In the coffee-fuelled Australian marketplace Michel’s Patisserie has proven it’s a sip above the rest. Consumer advocacy group Choice has tipped the franchise network brew as the best of the bunch in a survey of 10 interstate coffee chains.

As part of an independent test, Choice’s experts tasted espressos made from the standard beans used at 10 coffee chains with more than 20 outlets in three or more States across the country.

In the taste test Michel’s scored 80 percent, The Coffee Club 75 percent and Jamaica Blue 70 percent. The remaining brands trialled were, in descending order, Coffee Guru, Wild Bean Cafe, McCafe, Hudsons Coffee and Muffin Break both with a 50 percent score, Starbucks with 45 percent, and Gloria Jean’s Coffee at 40 percent.

According to Choice, “Michel’s Espresso beans were a clear winner, with a taste test score of 80 percent. Our experts commented on the ‘good colour’ of its crema, its ‘smooth’ flavour and ‘pleasant’ aftertaste, with ‘no detectable bitterness’.”

Michel’s Patisserie marketing manager Pia Harrison said the award-winning coffee blend is designed to complement milk-based cappuccinos, flat whites and pastries.

“Our internationally certified professional coffee tasters source the highest grade beans from specially selected coffee growers across the globe. In fact, our unique blend is sourced from a boutique grower in New South Wales, as well as those in Nicaragua, Brazil and Ethiopia.

“This ensures Michel’s Patisserie’s coffee blend is full-bodied and rich in flavour which appeals to the Australian palette.”

After the initial bean test, cappuccinos were sampled at three outlets in three chains for a further taste comparison. In this exercise US brand Starbucks was cited as most consistent but unlikely to appeal to coffee drinkers seeking a strong flavour.

The Choice report found Gloria Jean’s “exhibited extraction rates that were all over the place”, which could be attributed to a lack of understanding about using the grinder and how it affects taste. According to Choice, “One Gloria Jean’s barista didn’t use a thermometer and the milk wasn’t hot enough (ideally, it should be 65ºC).On average, Michel’s Patisserie coffees were the best-tasting in our sample.”

Two lesser quality serves in separate Michel’s outlets were countered by one store serving up an excellent coffee, boosting the franchise chain’s average score.

To read more about the Choice report click here.

To read Gloria Jean’s response click here.