It might have been. But I've had bagged ground coffee before that was much more flavorful. In New York I got a free bag of Starbucks Christmas Blend, and although I am loathe to admit it, it was utterly delicious. I think the Equal Exchange I bought was just from inferior beans. I'd like to buy coffee and food in fair trade fashion, but I don't think that poor quality good keeps things truly fair on both the seller and buyer ends.