Who is this choice for?

Parents who want a full-bodied cup without a grinder

If you’re making coffee between other tasks, ground coffee saves you the step of grinding the beans. Still, choose a product suited to the brewing method of your coffee maker; the intensity rating alone won’t tell you that.

Parents keeping an eye on their caffeine intake

When your nights are disrupted or you’re sensitive to caffeine, the number and size of your cups matter more than the intensity rating. ANSES notes that caffeine can delay falling asleep and reduce the length or quality of your sleep.

Households choosing based on pack size and availability

If you buy ground coffee regularly, consider the pack size and the buying options that work for you. If a product is sold in-store or available for click and collect, check whether it’s available locally.

What should you look for?

On a busy morning, first check that the grind is suitable for your coffee maker, then choose the flavour and pack size. Consider caffeine separately: according to Carte Noire, its intensity scale describes the coffee’s character, not its stimulating effect.

Consideration What to check Who is it for?
Full-bodied flavour The brand’s intensity scale and the tasting notes on the pack. I’m looking for a cup with a pronounced flavour, without expecting the word “intense” to keep me awake. Around 33% of consumers put this flavour profile at the top of their list.
Brewing method The method recommended for the product: filter, moka pot, cafetière or espresso. On mornings when I’m short on time, I want to use my current coffee maker without grinding beans or changing equipment. This convenience is the priority for around 25% of consumers.
Caffeine The volume served, number of cups and other sources of caffeine during the day; don’t use the intensity rating as a measure. If my sleep is fragile or I’m keeping an eye on my caffeine intake, I want to keep my coffee ritual while taking my other drinks into account. Around 25% of consumers put managing their caffeine intake first.
Pack size and availability The pack weight, storage instructions and availability from your chosen retailer. If my household takes a while to finish a pack, I prefer to choose a suitable size and be able to find the product easily again. For around 17% of consumers, this need takes priority over other considerations.

Mistakes to avoid

  • Confusing intensity with a stimulating effect

    Carte Noire explains that its intensity rating describes the coffee’s flavour, not how likely a cup is to keep you awake. It therefore doesn’t tell you how much caffeine you’ll consume.

    Choose a flavour profile for its taste. To keep track of your caffeine intake, also consider the number and size of your cups.

  • Choosing an intensity without checking your coffee maker

    An intensity rating doesn’t tell you whether a product is suitable for a filter coffee maker, moka pot, cafetière or espresso machine.

    Check the recommended brewing method for the specific ground coffee you’re thinking of buying.

  • Forgetting about other sources of caffeine

    Coffee isn’t the only source of caffeine during the day. ANSES also points out that caffeine’s effects on sleep vary from person to person.

    Take other drinks and products containing caffeine into account. If you’re pregnant or breastfeeding, or have questions related to your medical circumstances, ask a healthcare professional for advice tailored to you.

Ground coffee brands to know

Carte Noire

Carte Noire offers ground coffees with a variety of flavour profiles and recommends brewing methods such as filter, moka pot and cafetière.

  • Its intensity scale can help you choose the flavour profile you prefer from its range.
  • The brand explains that this scale doesn’t measure the coffee’s stimulating effect.

Lavazza

Lavazza offers a range of ground coffees for different ways of brewing at home, including moka pot and espresso.

  • The brand describes a range of roast profiles and intensity levels.
  • Check the recommended brewing method for each product rather than assuming it from the intensity rating.

Malongo

Malongo’s ground coffee range includes different blends and a decaffeinated option.

  • Malongo describes its Petits Producteurs – L’intensité coffee as powerful, with a lingering finish.
  • For this product, the brand recommends adjusting the dose to suit the brewing method.

Carrefour

Carrefour stocks ground coffee from well-known national brands, including Carte Noire.

  • The product listing for Carte Noire Classique describes a 100% Arabica ground coffee with an intensity rating of 7, sold as a pack of two 250 g bags.
  • Check the buying options at your chosen store or collection service.

E.Leclerc

E.Leclerc lists, among other products, an intense 250 g pure Arabica ground coffee in its Marque Repère Plantation range.

  • The product listing makes it easy to check the pack size and product name.
  • E.Leclerc recommends checking availability at your chosen store or drive-through collection point.

Ground coffee available on Joybuy

These ground coffees may suit you if you’re looking for a cup with a pronounced flavour. Compare their pack sizes and check the recommended brewing method for each one before choosing the right option for your coffee maker.

Lavazza Tales of Napoli ground coffee, intensity 9, 200 g

Lavazza Tales of Napoli, ground coffee, intensity 9, 200 g

Worth considering if you’re looking for ground coffee with an intensity rating shown on the pack. Check that the recommended brewing method suits your coffee maker; the rating of 9 doesn’t tell you how much caffeine is in your cup.

View on Joybuy
GIMOKA Intenso BIPACK ground coffee, 500 g

GIMOKA Intenso BIPACK, ground coffee, 500 g

This BIPACK size may suit a household that drinks ground coffee regularly. Check the pack for the recommended brewing method and dose for your needs; the flavour intensity doesn’t tell you how much caffeine is in each cup.

View on Joybuy
Trung Nguyen Creative No1 ground coffee, 250 g

Trung Nguyen Creative No1, ground coffee, 250 g

This 250 g pack is for anyone who wants to make ground coffee without using a grinder. Check the recommended brewing method on the pack before using it with your coffee maker.

View on Joybuy
GIMOKA Gran Gusto BIPACK ground coffee, 500 g

GIMOKA Gran Gusto BIPACK, ground coffee, 500 g

Compare this 500 g BIPACK with other options based on how quickly you get through your coffee. If the blend or coffee maker is an important factor for you, check the relevant details on the pack.

View on Joybuy
Trung Nguyen Creative No2 ground coffee, 250 g

Trung Nguyen Creative No2, ground coffee, 250 g

This 250 g ground coffee may suit you if you prefer to make your cup without grinding beans. Check the brewing method on the pack, and don’t assume its caffeine content from its flavour profile.

View on Joybuy

Frequently asked questions

Does “intense” ground coffee always contain more caffeine?

No. The intensity rating alone doesn’t tell you how much caffeine is in a cup. Carte Noire uses it to describe the coffee’s flavour; if you’re keeping an eye on your caffeine intake, also consider the size of your servings and other sources of caffeine during the day.

How do I choose ground coffee for a filter coffee maker, moka pot or cafetière?

Choose a product whose brewing instructions mention your preferred method. Carte Noire offers ground coffees for filter, moka pot and cafetière, while Lavazza lists products for moka pot and espresso, among others. Always check the pack of the specific product you’re interested in.

What should I know about caffeine during pregnancy or breastfeeding?

Consider all drinks and products containing caffeine, rather than relying on the coffee’s intensity rating alone. In France, the national health insurance service recommends that pregnant women, those planning a pregnancy and breastfeeding women limit their caffeine intake to 300 mg a day. For advice tailored to your personal circumstances, speak to a healthcare professional.

How should I store an opened pack of ground coffee?

Seal it carefully or transfer the coffee to an airtight container. Keep it away from light, moisture and heat to help preserve its flavour. If you don’t usually finish a pack quickly, bear that in mind when choosing its size.