Ground Espresso Coffee, Classico Medium Roast

Premium Italian Arabica blend with signature notes of caramel and chocolate.

Full manufacturer title

illy Ground Espresso Coffee, Classico Medium Roast, 8.8 oz Classico Medium Roast Ground Espresso 8.8 Ounce (Pack of 1)

Member of The 90+ Clubscored 90+ out of 100

Typical price

$16

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illy Ground Espresso Coffee, Classico Medium Roast, 8.8 oz Classico Medium Roast Ground Espresso 8.8 Ounce (Pack of 1) image 1

Ravvy verdict

92.6 / 100

Buy this if you want a refined, cafe-standard Italian espresso with minimal bitterness, provided you are willing to pay a premium for a smaller volume.

Best for: Home baristas seeking a consistent, low-acidity Italian espresso experience.
Buy it if: You want pressurized nitrogen packaging maintains exceptional freshness.
Skip it if: You are drip coffee and pour-over enthusiasts.
Best alternative: Lavazza Espresso Ground Coffee, Medium Roast, 100% Arabica, 8 oz Tin (Pack of 4) Espresso Italiano 8 Ounce (Pack of 4) (Home baristas seeking a balanced, authentic Italian espresso for moka pots.)

How it scores on what matters

Freshness retention97.0
Flavor profile94.2
Extraction consistency91.5
Value for money68.0
Versatility55.0

Ravvy factor scores, 0 to 100, derived from specs, owner reviews and category norms.

What it is

The illy Classico Medium Roast is a benchmark for Italian espresso, utilizing a sophisticated blend of nine different Arabica sources. Unlike darker roasts that lean into bitterness, this medium roast emphasizes a smooth, velvet-like texture with distinct notes of caramel and jasmine. The coffee arrives in a pressurized, air-free can that preserves the volatile oils and aromatics, ensuring that the flavor remains vibrant from the moment you break the seal. This specific grind is tailored for home espresso machines, offering the precise particle size needed for a standard extraction. While it performs admirably in a Moka pot, its primary strength lies in providing a consistent, cafe-quality crema and a balanced flavor profile that does not require heavy milk or sugar to be palatable. It is a reliable choice for drinkers who prefer a refined, naturally sweet cup over the smoky intensity of traditional dark roasts.

Ravvy AI insight

While the price per ounce is higher than supermarket brands, the pressurized packaging technology significantly extends peak freshness. Buyers should note the grind is optimized for pressurized portafilters or Moka pots; it may be too fine for standard drip machines or French presses. If you value a smooth finish without the charcoal aftertaste of darker roasts, this 100 percent Arabica blend is a top-tier investment.

Generated from owner feedback, product specs, pricing, and retailer data. Last updated Aug 18, 2026.

What owners praise

Pressurized nitrogen packaging maintains exceptional freshness.
Balanced flavor profile with no harsh bitterness.
Consistently fine grind perfect for espresso extraction.
High-quality 100 percent Arabica bean selection.
Smooth mouthfeel with natural chocolate undertones.

What to know first

Higher price point compared to domestic ground brands.
8.8 ounce container is smaller than standard 12 ounce bags.
Grind size is too fine for drip or pour-over methods.

Specifications

UPC: 733411000078
GTIN: 733411000078
Units: 8.8 Ounce
Flavor: Classico Medium Roast Ground Espresso
Variety: Arabica
Diet Type: Plant Based
Item Form: Ground
Specialty: Kosher Certified
Brand Name: illy
Unit Count: 8.8 Ounce
Coffee Type: Coffee Bean
Item Volume: 205.5 ml
Item Weight: 8.8 ounces
Part Number: 733411000078
Manufacturer: illy
Model Number: 733411000078
Container Type: Can
Each Unit Count: 8.8
Item Dimensions: 5.8 x 5.7 x 4.5 inches
Number of Items: 1
Number of Pieces: 1
Coffee Blend Name: Classico
Item model number: 733411000078
Package Size Name: 8.8 Ounce
Coffee Roast Level: Medium Roast
Product Dimensions: 5.8 x 5.7 x 4.5 inches; 8.8 ounces
Product Shelf Life: 180 days
Item Package Weight: 0.39 kg
Special Ingredients: Coffee
Age Range Description: 18+
Sweetness Description: Moderately Sweet
Liquid Contents Description: Beverage Type Not Listed
Caffeine Content Description: Caffeinated
Caffeine Content Per Serving: 147.5 milligrams

