](https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/2/2024/02/Hermanos-coffee-beans-40dfbe4.jpg?quality=90&resize=700,466) **Best for Colombian coffee** Hermanos works with Colombian coffee farmers and has had some unique coffees recently that I’ve really enjoyed. The La Aldea is the latest. I’ve been drinking this as an espresso with milk, where the assam tea and dark chocolate flavour notes come in to balance out the milk. I’ve also been drinking it as a black filter coffee, and the plum and apricot sweetness shines through. At a slightly higher price point, this is maybe one to splash out on. **Roaster's notes:** black plum, assam tea, dark chocolate **Available from:** [Hermanos (from £13.50)](https://hermanoscoffeeroasters.com/collections/colombian-specialty-coffee) Santiago and Victor Gamboa, founders of Colombian coffee roasters Hermanos, [share their favourite food and drinks from their homeland](https://www.olivemagazine.com/travel/south-america/colombian-cuisine-10-things-we-love/). *** ### Code 194 - **Available** from [Code 194 (from £11)](https://code194coffee.com/) ![Code 194 coffee beans](https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/2/2024/02/Code-194-coffee-beans-50f5c75.jpg?quality=90&resize=700,466) **Best coffee beans for reliable espresso** This new roastery may be the new kid on the block, but its roaster is not! With many years of experience in roasting for top roasteries in England over many years, this new south London roastery offers a solid range of delicious and reliable coffees that you can purchase online. Having tried many of the specialty coffees from its range, I'd recommend the espresso blend, which changes seasonally but keeps to a similar flavour profile. As an espresso, it's bold enough for the milk to cut through, which is important if you drink coffee with milk. The Papua New Guinea coffee has fruity and milk chocolate flavour notes. Both are very reasonably priced, and come in bags of 250g. **Roaster's notes:** cocoa, candied citrus **Available from:** [Code 194 (from £11)](https://code194coffee.com/) *** ### Volcano Coffee Works - **Available** from [Volcano Coffee Works (from £7.50)](https://volcanocoffeeworks.com/collections/buy-coffee-beans) ![Volcano Coffee beans](https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/2/2025/07/Volcano-Coffee-beans-4b348b3.jpg?quality=90&resize=700,466) **Best coffee beans with sweet notes** Volcano Coffee Works is one of London’s early artisan coffee roasters, founded by Kurt Stewart, an experienced New Zealand roaster. It made its mark supplying top-notch restaurants and today still does, as well as specialty cafés. I tested out the espresso roast – the Mount Blend, from El Salvador and Brazil. I found this coffee nice and sweet but bold, with good body and medium acidity. A nice drop with milk. **Roaster's tasting notes:** Caramel, red grapes, milk chocolate. **Available from:** [Volcano Coffee Works (from £7.50)](https://volcanocoffeeworks.com/collections/buy-coffee-beans) *** ## Why buy whole coffee beans? Beans stay fresher for longer, and so your coffee should taste better, too. As soon as green coffee beans are roasted, they start to release CO2, which affects the taste. They will oxidise and slowly start to go 'stale' and have a flat taste after a while. When coffee is ground, there is a higher surface area which is exposed to oxygen and that will cause them to lose their freshness faster, so it's best to keep coffee beans whole as close to brewing as possible. Treat your coffee beans similarly to potatoes: store them in a dark, dry place. It's best they are kept in a container or the bag they come in to stop oxygen and moisture getting in. *** ## What type of coffee beans should I buy? There are generally two types of beans: robusta and arabica. **Arabica:** Produced by the specialty coffee industry, this is harder to grow. Arabica beans have less caffeine than robusta, but more varied complex characteristics in taste and acidity levels because it is usually grown at higher altitudes, and better quality, nutrient-rich soil. **Robusta:** Robusta beans are hardy and usually used for commodity products such as cheaper instant coffee. *** ## What does coffee roast mean? Coffee roasts are generally described as light, medium and dark. Dark roasts can be described as more bold and strong tasting. Espresso can usually be roasted a little darker, as the coffee is extracted through machines with high pressure and temperature, so the flavour still comes through. However, medium to lighter roasts keep a lot of the bean's flavour characteristics. When you roast a bean, think of it like taking the moisture out of it: the equivalent to