by @amitgiant
Hey Coffee Lovers!
Read this before commenting please!
This list is a subjective comparison, as everyone has their own favourites for various reasons, whether sentimental or otherwise. Therefore, if you have any opinions or expert insights, please feel free to share them in the comments, and please be kind.
Arranged from least to most recommended.
Additionally, when referring to “sweetener,” this could include sugar, agave, monk fruit, or any other preferred choice.
After the list, you can find further details about this coffee comparison.
( Click to expand )
THE ULTIMATE BEANS & GROUND COFFEE
COMPARISON FOR TRINIDAD & TOBAGO
by AmitGiant
This was NOT sponsored by any of the brands showcased
Hong Wing
GROUND
- Smells weak, when dry.
- Smells okay brewing.
- Needs sweetener, a lot.
- Tastes odd, almost like drinking gas; unimpressed. I got accustomed to the taste eventually but didn’t enjoy it any better.
- The aftertaste is not great, like instant coffee.
- Good caffeine strength, however.
Extremely Affordable
Would NOT Recommend
Members Selection - Premium Excelso
GROUND
- Smells okay but not like real ground coffee does.
- Better smell when brewing, but still average.
- Needs a lot of sweetener.
- The initial taste is not great at all (worst than Hong Wing), almost unnatural but eventually, you get used to it, though I wouldn’t recommend it one bit.
- Didn’t like the aftertaste either, just like instant coffee.
- Not strong caffeine.
Not Worth It
Would NEVER Recommend
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Starbucks - French Roast
BEANS
- Awful smell dry. A real turn-off.
- Okayish smell brewing.
- Definitely needs sweetener.
- I didn’t enjoy this one any better, it was almost bitter.
- Not a bad aftertaste, but not great either.
- Strong caffeine strength, perks me up.
Higher End
Would NOT Recommend
Starbucks - House Blend
BEANS
- Smells bad dry
- Better smell brewing.
- Definitely needs sweetener.
- It’s not great tasting at all, though you get used to it more than the previous ones.
- Not a bad aftertaste, but not great either.
- Good Caffeine as well.
Higher End
Would NOT really Recommend
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Jose Perez - Ground
GROUND
- The smell is not great, average, okayish.
- Okay smell brewing.
- Needs sweetener but not a lot.
- Acceptable taste but is not great or smooth. I got accustomed to this taste and may buy this one again.
- Acceptable aftertaste.
- Caffeine is okay.
Average Price
Might Recommend
AD
Starbucks - Willow Blend
BEANS
- Nice smell, dry.
- Much better when brewing.
- Doesn’t need sweetener.
- Smooth acceptable taste. This was the only Starbucks blend that I could see myself buying again if I had no other option.
- Okayish aftertaste.
- Nice Caffeine boost.
Higher End
Will Recommend
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Cafe Brasil
GROUND
- Smells bad, like cheap coffee when dry.
- Better when brewing.
- Needs sweetener.
- The taste is not bad, but not great; not smooth. This was okay over time, but not great. A nice option on a budget.
- Okayish aftertaste.
- Average Caffeine boost.
Affordable
Nice option on a budget
Will Recommend
AD
Real Taste - Dark Roast
GROUND
- Smell is okay dry.
- Better when soaked.
- Doesn’t need sweetener.
- Surprised by this taste, though it requires more serving size than the rest. It was nice and may buy this one again or try the other options they have.
- Acceptable aftertaste.
- Caffeine is good.
Above Average
Per serving
Will Recommend
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Jose Perez - Beans
BEANS
- Beans smell nice.
- Better when brewing.
- Can do with sweetener but not necessarily.
- Acceptable Taste, better than the Ground option. Compared to Jose Perez Ground Coffee this was richer in taste and I may buy this again.
- Acceptable aftertaste.
- Caffeine is nice.
Average but Higher
Definitely Recommend
AD
Volcanica - Espresso
BEANS
- Beans smell good.
- Better when brewing.
- Can do with sweetener but not necessary.
- Acceptable taste though not as smooth. I may buy this again. There are many more options from this brand I may try.
- Acceptable aftertaste.
- Caffeine is good.
Higher End
Will Recommend
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Dunkin' - Original Blend
BEANS
- Beans smell nice.
- Nicer when brewing.
- Nice Taste, really smooth.
- Does not need sweetener.
- I really enjoyed this one and was surprised by the quality of this commercial American brand. Will definitely buy it again if it’s available locally.
- Nice after Taste.
- Caffeine is really good as well.
Affordable
Definitely Recommend
AD
Lavazza - Classico
BEANS
- Beans smell wonderful.
- Really lovely brewing smell.
- Does not need sweetener.
- Great Taste, really smooth and enjoyable. I really enjoyed this one and was surprised because I’ve never come across this brand before.
- Really nice aftertaste.
- Caffeine is great as well.
Higher End
Worth it
Always Recommend
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Lavazza - Expresso
BEANS
- You’ve gotta love the smell of the beans
- Wonderful smooth taste and enjoyable.
- Does not need sweetener.
- This is definitely my go-to selection of coffee beans henceforth. I like the fact you’re getting beans and can ground yourself for a fresher taste. Extremely pleased with this.
- Really nice smooth aftertaste, almost satisfying.
Higher End
Worth every bit
Highly Recommend
Lavazza - Gold Selection
BEANS
Really similar to the Lavazza Classico and is now my daily coffee brew.
Though the Lavazza Espresso may taste much nicer and smoother, this is more cost-effective and the supply lasts longer.
Higher End
But more affordable per serving
Always Recommend
Now my daily coffee
@amitgiant
In Conclusion
My top three favourite coffee brands are Lavazza, Dunkin’, and a tie between Volcanica and Jose Perez Coffee Beans. If foreign brands like Lavazza or Dunkin’ weren’t available I’d go for the Jose Perez Beans for sure or the Real Taste brand, which are locally produced.
I prefer coffee beans over ground coffee for its freshness and transparency in ingredients. I stay away from instant coffee due to the use of additives, such as oats, and its weaker strength.
I would not recommend the Members Selection brand; it visibly contains questionable ingredients, though the packaging says otherwise.
Overall, I enjoyed exploring different coffee brands and look forward to discovering more in the future. Hope this information helps you make better choices when brewing real coffee at home.
Keep brewing!
You can rate and comment on each coffee selection there.
About the Ultimate Beans & Ground Coffee Taste Comparison for T&T
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