Lavazza Super Crema Review: Is It the Best Espresso?

As someone who lives and breathes espresso, I’m always on the hunt for that perfect everyday bean. We all want a coffee that’s reliable, tastes great, and won’t break the bank for our daily brew. Today, we’re diving deep into one of the most popular choices out there for home baristas and coffee lovers alike: Lavazza Super Crema. Is this blend truly the champion it claims to be, especially for your daily espresso shot or milk-based drink? Let’s pull back the curtain and find out if Lavazza Super Crema deserves a permanent spot in your grinder.

Key Takeaways

• Balanced Flavor Profile: Lavazza Super Crema offers a medium roast with notes of honey, almonds, and dried fruit, making it versatile for both straight espresso and milk drinks.
• Consistent Crema Production: As its name suggests, this blend excels at producing a rich, tiger-striped crema, a hallmark of a well-pulled espresso.
• Machine Friendly: It performs admirably across various espresso machines, from superautomatics to prosumer models, making it a reliable choice for many home setups.
• Excellent Value: Offering premium quality at an accessible price point, Lavazza Super Crema provides fantastic value for daily espresso consumption.
• Ideal for Milk Drinks: While enjoyable on its own, its flavor profile truly shines when mixed with milk, creating delicious lattes and cappuccinos.

What Is Lavazza Super Crema?

Let’s start by getting to know the star of our review, Lavazza Super Crema. This isn’t just any bag of beans; it’s a carefully crafted blend from an Italian coffee giant with a long history. Understanding its origins and purpose helps us appreciate what it brings to our espresso cups.

Lavazza Super Crema is a staple for many espresso lovers due to its balanced nature and consistent performance.

Blend Composition and Roast Level

Lavazza Super Crema is a blend of 60% Arabica and 40% Robusta beans. Arabica beans from Brazil and Central America provide aromatic sweetness, while Robusta from Indonesia and Vietnam adds body, intensity, and that thick, lasting crema.

It’s a medium roast that balances natural sweetness and nutty notes without bitterness or excessive acidity. This roast also brings out subtle chocolate and caramel flavors, making it versatile and appealing for a wide range of espresso drinks.

Flavor Profile and Crema Quality

Now, let’s get to the fun part – how does Lavazza Super Crema actually taste? This is where the rubber meets the road, or rather, where the coffee meets your palate. A good espresso bean isn’t just about the caffeine; it’s about the full sensory experience.

Lavazza Super Crema consistently delivers a balanced and inviting flavor, complemented by its namesake rich crema.

Tasting Notes in Milk Drinks vs Straight Espresso

Pulled straight, Lavazza Super Crema has a smooth, medium body with notes of toasted almonds, honey, and a hint of dried fruit. Its gentle sweetness balances the mild bitterness, making it approachable even for espresso newcomers.

Where it truly shines is in milk-based drinks. The coffee’s natural sweetness and nutty notes complement steamed milk perfectly, creating creamy lattes and cappuccinos with a rich, chocolatey base that adds depth and character to every cup.

Acidity, Sweetness, and Bitterness

Lavazza Super Crema strikes an impressive balance across these three key flavor components.

• Acidity: It has a low to medium acidity. You won’t find those bright, citrusy notes often associated with lighter roasts or certain single-origin coffees. Instead, the acidity is mellow, more akin to a pleasant tartness that prevents the coffee from tasting flat. This low acidity makes it very easy to drink and gentle on the stomach.
• Sweetness: There’s a natural, inherent sweetness in this blend, often described as notes of honey or brown sugar. This isn’t an artificial sweetness, but rather a comforting, rounded flavor that comes from the quality of the beans and the medium roast. This sweetness is particularly amplified when paired with milk.
• Bitterness: While all coffee has some degree of bitterness, Lavazza Super Crema manages it beautifully. The bitterness is minimal and well-integrated, never harsh or overwhelming. It’s more of a pleasant, dark chocolate-like finish that contributes to the espresso’s body rather than detracting from it. This controlled bitterness is a testament to the blend’s composition and roast profile, making it a very forgiving bean to work with.