slow or quick cooking a cut of meat. There is also an art to roasting coffee beans, in the fact that different beans from different origins hold different moisture content and density, and therefore need to be roasted appropriately to optimise flavour and quality. *** ### Want to learn more about becoming an expert at-home barista? Read our guides here: Celeste Wong's guide to becoming [an overnight coffee expert](https://www.olivemagazine.com/guides/overnight-coffee-expert/) Celeste Wong's guide on [how to make iced coffee](https://www.olivemagazine.com/drink/how-to-make-iced-coffee/) Celeste Wong's guide on [sustainable coffee](https://www.olivemagazine.com/guides/sustainable-coffee/) Celeste Wong's [best moka pots](https://www.olivemagazine.com/guides/best-moka-pot-coffee-makers/) Celeste Wong's [best coffee grinders](https://www.olivemagazine.com/reviews/best-coffee-grinders-to-buy/) Celeste Wong's [best decaf coffee to try](https://www.olivemagazine.com/guides/best-decaf-coffee-to-buy/) Celeste Wong's [best reusable and compostable espresso pods](https://www.olivemagazine.com/guides/best-eco-friendly-coffee-pods/) Celeste Wong's [best gooseneck kettles to try](https://www.olivemagazine.com/guides/best-gooseneck-kettles-to-buy/) Ad ## More reviews [Best coffee subscriptions to try](https://www.olivemagazine.com/guides/taste-tests/best-coffee-subscriptions/) [Best Sage coffee machines](https://www.olivemagazine.com/reviews/best-sage-coffee-machine/) [Best coffee pod machines](https://www.olivemagazine.com/reviews/best-coffee-pod-machine/) [Best bean-to-cup coffee machines](https://www.olivemagazine.com/reviews/best-bean-to-cup-coffee-machines/) [Best espresso machines](https://www.olivemagazine.com/guides/best-espresso-machines/) [Best matcha tea](https://www.olivemagazine.com/reviews/best-matcha-tea-to-buy/) [Best greens powders to buy](https://www.olivemagazine.com/reviews/best-greens-powder-to-buy-tried-and-tested/) ## Authors ![Celeste Wong in a kitchen with a pour over coffee](https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/2/2021/07/Celeste-Wong-Coffee-723f381.jpg?quality=90&resize=2400,2400) [Celeste Wong](https://www.olivemagazine.com/author/celestewong/) ## Comments, questions and tips (1) #### ghulammurtaza808283171399 2 years ago Great resource! This is exactly what I was looking for - a guide to buying coffee beans online that considers taste preferences and brewing methods. The reviews are comprehensive and well-written, giving me a good idea of the flavor profiles of each coffee. I especially appreciate the inclusion of… More Reply Ad Ad #### You may like [Best bean-to-cup coffee machines to buy 2025, tried and tested by experts](https://www.olivemagazine.com/reviews/best-bean-to-cup-coffee-machines/) [Coffee loaf cake](https://www.olivemagazine.com/recipes/baking-and-desserts/coffee-loaf-cake/) A star rating of 5 out of 5.2 ratings Ad #### You may also like [![](https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/2/2025/06/EyeEm-Mobile-GmbH-via-Getty-Images-e1d59ec.png?quality=90&resize=556,505)](https://www.olivemagazine.com/reviews/best-bean-to-cup-coffee-machines/) [Best bean-to-cup coffee machines to buy 2025, tried and tested by experts](https://www.olivemagazine.com/reviews/best-bean-to-cup-coffee-machines/) [![An iced coffee loaf cake with one slice cut and on the side](https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/2/2024/11/07-Latte-Loaf-Cake0158preview-24b43b0.jpg?quality=90&resize=556,505)](https://www.olivemagazine.com/recipes/baking-and-desserts/coffee-loaf-cake/) [Coffee loaf cake](https://www.olivemagazine.com/recipes/baking-and-desserts/coffee-loaf-cake/) A star rating of 5 out of 5.2 ratings [![A Mauritian curry with fresh herbs on the side](https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/2/2025/09/CariGrosButterbeanCurrypreview-ab20b11.jpg?quality=90&resize=556,505)](https://www.olivemagazine.com/recipes/vegan/mauritian-butter-bean-curry-cari-gros-pois/) [Mauritian butter bean curry (cari gros pois)](https://www.olivemagazine.com/recipes/vegan/mauritian-butter-bean-curry-cari-gros-pois/) A star rating of 5 out of 5.2 ratings [![Platter with chutney and fresh crudités](https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/2/2024/05/bean-chutney-accc046.gif?quality=90&resize=556,505)](https://www.olivemagazine.com/recipes/vegetarian/spicy-runner-bean-chutney/) [Spicy runner bean chutney](https://www.olivemagazine.com/recipes/vegetarian/spicy-runner-bean-chutney/) A star rating of 5 out of 5.2 ratings [![Two mugs of coffee topped with whipped cream and popcorn on a wooden tray alongside a bowl of