How to get the most out of it

Optimizing Extraction

Since this is a pre-ground espresso, ensure you tamp the grounds firmly and evenly in your portafilter. This helps create the necessary resistance for a rich crema and prevents watery shots.

Ownership tips

care

Proper Storage

Keep the metal lid tightly sealed after every use to maintain the pressurized environment. Store the tin in a cool, dark cupboard rather than the refrigerator to avoid moisture contamination.

tip

Moka Pot Compatibility

This grind works excellently in Italian Moka pots. To avoid a burnt taste, pre-heat your water in a kettle before adding it to the bottom chamber of the Moka pot.

Frequently asked questions

Is this coffee suitable for a standard drip coffee maker?

Generally, no. This is an espresso-specific fine grind that may clog the filters of a standard drip machine or result in a very over-extracted, bitter cup. It is best used in espresso machines or Moka pots.

What is the benefit of the metal tin?

The metal tin uses a patented pressurized system that replaces oxygen with inert nitrogen. This process seals in the coffee's natural oils and aromas, keeping it fresh much longer than standard paper bags.

Does illy Classico have a strong caffeine kick?

It contains approximately 147 milligrams of caffeine per serving. While it provides a steady energy boost, the 100 percent Arabica beans generally offer a smoother experience than blends containing Robusta beans.

Is there any sugar added to get the caramel notes?

No, there are no additives or preservatives. The caramel and chocolate notes are natural flavor characteristics derived from the specific roasting profile of the Arabica beans.

Where can you buy the Ground Espresso Coffee, Classico Medium Roast?

Ground Espresso Coffee, Classico Medium Roast is sold through Amazon, and illy also lists it through its own site and major retail partners. The buy link on this page goes straight to the current Amazon listing, which is where stock and pricing update most often.

How much does the Ground Espresso Coffee, Classico Medium Roast cost?

The last price Ravvy recorded was $16. Retail pricing on coffee & espresso moves with promotions and stock, so treat that figure as a reference point and check the live listing before you buy.

How do you get the Ground Espresso Coffee, Classico Medium Roast for a cheaper price?

Three tactics work best: watch for holiday and seasonal sale events when coffee & espresso discounts run deepest, compare the open box or renewed listing against new stock, and check whether illy is running a coupon or bundle. Adding the product to your Ravvy wishlist keeps it handy so you can revisit the listing when prices drop.

Is the Ground Espresso Coffee, Classico Medium Roast in stock right now?

It was in stock at our last check. Availability on popular coffee & espresso can change within hours, so the live listing is the source of truth.

Is the Ground Espresso Coffee, Classico Medium Roast worth it?

Ravvy scores it 92.6 out of 100. The strongest argument for it is pressurized nitrogen packaging maintains exceptional freshness.. The trade off to weigh is higher price point compared to domestic ground brands..

Who should buy the Ground Espresso Coffee, Classico Medium Roast?

It fits home baristas seeking a consistent, low-acidity Italian espresso experience. If that does not describe your situation, compare it with the other options in Coffee & Espresso before committing.

What are the key specs of the Ground Espresso Coffee, Classico Medium Roast?

UPC: 733411000078. ASIN: B00DTR9R9Q. GTIN: 733411000078. Size: 8.8 Ounce (Pack of 1).

What are good alternatives to the Ground Espresso Coffee, Classico Medium Roast?

Compare it against the other scored picks in Coffee & Espresso on Ravvy. We rank every option in that group by the same criteria, so you can see which model wins on value, quality, and owner sentiment before you decide.

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