The Ultimate Italian Coffee War: Illy vs Lavazza!
If you're looking for a new coffee to try, this is the blog post for you. You may have heard of these two brands before but what are they?
Illy vs Lavazza are both Italian coffee companies that produce some of the best espressos in the world. They've been around since 1933 and 1895 respectively. But who's better? We'll let you decide!
There are many factors to consider when deciding which brand is best suited for your needs. For example, if you want a more traditional taste then go with Lavazza because it has less sugar than Illy does (although this can be good or bad depending on your preference).
Or if you prefer an intense flavor, then choose Illy because it has more caffeine per serving than Lavazza does. The choice is yours!
Illy Review Overview
Editors Rating :Â
The illy whole bean coffee is the perfect choice for coffee lovers who prefer grinding their beans to suit their own individual taste and preparation method.
Carefully selected and meticulously blended and roasted, these beans invoke a sensual beauty that is a treat for your senses with every sip!
Click the button below to check out the latest price or read our full Illy review below
Illy coffee is owned by an Italian family and has been founded in 1933 . The company is located in Trieste, Italy and offers high-quality coffee beans. Illy produces "100% Arabica" products from six different countries: Guatemala, Brazil, Colombia, Ethiopia, India and Costa Rica. Their espresso drinks stay true to the coffee's origin and are perfectly roasted.
The type of coffee roast that Illy typically produces includes Italian, dark roast, and decaffeinated. The Italian coffee is the most popular. The darker roasts are sweeter, while lighter roasts provide a more bitter taste.
Coffee beans from the "Italian" category typically have milder flavors than other types of medium to dark roast coffees. For example, V2 (light roast) and V3 (medium-light roast) are both Italian roasts.
The illy people have great attention to detail, which is why their cafeterias will only serve Illy coffee to ensure customers receive the best possible experience. They're willing to go the extra mile!
Lavazza Review Overview
Editors Rating :Â
Coffee lovers everywhere know the smell of a freshly ground, richly aromatic Espresso Italiano. Lavazza Italian coffee is for you.
Read our full review below, or click the button below to find out more.
Founded in 1895 Lavazza coffee is a well-known Italian coffee company that is native to Turin, Italy. Lavazza was originally founded as a grocery store by Giacomo Mauro and Pietranera brothers . The roasting facilities are currently owned by Emilio Franzini (the third generation in his family to own the company).
Lavazza specializes in the production of espresso and other related drinks. They also make a variety of coffee grinds, including dark roast, decaffeinated, and Robusta. All of these products are sold in over 140 different countries around the world!
The type of roasted beans that Lavazza are well known for are the dark roast. They also offer a wide variety of flavored coffee beans, such as hazelnut and vanilla caramel.
The most famous roasts that Lavazza offers are the "Classic" and "Intenso." Classic is a medium-dark roast made from Central American beans, while Intenso is more of a dark roast made from a sweet blend of beans.
Recommended Article: Best light roast coffee for cold brew
Illy vs Lavazza - Taste/Flavor Profile
When it comes to flavor profile and taste in coffee , both brands are pretty similar. The taste of the coffee is most affected by the location and processing method that is used to make the beans. For example, Ethiopian Arabica and Brazilian Arabica have a high acidity level , while Colombian Arabica has a fruity fragrance .
If you love a strong coffee then Lavazza is for you. Their espresso drinks are strong and have more caffeine than Illy does. On the other hand, Illy has less caffeine but a stronger taste if comepared to Lavazza's espresso products .
However it all boils down to what your preference is, and there are plenty of options to choose from. At the price point for an espresso product ($4-$5 per serving) you'll get a great cup no matter which brand you pick!
Recommended Article: Try the Best cups for Iced Coffee Here
Quality vs. Price
Illy coffee is generally a little bit cheaper than Lavazza coffee is, but not by much . The price is usually around $5 per serving for an espresso drink.
As far as quality goes, both brands are pretty comparable in terms of flavor and features . Illy uses more natural flavors in their coffee than Lavazza does to give it a more distinct taste.
Illy Coffee Makers/Accessories
With being on the market for a short amount of time compared to Lavazza, the development team at Illy have implemented revolutionary new products. The illy people have created some interesting accessories for your coffee needs, such as a portable espresso machine called the iperEspresso . This hand-held coffee maker is perfect for those who love to bring their coffee on the go!
Taking things a step further, Illy has also created capsules that you can purchase for your Nespresso machine. These capsules are made out of 100% Arabica beans, and bring you a high-quality cup of coffee every time .
Overall Illy has over fifty products to offer. They have designed a wide variety of coffee makers, grinders, and accessories that will surely fit your needs.
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Illy vs Lavazza: Which is right for you?
In our opinion we prefer the illy brand of coffee. Their attention to detail is unparalleled and their innovative products are what makes them stand out among other companies. We also prefer the taste of Illy's espresso as opposed to Lavazza's, but it's all about personal preference in the end!
Illy can be considered a solid all-around brand if you like to play it safe. Their products are reliable, and their customer service is second to none .
Other Italian Coffee Brands to Try
Besides Illy and Lavazza, there are plenty of other Italian coffee brands that you should try as well. We can't possibly name them all, but here are a few that we love!
Danesi Coffee
- ☕FRESH ROASTED COFFEE BEANS: Our Danesi Gold blend is a perfectly balanced and bold whole bean coffee made with 100% premium quality espresso-grade Arabica coffee beans. Freshly roasted coffee beans are the best coffee beans!
