illy coffee beans and ground coffee

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Coffee beans and ground coffee from illy

illy coffee beans and ground coffee come from an Italian roaster that uses only Arabica. Here you will find the Classico, Intenso and decaf blends as whole beans and as ground coffee, all in 250 g packs, plus single-origin beans from the Arabica Selection and tasting packs that let you compare several illy coffees side by side.

What sets illy apart

Every illy blend is 100% Arabica, with no Robusta in it. Arabica gives a softer, more aromatic cup with less bitterness than Robusta, and it contains less caffeine. The coffee is packed under a protective atmosphere, which keeps it fresh until you open it. The differences between the illy coffees lie in roast level and origin, so the choice comes down to how you drink your coffee.

Which illy should you choose?

illy Classico coffee beans and ground coffee

The everyday blend: a medium roast with a soft, balanced flavour and notes of caramel and flowers. It works as espresso, as a lungo and in a bean-to-cup machine. Available as whole beans and as ground coffee.

illy Intenso

A darker roast than Classico, with a fuller body and notes of cocoa. Choose Intenso if you mostly drink cappuccino or latte: the stronger flavour holds its own against milk. Available as whole beans and as ground coffee.

illy decaf

The decaffeinated illy keeps close to the flavour of Classico, so you can have the same cup in the evening. Available as whole beans and as ground coffee.

Arabica Selection

These are single-origin beans: each pack comes from one country, so you taste the character of that origin rather than a blend. We currently stock Brazil Cerrado Mineiro, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ethiopia, Guatemala and India, all as whole beans in 250 g. A good way to discover which origin you like best, or to vary your daily espresso.

Tasting packs

Not sure yet? The Espresso Tasting Pack contains two 250 g packs and comes as beans or ground. The version with decaf adds a third pack. The Arabica Tasting Pack holds four 250 g packs of beans from the Arabica Selection, so you can compare origins in one go.

Which illy comes ground?

Classico, Intenso and decaf come as whole beans and as ground coffee, and so do both Espresso Tasting Packs. The Arabica Selection and the Arabica Tasting Pack are sold as beans only. With a bean-to-cup machine you need the beans; without a grinder of your own, pick the ground version of Classico, Intenso or decaf.

Quick guide

Soft, balanced espresso for every day: Classico
Fuller flavour for milk drinks: Intenso
The same cup without the caffeine: decaf
Exploring origins: Arabica Selection
Comparing before you decide: a tasting pack

Frequently asked questions about illy

What is the difference between Illy Classico and Intenso?

Classico is roasted to a medium level and has a soft, balanced flavour profile. Intenso is roasted darker and has a stronger, fuller taste. Choose Classico for a milder cup and Intenso if you prefer a robust espresso.

Why are illy coffee beans more expensive than other brands?

illy uses selected 100% Arabica beans and applies its own quality control process. Protective packaging also adds to the cost. This combination leads to a consistent flavour profile and explains the higher price.

Are Illy coffee beans suitable for a bean-to-cup machine?

Yes, Illy beans work well in a bean-to-cup machine. The beans grind evenly and provide a consistent extraction. Set the grind to medium-fine for espresso or slightly coarser for a lungo.

What is the difference between illy coffee beans and <a href="/coffee/ground-coffee">ground coffee</a>?

Whole beans retain their aroma longer than pre-ground coffee. If you grind the beans just before brewing you get the freshest, fullest flavour. Ground coffee is convenient if you do not have a grinder, but it loses aroma more quickly after opening.