Lavazza Espresso Barista Gran Crema Whole Bean Coffee Blend, Medium Espresso Roast, Oz Bag (Packaging May Vary) - 2.2 LB, 35.2 Ounce
Want the best price and purchase timing?
Our AI advisor analyzes real-time pricing across all channels to find you the best deal.
AI Verdict
This is a 2.2 LB bag of Arabica and Robusta whole bean coffee with a 7/10 intensity, designed for espresso machines and moka pots.
This Lavazza blend is a situational fit for those seeking a full-bodied, intense espresso experience at a budget price. Its Arabica and Robusta blend delivers a 7/10 intensity with honey and roasted coffee notes. However, the reported bean oiliness and inconsistent crema from some batches mean it's not a universal recommendation for all espresso setups or freshness expectations.
If this blend isn't quite hitting the mark, look for beans with a clear 'roasted on' date and a 100% Arabica blend for a potentially less oily, brighter flavor profile.
Regret Score™
Medium RiskLower is better — measures purchase-regret risk from real buyer complaints, review credibility, and product maturity
Issues discovered after purchase
Critically weak dimension
Amazon rating vs actual quality
Chance this product isn't for you
Pros
- Produces a rich crema when fresh and properly brewed.
- Offers a full-bodied taste with aromatic notes of honey, roasted coffee, dark chocolate, and spices.
- Frequently available at a budget price point for a 2.2 LB bag.
- Suitable for various brewing methods including espresso, moka pot, drip coffee, and French press.
- Rated 4.6/5 across over 20,000 reviews, indicating broad user satisfaction.
Cons
- Some users report beans can be oily, which may not be ideal for certain super-automatic espresso machines.
- Crema production can be thin or watery if beans are not fresh, with some bags lacking a 'roasted on' date.
- The roast level, while officially medium, appears dark to some users, potentially leading to a more bitter flavor if over-extracted.
- Beans are described as 'huge' by one user, which might affect grind consistency in some grinders.
Dimension Scores
The blend consistently delivers a full-bodied, intense flavor with a 7/10 intensity and rich crema for many users.
The beans are compatible with multiple brewing methods, including espresso machines, moka pots, drip coffee makers, and French presses.
While the beans generally perform well, some users report excessive oiliness and inconsistent freshness, which can impact brewing and machine longevity.
As whole bean coffee, its energy efficiency is entirely dependent on the user's brewing equipment, making it an average score for the product itself.
Best For
- Home espresso enthusiasts seeking a budget-friendly Arabica/Robusta blend.
- Individuals who primarily use moka pots or espresso machines and consume coffee quickly.
- Coffee drinkers who prefer a full-bodied, intense coffee with a prominent crema.
Not Recommended For
- Owners of super-automatic espresso machines sensitive to oily beans.
- Users who prioritize a very light or delicate coffee flavor profile.
- Those who require a 'roasted on' date for absolute freshness assurance.
Watch Out For
- Beans can appear 'dark chocolate in color' and 'oily' to some, potentially indicating a darker roast than expected or an older batch.
- Some users report 'zero crema' or 'very thin and watery' crema, suggesting freshness issues with specific bags, especially if the 'best by' date is far out but no 'roasted on' date is present.
- One user noted that 18.5g of these beans 'almost filled the basket' after grinding, implying a lower density than other beans and potentially requiring grind adjustments.
- The taste can be 'really really really strong' and 'bitter, bold' if the coffee ratio is too high, requiring careful dialing in of brewing parameters.
Full Specifications
| Brand | Lavazza |
| Flavor | Espresso Barista Gran Crema |
| Item Form | Whole Bean |
| Roast Level | Medium Roast |
| Caffeine Content Description | Caffeinated |
| UPC : | 041953024996 |
| ASIN : | B005OJ4X32 |
| Units : | 35.2 Ounce |
| Manufacturer : | Lavazza |
| Item model number : | 041953024996 |
| Product Dimensions : | 5.71 x 3.15 x 10.24 inches; 2.2 Pounds |
| Is Discontinued By Manufacturer : | No |
What Buyers Say
The most surprising finding is the frequent mention of bean oiliness and inconsistent crema, despite the product's 'Gran Crema' name and high overall rating. Many users praise the 'beautiful cream and flow' and 'great crema' when the beans are fresh. However, a significant number of complaints point to 'zero crema' or 'very thin and watery' results, often attributed to a lack of 'roasted on' dates and perceived older stock. The flavor is consistently described as full-bodied and intense, with notes of dark chocolate and honey.
“I bought this for my espresso machine and sometimes the crema is amazing, sometimes it's just... gone, like where did it even go? It's a total gamble on freshness, but when it's good, it's really good for the price.”
Common Praise
- Produces a 'beautiful cream and flow' in espresso shots.
