Choosing coffee beans

This page is about choosing coffee beans in the UK. It covers the two main kinds of bean, roasts, keeping beans fresh, caffeine, and the ethical marks on the bag.

This is a guide to coffee beans. It is not Rightbean Coffee and does not sell coffee.

This site sells nothing and takes no orders.

Arabica and robusta

The National Coffee Association, a US trade body, says arabica and robusta make up more than 99% of the coffee grown for sale.

It describes arabica as mild and aromatic, and lower in caffeine. It describes robusta as strong and bold, with bitter undertones. It is used mainly in blends and instant coffee, and often in Italian espresso blends.

Light, medium and dark roasts

The same body says roasts fall into three groups: light, medium and dark. Lighter roasts usually keep more of a coffee's own character. A dark roast is not stronger in caffeine, and light roasts have slightly more.

Most roasters have their own names for their roasts, and one roaster's dark may not match another's. "Espresso roast" is not a fixed level. It means whatever the roaster thinks suits espresso.

Keeping beans fresh

The association says coffee starts to lose freshness soon after roasting. It suggests buying enough for one or two weeks at a time.

It also suggests keeping beans in an airtight, opaque container, somewhere cool and dark. Grind just before brewing. If you freeze beans, use a truly airtight container, because coffee picks up moisture and smells.

The date on the bag

GOV.UK explains that a best before date is about quality, not safety. After it, food is usually safe but may not be as good. The label also tells you how to store it.

Caffeine

The NHS says that during pregnancy you should not have more than 200mg of caffeine a day. It puts a cup of instant coffee at about 100mg, and says filter and coffee-shop coffee can contain more.

Food Standards Scotland and the Food Standards Agency say up to 400mg a day is unlikely to cause harm in adults.

Fairtrade and Rainforest Alliance

The Fairtrade Foundation says the FAIRTRADE Mark on coffee means it met the Fairtrade Standards. Fairtrade farmers get a minimum price, plus a premium to spend on projects they choose.

The Rainforest Alliance says its frog seal means farms and companies met its standard, checked by independent auditors.

Buying beans online

You can usually cancel an online order up to 14 days after delivery. That right does not cover food that goes off quickly. It also ends for a sealed pack you have opened, if the pack cannot be returned for health or hygiene reasons.

The beans must still be of satisfactory quality and match their description. A bag sold as 100% arabica or Fairtrade should be just that.

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