Answers to the Big Coffee Questions
Health | Flavor | Brewing | and Why Does Ricco Coffee Taste Better
Pricing, Value & Bag Size
Why is your coffee more affordable than coffee shop roasters?
Fortunately, we don’t have the same high overhead expenses that coffee shop owners face. Coffee shops or cafes that craft roast and sell specialty-grade coffees need to charge $19–$22 for a 12-oz bag of coffee, on average $1.70 per ounce, to cover expenses. On the other hand, we fortunately can pass on savings to our customers. Our 8oz bags are just $11.99—less than $1.50 per ounce, less than 75 cents per 8oz cup of coffee. And when you order 4 bags or more – Shipping is Free.
Why should I choose Ricco over a local coffee roaster?
To start with, it is more convenient and less expensive. Most coffee shops that craft roast and sell specialty-grade are typically not close to home. And due to their high overhead, they need to charge you more. So, instead of spending money on driving expenses, parking, and standing in line, you can enjoy our specialty-grade coffee delivered fresh to your door, which costs less per ounce than most cafes or coffee shops.
Why don't you compare your coffee to grocery store brands?
Because it’s not the same product. Grocery store coffee is usually low-grade coffee that is mass- produced, over-roasted, bitter, and stale. Ricco Coffee is specialty-grade (SCA 87–90 points), craft-roasted to perfection, and sealed using a 3-stage freshness process to lock in all those health compounds, flavors, and notes. So, for less than 75 cents per 8 oz cup of premium specialty-grade coffee that is not bitter, is healthy, and smooth with wonderful flavors and notes – or drink a 50cent cup of store-bought over roasted low-grade coffee that is bitter and not as good for your health.
The difference is night and day. And honestly, for less than 75 cents, wouldn’t you rather start your day with a freshly roasted cup of coffee that’s healthy, smooth, and full of rich, natural flavors?
Isn't it cheaper to buy coffee in larger bags?
It may seem that way, but when you factor in freshness and waste, our 8-oz bags are a better deal. Coffee starts losing flavor after opening. Our bags are perfectly sized to last 7–10 days for most coffee drinkers, which means fresher coffee and no waste.
Ricco Coffee Subscriptions, Packaging & Bag Size
Why do you use 8oz coffee bags instead of 12oz or 1lb sizes?
We believe coffee should be enjoyed fresh—ideally within 7 to 10 days of opening. Bigger bags tend to sit around too long, which means the coffee starts losing flavor due to oxidation. Our 8- oz bag is just the right amount for most people who drink about two 8-oz cups a day—you’ll finish it while it’s still tasting amazing. Plus, we pass on savings to our customers because 8-oz bags are more economical to box and ship.
What’s unique about your packaging process?
We go the extra mile with our 3-stage sealing process to keep your coffee fresh for as long as possible:
1st Stage -Vacuum: We remove most oxygen from the bag.
2nd Stage – Nitrogen Flush: We push in food-grade nitrogen to push out any leftover oxygen.
3rd Stage – Vacuum Seal: This final stage vacuum seals and locks in freshness.
Our bags are thicker with one-way valves, so your coffee can safely release carbon dioxide (CO2) after roasting without letting oxygen sneak in.
Why do you let the coffee rest for 24 hours before packaging?
After roasting, we store the coffee in food-grade bins for 24 hours to allow it to degas, releasing CO2. Letting the coffee rest and stabilize before bagging and sealing is an essential part of craft roasting.
Special Offers & First-Time Incentives
Do you offer discounts for first-time buyers?
Yes! First-time customers get 20% off individual coffee selections. No subscription is needed this is just a simple thank-you for giving us a try.
Shop individual bags
Do new subscribers get a special deal?
Absolutely. First-time subscribers receive 50% off their first shipment. We want your first experience to be affordable, smooth, and seriously delicious.
Start your subscription
Do you offer free shipping?
Yes. 4 bags or more orders qualify for free shipping, including individual coffee selections and subscriptions. https://directcoffeeus.com/why-ricco-coffee/
Why are you offering these generous discounts?
We want you to try Ricco Coffee without hesitation. Once you experience its quality and freshness, we think you’ll stay with us.
Health & Coffee Benefits
Can coffee help improve insulin sensitivity?
Is coffee good for you?
Absolutely—when consumed in moderation, up to 400 milligrams (mg) of caffeine daily appears safe for most healthy adults. Also, specialty-grade coffee is rich in antioxidants, may support cognitive function and heart health, and even reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes.
