10 Best Coffee Beans in Australia: Reviews & Top Picks

There are many different types of coffee beans available on the market today, but which one is best for your needs?

Australian coffee lovers will be happy to know that they have a wide variety of high-quality, great-tasting coffee beans to choose from when searching for the perfect cup of coffee.

If you’re looking for a great tasting cup of coffee, you need to find the right bean. Whether you’re looking for a rich, smooth cup of coffee or something with a little more flavor, we’ve got you covered with our list of the 10 best coffee beans in Australia, perfect for any discerning coffee lover.

a quick comparison of our favorites in 2022

Australia’s top 10 coffee beans

1. lavazza espresso barista perfetto – best overall

When it comes to coffee beans, there are many options on the market. but if you’re looking for one of the best overall options in oz, you want the lavazza espresso barista perfetto.

These beans are made with 100% Arabica coffee, which is widely considered to be the best type of coffee bean. they also produce excellent crema and a bold flavor that is sure to please even the most refined coffee drinker.

However, some people find its intensity too weak and there have been reports of stale batches in the past. Overall, however, the Lavazza Espresso Barista Perfetto is still the best whole bean coffee on the market.

2. strong harris coffee beans: best value for money

harris strong coffee beans are roasted in australia and made from 100% arabica beans. these beans are designed to give you a bold, strong cup of coffee with rich flavor.

the beans are also affordably priced, making them a great option for budget-conscious coffee drinkers.

They have a full-bodied flavor and are excellent value for money. some reviewers find the pour over inconsistent, but even those most discerning coffee drinkers who weren’t big fans of the bean keep them on hand as a backup, so they’re still a decent option, especially for the price.

Overall, Harris Strong coffee beans are some of the best coffee beans in Australia for the money.

3. fair trade organic coffee on ethical beans – premium choice

Ethical Bean Fair Trade Organic Coffee is a coffee that meets all ethical requirements, making it an outstanding premium option.

It’s USDA Certified Organic and 100% Fair Trade, ensuring farmers are paid a fair price for their harvest. the beans can also be traced from farm to cup, so you can be sure they’ve been sourced ethically and sustainably.

In terms of flavor, the coffee is creamy and smooth with a slight sweetness. it’s definitely on the softer end of the spectrum, and some may find it a bit too one-dimensional.

Coffee is also packaged in a resealable bag, ensuring freshness. however, all of this comes at a price: organic fair trade coffee on ethical beans is one of the most expensive coffees on the market. but for those who prioritize ethical sourcing, the price is worth it.

4. kauai coffee beans mocha macadamia nut

kauai whole bean coffee mocha macadamia nut is a highly rated coffee that uses 100% arabica beans. the coffee beans are ethically sourced and the company uses eco-friendly practices and packaging.

the coffee has notes of nuts and chocolate. however, some find the flavor too bland. It is also important to read the packaging carefully. Although it is marketed as Hawaiian, it only contains 10% Hawaiian beans.

Overall, kauai whole bean coffee mocha macadamia nut is a good option for those looking for an organic and ethically sourced coffee. however, those looking for a strong flavor may be disappointed.

5. Don Francisco’s French Dark Roast Whole Bean Coffee

Don Francisco’s French Dark Roast Whole Bean Coffee is good value for money. 100% arabica beans are always a good sign, and the bag promises a smoky aroma with hints of chocolate, which reviewers say definitely delivers.

however, the coffee is quite weak and lacks the strong flavor that many dark roast lovers crave.

The good news is that it’s low in acidity and relatively mild, making it a good choice for those who are sensitive to stomach irritation.

6. kicking horse cafe – three sisters

kicking horse coffee is a Canadian coffee company founded in 1996. Their coffee is certified organic, kosher and fair trade.

Coffee beans are grown in the shade, which helps protect the environment.

In addition, the coffee beans are consistently high quality across the brand and batches. however, one disadvantage is that the coffee beans lack aroma. for some, the taste is more important, but for others, the aroma is just as vital.

