Coffee experts exist, measuring temperatures, sniffing out flavor profiles and tasting terroir. All well and good, but for most consumers grabbing their morning cup on their way out the door it may not make sense to spend the time grinding their own beans when there are pre ground bulk options available – is freshly ground coffee really better?

As soon as beans are ground they begin to lose their freshness and develop an unpleasant aroma, which ultimately alters their flavours and alters your cup of coffee experience. Pre grinding increases this oxidisation by creating more surface area exposed to air molecules; further worsening quality for your cup. For optimal coffee experience it is ideal to buy whole beans and use an excellent grinder immediately prior to drinking your beverage.

Alternatively, pre-ground coffee may be more convenient if you do not own or want a grinder; its differences from freshly ground aren’t that apparent; but be mindful when it comes to its storage; excess moisture can wreak havoc and it will start degrading in as little as one week if left exposed without an airtight container.

Undercutting quality grinders may result in unevenly-sized particles, leading to poor extraction and an unpleasant bitter taste. If purchasing pre-ground coffee, seek out brands which were recently roasted and stored in airtight containers to maintain freshness.

Coffee provides more benefits than its delicious taste alone. It contains antioxidants which may protect against free radicals and reduce risk for certain diseases, and serves as an excellent low-calorie beverage that may be a better replacement than soft drinks in terms of calories consumed. However, instant coffee may contain unhealthy preservatives and flavourings.

At its finest, buying whole beans and grinding them yourself at home or the roaster is the optimal way to go; but if that isn’t an option for you, try purchasing fresh-ground coffee from your local shop, where they may have access to high-quality grinders. When purchasing pre-ground, choose brands recently roasted from reliable roasters with airtight containers for storage; otherwise use high quality grinders on site at roasters/coffee shops to have it ground for you immediately after purchase if possible – perfect if you plan to drink regular doses of the same coffee!