Explore more health benefits
Do K-cups contain harmful chemicals like BPA?
Some older K-Cups may contain plastics that can leach chemicals when exposed to heat. Even BPA-free plastics aren’t always risk-free, especially under high temperatures.
Can coffee pods expose me to microplastics or aluminum?
Yes, plastic and aluminum pods can release trace materials when hot water runs through them. These materials may not be filtered out before entering your cup.
Do coffee pods contain preservatives or artificial ingredients?
Many flavored pods include additives, synthetic flavorings, or preservatives to maintain shelf life—something you won’t find in fresh, whole-bean coffee.
Flavor, Freshness & Brewing Tips
Why is some coffee bitter or acidic?
This is usually due to over-roasting, which burns away natural sugars, healthy compounds, and oils, leaving behind harsh or sour flavors. Craft roasting preserves balance and complexity.
Learn more about roast levels
How long does coffee stay fresh after opening the bag?
Once opened, coffee begins to lose its aroma and flavor due to oxidation. We recommend using it within 7 to 14 days
How much coffee should I use per 8-ounce cup?
Brewing Methods & Coffee Devices
What’s the difference between Pour-Over and drip coffee machines?
Pour-overs give you total control over water flow, timing, and temperature, which is ideal for drawing out nuanced flavors. Drip machines are convenient but often inconsistent.
Compare brewing styles
What is immersion brewing?
Immersion brewing means the coffee grounds are thoroughly steeped in water, like with a French Press or Sowden SoftBrew. This method typically results in bolder, richer coffee.
Learn more about immersion brewing
How is French Press different from Sowden SoftBrew?
In French Press, coffee grounds are submerged in water and stirred to boost extraction. It uses a mesh filter and yields a full-bodied cup. In Sowden SoftBrew, grounds stay in a metal filter basket—more like tea. It’s smoother and sediment-free but less bold.
Read the complete comparison
What makes percolated coffee so bold?
Percolators repeatedly cycle hot water through the grounds, producing a strong, dark brew. This old-school method has a loyal following.
Explore the science of percolation
What is the best brew (coffee to water) ratios and times?
Different brewing methods
Here’s a quick guide: (Coffee to Water)
French Press: 1:16 to 17 ratio – Brew 4–6 min
Sowden SoftBrew: 1:15–1:16 – Brew 5–8 min
Pour-Over: 1:16 to 17– Brew 3–4 min
Moka Pot: Fill basket – Brew 4–6 min
Percolator: 1:17 – Brew 6–10 min
Vacuum Siphon: 1:15 – Brew 6–7 min→ See our Brew It Yourself Guides
What’s wrong with capsule systems like Keurig or Nespresso?
They prioritize convenience over quality. Coffee in pods is pre-ground and often stale. Plus, brewing through plastic or aluminum may expose you to micro-contaminants.
Are Nespresso Original and Vertuo pods compatible?
No. Nespresso Original and Vertuo machines use different pod shapes and brewing methods—they’re not interchangeable.
Specialty Coffee 101
What is specialty-grade coffee?
Specialty coffee scores 80+ on a scale by the SCA (Specialty Coffee Association). It’s free of major defects and grown in ideal conditions for unique, high-quality flavor.
Explore specialty coffee
Why is specialty coffee better than store-bought?
Store coffee is often over-roasted and stale before it even reaches shelves. Specialty coffee is roasted in small batches to highlight the bean’s origin and tasting notes.
See the difference
Why are grocery store coffees over-roasted?
It’s a shortcut to consistency. Over-roasting hides defects in cheap beans and delivers a one- note flavor—but at the cost of complexity and health benefits.
Understand health benefits
Caffeine & Consumption
How much caffeine is in an 8oz cup of coffee?
Generally, 80–100 mg. The amount depends on the brew method, grind size, and coffee type.
What brewing method gives you the most caffeine?
Moka Pots and Percolators brew strong, concentrated coffee with more caffeine per ounce.
Compare brewing strength
Does roast level affect caffeine content?
Yes. Lighter roasts have more caffeine by weight. The darker the roast, the less caffeine it has.
Caffeine vs roast explained
Still deciding? Here's our promise:
Enjoy 20% off your first order of individual coffee selections—no subscription required. Or get 50% off your first delivery when you subscribe. And remember, shipping is free on any order of 4 bags or more.