The crema quality, as the name suggests, is outstanding. You’ll consistently get a thick, reddish-brown crema with beautiful tiger stripes. This isn’t just for show; a good crema indicates a fresh, well-extracted shot, trapping the volatile aromatics and contributing to the overall mouthfeel. It’s one of the defining characteristics that makes Lavazza Super Crema so popular.

Lavazza Super Crema offers a balanced flavor with low acidity, natural sweetness, and controlled bitterness, performing exceptionally well in milk drinks and producing a consistently rich crema.

How Lavazza Super Crema Performs in Different Machines

One of the greatest strengths of Lavazza Super Crema is its versatility across various types of espresso machines. Whether you’re a beginner with a simple setup or an experienced enthusiast with a high-end machine, these beans tend to deliver consistent results. I’ve personally experimented with it on several machines, and the performance is remarkably reliable.

Lavazza Super Crema is incredibly adaptable, providing excellent results across a wide range of espresso machines.

Bean-to-Cup and Superautomatic Machines

This is where Lavazza Super Crema truly shines for many users. Bean-to-cup and superautomatic machines are designed for convenience, grinding beans and brewing espresso with the press of a button. The consistent nature of Super Crema’s roast and blend makes it an ideal candidate for these machines.

• Consistency: The medium roast and lack of excessive oiliness mean these beans feed smoothly into the grinder without clogging or causing issues. This is a common problem with very dark, oily beans in superautomatics.
• Flavor Reliability: Superautomatics can sometimes struggle to extract complex flavors from more delicate beans. However, the robust and balanced profile of Lavazza Super Crema ensures that even with less precise controls, you’ll get a reliably good-tasting espresso or coffee.
• Crema: Even in machines that might not produce the most voluminous crema with other beans, Super Crema almost always delivers a respectable, consistent layer. This is a big win for those who appreciate the visual appeal and mouthfeel of a proper espresso.

If you own a superautomatic machine, I highly recommend giving Lavazza Super Crema a try. It’s a fantastic everyday option that will keep your machine happy and your cup full of delicious coffee. For more information on finding the right equipment, consider checking out our guides on espresso machines.

Dialing In Lavazza Super Crema

Even though Lavazza Super Crema is known for being forgiving, taking the time to properly dial it in will significantly improve your espresso. Dialing in refers to adjusting your grinder and machine settings to get the best possible shot. It’s a small effort that yields big rewards.

Optimizing your grind and brew ratio for Lavazza Super Crema will unlock its full flavor potential and consistent crema.

Grind Size and Dose Ideas

Grind size is perhaps the most crucial variable when making espresso. For Lavazza Super Crema, you’ll generally want a fine grind, but not so fine that it chokes your machine.

• Starting Point: I usually recommend starting with a grind setting that feels like finely ground sugar or table salt. If your shots are coming out too fast (under 20 seconds for a double shot), your grind is too coarse. If they are coming out too slow (over 30 seconds) or not at all, your grind is too fine.
• Adjustments: Make small adjustments to your grinder. Even a tiny click can make a big difference. Aim for a stream that looks like warm honey coming out of your portafilter.
• Dose: For most standard double baskets (which are typically 18-20g), a good starting dose for Lavazza Super Crema is around 18 grams. If you’re using a single basket, around 9-10 grams. Make sure to distribute your ground coffee evenly in the portafilter and tamp firmly and level. Consistency in dosing and tamping is key for even extraction.

If you’re looking to upgrade your grinding setup, check out our recommendations for espresso grinders to achieve the perfect consistency.

Lavazza Super Crema vs Other Lavazza Blends

Lavazza offers a wide range of espresso blends, each with its own unique characteristics. Understanding how Super Crema stacks up against some of its popular siblings can help you decide if it’s truly the best fit for your palate and preferences. Let’s compare it to two other well-known Lavazza options.

Comparing Lavazza Super Crema to other popular Lavazza blends highlights its unique position as a balanced, everyday espresso.