popcorn](https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/2/2021/11/Baileys-coffee-4287249.png?quality=90&resize=556,505)](https://www.olivemagazine.com/recipes/cocktails-and-drinks/baileys-coffee/) [Baileys coffee](https://www.olivemagazine.com/recipes/cocktails-and-drinks/baileys-coffee/) A star rating of 5 out of 5.3 ratings [![A ribbed glass of coffee with white cream on the top, garnished with two coffee beans next to a wooden bowl of coffee beans](https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/2/2021/11/calypso-coffee-1d2d4ea.png?quality=90&resize=556,505)](https://www.olivemagazine.com/recipes/cocktails-and-drinks/calypso-coffee/) [Calypso coffee](https://www.olivemagazine.com/recipes/cocktails-and-drinks/calypso-coffee/) A star rating of 5 out of 5.4 ratings [![A martini glass filled with espresso martini on a grey background](https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/2/2020/02/Cocktail-2_V2-2155693.jpg?quality=90&resize=556,505)](https://www.olivemagazine.com/recipes/cocktails-and-drinks/espresso-martini/) [Espresso martini](https://www.olivemagazine.com/recipes/cocktails-and-drinks/espresso-martini/) A star rating of 5 out of 5.2 ratings [![three coffee grinders in a row](https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/2/2021/07/Best-coffee-grinders-olive-thumbnail-7e40655.png?quality=90&resize=556,505)](https://www.olivemagazine.com/reviews/best-coffee-grinders-to-buy/) [Best coffee grinders to buy in 2025, tried, tested and reviewed by experts](https://www.olivemagazine.com/reviews/best-coffee-grinders-to-buy/) #### Want to see this content? 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Readable Markdown

Whether you favour an espresso or bean-to-cup machine for your morning brew, or opt for a manual method like using a cafetiere or moka pot, your choice of coffee bean has a huge impact on flavour. Buying whole beans and grinding them yourself is the best way to ensure freshness, and it's important to look at the date they were roasted. For the best results, look for beans that have been roasted in the last 30 days. Read on for tried and tested recommendations on the best coffee beans to buy from our coffee expert Celeste Wong. *Looking for top-of-the-range coffee beans to grind? Great coffee starts with great coffee beans. If your beans are good, then half the battle is won already.* *Get expert advice from olive's coffee expert, Celeste Wong. She has tried and tested all the below coffee beans to bring your her top picks. Make sure you use the [best coffee grinder](https://www.olivemagazine.com/reviews/best-coffee-grinders-to-buy/) for your beans and find the right machine to brew the best cup with the biggest *[coffee machine deals](https://www.olivemagazine.com/reviews/nespresso-offers/) available right now.** **Jump to section:** - **[Best coffee beans at a glance](https://www.olivemagazine.com/guides/best-coffee-beans-to-buy/#GLANCE)** - **[The best coffee beans to buy 2025](https://www.olivemagazine.com/guides/best-coffee-beans-to-buy/#BEST)** - **[Why buy whole coffee beans?](https://www.olivemagazine.com/guides/best-coffee-beans-to-buy/#BUY)** - **[What type of coffee beans should I buy?](https://www.olivemagazine.com/guides/best-coffee-beans-to-buy/#TYPE)** - **[What does coffee roast mean?](https://www.olivemagazine.com/guides/best-coffee-beans-to-buy/#ROAST)** *** ## Best coffee beans to buy at a glance - **Best for variety of coffee beans**: Rave Coffee Roasters, [from £6.98](https://ravecoffee.co.uk/collections/coffee) - **Best for a large selection of coffee beans:** Pact Coffee, [from £9.95](https://www.pactcoffee.com/coffees) - **Best no-frills coffee beans:** Grind, [from £8.95](https://grind.pxf.io/c/1236178/1025283/13388?subId1=olivemagazine-142685&u=https%3A%2F%2Fgrind.co.uk%2Fproducts%2Ftaster-pack-coffee) - **Best high-quality coffee beans:** Assembly Coffee, [from £10](https://assemblycoffee.co.uk/collections/buy-coffee) - **Best carbon negative coffee beans:** Kiss The Hippo, [from £11.50](https://www.awin1.com/cread.php?id=489797&clickref=olivemagazine-142685&awinmid=77226&p=https%3A%2F%2Fkissthehippo.com%2Fcollections%2Fcoffee) - **Best balanced coffee:** Redemption Coffee Roasters, [from £8.90](https://www.redemptionroasters.com/shop/) - **Most versatile coffee beans:** Origin Coffee, from [£8.50](https://www.awin1.com/cread.php?id=489797&clickref=olivemagazine-142685&awinmid=30287&p=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.origincoffee.co.uk%2Fcollections%2Fcoffee) - ****Best coffee beans for long-time quality:**** Climpson & Sons, [from £11](https://climpsonandsons.com/collections/coffee) - **Best coffee beans for filter coffee**: PLOT roasting, [from £9](https://plotroasting.com/collections/all-coffee) - **Best