7. copper moon espresso roast

Copper Moon Espresso Roast Coffee Beans are a great value for a single batch of roasted coffee. For Starbucks fans, the beans taste similar to Starbucks Sumatra, with the same smooth texture.

the mixed origin of the beans makes them soft for a dark roast. on the other hand, blended beans tend to be more affordable. some coffee drinkers may prefer the mild flavor.

Overall, Copper Moon Espresso Roast beans are a good choice for those who want a smooth, dark roast without the bitter aftertaste.

8. animated marley cafe

If you’re a Bob Marley fan, you’ll love Copper Moon’s Roasted Espresso Beans. Marley Coffee partners with NGOs that are committed to reforestation in Jamaica, and a portion of the proceeds from each sale goes to support these efforts.

The coffee beans themselves are strong and rich, with a deep flavor that is perfect for espresso. Plus, they’re Fair Trade certified, so you can be sure the farmers who grew them were paid a fair price.

The only drawback is that the beans only come in small bags, so if you drink a lot of coffee, you’ll go through them quickly. But overall, Copper Moon’s Espresso Roast is a great option for fans of Bob Marley and Jamaican coffee.

9. the bean coffee company organic mocha java

The Bean Coffee Company Organic Mocha Java Coffee Beans are a high quality product with some great features.

Beans are hand-roasted in small batches, ensuring each bean is roasted to perfection. Second, the beans are certified organic, meaning they are grown without the use of harmful chemicals.

third, the beans are 100% arabica. the beans have a perfect balance between intense and mild flavors.

however, they are darker than many medium roasts, which may not appeal to coffee drinkers who prefer lighter roasts. mocha flavors are weak compared to other mochas on the market.

10. coffee beans at eight o’clock

Eight o’clock coffee beans have clear advantages and disadvantages. On the plus side, the coffee beans are 100% Arabica, which is generally considered to be of higher quality than non-Arabica beans.

Also, they are kosher, which may be important to some consumers. one drawback is that the flavor is relatively mild, which some coffee drinkers prefer, while others may lack depth. there is also a slight hint of bitterness, which some people may not enjoy.

Overall, eight o’clock coffee beans are a decent choice for those looking for an inexpensive coffee bean that meets certain quality standards.

buyer’s guide: finding the best coffee beans in australia

There are many things to consider when buying coffee. For some, price is the most important factor. others prioritize taste or convenience. And for a growing number of people, ethical considerations are paramount.

the best coffee beans for you

Your individual preferences will determine the best coffee bean for you. but in general, there are a few things to keep in mind that will help you make the best decision.

roast

The first thing to consider is the roast. coffee beans can be divided into three categories: light, medium and dark.

Light roasts have a lighter color and a milder flavor. they also generally have less caffeine than dark roasts.

Medium roasts are darker than light roasts but not as dark as dark roasts. they have a stronger flavor and contain more caffeine than light roasts.

Dark roasts are the darkest coffee beans. they have a strong, bold flavor and are the most caffeinated.

your personal preferences will determine which type of roast you prefer. if you like a stronger, more intense flavor, you’ll probably prefer a dark roast. if you prefer a milder flavor, you’ll probably prefer a light roast. and if you like something in between, you’ll probably prefer a medium roast.

price

Of course, price is always a consideration when buying coffee. In general, you will get what you pay for: higher quality coffee beans will cost more than lower quality coffee beans.

However, there are ways to save money without sacrificing quality. for example, buying in bulk can often be cheaper than buying smaller quantities. and searching for deals or discounts can also help you find good coffee beans at a lower price.

brand ethics

Finally, an increasing number of consumers are interested in ethically sourced coffee. this includes factors such as whether the coffee is fair trade, organic, or comes from sustainable farms.

