Short on time? Lifeboost Optimist Light Roast is the best coffee for Jura machines.
Jura coffee machines are famous for being some of the best at-home brewing devices on the market.
However, that’s not to say that the machine alone is what whips up a great cup of coffee.
Equally important in the brewing process are the beans you select.
After all, that’s what’s really providing the flavor!
Lucky for you, I’ve done a deep dive on the best coffee beans for Jura machines so that you don’t have to.
So, are you ready to jump in?
Let’s dive in!
The Lifeboost Optimist light roast selection is bright in its flavor and slightly more acidic, bringing out the natural notes of its coffee beans.
1. Lifeboost Optimist Light Roast
Lifeboost beans were created by nutrition expert Dr. Charles Livingston. The idea behind them was to create more than just high-quality beans.
At least, that’s what they claim.
Livingston and his team got one thing right – these beans are pretty gosh-darn delicious. I write more about that in this Lifeboost coffee review.
Lifeboost Optimist Light Roast is single-origin, which means it’s not mixed with beans from other countries. The espresso coffee beans are sourced from a small farm in the shady mountain rainforests of South America.
This high-elevation region is known for its lush rainforests, rich volcanic soil, and pristine climate.
That combination makes it perfect for growing great coffee!
Single-origin coffees are great because you get to taste flavors and aromas unique to the specific region.
That starkly contrasts mixed-origin coffee, which features flavors from many different regions. In those types of coffee, the flavors come together to create a monotonous flavor that “only tastes like coffee.”
Another reason why this coffee is so great for Jura machines because they’re free of mycotoxins.
Mycotoxins are created by certain types of molds that grow on foods.
Now, while most coffee beans have traces of mycotoxins in them (especially low-quality beans), that’s not to say they’re good for you.
And, that’s not to say they won’t impact the bean’s flavor.
Lifeboost’s espresso beans are certified mycotoxin-free, so you get super-rich and quality flavors.
That works especially well in a Jura machine since these devices are experts at extracting every aspect of the bean’s flavor.
Pros
- Single-origin, which means you can really taste the flavor of the beans
- Certified organic, so they’re free of mycotoxins and chemicals that mar the flavor of the coffee
- Handpicked, meaning you get the cream of the crop
- You can feel good about drinking this coffee because it’s environmentally friendly
Cons
- Slightly acidic, which makes this coffee sharp on the palate
- They’re premium coffee, so they tend to come at a high price tag
2. Lavazza Super Crema Whole Bean Coffee Blend
As you’ve probably guessed from the name, this type of coffee makes for a rich crema on your espresso.
This works so well with a Jura coffee machine because Jura machines are already designed to create super smooth espresso.
When you combine that with a bean that’s a master at getting you that delicate crema you’re looking for, you have a true gem.
Apparently, the rest of Italy thinks so too, since 80% of the country’s residents reportedly drink this Italian brand!
Lavazza Super Crema Coffee blend is a full-bodied and intense coffee with a strong aroma and hints of dark chocolate.
When you pair that already super-aromatic coffee with Jura’s A3 Aroma Grind technology, you get a near-perfect espresso in every cup of coffee.
Lavazza blend is a mixed-origin coffee. This coffee comes from South American and Southeast Asian Robusta Arabica beans.
The combination is dark and balanced, although you won’t get such distinct flavors as you would in a single-origin coffee.
It’s also worth noting that Robusta beans aren’t generally used for espresso. They have a much lighter, less citrusy taste which doesn’t always work well for that rich espresso we’re looking for.
Still, the beans do manage to make a crema that’s hard to find elsewhere. So, I can forgive this blend for being brighter than I’d really like.
Pros
- Creates a super-rich crema, so you get a much smoother cup of coffee than normal
- A very bright flavor, so you don’t get that ‘burnt’ taste some espresso beans give off
- It’s very well balanced, so you don’t have too much acidity or too much smoke
- Gives off a strong aroma, so you really get a well-rounded drinking experience
Cons
- Mixed origin, so you get a more generic coffee flavor
- Has a slightly grainy taste, especially if you don’t get the grind just right
- Are made of largely Robusta beans, which aren’t ideal for making espresso
3. Stumptown Coffee Roasters Hair Bender Whole Bean Coffee
The Hair Bender coffee blend by Stumptown is their most popular blend (not to mention the first they ever produced!).
It has a complex and unique flavor with notes of rich, chocolate fudge and sweet cherry.
Like the Lavazza super cream blend, Stumptown’s Hair Bender blend is a mixed-origin coffee. It features South American and African beans, both of which have a fruity flavor.