- ☕BEST ESPRESSO COFFEE BEANS: Our medium roast coffee beans are smooth yet exquisitely complex, with hints of honey and caramel. A silky, mellow body and an aromatic finish envelop your senses and fuel you for a bright day ahead.
- ☕ETHICALLY-SOURCED: We work directly with small farms and cooperatives using low-impact technologies committed to sustainable practices to produce our gourmet coffee. From farm to cup, we believe in compassion for the farmers and the planet.
- ☕FAMILY-RUN BUSINESS: Danesi was founded in 1905 in Rome, Italy, and remains deeply influential in preserving Italian coffee culture. The company is currently managed by the great-granddaughters of Danesi's founder and continues its global growth.
We believe that you deserve the best coffee in the world, and we’ve been perfecting our craft for over 100 years. Our beans are sourced from all over the globe to bring you an amazing cup of coffee every time. It doesn’t matter if it’s your first or thousandth cup, Danesi Coffee will always be there for you.
If you want to experience true Italian espresso flavor with a blend of 92% Arabica and 8% Robusta beans, then try out Danesi Gold! With its sweet honey and caramel flavor, this coffee is blended to savor a rich and mellow taste that combines green beans selected from Latin America, Africa and Indonesia. Slowly roasted, it produces a graceful taste with long lasting aromatic finish- well balanced acidity combined with rich silky texture body.
Lollo Caffé
Lollo Caffé is a traditional blend with its smooth and full-bodied taste, ideal for every moment of the day. A break of roasted and flavored notes which delights the palate with its cream and honeyed tones. With an intensity level of 7/10, this coffee will wake you up in no time!Â
You're going to love waking up to this delicious cup of joe. It's perfect for any occasion - whether it be morning or night time. And don't forget about that amazing aroma that fills your kitchen as soon as you start brewing!Â
Kimbo
We’ve all had those moments when we need a little pick me up.
Kimbo coffee is the perfect drink for that moment of intense pleasure. It starts in the plantations in Brazil and Central America, where our beans are carefully selected to bring you a medium roast, full body and distinct aroma with all its vigor. The sweet flavor and intense aroma reveal this coffee's harmony between these two flavors, making it perfect for any time of day.
You deserve to have an amazing cup of coffee every morning or afternoon break! With Kimbo Coffee there’s no more sacrificing taste for convenience – just enjoy your favorite brew anytime you want with our convenient single-serve pods or whole bean bagged coffees! And if you love iced drinks as much as we do, be sure to try out one of our cold brew varieties too!
Caffé Musetti
Looking for a coffee that will make your morning? Caffé Musetti is the perfect blend of Indian Robusta and Brazilian Arabica beans.
It's intense, balanced taste with notes of chocolate, bourbon vanilla and hazelnut makes it perfect to enjoy black or blended with milk. You'll love the round body, high crema and good persistency that this coffee provides. Plus you can't go wrong with a rich aftertaste sensation!
Give yourself an amazing start to your day by grabbing some Caffé Musetti today!
Italian Coffee vs Italian Roast
Italian coffee is generally roasted by an Italian roastery in Italy, as opposed to being imported from another country. However, it is important to note that this does not mean that all Italian roasters roast in Italy. In fact, many do not!
Italian coffee beans are Arabica beans, and they generally have a medium body with low acidity. These are grown at high altitudes which produce sweeter tasting
The reason why Italians created their own brand of coffee is that they wanted to produce something that represented their country. They want their roasteries to be known as synonymous with 'Italian-style' coffee.
An Italian roast is known for being medium-dark roast . This means that the beans are roasted until they reach an internal temperature of 205°F (96°C). If you want to try an Italian roast, then check out Danesi's Kimbo and Musetti blends! You're sure to fall in love with their dark body and rich taste.
Frequently Asked Questions
Now that we have compared Italy's top roasteries - let's look at some of the most common questions that customers have regarding these brands.
Is Italian coffee grown in Italy?
No, the main growing area for these coffee beans is actually Africa. However, Italy does have some growing areas where farmers can successfully grow Arabica trees.
What makes Italian coffee so good?
Italian coffee is renowned for being good because of the experience it delivers . From the time that the coffee is brewed until you sip it - there's a rich history behind how these beans were made.
Coffee has been a massive part of Italian culture for years, and its still prevalent in society today. Plus, many Italians feel as if they have to 'protect' their brand by brewing it themselves!
Are all Italian coffees espresso roasts?
With the exception of Caffé Musetti, all Italian roasteries offer espresso-roast blends. However, they do carry whole bean in their bagged coffee line which allows you to brew your preferred method.
How do Italians take their coffee?
Italians prefer to have their coffee black with no sugar or milk. They feel as if adding the creamer and sugar will take away from the original taste of the coffee, which is why they enjoy it black!
That is why when you're in Italy there are cafes that serve stand up espresso shots (instead of sitting down to a coffee drink like we do here in America). This way you're drinking the purest form possible.
Final thoughts on Illy vs Lavazza
Illy coffee beans and Lavazza coffee beans are the top Italian coffees. They have been serving the world since 1933 and 1895 respectively, but Illy coffee is generally cheaper and has an abundance of coffee makers and accessories while Lavazza has more variety in their offerings.
There are other Italian coffees on the market, so if you're looking for something that's not among these two brands or want to explore further, we highly recommend checking out our article about how to choose a brand of espresso beans first!
We hope that you found this article helpful as it helps answer some common questions people may have when deciding on which type of coffee they would like to purchase.