There is no right or wrong answer when it comes to brand ethics. it is simply a matter of personal preference. however, it is something to keep in mind when making your decision.

coffee certification & marketing tags: what they mean

When you shop for coffee, you’re likely to come across a variety of certification labels and marketing claims. these can be confusing and make the already difficult task of choosing a brand even more difficult. here’s a quick guide to what they mean so you can choose a brand that aligns with your ethos.

fair trade certified

Fair trade certification is awarded to coffee beans that meet certain standards set by the fair trade organization. These standards include things like ensuring that farmers are paid a fair price for their coffee and that they have good working conditions.

Without this certification, you can’t be sure the coffee beans you’re buying meet these standards.

organic

Organic coffee beans are those that have been grown without the use of pesticides or synthetic fertilizers. For a coffee bean to be certified organic, it must meet certain standards set by the relevant departments of the countries’ governments.

For Australian products, ACO (Australian Certified Organic) is the relevant certification body. Other common certifications you’ll see on beans include USDA (United States Department of Agriculture) or COTA (Canadian Organic Trade Association)

While organic certification is not as strict as fair trade, it guarantees that the coffee beans were grown without synthetic chemicals. coffee that is not certified organic can still be grown without the use of synthetic pesticides or fertilizers. however, the farmer is not required to follow any specific standard.

rainforest alliance certified

Rainforest Alliance certification is awarded to coffee beans that have been grown in an environmentally sustainable manner. this includes things like protecting forests and waterways and providing good working conditions for farmers.

As with fair trade certification, without this label you cannot be sure that the coffee beans you have purchased meet these standards.

kosher

Kosher coffee beans are those that have been prepared in accordance with Jewish dietary law. this includes things like making sure the coffee beans are free of bugs and have been roasted to a certain temperature.

While kosher certification is not that common, it is something to look for if you stay kosher.

grown in the shade

Shade-grown coffee is grown in an environment where there is a lot of tree cover. this provides habitat for animals and helps protect against soil erosion. shade-grown coffee often has a more complex flavor than coffee grown in full sun.

You will often see shade-grown certification on rainforest alliance certified coffee beans.

smithsonian bird friendly

Smithsonian Bird Friendly Certification is awarded to coffee beans that have been grown in a way that is environmentally sustainable and provides habitat for birds. To earn this certification, farmers must meet a set of standards established by the Smithsonian Migratory Bird Center.

These standards include things like having a certain number of trees and providing nesting sites for birds.

Smithsonian Bird Friendly Certification is not as common as Rainforest Alliance Certification, but it is something to look for if you are concerned about the environment.

a b corporation

B Corporations are not-for-profit companies certified by the B Lab to meet certain standards of social and environmental performance, accountability, and transparency.

In order for a coffee company to obtain B Corporation certification, it must undergo a rigorous evaluation process. this process includes things like an assessment of your environmental impact and your treatment of employees.

single source vs blends

Single origin coffee beans are those that come from a specific country or region. single origin coffee often has a more distinctive flavor than blends, which are made up of beans from multiple countries or regions.

Blends are created to create a coffee with a more consistent flavor. This is because the flavors of single-origin coffees can vary depending on things like the climate and soil in which they were grown.

When choosing between single-origin and blends, it’s important to consider what flavor you’re looking for. if you want a more distinctive flavor, single origin coffee is a good choice. however, if you’re looking for a more consistent flavor, a blend might be a better option.

conclusion

Our top pick for the best overall coffee bean in Australia was the ever popular Lavazza Espresso Barista Perfetto, we loved the bold flavors and premium crema produced. for the top value, we chose strong harris. these beans pack a big punch for the price and cater to general coffee drinkers.

Whether you’re looking for a bold flavor or something that’s more consistent, there’s a coffee bean for you. Our top picks for the best coffee beans in Australia should get you started on your search. keep in mind that the most important thing is to find a bean that you enjoy and that suits your taste preferences. so don’t be afraid to experiment!

featured image credit: voffka23, shutterstock