I’ve been looking for coffee grounds for a while now, but the flavor is completely different depending on the brand. Even with the same recommended coffee grounds, the roast level and grind size can completely change the impression. I tried some from well-known brands like Starbucks and MUJI, and I’m sharing what I noticed.

Personally, the most impressive to me was Ogawa Coffee’s organic coffee. It’s characterized by fruity, vibrant acidity, and the taste remains even after 1 week from opening. It’s really recommended for people who like acidity. I also tried MUJI’s “Dark Taste,” but this one has a deeper richness, with bitterness as the main note. It brings out the sweetness clearly, and it’s perfect for people who like a calm, mellow flavor.

Key Coffee’s canned Original Blend has an excellent balance of bitterness and acidity. I think it’s the ideal coffee grounds for drinking every day. Maruyama Coffee’s blend is smooth and easy to drink, with a flavor that anyone can enjoy. Since the texture doesn’t change easily even after opening, it’s suited for people who want to drink it little by little.

Ito En’s Tully’s “Baristas Roast” has a strong roasted character, and is known for a bold, punchy bitterness. Another advantage is that the flavor stays longer. I tried several types from Nestlé’s Starbucks series, but in particular, the “Breakfast Blend” stands out for its berry-like aroma, making it one of the best recommended coffee grounds for drinking in the morning.

UCC Ueshima Coffee’s blend stands out for its fruity sweetness, but after opening the flavor tends to weaken quickly, so you should finish it sooner. Ajinomoto AGF’s “A Slightly Luxurious Coffee Shop” has a crisp, clean taste and is suitable for your everyday coffee. There’s no unpleasant aftertaste, either, so it’s easy to drink.

Hills’s Rich Blend has strong sweetness and richness derived from the roast, so it’s quite satisfying. It’s for people who prioritize sweetness over acidity. Starbucks’s House Blend is mainly bitterness, and it fits people who like a stronger coffee.

In the end, what matters is whether the deterioration after opening is small. Even among the same recommended coffee grounds, some lose their flavor within 1 week after opening, while others hold up better. I think it’s best to choose based on how fast you drink. It’s worth trying options that match your preferences—whether you like acidity, like bitterness, or prioritize sweetness.