Bean-to-cup machine owners who care about organic coffee
You’re looking for beans to make espresso and want to check that the pack you buy is labelled organic, rather than relying on the brand name alone.
Who is this choice for?
Espresso lovers who enjoy a bold flavour
You compare the ingredients and stated intensity of espresso coffees, including the Arabica/Robusta blends from Lavazza and Carte Noire.
People who think about when they have their coffee
You drink coffee in the afternoon and take your sensitivity to caffeine into account. Choosing organic coffee and choosing decaffeinated coffee are two separate considerations.
What to look for
When choosing organic espresso for the afternoon, start with the specific product you’re planning to buy and the equipment you use. Then compare the stated flavour profile and, if you’re having a late coffee, check whether it’s labelled “decaffeinated”.
| What to consider | What to check before you buy | Who it’s for |
|---|---|---|
| Organic label | Check the coffee’s product name and organic certifications, such as the Euro-leaf or AB label, on the specific product. | I want to know that the coffee I’m buying is organic, without assuming this applies to an entire range. Around 33% of consumers would make this their top priority. |
| Machine and format | Check whether the coffee is whole bean, ground, in capsules or in pods, then make sure it’s compatible with your machine. | For my grinder machine, I’m looking for beans; for a different machine, I need the right format. Around 27% of consumers would put compatibility first. |
| Flavour profile | Compare the blend—Arabica or Arabica/Robusta—and the flavour notes given for each product. | I prefer to choose the blend and stated flavour before settling on a pack. Around 20% of consumers would make this their priority. |
| Late coffee break | If caffeine affects you later in the day, look for a “decaffeinated” label separate from the organic label. | When I have coffee late, my sensitivity to caffeine matters more than the stated intensity. Around 20% of consumers would put this first. |
Mistakes to avoid
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Relying on the range name alone
Check that the specific product you’re buying is organic. According to the French Ministry of Agriculture, organic farming in France is governed by a European regulatory framework. A brand name alone doesn’t tell you whether each of its products is organic.
Check the product name and organic certifications on the pack or the product listing.
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Buying beans without checking your machine
Whole beans require a built-in grinder or grinding before use. They aren’t a direct replacement for capsules or pods.
Choose a format that’s compatible with your machine and, if you’re buying beans, check how you’ll grind them.
If your machine doesn’t have a built-in grinder, you’ll need a separate one.
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Confusing intensity with caffeine content
A brand’s stated intensity describes its product, but doesn’t measure its caffeine content. The French Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health & Safety (Anses) says caffeine can delay falling asleep, although its effects vary from person to person.
If you’re having a late coffee and are sensitive to caffeine, check explicitly whether the product is decaffeinated.
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Choosing a large pack before you know the coffee
The products mentioned here are available in formats including 500 g, 900 g and 1 kg. A large pack may not be the best choice if you’re trying a new flavour profile or don’t often drink bean coffee.
Consider how often you drink coffee and the pack size before choosing a product.
Organic coffee brands to know
Lavazza
Lavazza France describes Espresso Maestro Organic as 1 kg of organic roasted coffee beans, made with Arabica and Robusta and intended for espresso.
- The product listing gives its name and specifies that it’s for espresso.
- At 1 kg, the pack size means you’ll need to consider how often you drink coffee and how you’ll store the beans.
Carte Noire
Carte Noire describes Espresso Bio as 900 g of Arabica/Robusta whole beans, suitable for espresso among other uses.
- The brand lists BIO and Rainforest Alliance certifications for this product.
- The stated intensity of 11/13 and chocolate-caramel notes are the brand’s descriptions, not measurements of caffeine content.
Carrefour
Carrefour’s Carrefour Bio range includes a 500 g pack of organic 100% Arabica coffee beans. Its product listing also says the coffee is Fairtrade.
- The 500 g pack lets you try this blend without committing to a large bag straight away.
- Check the organic certifications on the pack or on the local listing for the product you’re buying.
Leclerc
E.Leclerc’s Bio Village range includes a 500 g pack of organic pure Arabica coffee beans from Latin America.
- The range listing helps you identify an organic whole-bean product and its pack size.
- Check the product’s organic certifications and whether it’s suitable for making espresso.
Auchan
Auchan lists a 1 kg pack of Auchan Bio 100% Arabica coffee beans, with a stated intensity of 8/10.
- The Auchan France listing mentions the Euro-leaf, AB label and use in a bean-to-cup machine.
- The stated intensity doesn’t tell you how much caffeine the coffee contains or what results you’ll get with each machine setting.
Coffees to explore on Joybuy
These products are for anyone choosing organic coffee to make from whole beans. For each one, check that the format works with your machine, that it has the organic certifications you’re looking for and, if you’re having a late coffee, whether it’s labelled decaffeinated.
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Lavazza Maestro Organic coffee beans, 1 kg
Worth considering if you make espresso with a grinder machine and drink bean coffee regularly enough to buy a 1 kg pack.
Check the organic certifications on the packaging and look for a “decaffeinated” label if that matters for your coffee break.
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LOBODIS Organic Coffee Beans, 500 g
This 500 g pack could suit you if you’d like to try whole-bean coffee for espresso without choosing a larger size.
Make sure you have a grinder or a mill that’s suitable for your machine, then check the organic certifications and any decaffeination information on the product.
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LOBO Organic Mexican Coffee, 500 g
If you’d like to try organic coffee in a 500 g pack for espresso, check its format and brewing instructions against your equipment.
Also check the organic certifications on the pack and look for a “decaffeinated” label if you need one for an afternoon coffee.
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Naturela Organic Arabica Coffee Beans
Worth considering if you’re looking for Arabica coffee beans for a grinder machine.
Before you choose, check the espresso brewing instructions, pack size and organic certifications for this product.
Frequently asked questions
How can I identify organic espresso coffee in France?
Check the organic information for the specific product, including the Euro-leaf or AB label, as well as its product name and format. The French Ministry of Agriculture explains that organic farming is governed by European regulations applied in France. A range name alone doesn’t tell you what’s in every pack.
Is organic espresso decaffeinated?
No. The organic label doesn’t mean that the coffee is decaffeinated. Look for an explicit “decaffeinated” label on the product you’re interested in. If you’re having a late coffee, bear in mind that Anses notes caffeine may affect how easily you fall asleep, although its effects vary from person to person.
Can I use organic coffee beans in an automatic machine?
Yes, if your automatic machine has a grinder and takes whole beans. The Auchan Bio product listing says its beans are suitable for this type of machine. However, check your machine’s instructions and adjust the grind for your chosen brew.