10 Best Coffee Beans in Australia: Reviews & Top Picks

There are many different types of coffee beans available on the market these days, but which one is the best for your needs?

Australian coffee lovers will be happy to know that they have a wide variety of great-tasting, high-quality coffee beans to choose from when looking for the perfect cup of joe.

If you’re looking for a great-tasting cup of coffee, you need to find the right bean. Whether you are looking for a smooth, rich cup of coffee or something with a little more bite, we’ve got you covered with our list of the 10 best coffee beans in Australia, perfect for any discerning coffee lover.

A Quick Comparison of Our Favorites in 2024

	Image	Product	Details
Best Overall		LAVAZZA Espresso Barista Perfetto	Produces excellent crema Bold flavor 100% Arabica	CHECK PRICE
Best Value		Harris Strong Coffee Beans	Roasted in Australia 100% Arabica Full-bodied taste	CHECK PRICE
Premium Choice		Ethical Bean Fairtrade Organic Coffee	Creamy, mellow flavors USDA organic A sealable package ensures freshness	CHECK PRICE
		Kauai Whole Bean Coffee Mocha Macadamia Nut	100% Arabica Nutty and chocolate notes Eco-friendly practices and packing	CHECK PRICE
		Don Francisco's French Dark Roast Whole Bean Coffee	Smokey aroma Decent chocolate hints 100% Arabica	CHECK PRICE

The 10 Best Coffee Beans in Australia

1. LAVAZZA Espresso Barista Perfetto – Best Overall

When it comes to coffee beans, there are a lot of options on the market. But if you’re looking for one of the overall best choices in Oz, you want the LAVAZZA Espresso Barista Perfetto.

These beans are made with 100% Arabica coffee, which is widely considered to be the best type of coffee bean. They also produce an excellent crema and a bold flavor that is sure to please even the most refined coffee drinker.

However, some people find them to be too weak in intensity, and there have been reports of stale batches in the past. Overall, however, the LAVAZZA Espresso Barista Perfetto is still the best overall coffee bean on the market.

2. Harris Strong Coffee Beans – Best Value

Harris Strong coffee beans are roasted in Australia and made from 100% Arabica beans. These beans are designed to give you a strong, bold cup of coffee with a rich flavor.

The beans are also affordably priced, making them a great option for budget-conscious coffee drinkers.

They have a full-bodied taste and are great value for the price. Some reviewers find that the pour is inconsistent, but even those pickier coffee drinkers that were not big fans of the bean keep them on hand as a backup, so they are still a decent option, especially for the price.

Overall, Harris Strong coffee beans are some of the best coffee beans in Australia for the money.

3. Ethical Bean Fairtrade Organic Coffee – Premium Choice

Ethical Bean Fairtrade Organic Coffee is a coffee that ticks all the ethical boxes, making it a stand-out premium choice.

It is USDA organic and 100% fair trade certified, ensuring that farmers are paid a fair price for their crop. The beans are also traceable from crop to cup, so you can be confident that they have been sourced ethically and sustainably.

In terms of flavor, the coffee is creamy and mellow with a slight sweetness. It is definitely on the milder end of the spectrum, and some might find it a little too one-dimensional.

The coffee is also packaged in a resealable bag, ensuring freshness. However, all of this comes at a price—Ethical Bean Fairtrade Organic Coffee is one of the more expensive coffees on the market. But for those who prioritize ethical sourcing, it is worth the price.

4. Kauai Whole Bean Coffee Mocha Macadamia Nut

Kauai Whole Bean Coffee Mocha Macadamia Nut is a highly-rated coffee that uses 100% Arabica beans. The coffee beans are ethically sourced, and the company uses eco-friendly practices and packing.

The coffee has nutty and chocolate notes. However, some find the flavor to be too mild. It’s also important to read the packaging closely. While marketed as Hawaiian, it only contains 10% Hawaiian beans.

Overall, Kauai Whole Bean Coffee Mocha Macadamia Nut is a good choice for those who are looking for environmentally friendly and ethically sourced coffee. However, those who are looking for a strong flavor may be disappointed.

5. Don Francisco’s French Dark Roast Whole Bean Coffee

Don Francisco’s French Dark Roast Whole Bean Coffee is good value. 100% Arabica beans are always a good sign, and the bag promises a smoky aroma with hints of chocolate, which reviewers say is definitely offered.

