Top Ground Coffee Brands for an Aromatic Brew Experience

Exploring the world of ground coffee can be an exhilarating journey for both seasoned coffee aficionados and newcomers alike. The myriad of options available today caters to a broad spectrum of tastes, ensuring there's something for every palate from bold, robust flavors to smooth, mild blends. Among the highly-regarded brands leading the market, a few stand out for their commitment to quality, sustainability, and exceptional taste profiles. Below, discover a curated list of the best brands that promise to elevate your everyday coffee experience.

Illustration of ground coffee

Best brands of ground coffee in 2025

Lavazza

Lavazza, a renowned Italian coffee giant, has solidified its position as one of the best producers of ground coffee, achieving a 13% year-on-year sales growth to reach EUR3.1 billion in 2023. The company's beans segment saw a 6.6% sales increase and a 9.1% market share growth, with significant geographical expansions, particularly in the US (+9.8%), Poland (+21%), and the UK (+8.6%). For more insights on their exceptional coffee offerings, visit Lavazza's official website.

Illy

Illycaffe is renowned as one of the top producers of high-quality ground coffee, having achieved a record 13.6% increase in revenue in 2022, the highest growth in ten years, reaching EUR567.7 million. This growth was driven by strong performances in both retail and HoReCa channels, with a 43% increase in retail segment revenues and a 31% increase in HoReCa channel sales. The company's international presence is significant, with a retail network of 190 sales points across 34 countries and a presence in 147 countries globally. Illycaffe also reported a 27% revenue growth in the US and a 15% growth in China, highlighting its robust international expansion. The company's commitment to quality is underscored by its rigorous quality control processes, including testing over 114,800 cups of coffee and 5,300 samples of green coffee in 2022.

Peet's Coffee

Peet's Coffee has established itself as a leader in the coffee industry by achieving 100% responsibly sourced coffee, a milestone reached through a multi-year sustainability project with the help of Enveritas, an independent third-party auditor. By the end of 2022, Peet's global beverage partner JDE Peet's increased its responsibly sourced coffee from 30% to 80%, demonstrating a significant commitment to sustainability. This achievement involves rigorous audits of over 59,000 small coffee farms in 24 regions worldwide, ensuring compliance with 30 sustainability standards. Peet's Coffee also supports coffee farmers and their communities, addressing issues such as deforestation and child labor. The company's efforts are further enhanced by its response to climate change, as highlighted in a recent study on the vulnerability of coffee crops.

Stumptown Coffee Roasters

Stumptown Coffee Roasters, founded in 1999, is a renowned premium coffee roasting company based in Portland, Oregon, known for its high-quality, small-batch coffees sourced from elite, small-lot producers around the globe. The company, under the leadership of Duane Sorenson, has become a leading buyer and roaster of exceptional coffees, offering a range of blends like the popular Hair Bender, which features coffees from Latin America, Indonesia, and Africa. Stumptown's commitment to meticulous roasting processes and sourcing the finest coffee beans reflects the brand's authenticity and is evident in every cup. With annual revenue ranging from $25M to $50M and a strong online presence, Stumptown continues to grow as a familiar presence nationwide. Their coffees are highly rated for their robust flavor profiles, rich acidity, and full mouthfeel.

Death Wish Coffee Co.

Death Wish Coffee Co. is renowned as one of the best producers of ground coffee, particularly for its exceptionally high caffeine content, with 59 milligrams per fluid ounce, twice that of the average cup of coffee. Founded in 2012 by Mike Brown in Saratoga Springs, New York, the company is known for its USDA-certified organic and fair trade coffee. The coffee beans, sourced from India and Peru, undergo a proprietary roasting process to achieve a robust yet balanced flavor. Death Wish Coffee has achieved commercial success, even sending its coffee to the International Space Station in 2018. The company has an estimated annual revenue of $44.5 million and employs 150 people. For more insights into their renowned blends, visit this Death Wish Coffee review.

Caribou Coffee

Caribou Coffee is a prominent player in the ground coffee market, known for its high-quality products and expansive reach. Founded in 1992 by John and Kim Puckett, the company has grown significantly, with over 750 global stores, including 325 company-owned units in the Midwest as of 2023. Caribou Coffee has been expanding rapidly through franchising, both domestically and internationally, with a goal to become the third or fourth largest coffee brand in the U.S. The company offers a variety of flavored and pre-ground coffee options, available on subscription, catering to a wide range of consumer preferences. With its international franchise experience and strategic partnerships, Caribou Coffee continues to strengthen its market presence.

Dunkin' Donuts

Dunkin' Donuts is a leading brand in the coffee industry, particularly renowned for its high-quality ground coffee. In 2019, Dunkin' generated $3.15 million in revenue from ground coffee sales, marking a 5.6% increase from the previous year. The company ensures the quality of its coffee through a rigorous tasting process, evaluating parameters such as acidity, aroma, and balance. Dunkin' sells 2 billion cups of coffee worldwide annually, with coffee and coffee-related beverages accounting for 60% of its revenue in 2016. With over 13,200 outlets across nearly 40 global markets, Dunkin' maintains a strong presence in the coffee market. For more detailed insights into Dunkin's performance and statistics, you can visit their official statistics page.

Kicking Horse Coffee

Kicking Horse Coffee is a renowned Canadian coffee roaster, celebrated for its high-quality, 100% Arabica, Organic, and Fairtrade certified coffee beans. Founded in 1996 in Invermere, Canada, the company has experienced impressive growth, boasting an estimated annual revenue of $23.2 million and 86 employees. As a proud member of the Lavazza Group since 2017, Kicking Horse Coffee continues to passionately roast its coffee in the Canadian Rocky Mountains, underscoring its steadfast commitment to sustainability and fair trade practices. The company distinguishes itself as the largest roaster of exclusively Fairtrade-certified coffee in Canada and has earned recognition as one of the best workplaces in the country. Their signature coffee blends, such as the popular "Kick Ass" and "Grizzly Claw," are lauded for their balanced and rich flavor profiles. For more insights into their delightful offerings, visit the official Kicking Horse Coffee website.

Bulletproof

Bulletproof, a leading brand in the health and wellness sector, has been ramping up its product expansion, particularly in the ground coffee market. In 2021, the company launched 43 new SKUs and is set to debut dozens more, marking a significant increase in new product releases. Bulletproof's customer base, initially focused on nutrition and keto dieting, is now being expanded to include a broader audience interested in general health and wellness. The brand's products, including coffee, MCT oil, nutritional supplements, and protein bars, are available in major retail partners like Whole Foods and CVS, as well as through its strong direct-to-consumer channels. With innovations like compostable Nespresso-compatible pods and vitamin B-infused cold brew cans, Bulletproof is adapting to changing consumer needs, such as the rise in home brewing during the pandemic. For more information, visit the Bulletproof website.

Seattle's Best Coffee

Seattle's Best Coffee, founded in 1970, is a renowned brand known for its high-quality ground coffee, roasting over 20 million pounds of coffee annually. The brand, now part of Nestle after its acquisition from Starbucks in 2022, offers a range of coffee products, including whole bean, roast, and ground coffee, as well as K-Cup pods. With a presence in over 50,000 locations, including cafes, colleges, restaurants, and offices, Seattle's Best Coffee has achieved significant growth, particularly in the office coffee market, where it saw a 12% increase in volume despite a 2.5% industry decline from 2010 to 2011. The brand's brewed coffee contains 260 milligrams of caffeine per 12-ounce serving, making it a popular choice for coffee enthusiasts. Seattle's Best Coffee is available in various channels, including grocery stores and vending machines, ensuring wide accessibility.