You might also pick up on a touch of minerals from the Indonesian side of the mix.
In terms of where this coffee really shines, I’d say it’s best made for an Americano.
That might make it a good choice for Jura A1 fanatics who can’t get enough of their simple yet delicious drinks.
The one thing I have to mention is that Stumptown doesn’t provide a ton of information on the level of roasting.
Still, I’d say it’s safe to assume that the Hair Bender is a medium to medium-dark roast. That’s due to the origin of the beans and the brewing characteristics of espresso.
Either way, the beans are hand-roasted in small batches to ensure consistent quality and flavor profile.
So, you still get a great cup of coffee even if you’re in the dark about the roasting techniques.
Stumptown is more expensive than many brands you can find in the supermarket, but it’s still not wild.
In other words, if you’re going to shell out for good coffee anyway, you wouldn’t be going wrong with Stumptown’s Hair Bender blend.
Pros
- Has a more generic coffee flavor, so it’s great for Americanos
- Rich and full-bodied, making it great for simpler beverages
- Has a balanced flavor, so you don’t get overwhelmed with acidity
- Sustainably made, so you can support the environment as you drink your favorite coffee
Cons
- Is a premium coffee, so it costs a bit more than some other blends
- Not a lot of information is available about the roasting, so you’re in the dark as to some of the flavor profile
4. Koffee Kult Coffee Beans Dark Roasted
Koffee Kult Coffee Beans Dark Roasted exist for lovers of all things noir.
With a strong aroma and deep body, this dark roast features smooth flavor notes like cinnamon, caramel, and more.
Koffee Kult also makes sure to roast their dark roast beans to the second crack. Then, they release the beans into a cooler container to bring out the flavor.
This is a natural play on the addictive qualities of coffee.
That special roasting process helps enhance the caffeine content and bring out the juicy coffee flavor we all know and love.
In general, Koffee Kult Coffee is excellent for cold brewing as it reduces bitterness.
If you’re a Jura machine owner, however, don’t panic!
You can actually whip up iced coffee using a simple espresso shot and some cubes of ice in your glass.
Some Jura machines even come with iced coffee programmed right into the drinks menu.
So, if that appeals, you could wind up with a pretty great brew.
Koffee Kult’s blend is of mixed origin, so you’ll get a more standard dark coffee flavor.
It’s very smoky and doesn’t give you the crema you might expect in an espresso.
Additionally, it doesn’t have that typical chocolatey taste to it. Instead, you get more of a spicy kick from the cinnamon notes.
The result?
A unique twist on your classic French Roast coffee at some of the best quality you’ll find on the market.
Pros
- Features Colombian beans, so has a crisp finish to the drink
- Is roasted in small batches, so you get exceptional quality
- Has a bright body, so it’s quite easy to drink for a dark coffee
- Has a high amount of caffeine, so you’ll really get your morning pick-me-up
Cons
- It may be better for cold brew, so you won’t get as much use out of it in your Jura espresso machine
- Is low in oil content despite being a dark roast, so you don’t get such a great crema
- Is very smoky, so it can be a bit overwhelming to the tastebuds
5. Verena Street 5 Pound Espresso Beans
Verena Street 5 Pound Espresso Beans are packed with rich, sweet, and creamy complexity. All that is complemented by a savory hint of cream that will make up your mornings.
The blends used by Verena Street consist of single-origin beans that are slowly roasted for perfect flavor and best taste.
The slow roasting technique releases the level of flavor that guarantees a complex and dense profile of this coffee.
Now, you know I’m a sucker for single-origin bends. This coffee gives you all the robustness of flavor you expect in a single-origin beverage.
In short, it is a smooth but full espresso, excellent for a fine ground espresso.
In particular, it’s great for those who want to drink straight espresso, lungo, or ristretto shots. That makes it ideal for the Jura A1, which focuses solely on these types of machines.
You’ll get tons of flavor and silky smoothness with a serious aroma.
Since the coffee is already super aromatic, the Jura machines really help bring this out. Their Aroma Grind technology gives you a truly irresistible cup of coffee.
Another major point in Verena Street’s favor is that it’s certified by Orthodox Union. That’s the most trusted and recognized kosher certification.
It’s also certified by the Rainforest Alliance for sustainability, so you know you’re not harming the environment.