However, the coffee is rather weak and lacks the robust flavor that many dark roast lovers crave.

The good news is that it is low-acid and relatively smooth, making it a good choice for those who are sensitive to stomach irritation.

6. Kicking Horse Coffee – Three Sisters

Kicking Horse Coffee is a Canadian coffee company that was founded in 1996. Their coffee is certified organic, kosher, and fair trade.

The coffee beans are shade-grown, which helps to protect the environment.

Additionally, the coffee beans are consistent with high quality across the brand and batches. However, one downside is that the coffee beans lack aroma. For some, the flavor is more important, but for others, the scent is just as vital.

7. Copper Moon Espresso Roast

Copper Moon Espresso Roast coffee beans are a great value for a single batch of roasted coffee. For Starbucks fans, the beans have a similar taste to Starbucks Sumatra, with the same smooth texture.

The blended origin of the beans makes them mild for a dark roast. On the flip side, blended beans tend to be more affordable. The mild flavor may be preferred by some coffee drinkers.

Overall, Copper Moon Espresso Roast coffee beans are a good choice for those who want a smooth, dark roast without the bitter aftertaste.

8. Marley Coffee Lively Up

If you’re a fan of Bob Marley, you’ll love Copper Moon’s Espresso Roast coffee beans. Marley Coffee partners with NGOs that are committed to reforestation in Jamaica, and a portion of the proceeds from each sale goes to support these efforts.

The coffee beans themselves are strong and rich, with a deep flavor that is perfect for espresso. Plus, they are Fairtrade certified, so you can be sure that the farmers who grew them were paid a fair price.

The only downside is that the beans only come in small bags, so if you drink a lot of coffee, you’ll go through them quickly. But overall, Copper Moon’s Espresso Roast is a great choice for fans of Bob Marley and Jamaican coffee.

9. The Bean Coffee Company Organic Mocha Java

The Bean Coffee Company Organic Mocha Java coffee beans are a high-quality product with some great features.

The beans are hand-roasted in small batches, ensuring that each bean is roasted to perfection. Second, the beans are certified organic, meaning that they are grown without the use of harmful chemicals.

Third, the beans are 100% Arabica. The beans have a perfect balance between intense and smooth flavors.

However, they are darker than many medium roasts, which may not be appealing to coffee drinkers who prefer lighter roasts. The mocha flavors are weak compared to other mocha coffees on the market.

10. Eight O’Clock Whole Bean Coffee

Eight O’Clock Whole Bean Coffee has some clear pros and cons. On the plus side, the coffee beans are 100% arabica, which is generally considered to be of higher quality than non-arabica beans.

In addition, they are kosher, which may be important to some consumers. One downside is that the flavor is relatively mild, which some coffee drinkers prefer, while others may find it lacking in depth. There is also a slight touch of bitterness, which some people might not enjoy.

Overall, Eight O’Clock coffee beans are a decent option for those who are looking for a low-cost coffee bean that meets certain standards of quality.

Buyer’s Guide: Finding the Best Coffee Beans in Australia

There are many things to consider when purchasing coffee. For some, price is the most important factor. Others prioritize flavor or convenience. And for an increasing number of people, ethical considerations are paramount.

The Best Coffee Beans for You

Your individual preferences will dictate what the best coffee bean for you is. But in general, there are a few things to keep in mind that will help you make the best decision.

Roast

The first thing to consider is the roast. Coffee beans can be divided into three categories: light, medium, and dark.

Light roasts have a lighter color and a milder flavor. They are also generally less caffeinated than dark roasts.

Medium roasts are darker than light roasts but not as dark as dark roasts. They have a more robust flavor and are more caffeinated than light roasts.

Dark roasts are the darkest coffee beans. They have a strong, bold flavor and are the most caffeinated.

Your personal preferences will dictate what kind of roast you prefer. If you like a stronger, more intense flavor, you will probably prefer a dark roast. If you prefer a milder flavor, you will probably prefer a light roast. And if you like something in between, you will probably prefer a medium roast.

Price

Of course, price is always a consideration when purchasing coffee. In general, you will get what you pay for—higher quality coffee beans will cost more than lower quality coffee beans.

However, there are ways to save money without sacrificing quality. For example, buying in bulk can often be cheaper than buying smaller amounts. And looking for sales or discounts can also help you find good coffee beans at a lower price.

