This weekend they change the time and we go to ‘winter time’ in Spain, undoubtedly a turning point in which many get fully into the work routine and a significant reduction in leisure plans compared to the summer. And if we talk about routine and winter, one of the first things that doesn’t come to mind is coffee, essential in our mornings before, during and after work. It accompanies breakfasts, snacks and breaks throughout the day, being one of the most popular non-alcoholic drinks and a true social ritual. However, not all the coffees we find in supermarkets offer the quality they promise.
The Organization of Consumers and Users (OCU) has carried out a study in which it analyzes the quality of different brands of ground coffee and capsules available in the Spanish market. The report reveals which products have performed best and worst in sensory and quality tests, taking into account aspects such as aroma, flavor, grain quality and labeling. Among all of them, there is a coffee that stands out for its poor overall performance: La Estrella Natural Roasted Ground Coffee, considered the worst coffee in the supermarket according to the OCU. After this, other coffee brands, such as Hacendado’s natural ground or Eroski’s, have also received a poor evaluation or are among the worst.
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For the analysis, aspects such as flavor, preparation, labeling and value for money have been taken into account. Due to these characteristics, each coffee brand has received a different evaluation.
The 3 worst coffee brands in supermarkets
The OCU has also evaluated a wide variety of ground coffees, around 30 brands, and has revealed the three that have obtained the worst scores in its analysis. Despite being popular and affordable options, their overall quality does not reach the expected level. These are the ones that occupy the last positions in the ranking:
- La Estrella Natural Roast Ground Coffee, which has obtained a score of 61 points out of 100. Although its price is competitive, its flavor has been one of the worst valued aspects, and its labeling has some clarity deficiencies.
- Hacendado Natural Ground Coffee (Mercadona), also with a score of 61 points. Despite its great popularity in Spanish homes, the OCU points out that its tasting does not meet expectations. The flavor is flat and the labeling can be improved.
- Eroski Basic Natural Ground Coffee, which shares the score of 61 out of 100. Its flavor is not convincing and its labeling lacks precision, although it meets food safety standards.
These three brands, along with Fortaleza Decaf Forte, are among the least recommended options by the OCU for those looking for a coffee with good flavor, aroma and balance in its quality-price ratio.
The best coffee in the supermarket
At the other end of the analysis, the OCU has also identified the brands that do stand out for their quality and flavor. The best rated was the Auchan blend ground coffee, available in Alcampo, which obtained a score of 77 out of 100.
Experts have highlighted its balanced aroma, good body and a correct relationship between price and quality. It is one of the most recommended options for consumers looking for a tasty, affordable and well-composed coffee.
How to choose the best coffee
The OCU reminds that, when choosing a good coffee, several factors should be taken into account. The type of coffee is one of the most important: bean coffee offers greater freshness and allows the grind to be adjusted according to the preparation method; ground coffee is more convenient, but loses some of that freshness; and coffee in capsules stands out for its practicality, although it is usually more expensive and has a less intense flavor.
The origin of the grain also influences the final result. Coffees from Costa Rica offer bright and acidic flavors, those from Colombia are smooth and fruity, those from Ethiopia have floral notes, and those from Brazil are characterized by their chocolate and nutty nuances.
Finally, the degree of roasting makes the difference: light roasts give a fruitier flavor, while dark roasts provide a more bitter touch with notes of nuts or cocoa.
In short, the most expensive coffee is not always the best. The OCU recommends comparing prices, reading the labels and trying different options until you find the one that best suits personal tastes, both in flavor and aroma.