What coffee to buy in Italy: a guide for travelers and coffee lovers

Last update: 2026

For many travelers, buying coffee in Italy becomes part of the experience.

But once you arrive, it is easy to feel overwhelmed by the number of brands, blends and styles available.

So the question becomes simple: what coffee should you actually buy in Italy?

Italian coffee culture is changing

Italy has a long espresso tradition, but in recent years a new coffee culture has started to grow.

Alongside classic commercial blends, more people are discovering:

• freshly roasted coffee
• single origins
• specialty coffee

This creates a completely different coffee experience.

The difference between industrial and specialty coffee

Most supermarket coffee is produced on a large industrial scale.

Specialty coffee, on the other hand, focuses on quality and freshness.

Freshly roasted coffee usually offers:

• cleaner flavors
• better aroma
• more transparency about origin

For many travelers, this becomes one of the most interesting discoveries during a trip to Italy.

What kind of coffee should you buy?

The best coffee depends on your personal taste and brewing method.

• espresso lovers often prefer blends with body and sweetness
• filter coffee drinkers may prefer lighter and fruitier profiles
• some travelers look for decaffeinated specialty coffee

👉 Read also: Natural decaf coffee explained

Buying coffee directly from a roastery

One of the best ways to buy coffee in Italy is directly from a local roastery.

This usually means:

• fresher coffee
• better selection
• more information about the product

Essentzia Coffee Project is a micro roastery in Cagliari focused on artisanal roasting and specialty coffee.

👉 Explore our fresh roasted coffee collection

Coffee as part of the travel experience

Today many travelers search for experiences that feel more local and authentic.

Discovering coffee culture can become one of those moments.

👉 Read also: Coffee experience in Cagliari

Visit us in Cagliari

If you are visiting Sardinia and want to discover a more modern and artisanal side of Italian coffee culture, you can visit our roastery.

📍 Find Essentzia Coffee Project on Google Maps

FAQ — Frequently asked questions

What is the best coffee to buy in Italy?

Freshly roasted specialty coffee is usually the best choice for quality and freshness.

Should I buy whole beans or ground coffee?

Whole beans generally stay fresh longer.

Can I bring coffee home from Italy?

Yes, coffee is easy to transport while traveling.

Conclusion

Choosing what coffee to buy in Italy depends on the experience you are looking for.

For travelers searching for authenticity, freshness and quality, specialty coffee offers a more modern and personal way to discover Italian coffee culture.

Essentzia Coffee Project represents this approach through artisanal roasting and carefully selected coffees from around the world.