Café moulu ou en grain : qu’est-ce que ça change dans la tasse ?

Ground or bean coffee: what difference does it make in the cup?

published on 09.17.2025 — by Marc-Alexandre Emond-Boisjoly — 5 mins of reading —

It's a question that many coffee lovers ask themselves. The answer can be summed up in one word: freshness. Specialty coffee brings out the aromatic richness of the terroir, and this is where the difference between ground and bean-to-cup coffee becomes obvious. Let's explore the advantages, disadvantages and best practices of choosing the right solution for your habits.

Coffee beans: freshness and flexibility

Why invest in a mill?

Buy coffee beans ensures maximum preservation of aromas. As soon as the beans are ground, the oils and aromatic compounds begin to oxidize and disappear. By investing in a grinder (manual or electric), you can grind your coffee just before extraction, for a livelier, more expressive cup.

Adapt the grind to each preparation method

Each method has its own requirements:

Piston coffee maker coarse grind to prevent sedimentation in the cup.
Filter coffee maker Medium grind for clear, well-balanced coffee.
Italian coffee maker fine grind, slightly coarser than espresso.
Espresso machines Very fine, regular grinding, adapted to pressure.

With a mill, you maintain total flexibility and maximize the quality of your products. preparation methods.

Ground coffee: practicality and accessibility

Advantages for enthusiasts in a hurry

Visit ground coffee remains the most practical solution. No need for additional equipment, just measure out and add hot water to make a quick cup of coffee. Ideal for those in a hurry in the morning, or for those who want simplicity of use with a filter coffee machine.

Limits in terms of preservation and taste

The other side of the coin is that the ground coffee rapidly loses its aroma. Once exposed to the air, it oxidizes, becomes dull and loses flavor intensity. Even when well preserved, it will always be less aromatic than freshly ground coffee.

The impact on the coffee cup

Taste and aromatic intensity

With freshly ground coffee beans, the coffee flavor is more complex: fruity, floral, chocolate or spicy notes, depending on origin. Ground coffee, on the other hand, offers a decent cup, but is often flatter and more uniform.

Ground coffee losses

The finer the grind, the faster the aromatic loss. This is particularly true for espresso. The ground coffees industrial products are often packaged long before consumption, which further reduces the quality of the experience.

Conservation and best practices

How to prolong the freshness of ground and whole bean coffees

Coffee beans Store in an airtight container away from light and heat.
Ground coffee Buy in small quantities to limit aromatic loss.
In both cases, avoid the refrigerator (risk of condensation), preferring a cool, dry place.

Suitable for use with different coffee machines

Espresso machines and Italian coffee makers Freshly ground coffee beans are the best choice.
Filter or piston coffee maker Ground coffee can tide you over, but the gain in quality with beans is enormous.
Automatic machines designed to grind on demand, they bring out the best in specialty coffees that have a long-lasting taste. darker roast. Light roasts don't work well in this one.

Ground coffee or beans: which to choose?

For lovers of specialty coffee

Coffee beans are the obvious solution: they guarantee an aromatic cup that respects the work of the grower and roaster. Each grind becomes a tailor-made gesture to prepare the best coffee possible.

For fast, everyday preparation

If you're looking for practicality above all, ground coffee may be just the thing... as long as you choose the right type. freshly roasted specialty coffee and consume it quickly.

FAQ

Is ground coffee inferior to coffee beans?

Not necessarily, but it does lose its aroma more quickly. For the best experience, always opt for freshly ground coffee beans.

Should I invest in a coffee grinder?

Yes, it's the most cost-effective investment you can make to instantly improve the quality of your cup. Even a manual grinder changes everything.

How long can I keep ground coffee?

Ideally, no more than 2-3 weeks after opening, as opposed to several months for well-preserved coffee beans.

Which coffeemaker is best for ground coffee?

Filter and piston coffee makers are more tolerant of pre-ground coffee. For espresso or mocha, always use freshly ground coffee beans.

Conclusion

Ground coffee or beans? It all depends on your expectations. Visit lovers of specialty coffee prefer grains for their freshness, flexibility and aromatic intensity. Ground is still a practical solution, but it limits your taste experience.

👉 At 94 celciusWe always recommend choosing freshly roasted coffee beans, and adapting them to your preparation methods to bring out their full potential.