Super Crema vs Crema e Gusto

Lavazza Crema e Gusto is another very popular blend, often found in Italian homes. However, it’s quite different from Super Crema.

• Blend Composition: Crema e Gusto typically has a higher Robusta content (often 70% Robusta, 30% Arabica) compared to Super Crema’s 40% Robusta. This higher Robusta content is a significant differentiator.
• Roast Level: Crema e Gusto is generally a darker roast than Super Crema.
• Flavor Profile: This darker roast and higher Robusta percentage give Crema e Gusto a much bolder, more intense flavor. It’s known for strong chocolate notes, a very full body, and a pronounced bitterness. It lives up to its name by producing an incredibly thick and persistent crema. It’s a very traditional Southern Italian style espresso – strong and punchy.
• Use Case: If you prefer a very strong, robust coffee that cuts through milk with authority, or if you enjoy a short, powerful espresso, Crema e Gusto might be your preference. Super Crema, with its medium roast and balanced profile, is more approachable and versatile for a wider range of tastes, offering more sweetness and nuance.

In essence, Super Crema is the smoother, more balanced, and slightly sweeter everyday option, while Crema e Gusto is the bolder, more intense, and darker choice.

Super Crema vs Espresso Italiano

Lavazza Espresso Italiano is another excellent blend, often marketed as a classic Italian espresso. It sits somewhere between Super Crema and Crema e Gusto in terms of intensity and roast.

• Blend Composition: Espresso Italiano is typically 100% Arabica. This is a major difference from Super Crema’s Arabica/Robusta blend. Being 100% Arabica usually means a more aromatic and less intense body.
• Roast Level: It’s a medium roast, similar to Super Crema, but perhaps a touch lighter in some instances.
• Flavor Profile: Because it’s 100% Arabica, Espresso Italiano tends to be more aromatic, with brighter notes and a cleaner finish. You might find more floral or fruity undertones, and a slightly higher perceived acidity compared to Super Crema. It has a good sweetness but often a lighter body and less crema due to the lack of Robusta. The flavor is often described as smooth and sophisticated, without the intense bitterness that Robusta can bring.
• Use Case: If you prefer a delicate, aromatic espresso that’s smooth and less intense, or if you want to experience the pure taste of Arabica without any Robusta influence, Espresso Italiano is a great choice. Super Crema, with its Robusta component, offers a more pronounced body, a richer crema, and a more classic “Italian cafe” feel that stands up better to milk.

Feature	Lavazza Super Crema	Lavazza Crema e Gusto	Lavazza Espresso Italiano
Blend	60% Arabica, 40% Robusta	~30% Arabica, ~70% Robusta	100% Arabica
Roast Level	Medium	Dark	Medium
Flavor Profile	Balanced, honey, almond, fruit, smooth, sweet	Intense, strong chocolate, bold, bitter, full body	Aromatic, brighter, smooth, clean, floral/fruity
Crema	Excellent, thick, consistent	Very thick, persistent	Good, but less than blends with Robusta
Ideal Use	Everyday espresso, milk drinks, versatile	Strong espresso, cuts through milk, intense	Aromatic espresso, less milk-focused, pure Arabica

When choosing between these Lavazza blends, consider your preference for intensity, body, and whether you primarily drink straight espresso or milk-based beverages. For a balanced, consistent, and milk-friendly daily driver, Super Crema often comes out on top. For more options, explore our full category of espresso beans.

While Crema e Gusto offers a bolder, darker roast and Espresso Italiano a lighter, 100% Arabica profile, Lavazza Super Crema stands out for its balanced medium roast and versatile Arabica/Robusta blend, perfect for everyday enjoyment and milk drinks.

Who Should Buy Lavazza Super Crema?

After exploring its blend, flavor, and performance, it’s clear that Lavazza Super Crema isn’t just a popular choice by accident. It caters to a specific set of needs and preferences that make it an excellent option for many coffee lovers. Let’s summarize who would benefit most from this blend and weigh its pros and cons.