coffee beans for community spirit:** Dear Green, [from £10.70](https://www.deargreencoffee.com/collections/coffee-beans) - **Best coffee beans for playful blends:** Perky Blenders, [from £8.90](https://perkyblenders.com/collections/coffee) - **Best for café-quality brunch vibes at home:** Ozone Coffee Roasters, [from £10](https://ozonecoffee.co.uk/collections/coffee) - **Best for Colombian coffee:** Hermanos, [from £13.50](https://hermanoscoffeeroasters.com/collections/colombian-specialty-coffee) - **Best coffee beans for reliable espresso:** Code 194, [from £11](https://code194coffee.com/products/194-espresso) - **Best coffee beans with sweet notes:** Volcano Coffee Works, [from £7.50](https://volcanocoffeeworks.com/collections/buy-coffee-beans) *** ### Rave Coffee Roasters - **Available** from [Rave (from £6.98)](https://ravecoffee.co.uk/collections/coffee), [Amazon (from £11.59)](https://www.amazon.co.uk/Rave-Coffee-Signature-Roasted-AeroPress/dp/B008L1S41W?tag=olivemag-21&ascsubtag=olivemagazine-142685) **Best for variety of coffee beans** Based in the Cotswolds, Rave has built a loyal following since 2011 and continues to offer one of the most varied selections around. I’ve been drinking their coffee for years – especially their single origins, which now number over 20. There’s also a tidy little rare coffee range for those feeling curious, plus decaf options that use the Swiss-Water method - a natural, chemical-free way of decaffeinating while keeping its flavour (I’ve used it in a few coffee cocktails recently and it’s great). I like that they keep things accessible while championing sustainability: they support Fair Trade pricing, World Coffee Research and are part of 1% for the Planet. One standout detail? They also sell small quantities of green beans, which I don’t see often. It’s handy if you're experimenting with roasting at home which I suspect might become more of a trend in the future. Quick delivery, a wide range of blends and gifts, and solid value make Rave one of my reliable go-tos. At the moment, I’m drinking their Colombian el Carmen no 50 as espresso, and their Guatemala Bosques de San Francisco no 52 as my filter. **Available** **from:** [Rave (from £6.98)](https://ravecoffee.co.uk/collections/coffee) [Amazon (from £11.59)](https://www.amazon.co.uk/Rave-Coffee-Signature-Roasted-AeroPress/dp/B008L1S41W?tag=olivemag-21&ascsubtag=olivemagazine-142685) *** ### Pact Coffee - **Available** from [Pact Coffee (from £7.96)](https://www.pactcoffee.com/coffees) **Best for a large selection** Pact Coffee has always placed an importance on working closely with suppliers and pioneering direct trade early on. While still being specialty, many of the coffees I've had in the past have employed a darker roast style than some of the other specialty coffees on the market. This was my first time trying the 'coffee select' range, which offers 13 different rotating coffees, from multiple different origins and at five different grind levels. I was pleasantly surprised by the Bourbon Cream Espresso, a Brazilian and El Salvadorean blend with (unsurprisingly!) notes of bourbon cream biscuits. I also tried the Brazilian Zaroca. This was roasted similarly to the Bourbon coffee, and easily drinkable. It had a thinner mouth feel and less body, with an apple-like acidity so I would drink this as a filter coffee. Both had a good amount of sweetness, low bitterness and mild acidity. **Available from:** [Pact Coffee (from £7.96)](https://www.pactcoffee.com/coffees) *** ### Grind - **Available** from [Grind (£8 for 227g)](https://grind.pxf.io/c/1236178/1025283/13388?subId1=olivemagazine-142685&u=https%3A%2F%2Fgrind.co.uk%2Fproducts%2Ftaster-pack-coffee) **Best no-frills coffee beans** In 2011, Grind first opened shop in the heart of Shoreditch. Now with multiple sites across London, and supplying a range of coffee shops, it boasts its own roastery and a successful online subscription service. Its house coffee blend is affordable (£8 per 227g bag) and neatly packaged in long, skinny postable shapes in its recognisable pink colour. Unfortunately, it doesn't disclose the origin of the coffee beans. This isn't easy to find on the site, either. But, it does disclose that the beans are specialty grade (which means they must score 80-100 points, set by SCA cupping standards) and ethically sourced. So, this coffee is more for the drinker who wants a nice standard coffee at home, and isn't too bothered about having much more information. You can choose from the house blend, light, dark and decaf roasts, plus its ‘edition’ beans from Peru (which I assume changes, depending on seasons and buying). Grind's eco-footprint has improved