Pros
- Is kosher, so you can drink it even if you have certain religious stipulations
- Has a super light, fluffy crema, so it’s great for a light shot of espresso
- Is well-balanced, so it’s not overly acidic
- Is certified by the Rainforest Alliance, so you know that it’s organic and sustainable and won’t harm the environment
Cons
- Comes with a lighter crema, so it won’t have that distinctly dark espresso flavor you’re used to
- Is a rather basic espresso, so you won’t get any wild or super-unique flavor profiles
- The beans tend to be oily, so they can clog up your grinder if you don’t keep an eye on it
6. Starbucks Espresso Dark Roast Whole Coffee
Normally, I’m not a big fan of Starbucks.
I’m just a tad too hipster to enjoy supporting big, corporate chains.
However, if you’re wanting a great coffee bean for your Jura machine, I have to admit that Starbucks’ Espresso Dark Roast is actually a great pick.
This coffee is a special blend of beans from Latin America and Asia/Pacific. It has an intense roast that produces a sweet, aromatic, and caramelized coffee.
This dense, full-bodied coffee has an intense flavor that stands out from the milk in lattes and other drinks.
As a result, it makes the perfect base for making a latte or cappuccino at home.
If you’re generally using your Jura machine for milk-based brews, this is a good pick.
The reason why this Starbucks blend is so worth looking into is that it’s a well-cured blend of beans.
In other words, it’s specially designed to keep some of the oils in the beans.
The oil is important because it’s what produces that oh-so-silky crema on your espresso.
Starbucks did a great job curating this blend to ensure there’s just enough oil for a rich crema without making the beans too oily.
Basically, no matter how you prepare this coffee, the oil will add an extra dimension to the flavor.
If you’re not a fan of super dark coffee, however, this isn’t one I’d recommend.
This is a darker roast (one of Starbucks’ darkest) and is very full-bodied.
For those who aren’t big fans of the darker side of espresso, it’s better to go for a lighter blend.
Pros
- Gives a good crema, so you can make great lattes and cappuccinos
- Is a well-balanced espresso, so you don’t get too much acidity in the shots
- Especially designed for super-automatic espresso machines, so it’s perfect for any Jura device
- Pairs well with any drink, so you can use it to get creative with your Jura’s drink options and programmability
Cons
- Is a very dark blend, so it can be a bit heavy for those that don’t typically enjoy dark coffee
- Need a super fine grind to get a great espresso, so expect to adjust your Jura’s grind to perfect this
7. Kicking Horse Cliff Hanger Espresso
Delicious coffee can come from many places and in many forms, but you’ll be hard-pressed to find one as unique as Kicking Horse.
Kicking Horse’s positive and courageous attitude is supported by its delicious coffee and the products it offers.
Their espresso blend is packed with flavor, caffeine, and bright acidity
That makes the beans the ideal option for those who need a flavorful cup of joe to perk them up in the morning.
Kicking Horse’s Coffee boasts of being organic, fair trade, and kosher.
You can drink it knowing there are no harmful chemicals on the beans that will destroy the flavor of your drink. And, you can enjoy it if you’re looking for a kosher beverage.
The coffee is very smooth and is pretty low in acidity. It’s got a well-balanced flavor that makes it great for just about any type of drink you might want to whip up on your Jura machine.
In terms of flavor, you’ll find notes of berries with a hint of dark chocolate.
I thoroughly enjoyed this coffee in every drink I tried. Considering how many drinks a Jura machine can make, that’s saying something.
The Jura PEP technology really pulls out some of the more subtle flavors in this coffee.
That’s great if you love dark roasts, which can sometimes drown out subtle notes of flavor with smokiness.
I’m also a big fan of these beans for Jura machines because they’re so versatile. You can use them with your Jura without limiting yourself to only making one or two types of drinks.
Pros
- Kosher, so it’s fine for people with specific dietary and religious backgrounds to drink
- Fairtrade and organic, so you avoid harsh chemicals and support local farmers
- Has a bright flavor, so it pairs well with any Jura drink you want to make
- Has a powerful aroma, so your Jura A3 Aroma Grinder will really bring out the flavor
Cons
- The beans are pretty oily, so they can get stuck in your grinder if you’re not careful
- Is slightly pricier than some of the other organic beans you’ll find
The Jura Bean Buying Guide: Picking the Right Beans for a Jura Brewer
Picking the right beans for your Jura requires much more than knowing a few popular brands.
You’ve also got to know what aspects of your chosen bean will affect your brew!
You’ll need to know what to look for when you purchase to help you pick an appropriate espresso bean for your Jura machine.
Let’s check out a couple of key factors to consider when buying your coffee beans.
Natural vs Roasted Coffee
One of the main factors to keep in mind when it comes to picking the right coffee beans is whether you’re buying natural or roasted coffee.
Natural coffee is basically coffee that hasn’t had any substances added during the roasting process.
In other words, the coffee bean is the only ingredient.