Lavazza Super Crema is an ideal choice for a broad range of everyday espresso drinkers, offering great value and consistent quality.

Ideal Drinkers and Use Cases

Lavazza Super Crema is truly a champion for the everyday coffee enthusiast.

• The Daily Espresso Drinker: If you brew espresso every single day and want a consistent, reliable, and delicious shot without having to constantly adjust your machine or break the bank, Super Crema is your go-to. It’s designed for consistency.
• Milk Drink Lovers: This blend absolutely shines in lattes, cappuccinos, and flat whites. Its balanced flavor profile, with notes of honey and nuts, cuts through milk beautifully without being overwhelmed, creating a harmonious and satisfying drink.
• Home Baristas of All Levels: Whether you’re a beginner with a superautomatic machine or an experienced enthusiast with a prosumer setup, Super Crema is forgiving and performs well across the spectrum. It’s an excellent bean to learn with and a reliable one to stick with.
• Value Seekers: For the quality it offers, Lavazza Super Crema is incredibly affordable. You get a premium Italian espresso experience at a price that makes daily consumption sustainable.
• Those Who Prefer a Balanced Profile: If you dislike overly bitter dark roasts or overly acidic light roasts, Super Crema’s medium roast hits that sweet spot of balance, offering sweetness without being cloying and bitterness without being harsh.

It’s truly a workhorse bean that delivers consistent satisfaction, making it a staple in many kitchens.

Pros, Cons, and Value for Money

Let’s break down the advantages and disadvantages, and then assess its overall value.

Pros:

• Exceptional Crema: Lives up to its name, consistently producing a beautiful, thick, and lasting crema.
• Balanced Flavor Profile: Offers a smooth, medium body with notes of honey, almonds, and dried fruit, appealing to a wide audience.
• Versatile for Milk Drinks: Its flavors integrate perfectly with milk, making outstanding lattes and cappuccinos.
• Forgiving and Consistent: Easy to dial in and performs reliably across different types of espresso machines, from superautomatics to manual setups.
• Great Value for Money: Provides premium quality at a very accessible price point, making it ideal for daily consumption.
• Low Acidity: Gentle on the stomach and pleasant to drink.
• Widely Available: Easy to find online and in many grocery stores.

Cons:

• Not for Single Origin Purists: If you’re looking for highly complex, rare, or unique single-origin flavors, Super Crema might be too “safe” or traditional for your palate.
• Lacks Extreme Intensity: While balanced, it might not satisfy those who prefer a very dark, intensely bitter, or super-punchy espresso.
• Limited Nuance for Experts: While good, a seasoned barista with a high-end machine might find it less exciting than more exotic, specialty beans that offer a wider range of subtle notes to explore.

Value for Money:

Lavazza Super Crema offers excellent value for money, delivering consistent, high-quality espresso at an affordable price. It’s perfect for daily espresso drinkers, especially those who enjoy milk-based drinks, thanks to its balanced, forgiving flavor profile.

Even if you’re not a single-origin purist, this blend is a reliable choice for anyone seeking a tasty, everyday coffee that performs well shot after shot.

Espresso Insider – Final Word

After countless shots and numerous cups, my conclusion on Lavazza Super Crema is clear: it truly holds its own as one of the best everyday espresso beans available in 2025. It strikes a remarkable balance between quality, consistency, and affordability, making it a fantastic choice for a vast majority of home baristas.

Whether you’re just starting your espresso journey or you’re a seasoned pro looking for a reliable daily driver, Lavazza Super Crema delivers. Its ability to produce rich crema, its balanced flavor profile that excels in milk drinks, and its forgiving nature across various machines make it a standout. While it might not be the most exotic or complex bean on the market, it consistently provides a comforting, delicious, and authentically Italian espresso experience that many of us crave.

For anyone seeking a dependable, great-tasting, and budget-friendly option for their daily coffee ritual, I wholeheartedly recommend giving Lavazza Super Crema a permanent spot in your grinder. You can always explore more of our expert advice and product reviews right here at Espresso Insider.