over the years, using compostable packaging and products like coffee tins to refill your supply, minimising packaging waste. I found the house blend pleasant and enjoyed drinking it as a flat white with oat milk. The decaf is nice, too. Both coffees aren’t over-roasted or too dark, which is a good thing when using specialty coffee. The coffee is bold enough for milk to cut through, but it’s not overpowering and has some level of depth. **Available from:** [Grind (£8 for 227g)](https://grind.pxf.io/c/1236178/1025283/13388?subId1=olivemagazine-142685&u=https%3A%2F%2Fgrind.co.uk%2Fproducts%2Ftaster-pack-coffee) *** ### Assembly Coffee - **Available** from [Assembly Coffee (from £10)](https://assemblycoffee.co.uk/collections/buy-coffee) **Best high-quality coffee beans** Assembly Coffee, roasted in Brixton, is known for its high-quality coffee and artistically painted designs that represent the flavours and characteristics of the coffee. Everything about Assembly is chic and well thought out, like much of its coffee. First I tried the House Espresso, a washed Colombian bean. I found this rich, clean, sweet and balanced with or without milk. Next I tried the Villamaria from Columbia, a naturally processed bean. I got a strawberries and cream hit at the beginning for an enjoyable bright and fresh cup, with a highly perfumed aroma. **Roaster's toasting notes:** **Villamaria:** hazelnut, strawberry, complex **House Espresso:** plum, brown sugar, refreshing **Available from:** [Assembly Coffee (from £10)](https://assemblycoffee.co.uk/collections/buy-coffee) *** ### Kiss The Hippo - **Available** from [Kiss The Hippo (from £10.50)](https://www.awin1.com/cread.php?id=489797&clickref=olivemagazine-142685&awinmid=77226&p=https%3A%2F%2Fkissthehippo.com%2Fcollections%2Fcoffee), [Amazon (from £12.50)](https://www.amazon.co.uk/stores/page/D2F642F7-5386-4743-BAA6-EA7D2296547F?tag=olivemag-21&ascsubtag=olivemagazine-142685) **Best carbon negative coffee beans** Kiss The Hippo stands out for being carbon negative – going beyond carbon neutral. The brand calculated its carbon emissions and planned out ways in which it could reduce them, then made a plan with reforestation charity On A Mission to offset its remaining emissions with verified or certified sustainable reforestation projects. I tested out the Los Vascos Colombian coffee. This drop is lightly roasted and has a lovely light body to it. I found it had sweetness and a bright acidity like that of green apple. **Roaster's tasting notes:** caramel, honey, green apple **Available from:** [Kiss The Hippo (from £10.50)](https://www.awin1.com/cread.php?id=489797&clickref=olivemagazine-142685&awinmid=77226&p=https%3A%2F%2Fkissthehippo.com%2Fcollections%2Fcoffee) [Amazon (from £12.50)](https://www.amazon.co.uk/stores/page/D2F642F7-5386-4743-BAA6-EA7D2296547F?tag=olivemag-21&ascsubtag=olivemagazine-142685) *** ### Redemption Coffee Roasters - **Available** from [Redemption Roasters (from £8.90)](https://www.redemptionroasters.com/product-category/recipes/collection/best-ever-coffee-recipes/) **Best balanced coffee** Redemption Coffee Roasters is the world's first prison-based coffee company, on a mission to reduce reoffending rates through coffee. It runs barista training academies in several prisons across the UK and on release, helps graduates find work in its own coffee shops or within its network. ⁠The Aylesbury Blend espresso is its all-rounder espresso, and I've been really enjoying it as a long black and a flat white. It is really balanced, with low bitterness and low acidity. The Mount Blend, a coffee from Colombia and Ethiopia, had berry and floral notes. The next coffee I tried was the filter coffee, El Meridiano from Colombia. This is a bright and aromatic coffee. I really enjoyed this. The acidity is higher in this which I liked, and the pineapple flavour notes came through well. **Roaster's tasting notes:** **Aylesbury Blend:** marzipan, dried apricot, biscuit **The Mount Blend:** raspberry, blackcurrant, tea rose **El Meridiano:** pineapple, lime, green apple **Available from:** [Redemption Roasters (from £8.90)](https://www.redemptionroasters.com/product-category/coffee/) *** ### Origin Coffee - **Available** from [Origin Coffee (from £8.50)](https://www.awin1.com/cread.php?id=489797&clickref=olivemagazine-142685&awinmid=30287&p=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.origincoffee.co.uk%2Fcollections%2Fcoffee) **Most versatile coffee beans** Origin Coffee is a very successful and reputable roastery that started 15 years ago, based in Cornwall. Origin’s San Fermin beans have been a trusty staple for many cafes around the UK, as it is omni-roasted. This means it is developed enough