French press coffee powder: what to buy, and how to brew it
Use a coarse grind, about as coarse as raw sugar, with 1 g of coffee to 15 g of water, and steep for 4 minutes.
Regular filter coffee powder is too fine for a French press. It slips through the mesh, leaves sludge in your cup, and tastes bitter.
By Nirikshith, Founder, Navees Farm & Roastery.Updated 4 November 2026.
We grow and roast coffee on our family farm in Chikmagalur, and grind it to order for each brew method. Here is what we suggest.
Which coffee powder should you use?
Choose by how you drink it.
You like: Black coffee, lighter and more aromatic
100% Arabica, French press grind
Floral, citrus, and nutty
You like: Full body, black or with milk
Premium Blend, French press grind
Floral notes with a chocolaty, earthy body
You like: Strong coffee with milk
100% Robusta, French press grind
Cocoa nibs, molasses, and a bold finish
All three are sold in 250 g, 500 g, and 1 kg packs, and Arabica also comes in 100 g. If you have a grinder, choose whole bean and grind just before brewing.
Avoid these in a French press:
- South Indian filter powder. It is ground finer, and often contains chicory, which is made for a filter’s slow drip.
- Espresso or moka pot grinds. They are too fine, and the cup turns muddy and bitter.
- Instant coffee. It dissolves, so there is nothing to steep.
How coarse should the grind be?
Think of raw sugar or coarse sea salt. You should see separate grains.
If your cup is muddy, or the plunger is hard to press, the grind is too fine. If the coffee tastes weak and sour, it may be too coarse, or the steep too short.
How much coffee and water?
Start with 1 part coffee to 15 parts water.
| Cups | Coffee | Water |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 15 g, about 3 tablespoons | 225 ml |
| 2 | 30 g, about 6 tablespoons | 450 ml |
| 4 | 60 g, about 12 tablespoons | 900 ml |
A 250 g pack makes about 16 cups at this strength. At ₹419, that is about ₹25 a cup.
How to brew it
- Heat the water, then let it rest for 30 seconds off the boil.
- Add the coffee to a warm, empty press.
- Pour in a little water, just enough to wet the grounds, and wait 30 seconds.
- Add the rest of the water and stir gently once.
- Steep for 4 minutes with the lid on and the plunger up.
- Press slowly, then pour it all out straight away. Coffee left on the grounds keeps brewing and turns bitter.
If your coffee does not taste right
How to keep it fresh
Keep the pack sealed, in a cool, dry place, away from sunlight.
Common questions
Can I use regular coffee powder in a French press?
Yes, but most store-bought powder is too fine and will leave sludge. A coarse grind gives a cleaner cup.
Should French press coffee have chicory?
We suggest not. Chicory suits filter coffee with milk. In a French press, 100% coffee gives a cleaner taste, and all three coffees above contain no chicory.
Is French press coffee stronger?
It tastes fuller, because the metal mesh lets the natural oils through. Strength depends mostly on how much coffee you use and which bean. Robusta generally has more caffeine than Arabica.
Can I make cold brew in a French press?
Yes. Use the same coarse grind, steep in cold water for 12 to 24 hours in the fridge, then press. We also sell a cold brew grind. See our cold brew guide.
By Nirikshith, Founder, Navees Farm & Roastery. Updated 4 November 2026.