Fans of strong espresso
You make short coffees with an espresso machine or moka pot and are mainly looking for body and roasted, woody or spicy notes. Check the profile given for the specific product, not just the word ‘intense’.
Who is this choice for?
Hosts serving several coffees
You’re planning to serve coffee after a festive meal or alongside Christmas treats. Net weight and the number of bags matter just as much as the flavour profile, especially if you won’t get through an opened pack quickly.
People mindful of caffeine
You want a bold flavour without taking the intensity rating as an indication of caffeine content. If you’re serving coffee in the evening, Anses reminds us that caffeine sensitivity varies from person to person and that caffeine can disrupt sleep.
What should you look for?
First, choose the profile you want in your cup, then check the pack size and the needs of the people you’ll be serving.
| What to consider | What to check | Who is it for? |
|---|---|---|
| Full-bodied flavour | Read the tasting notes, check the roast and the Arabica–Robusta blend, and look at the recommended preparation. | For a Christmas espresso or moka coffee, I’m looking for body and a roasted finish rather than a number on the pack. Around 50% of consumers prioritise this profile. |
| Serving and pack size | Check the net weight, number of bags and pack size against how quickly you’ll use the coffee. | If I’m serving several cups over the festive season, I want enough beans without opening more coffee than necessary. Pack size is the top priority for around 30% of consumers. |
| Caffeine | Don’t use the intensity rating to estimate the caffeine in each cup; you could also consider serving a decaffeinated option. | If I’m serving coffee late or to people who are sensitive to caffeine, I want to be able to offer something other than a stimulating coffee. This is the top priority for around 20% of consumers. |
Mistakes to avoid
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Assuming ‘strong’ means more caffeine
An intensity rating describes a profile according to the brand’s own scale; it doesn’t tell you how much caffeine is in each cup. Scales vary too: Lavazza rates some products 9/10, while a Carte Noire product is rated out of 13 at Carrefour.
Compare the tasting notes, blend and intended preparation. If caffeine matters to you, don’t rely on the intensity rating alone.
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Choosing a large pack without checking how it’s packaged
A total weight of 1 kg doesn’t necessarily mean one bag: Malongo sells its Mexique El Triunfo in two 500 g bags.
Check the net weight and the number of bags in the specific product you choose, particularly if you plan to use the beans over several weeks.
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Assuming a product you’ve spotted will be available for Christmas
A coffee’s profile doesn’t guarantee that the exact product will be available when you’re getting your Christmas shopping ready.
Check how you can get hold of that product, and have another coffee in mind with notes and a pack size that suit you.
Brands to consider
Lavazza
Coffee beans geared towards espresso, including Espresso Barista Intenso and Momento Vivace.
- Lavazza gives both products an intensity rating of 9/10 and describes notes of cocoa, wood or spice, depending on the coffee.
- This rating uses Lavazza’s own scale: it can’t be used to compare all brands directly or to work out the caffeine in each cup.
Carte Noire
A brand worth checking product by product if you’re looking for intense coffee beans from mainstream grocery retailers.
- Retailer listings include powerful espresso profiles.
- Check the ingredients on the exact pack: a Carrefour listing titled ‘100 % Arabica Intense Bio’ also lists both Arabica and Robusta in its ingredients.
Malongo
An option to explore if origin and organic or fair trade credentials matter when choosing coffee beans.
- Malongo describes its Mexique El Triunfo as organic and fair trade, and offers the 1 kg size as two 500 g bags.
- Malongo describes this product as round and balanced. Check its tasting notes before choosing it for a particularly full-bodied cup.
Carrefour
A retailer whose coffee bean range lets you compare different profiles and pack sizes.
- The products available include Classic’ Tradition, Extra Espresso and Extra Barista Blend.
- Check the net weight and description of each product: a range name alone isn’t enough to tell you how the coffee will taste.
Jacobs / JDE Professional
Products from Jacobs Douwe Egberts Professional, aimed at hotels, businesses and catering.
- The professional range includes L’OR Professional Espresso Intense, described as having spicy and roasted notes.
- Professional packaging, including cartons containing several bags, means you’ll need to check whether the size suits a home purchase.
Coffee beans available on Joybuy
These products are mainly espresso beans, with several 1 kg sizes to consider if you’ll be making lots of cups over the festive season. To choose between them, start with how you plan to prepare the coffee, then check the profile and packaging of the exact product.
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KIMBO Espresso Crema Intensa, 1 kg
Worth considering if you’re making several espressos or milk-based drinks with a bold flavour over the festive season.
The product name gives an intensity rating of 11/13 on its own scale; this figure doesn’t tell you how much caffeine is in each cup.
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GIMOKA Espresso, screw-top closure, 1 kg
Worth a look if you’re making several espressos and would like a resealable pack.
The product name specifies a 1 kg pack with a screw-top closure. If you’re looking for particular notes, check the flavour profile of this specific product.
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Lavazza Barista Intenso, 1 kg
Worth considering for several servings of espresso with a profile described as intense.
The stated pack size is 1 kg. To decide whether you’ll enjoy the taste, check the tasting notes for the exact product rather than relying on its name alone.
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KIMBO Barista Espresso Napoli
Worth a look for an espresso or moka coffee over the festive season.
Check the net weight on the exact product before choosing a pack size: the size information associated with this product varies.
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COVIM Granbar, 1 kg
Worth considering if you’re planning several espressos or cappuccinos over the festive season.
The stated pack size is 1 kg. Check the product description for the notes and roast you’re looking for.
Frequently asked questions
Do more intense coffee beans always contain more caffeine?
No. The intensity rating doesn’t tell you how much caffeine is in each cup. Malongo treats caffeine content and flavour criteria separately; the amount of beans you use and the preparation method also affect the coffee you serve.
Which profile should I choose for coffee with milk over the festive season?
Look for notes you’d like to enjoy with milk, then check that the product is recommended for this preparation. For example, Lavazza suggests Momento Vivace with frothed milk. This applies to that specific coffee, not all beans described as intense.
How should I store coffee beans after opening the pack?
Store the beans in a cool, dry place, following the guidance JDE Professional gives for L’OR Espresso Intense. If you only use a small amount of coffee at a time, also check whether the pack contains several bags.
What should I offer if coffee is being served late in the evening?
Consider offering a decaffeinated drink rather than judging caffeine content by the intensity of the flavour. Anses says caffeine can disrupt sleep and advises people who are sensitive to its effects, in particular, to limit their intake.