for espressos and yet still light enough to brew as a filter coffee, making it highly versatile. This coffee goes well in a flat white and makes a satisfying morning brew as a filter. **Roaster's notes:** orange sherbet, caramel, berries **Available from:** [Origin Coffee (from £8.50)](https://www.awin1.com/cread.php?id=489797&clickref=olivemagazine-142685&awinmid=30287&p=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.origincoffee.co.uk%2Fcollections%2Fcoffee) *** ### Climpson & Sons - **Available** from [Climpson & Sons (from £11)](https://climpsonandsons.com/collections/coffee) **Best coffee beans for long-time quality** Climpson & Sons has been part of the East London coffee scene since the early 2000s – first as a market stall, and now as a roastery, café and brand known for its consistent quality and creativity. They’re B Corp certified, and their focus on sustainability, quality and community has been part of their DNA from the beginning. I love that they keep a strong core range of blends and dependable single origins while offering more boutique-style options, like their Midnight Oil coffee liqueur and concentrates for easy cocktails – great for espresso martinis. Climpson is one of those roasters that have stayed true to their ethos while growing thoughtfully. I’ve followed their journey closely over the years, and their coffee continues to deliver every time. You might also be interested in the charitable cycling and ocean conservation initiatives they run. At the moment I’m drinking The Baron as espresso, a Brazilian pulped natural with dark chocolate, hazelnut and marzipan notes and their Sirinya single origin from Thailand. I haven’t had much coffee from Thailand, and this is a lovely naturally processed coffee, perfect for filter, with raspberry, mango and vanilla notes. Their coffee info cards are really effective and help guide you on which brew method to use, depending on what you prefer or have at home. Their decaf is lovely too, for both espresso and filter methods. **Available** **from:** [Climpson & Sons (from £11)](https://climpsonandsons.com/collections/coffee) *** ### Plot Roasting - **Available** from [PLOT roasting (from £9)](https://plotroasting.com/collections/all-coffee) **Best coffee beans for filter coffee** Plot burst onto the scene a few years ago and has been the name on every barista’s lips since. At recent London Coffee Festivals, where I host MC Coffee Masters, their stand is always my first stop for a morning cup. They specialise in unusual, experimental processing – think an 84-hour yeast-anoxic natural or a honey-processed Geisha, which makes each brew a real talking point. For the past year I’ve subscribed to their ICON Series: 100-150g of a genuinely rare coffee delivered monthly for £20. It’s a brilliant, affordable way to taste beans that are normally impossible to source in small amounts; a few cups is often all you need to appreciate something extraordinary before returning to your daily blend. Whether you’re an experienced coffee nerd or just want to dip a toe outside your usual filter, Plot is the place. And if rarity isn’t your thing, they still offer everyday crowd-pleasers. **Available** **from:** [PLOT roasting (from £9)](https://plotroasting.com/collections/all-coffee) *** ### Dear Green - **Available** from [Dear Green (from £10.70)](https://www.deargreencoffee.com/collections/coffee-beans) **Best coffee beans for community spirit** I’ve been a fan of this Glasgow-based roaster for years. Founded in 2011 by Lisa Lawson, an inspiring figure in the industry and long-time champion of women in coffee (myself included) – Dear Green is a values-led B Corp with an impressively high recertification score of 117.6, and a pledge to reach net-zero by 2030. Transparency runs deep: sourcing is traceable, with organic, decaf, espresso and filter options, plus a dedicated ‘women producer’ range and showcase coffees for something extra special. I’m currently sipping the “Dear Green City Blend” - a Peru-Colombia mix with chocolate, caramel and bright cherry notes. Great as espresso, or as a summer cold brew. £1 from each bag goes to Greenheart Growers and Wash House Garden. From travelling barista to founder of the Glasgow Coffee Festival, Lisa’s passion shows in every cup. With barista training, community projects, and fair-living wages baked into the business, Dear Green is more than a roastery, it’s a movement. No surprise they were named Micro Roaster of the Year by *Roast Magazine*. **Available from:** [Dear Green (from £10.70)](https://www.deargreencoffee.com/collections/coffee-beans) *** ### Perky Blenders - **Available** from [Perky Blenders (from £8.90)](https://perkyblenders.com/collections/coffee) **Best