Brand Ethics

Finally, an increasing number of consumers are interested in ethically-sourced coffee. This includes factors such as whether the coffee is fair trade, organic, or sourced from sustainable farms.

There is no right or wrong answer when it comes to brand ethics. It is simply a matter of personal preference. However, it is something to keep in mind when making your decision.

Coffee Certification & Marketing Labels: What They All Mean

When shopping for coffee, you will likely come across a variety of certification labels and marketing claims. These can be confusing and make an already difficult task of choosing a brand even harder. Here is a quick guide to what they all mean so you can choose a brand that aligns with your ethics.

Fair Trade Certified

The Fair Trade Certification is given to coffee beans that meet certain standards set by the Fair Trade Organization. These standards include things such as ensuring farmers are paid a fair price for their coffee and that they have good working conditions.

Without this certification, you can’t be certain that the coffee beans you are buying meet these standards.

Organic

Organic coffee beans are those that have been grown without the use of synthetic pesticides or fertilizers. For a coffee bean to be certified organic, it must meet certain standards set by the government countries’ relevant departments.

For Australian-based products, ACO (Australian Certified Organic) is the relevant certifying body. Other common certifications you will see on beans include USDA (United States Department of Agriculture) or COTA (Canada Organic Trade Association)

While the organic certification is not as strict as Fairtrade, it does ensure that the coffee beans were grown without synthetic chemicals. Coffee that is not certified organic may still be grown without the use of synthetic pesticides or fertilizers. However, the farmer is not required to follow any specific standards.

Rainforest Alliance Certified

The Rainforest Alliance Certification is given to coffee beans that have been grown in a way that is environmentally sustainable. This includes things such as protecting forests and waterways and providing good working conditions for farmers.

Like with the Fair Trade Certification, without this label, you can’t be certain that the coffee beans you have bought meet these standards.

Kosher

Kosher coffee beans are those that have been prepared in accordance with Jewish dietary law. This includes things such as ensuring the coffee beans are free of insects and that they have been roasted at a certain temperature.

While the kosher certification is not as common, it is something to look for if you keep kosher.

Shade-Grown

Shade-grown coffee is grown in an environment where there is a lot of tree cover. This provides a habitat for animals and helps to protect against soil erosion. Shade-grown coffee often has a more complex flavor than coffee that is grown in full sun.

You will often see the shade-grown certification on Rainforest Alliance-Certified coffee beans.

Smithsonian Bird-Friendly

The Smithsonian Bird-Friendly certification is given to coffee beans that have been grown in a way that is environmentally sustainable and provides a habitat for birds. In order to get this certification, farmers must meet a set of standards set by the Smithsonian Migratory Bird Center.

These standards include things such as having a certain amount of tree cover and providing nesting sites for birds.

The Smithsonian Bird-Friendly certification is not as common as the Rainforest Alliance certification, but it is something to look for if you are concerned about the environment.

A B Corporation

B Corporations are businesses that are certified by the non-profit B Lab to meet certain standards of social and environmental performance, accountability, and transparency.

For a coffee company to be certified as a B Corporation, it must undergo a rigorous assessment process. This process includes things such as an assessment of their environmental impact and their treatment of employees.

Single Origin vs Blends

Single-origin coffee beans are those that come from one specific country or region. Single-origin coffee often has a more distinct flavor than blends, which are made up of beans from multiple countries or regions.

Blends are created to create a coffee with a more consistent flavor. This is because the flavors of single-origin coffees can vary depending on things like the climate and soil in which they were grown.

When choosing between single-origin and blends, it is important to consider what flavor you are looking for. If you want a more distinct flavor, then single-origin coffee is a good option. However, if you are looking for a more consistent flavor, then a blend might be a better choice.

Conclusion

Our top pick for overall best coffee bean in Australia was the ever-popular Lavazza Espresso Barista Perfetto, we loved the bold flavors and premium crema produced. For the top value, we chose Harris Strong. These beans pack a punch for the price and suit general coffee drinkers.

Whether you are looking for a bold flavor or something that is more consistent, there is a coffee bean out there for you. Our top picks for the best coffee beans in Australia should help get you started on your search. Keep in mind that what matters most is finding a bean that you enjoy and that suits your taste preferences. So don’t be afraid to experiment!

Featured Image Credit: voffka23, Shutterstock