On the other hand, roasted coffee is coffee that’s had sugar added to the beans during the roasting process.
Now, the burnt sugar adds that characteristic dark color to your cup of coffee and makes your coffee look good. But, it can seriously affect the taste.
The added sugar subtracts from the taste of the coffee, producing a much more bitter coffee and a less aromatic brew.
Worse yet, all that burnt sugar can make it hard for your grinder to do its job and can wind up clogging your machine!
To get both the best-tasting coffee and avoid jamming your Jura, look for natural beans when selecting an espresso.
Whole Coffee Beans vs Pre-Ground
Another key point to consider when buying beans for your Jura machine is whether you will get whole beans or pre-ground beans.
In general, you want to favor whole coffee beans over pre-ground beans.
Whole coffee beans get ground by your Jura machine right when you go to make a cup. As a result, you get a much fresher flavor.
If you do opt for pre-ground coffee beans, be careful. Many times (especially if the bag isn’t well-sealed) the beans come out stale.
And, considering the fact that a large part of the flavor in a cup of coffee comes from the oils in the bean, I’d say that’s pretty important.
Robusta vs Arabica
The type of coffee that you use plays a big role in how your cup of coffee will turn out.
In general, there are two types of coffee:
- Robusta
- Arabica
Robusta coffee has more body and an earthy smell. It’s more intense and produces a very aromatic cup of coffee.
On the other hand, Arabica coffee beans are larger and elongated. It has a more refined, sweeter, and fruitier aroma that is both delicate and acidic.
Arabica beans tend to have the best aroma while Robusta beans have higher caffeine content.
Regarding Jura machines, which one you choose will depend on what type of coffee you’re brewing.
If you like straight coffee and Americanos, an Arabica blend will give you a better flavor.
However, if you want lattes and cappuccinos, you should be looking for a coffee that won’t be diluted by the milk. In that case, you’re best off going with a Robusta bean.
Think about which type of drinks you generally make with your Jura machine to get a good idea of what bean to buy.
Light vs Dark Roasts
In general, you’ll find that espresso beans are dark roasts.
However, that still does change slightly depending on where you live and what your personal preferences are.
In Northern countries (such as Scandinavia) you’re more likely to find light roast espressos. On the other hand, in Italy and more southern countries, you’ll find darker espresso roasts.
Dark espresso roasts give you a smoky flavor with deep chocolate tones. Light roasts give you soft flavors with hints of citrus.
Think about which of these flavors you’re going for when looking for light vs dark roasts to use in your Jura machine.
And, if you like, you can always play around.
I’ve found that I’m a sucker for blond roasts, but my partner can’t get enough of dark roasts.
Purchase a few different roasts and practice making drinks with them. You’ll likely find you prefer one much more than the other.
FAQ
Still got a couple of questions about the best beans for Jura machines.
I hear you.
Picking the right beans isn’t easy, so it pays to have all the answers.
Here are a couple of frequently asked questions and their answers when it comes to buying the best beans for your Jura..
What Are the Best Coffee Beans for Jura Machines?
The best coffee beans for Jura machines honestly tend to come down to personal preference.
However, if you’re wanting a bean that won’t clog your machine’s grinder and gets you a great crema, Lavazza Super Crema Whole Bean Coffee Blend is the best choice.
Even if you don’t pick that coffee blend, just make sure that you use 100% natural roasted coffee. Never use additives or caramelized (roasted coffee) as this can jam your machine.
Can You Use Ground Coffee in Jura Espresso Machines?
This depends on your Jura machine. Most Jura machines have a filter funnel for ground coffee that allows you to bypass the grinder.
However, if you’re using a machine without a bypass doser (such as the Jura E6), then you won’t be able to use ground coffee in the machine.
Can You Use Starbucks Beans in Jura?
Of course! You’re more than welcome to use Starbucks beans in your Jura machine (or any other brand of beans, for that matter).
My top pick? Try Starbucks’ Espresso Blend. This rich blend will get you a great crema and a well-rounded flavor that works well for pretty much any drink you want to make.
Our Verdict
There are a number of different coffee beans that work well in your Jura machine. Still, when it all boils down to it, the best coffee beans for Jura machines are Lifeboost Optimist Light Roast.
The main reason why I love these beans is that they’re single-origin. It means every cup will have prominent flavor notes, unique to the region where they’re grown. In this case, your coffee will be pleasantly acidic, with notes of nuts and fruits, and slightly sweet.
What’s more, Lifeboost coffee is organic and free of toxins, which adds up to quality, but also to cost. However, you will definitely get good value for your money.
