Chock Full O’Nuts Ground Coffee [2024 Review]

We all have the tendency to be lazy at times (or maybe most of the time!). And sometimes, we need caffeine to shake off that feeling to get us going for the rest of the day (because of work and responsibilities and whatnot).

But the only problem is- if you need coffee to feel energetic, how do you find the energy to make the said coffee?! This is where pre-ground coffee comes in!

While it might not be the best option if you want good-tasting coffee, some days you just don’t have the energy to grind coffee from scratch.

Pre-ground coffee is an OK exception for those days.

Things To Look Out For When Buying Pre-ground Coffee

When buying coffee, we often notice all these different labels on the packaging. Those are there for a reason. Let’s see what they mean.

Type Of Roast

The type of roast is a strong determinant of how your coffee will taste. There are three main types of roast:

• Lightly Roasted

Lightly roasted coffee looks pale or light brown. The taste is less bodied, more acidic, and kind of sour. The flavor notes tend to be muted and less distinct.

• Medium Roasted

Also known as American, Regular, or Breakfast roast.

These beans are more roasted but still look dry because the oils have not yet come to the surface. They are still pretty acidic but less so compared to light roast. The flavor notes and aromatics are however more apparent in this kind of roast.

• Dark Roasted

Otherwise known as Viennese, French, Continental, or Italian roast.

Dark roasted beans look oily and have a deep-brown color to them. They taste less acidic. The flavor notes are complemented with caramelized or nutty undertones with a bittersweet after-taste.

Type Of Bean

There are two main types of beans used for coffee grounds; Arabica and Robusta beans.

Robusta beans are cheaper and easier to grow. In terms of flavor, Robusta beans are less acidic meaning the coffee made using them tastes kind of bitter and less sweet. The flavor notes tend to be towards woody and burnt notes. However, they are often preferred by caffeine junkies due to the 25% higher caffeine content.

Arabica Beans are more commonly used but are generally more expensive compared to Robusta beans. These beans have a more complex acidity, yielding a more versatile flavor palette with fruity, floral, and chocolatey notes.

Region Of Origin

Like fruits and vegetables, the region of origin can also affect the taste and flavor of coffee beans. A lot of people tend to be very specific about which origin’s coffee they purchase. Here are some common ones:

• Africa: Coffee harvested from Africa tends to have acidity and fruity flavor notes.
• Columbia: Columbian coffee is one of the most famous in the world. It’s known for its aroma and sweetness
• Brazil: Brazilian coffee is known for its nutty, buttery, and chocolatey flavor notes with a full-bodied feel
• Kona: This coffee has slight or moderate floral notes with fruity undertones
• Asia: Coffee harvested from different regions of Asia such as Indonesia or Vietnam is known for its earthy, smokey flavor notes
• Special Features

Lastly, some blends come with special features catering to specific consumer needs. These include:

• Caffeinated
• Decaffeinated
• Flavoured: these have added flavors like caramel, hazelnut, vanilla, etc
• Grind Size

When buying pre-ground coffee, pay special attention to the grind size. The grind size varies with each type of brew and can influence the flavors accordingly. Common grind sizes include:

• Extra coarse: Best for cold brew
• Coarse: Best for french press or percolators
• Medium: Best for pour-over and drip coffee maker
• Fine: Best for espresso
• Superfine: Usually used for Turkish brew

Now that you’re equipped with the knowledge of buying pre-ground coffee. Here is a product recommendation to get you started; Chock Full o’Nuts Original Roast Ground Coffee.

Product Features

• Pre-ground

This coffee comes pre-ground. Meaning you don’t have to grind it from scratch before brewing.

• Medium Roasted

This blend claims to be not too bitter or too acidic; landing in that perfect-tasting middle ground. It’s great for the routine, everyday drink.

• Decaffeinated

If you want to enjoy coffee without the anxiety and the jitters, decaffeinated coffee is the ideal choice.

• Kosher

This coffee is Orthodox Union Certified Kosher so you can drink it with ease of mind.

• Gluten-Free

No trace of gluten in these coffee grounds. Ideal for those who have known gluten allergies.

• Recyclable Stainless Steel Packaging

Pre-ground coffee loses its freshness quickly due to the increased exposure area. Fortunately, though, the Chock Full O’Nuts pre-ground coffee comes in a stainless steel can with a lid to preserve its freshness.

Pros

• Unique taste
• Great aroma
• Great with both drip and percolator
• The re-sealable packaging helps retain freshness for an extended period
• Pretty strong coffee flavor
• Being decaf, you can drink it later in the day

Cons

• A tad bit expensive
• Doesn’t stay fresh for long because of the pre-ground state
• Not easily available everywhere

Conclusion

If you aren’t too fussy about freshly grinding your coffee and are open to trying pre-ground variants, the Chock Full O’Nuts Ground Coffee is a must-try.

The coffee works well for most brew types, whether you have an automatic machine, drip or percolator- it works for all!

The taste is rich, full-bodied without being too bitter or sour. It’s perfect for the routine drink! Plus since it’s decaffeinated, you can even have it later in the day.

But if you are used to the freshly-ground coffee beans, this might not be your cup of tea (or coffee!). All in all, a pretty great pre-ground coffee!