In the age-old debate over whether to buy ground coffee or whole coffee bean, it often comes down to personal preference. However, there’s more to consider than just taste and aroma—there’s also cost. So, is it cheaper to buy ground coffee or beans? Let’s take a look.

Coffee Beans

One of the main advantages of buying coffee beans is that they last longer than pre-ground coffee. The oils and flavor compounds found in freshly roasted coffee start to dissipate within hours of grinding, meaning that pre-ground coffee can lose flavor quickly. With whole beans, however, you can store them for up to a month while still retaining most of their flavor and aroma.  Additionally, buying beans allows more control over the grind size as well as ensures that you get the freshest possible product since you are grinding it yourself. On the downside, buying whole beans requires additional equipment such as a grinder, and can be more labor-intensive than simply scooping out pre-ground coffee from a bag.  

Kicking Horse Coffee, 454 Horse Power, Dark Roast, Whole Bean, 10 oz – Certified Organic, Fairtrade, Kosher Coffee
$11.41 ($1.14 / Ounce)

Start your day with a powerful jolt of caffeine from Kicking Horse Coffee's 454 Horse Power dark roast. This whole bean coffee is packed with flavor, boasting a rich and intense roast that will awaken your senses and leave you feeling energized. Whether you're a morning person or not, this dark roast will help get you going. It's also caffeinated, so you'll be powered up for the day ahead. Kicking Horse Coffee is a professional brand that takes coffee seriously, roasting their beans to perfection to ensure an outstanding cup of joe every time.

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03/16/2024 12:07 pm GMT

Ground Coffee

The main advantage of ground coffee is convenience – no need for extra equipment or time-consuming prep work. Simply scoop out what you need from the bag and go! Furthermore, if you buy your ground coffee from specialty roasters there’s no need to worry about freshness since it has already been freshly roasted and ground for you. The downside is that ground coffee doesn’t store as long as whole beans due to quickly losing flavor once exposed to air. Additionally, with pre-ground coffees, it can be difficult to customize grind size and texture without having access to specialty grinders which may end up costing more in the long run.

Starbucks Ground Coffee—Dark Roast Coffee—Caffè Verona—100% Arabica—1 bag (28 oz)
$13.29 ($0.47 / Ounce)

Starbucks Ground Coffee is made from 100% Arabica beans and roasted to perfection. This coffee has a rich, dark roast flavor that is perfect for those who enjoy a bold cup of coffee. Caffe Verona is Starbucks' signature Italian roast, and this version is caffeinated for those who need an early morning pick-me-up. The 1 bag (28 oz) size is perfect for stocking up on your favorite coffee flavor, and the packaging is easy to store in your pantry or kitchen.

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03/17/2024 10:32 am GMT

The Cost of Coffee Beans vs. Ground Coffee

When comparing the cost of whole bean and pre-ground coffees, there are several factors to consider. Generally speaking, whole bean coffees tend to be less expensive per pound than pre-ground coffees—but that isn’t always the case. Depending on where you buy your coffee and what type of deals are offered, you could find yourself paying more for beans than for ground coffee. Additionally, some people might not want to invest in a grinder if they only plan on drinking a few cups of coffee a week; this would necessitate buying pre-ground coffee instead of beans.  

The Shelf Life Factor

Another factor to consider when analyzing the cost difference between whole bean and pre-ground coffees is shelf life. While ground coffees can last up to two weeks before losing their flavor, whole beans can last up to three months or longer before they start tasting stale and flat. This means that you will have more time to enjoy your whole-bean coffee before it goes bad—which makes it a better value in terms of cost per cup.

illy Intenso Ground Espresso Coffee, Bold Roast, Intense, Robust and Full Flavored With Notes of Deep Cocoa
$9.45 ($1.07 / Ounce)

illy Intenso Ground Espresso Coffee is a robust and full-flavored coffee that is perfect for those who appreciate a dark roast. This intense coffee has a rich, bold flavor with a caffeine content that will help you start your day off right. Whether you're looking for an everyday coffee or something special for your morning routine, illy Intenso Ground Espresso Coffee is a great choice.

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03/17/2024 10:54 am GMT

The Quality Factor

Finally, quality should be taken into account when determining which type of coffee is cheaper in the long run. Although pre-ground coffees tend to be less expensive upfront, they aren’t as fresh as freshly ground beans because they have been sitting on store shelves for longer periods of time. If you prefer top-tier tastes from your morning brew, then investing in a high-quality grinder and buying whole bean coffees may be your best option for achieving maximum flavor without breaking the bank. 

Keeping Your Ground Coffee Fresh

There are many techniques to keep coffee fresh once it has been ground, including:

  • In order to prevent oxidation, store it in an airtight container. Glass, metal, or ceramic containers work well for this.
  • Do not let moisture accumulate in your refrigerator or near the stove. Keep them somewhere cool and dry, like a pantry or cupboard.
  • Some individuals grind their coffee, then keep it in the freezer or refrigerator, but we wouldn’t suggest this due to the possibility of moisture and flavor loss.
  • Make sure they’re in a dark area, like a cupboard, as too much heat or sunlight can harm the grounds.
  • Consider simply grinding little amounts at a time, such as only enough to last you a few days at a time, in addition to taking precautions to keep your grounds fresh. Any more than this runs the constant danger of reducing the coffee’s flavor and strength significantly.

Conclusion:

Overall, there is no definitive answer as to which type of coffee is cheaper—whole beans or pre-ground—because it depends on many factors such as where you purchase your coffee and how much you drink each week (or month). However, if you are looking for maximum flavor and freshness at an affordable price point then investing in freshly ground beans may be your best option in terms of value versus cost per cup! With all things considered though, ultimately it comes down to personal preference; so do what works best for you!