Lavazza is pretty much the ultimate proof that I lack the sensitivity to be a proper coffee snob. It's basically the nicest coffee I ever buy myself and any real connoisseur probably calls it adequate at best.

If I'm buying from a grocer instead of single origin specialty sellers, Lavazza Oro is a staple go-to. I never met a Lavazza I didn't like.

I find illy has a better flavour than lavazza

When i first got my budget espresso machine i bounced around different espresso brands until i found LavAzza. Absolutely loved it the first time i tried it, bought it for a few years, and only stopped getting it because my retailer source was Amazon and i wanted to stop buying stuff from there. I switched to Redbird, which is also amazing (better imo, but thats just me), but still ocassionally get LavAzza if i spot it in store while im out running errands.

I completely agree with the chronicler that cheaper espresso beans often make some of the best old world espresso. Even blends with a touch of Robusta can be very good. The really good lighter roasted stuff often fares better as low pressure coarser soup shots.

For old world espresso my fave right now is a can of illy costa Rica.

I don't find them to be high quality, but they are definitely not low quality. I wish they came in whole beans, but it is what it is.

Fun fact: During covid, I suffered from paranosmia. As a result, and all coffee smelled and tasted like wrotten fruit.
All coffee, that is, except for Lavazza, which still smelled and tasted like decent coffee.
Lavazza was my saving grace and, they will forever hold a special place in my heart (even if not in my coffeebar).

I usually won’t touch anything from a supermarket or bulk store. My machine just does not perform well with them.

However I find in some places ALDI do a decent budget bean. You have to check the dates but the quality of bean, the small range (usually just three roasts, or the occasional special roast) and fast turn around of product is a real good value offering.

LoL, just entering my 'coffee snobbery' phase. I'll be heading over to my local roastery to get some tan beans after the morning rush. What is the 'brand loyalty' of which you speak?

Lavazza here in Italy is one of the worst. There was a scandal where it was discovered that defective capsules and other suff (I forgot the details) were mixed with fresh one and sold as special blend.

Also all of them taste like charcoal, extremely bitter and no taste.

But some swear it's the best. Not sure why.

EDIT: I checked, basically a nothingburger. Their coffee sill taste not good in my opinion. I think in the US it's roasted better. Not sure if Pellini is there, but give it a try, it's my go to when not in the mood for specialty.