- Offers a 'full-bodied flavor' with a 7/10 intensity.
- Has 'aromatic notes' of honey, roasted coffee, dark chocolate, and spices.
- Considered a 'great value for the money' for a 2.2 LB bag.
- Works well in moka pots and traditional espresso machines.
Common Complaints
- Beans can be 'dark chocolate in color' and 'oily,' potentially problematic for super-automatic machines.
- Some bags result in 'zero crema' or 'very thin and watery' crema, suggesting freshness issues.
- Lack of a 'roasted on' date makes it difficult to assess freshness, relying only on 'best by' dates.
- Can taste 'really really really strong' or 'bitter' if not brewed carefully.
Ownership Tips
- After a few weeks, if not stored in an airtight container, the beans lose their aroma and crema potential significantly.
- The 'medium roast' description feels more like a medium-dark once you've brewed a few bags, especially if you see oil on the beans.
- Grind settings need frequent adjustment with this blend, more so than with other beans, to maintain consistent extraction.
- Using a lower dose than usual can help mitigate bitterness if you find the flavor too strong after a couple of weeks.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the roast level of these beans?
The Lavazza Espresso Barista Gran Crema is a medium espresso roast. While some users perceive it as darker due to bean appearance, the official product description confirms a medium roast.
Are these beans suitable for super-automatic espresso machines?
While some users successfully use them, others report the beans can be oily, which might cause issues or 'gum up' some super-automatic machines over time.
What kind of flavor profile can I expect?
You can expect a full-bodied coffee with a 7/10 intensity, featuring aromatic notes of honey, roasted coffee, dark chocolate, and spices.
Does this coffee produce a good crema?
Many users report a 'beautiful cream and flow' and 'great crema'. However, some experiences mention 'zero crema' or 'thin and watery' crema, often linked to bean freshness.
What is the blend of coffee beans?
This blend consists of Arabica varieties from Brazil and Honduras, combined with African Robusta coffees.
Buying Guide
When buying whole bean coffee, you're looking for freshness and a flavor profile that matches your brewing method. For espresso, you want beans that can produce a rich crema and stand up to the high pressure. For other methods, consider the roast level and origin to get the taste you prefer. The bag size matters too; coffee loses freshness quickly once opened, so don't buy more than you'll use in a few weeks.
Roast Level (Medium Espresso Roast)
This tells you how long the beans were roasted. A 'medium espresso roast' like this one means the beans have developed a balanced flavor, often with less acidity than lighter roasts and less bitterness than very dark roasts, making them suitable for espresso without being overly intense. It impacts the final taste and how well it extracts under pressure.
Intensity (7/10)
This is the manufacturer's rating of how strong the coffee will taste. A 7/10 indicates a noticeably robust and full-bodied cup, not a delicate one. If you like your coffee to have a kick and a presence, this number is important. It's like the volume knob for flavor.
Blend (Arabica and Robusta)
Arabica beans are known for their complex flavors and aromatic qualities, while Robusta beans contribute to a stronger body, higher caffeine content, and more crema. A blend like this aims to combine the best of both, giving you a coffee that's flavorful but also has a good 'kick' and a visible crema, especially important for espresso.
Alternatives
If this blend doesn't suit you, search for 100% Arabica whole bean coffee for a potentially less oily and more nuanced flavor, or look for blends with a lower intensity rating for a milder cup.
You Might Also Like
Bissell Featherweight Stick Lightweight Bagless Vacuum with Crevice Tool, 2033M, Black
This 3.64-pound, 2033-watt corded vacuum converts to handheld, best for quick pickups on hard floors and surface debris on low-pile carpets.
LEVOIT Air Purifier for Home Allergies Pet Hair in Bedroom, Covers Up to 1073 ft² by 56W High Torque Motor, AHAM VERIFIDE, 3-in-1 Filter with HEPA Sleep Mode, Remove Dust Smoke Odor, Core300-P, Black
This 56W air purifier with 143 CFM CADR and 24dB sleep mode is for small to medium rooms needing quiet, AHAM-verified air cleaning.
CHEFMAN Multifunctional Digital Air Fryer+ Rotisserie, Dehydrator, Convection Oven, 17 Touch Screen Presets Fry, Roast, Dehydrate, Bake, XL 10L Family Size, Auto Shutoff, Large Easy-View Window, Black
This 10-liter, 1700-watt air fryer bakes, roasts, dehydrates, and rotisseries, making it a countertop oven for families needing multiple cooking functions.
Keurig K- Slim Single Serve K-Cup Pod Coffee Maker, with 3 Brew Sizes, Multistream Technology, 46oz Removable Reservoir, Scarlet Red
This 4.76-inch wide, 6.22-pound single-serve brewer with a 46oz reservoir is for K-Cup users who need counter space.