coffee beans for playful blends** I first came across Perky Blenders thanks to my semi-pro cyclist friends, who swore by their deliveries to fuel long rides. Based in East London (with a new café just opened), they roast sustainably with compostable packaging and a focus on traceability. The bright branding and coffee names make things feel playful and accessible. “I’m So Curious” is their coffee-of-the-month pick, while “I’m So Nutty” (Forest Blend) is rich and chocolatey, and “I’m So Jammy” brings fruity funk with notes of blackberry, pineapple and coconut. Their selection boxes are great for gifting or discovering your favourites, and their personalised bags for birthdays and holidays add a thoughtful twist. Right now I’m sipping their Burundi Rugembe Hill and Jazzy Max – both tropical and vibrant. I’m even tempted to blend a shot into a smoothie for a little extra zing. **Available** **from:** [Perky Blenders (from £8.90)](https://perkyblenders.com/collections/coffee) *** ### Ozone Coffee Roasters - **Available** from [Ozone Coffee (from £10)](https://ozonecoffee.co.uk/collections/coffee) **Best for café-quality brunch vibes at home** Since landing in London in 2012, Ozone has earned a stellar reputation for top-tier coffee paired with that unmistakable Antipodean flair for food, helping to shape the UK’s brunch culture as we know it. Founded in New Zealand, their B Corp status reflects a strong company ethos rooted in sustainability, quality, and community. They now have several café locations across London, so you can enjoy their brews (and brilliant brunches) in person too. Their home coffee range covers origins like Bolivia, Colombia and Guatemala, thanks to long-standing relationships with producers. I also love that they offer a “half caff” option – perfect if you’re caffeine-sensitive but still want a little buzz. You can shop by flavour notes like citrus, floral, nutty or cocoa, which makes picking your perfect brew feel intuitive and fun. Packaging is beautifully designed and fully recyclable, and deliveries are quick and well-packed. Their reserve tasting packs are a great way to explore higher-end lots, and I rate their special edition “Pride” coffee from Fazenda Inglaterra, which supports the LGBTQ+ youth charity akt. I’d recommend trying one of their Bolivians or Kenyans for something vibrant and delicious. **Available** **from:** [Ozone Coffee (from £10)](https://ozonecoffee.co.uk/collections/coffee) *** ### Hermanos - **Available** from [Hermanos (from £13.50)](https://hermanoscoffeeroasters.com/collections/colombian-specialty-coffee) ![Hermanos coffee beans](https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/2/2024/02/Hermanos-coffee-beans-40dfbe4.jpg?quality=90&resize=700,466) **Best for Colombian coffee** Hermanos works with Colombian coffee farmers and has had some unique coffees recently that I’ve really enjoyed. The La Aldea is the latest. I’ve been drinking this as an espresso with milk, where the assam tea and dark chocolate flavour notes come in to balance out the milk. I’ve also been drinking it as a black filter coffee, and the plum and apricot sweetness shines through. At a slightly higher price point, this is maybe one to splash out on. **Roaster's notes:** black plum, assam tea, dark chocolate **Available from:** [Hermanos (from £13.50)](https://hermanoscoffeeroasters.com/collections/colombian-specialty-coffee) Santiago and Victor Gamboa, founders of Colombian coffee roasters Hermanos, [share their favourite food and drinks from their homeland](https://www.olivemagazine.com/travel/south-america/colombian-cuisine-10-things-we-love/). *** ### Code 194 - **Available** from [Code 194 (from £11)](https://code194coffee.com/) ![Code 194 coffee beans](https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/2/2024/02/Code-194-coffee-beans-50f5c75.jpg?quality=90&resize=700,466) **Best coffee beans for reliable espresso** This new roastery may be the new kid on the block, but its roaster is not! With many years of experience in roasting for top roasteries in England over many years, this new south London roastery offers a solid range of delicious and reliable coffees that you can purchase online. Having tried many of the specialty coffees from its range, I'd recommend the espresso blend, which changes seasonally but keeps to a similar flavour profile. As an espresso, it's bold enough for the milk to cut through, which is important if you drink coffee with milk. The Papua New Guinea coffee has fruity and milk chocolate flavour notes. Both are very reasonably priced, and come in bags of 250g. **Roaster's notes:** cocoa, candied citrus **Available from:** [Code 194 (from £11)](https://code194coffee.com/) *** ### Volcano Coffee Works - **Available** from [Volcano Coffee Works (from £7.50)](https://volcanocoffeeworks.com/collections/buy-coffee-beans) ![Volcano Coffee beans](https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/2/2025/07/Volcano-Coffee-beans-4b348b3.jpg?quality=90&resize=700,466) **Best coffee beans with sweet notes** Volcano Coffee Works is one of London’s early artisan coffee roasters, founded by Kurt Stewart, an experienced New Zealand roaster. It made its mark supplying top-notch restaurants and today still does, as well as specialty cafés. I tested out the espresso roast – the Mount Blend, from El Salvador and Brazil. I found this coffee nice and sweet but bold, with good body and medium acidity. A nice drop with milk. **Roaster's tasting notes:** Caramel, red grapes, milk chocolate. **Available from:** [Volcano Coffee Works (from £7.50)](https://volcanocoffeeworks.com/collections/buy-coffee-beans) *** ## Why buy whole coffee beans? Beans stay fresher for longer, and so your coffee should taste better, too. As soon as green coffee beans are roasted, they start to release CO2, which affects the taste. They will oxidise and slowly start to go 'stale' and have a flat taste after a while. When coffee is ground, there is a higher surface area which is exposed to oxygen and that will cause them to lose their freshness faster, so it's best to keep coffee beans whole as close to brewing as possible. Treat your coffee beans similarly to potatoes: store them in a dark, dry place. It's best they are kept in a container or the bag they come in to stop oxygen and moisture getting in. *** ## What type of coffee beans should I buy? There are generally two types of beans: robusta and arabica. **Arabica:** Produced by the specialty coffee industry, this is harder to grow. Arabica beans have less caffeine than robusta, but more varied complex characteristics in taste and acidity levels because it is usually grown at higher altitudes, and better quality, nutrient-rich soil. **Robusta:** Robusta beans are hardy and usually used for commodity products such as cheaper instant coffee. *** ## What does coffee roast mean? Coffee roasts are generally described as light, medium and dark. Dark roasts can be described as more bold and strong tasting. Espresso can usually be roasted a little darker, as the coffee is extracted through machines with high pressure and temperature, so the flavour still comes through. However, medium to lighter roasts keep a lot of the bean's flavour characteristics. When you roast a bean, think of it like taking the moisture out of it: the equivalent to slow or quick cooking a cut of meat. There is also an art to roasting coffee beans, in the fact that different beans from different origins hold different moisture content and density, and therefore need to be roasted appropriately to optimise flavour and quality. *** ### Want to learn more about becoming an expert at-home barista? Read our guides here: Celeste Wong's guide to becoming [an overnight coffee expert](https://www.olivemagazine.com/guides/overnight-coffee-expert/) Celeste Wong's guide on [how to make iced coffee](https://www.olivemagazine.com/drink/how-to-make-iced-coffee/) Celeste Wong's guide on [sustainable coffee](https://www.olivemagazine.com/guides/sustainable-coffee/) Celeste Wong's [best moka pots](https://www.olivemagazine.com/guides/best-moka-pot-coffee-makers/) Celeste Wong's [best coffee grinders](https://www.olivemagazine.com/reviews/best-coffee-grinders-to-buy/) Celeste Wong's [best decaf coffee to try](https://www.olivemagazine.com/guides/best-decaf-coffee-to-buy/) Celeste Wong's [best reusable and compostable espresso pods](https://www.olivemagazine.com/guides/best-eco-friendly-coffee-pods/) Celeste Wong's [best gooseneck kettles to try](https://www.olivemagazine.com/guides/best-gooseneck-kettles-to-buy/) ## More reviews [Best coffee subscriptions to try](https://www.olivemagazine.com/guides/taste-tests/best-coffee-subscriptions/) [Best Sage coffee machines](https://www.olivemagazine.com/reviews/best-sage-coffee-machine/) [Best coffee pod machines](https://www.olivemagazine.com/reviews/best-coffee-pod-machine/) [Best bean-to-cup coffee machines](https://www.olivemagazine.com/reviews/best-bean-to-cup-coffee-machines/) [Best espresso machines](https://www.olivemagazine.com/guides/best-espresso-machines/) [Best matcha tea](https://www.olivemagazine.com/reviews/best-matcha-tea-to-buy/) [Best greens powders to buy](https://www.olivemagazine.com/reviews/best-greens-powder-to-buy-tried-and-tested/)

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Celeste Wong

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