Do you love coffee? If you do, then you know that the key to making great coffee is using high-quality coffee beans. Buying coffee beans online can be a bit daunting, but it doesn't have to be. In this blog post, we will teach you what makes a quality coffee bean so you won't be at a loss the next time you're after that perfect brew. We will also share our favorite online retailers for buying coffee beans. Let's get started!

Buy Fresh

One of the most important things to look for when buying coffee beans online is freshness. These are agricultural products after all. Freshly roasted beans means you get to experience the full spectrum of vibrant chocolatey, fruity, nutty or spicy flavours on offer. Try to brew beans that have been sitting out too long and you're almost guaranteed to get a bland, watery coffee mouthful.

Know how roasted you like your beans

Not all coffee beans are created equal. Some have been roasted longer than others, so it's important to carefully consider the roasting process when buying coffee.

The more roasted the coffee, the bolder and more bitter the flavour will be. While a lighter roast is more complex and gives off much brighter acidity. In the end, this is all about personal preference, but it makes a big difference in what you might consider to be a quality coffee bean.

Single origin or blended coffee?

When it comes to coffee, there are two main types: single origin and blends. Single origin coffee beans come from a single farm. This gives the brew the taste of that region's unique flavours. Blended coffee, however, is made up of different coffees from different regions and can often create unique flavour profiles that you won't find from the single origin variety.

Choose your country of origin

The coffee bean is a fruit that grows all over the world, and as such, the taste of coffee will vary depending on where it's from. Some countries are known for their mild coffees while others produce beans with more intense flavours. If you have a preference for a certain type of coffee, make sure to buy beans from the country that aligns with your palate.

Coffee hailing from South and Central America, for example,is known to give off a blend of sweetness and acidity, while African-born beans have a distinct fruitiness.

Finding the best coffee retailers

Now that you know what to look for when buying coffee beans online, it's time to find a retailer that ticks all the boxes. Here are a few of the top coffee bean roasters that made Canstar Blue’s list for the best quality coffee beans and ground coffee:

1. Lazzio 
2. Harris Coffee
3. Grinders Coffee Roasters
4. Urban Coffee Culture
5. Lavazza