Espresso Beans vs Coffee Beans: What's the Difference?
If you start loving coffee as a beginner, when you see espresso beans and coffee beans in an online shop, maybe a question arises in your mind. Espresso beans vs coffee beans, what exactly is the difference? Aren’t those both just coffee beans?
While the fact is they both come from the same coffee plant. But according to how they are processed, roasted, and used, that makes a significant difference in texture, flavor and brewing result.
Today in this article I will show you a comprehensive guide and also break down the distinctions between coffee beans and espresso beans. This will help you to choose the best coffee beans for every cup of coffee.
The Basics Coffee Beans 101
Ok, before we dive into espresso beans, I’d like to give you a quick note about coffee beans in general. As all of us know, coffee beans come from the Coffea plant, which has several species but the most common species are Arabica and Robusta.
Arabica beans: These kinds of beans are pretty much famous for their smoother, sweeter taste, with hints of fruit, sugar and also a touch of acidity.
Robusta beans: These kinds of beans are stronger, have a more bitter flavor, with high caffeine content.
When you are buying coffee beans, you’ll often see on the package, it generally refers to beans that can be used for multiple brewing methods like pour-over, French press, drip, cold brew, etc.
What Are Espresso Beans?
The interesting fact is Espresso beans are not a different type of bean. But there is a label which indicates how the beans are roasted and prepared for brewing espresso.
Key Characteristics of Espresso Beans:
Roast Level
The espresso beans are generally roasted darker. Because it helps to produce a rich, full bodied shot with signature crema.
Flavor Profile
Sometimes the roasting process brings out a deeper, caramelized flavor with lower acidity. You will taste notes of chocolate, nuts, caramel, sometimes with a smoky finish.
Blend Composition
Many espresso blends contain both Arabica and Robusta beans. In that case Robusta adds extra creaminess and caffeine flavor, while Arabica provides complexity and smoothness.
Grinding Needs
As we know that espresso is made under high pressure, the espresso beans are ground much more finely than beans for other brewing methods.
Espresso Beans vs Coffee Beans Key Difference
For better understanding, I just provide you with a table below, where you can see the difference between coffee beans and espresso beans:
| Aspect | Coffee Beans | Espresso Beans |
|---|---|---|
|
Roast Level |
Light to medium roast |
Medium-dark to dark roast |
|
Flavor Profile |
Bright, acidic, fruity, floral |
Bold, rich, caramelized, low acidity |
|
Grind Size |
Medium to coarse
|
Very fine
|
|
Brewing Method |
Drip, pour-over, French press, cold brew |
Espresso machine, moka pot |
|
Purpose |
General brewing
|
Optimized for espresso extraction
|
Can You Use Coffee Beans for Espresso?
Technically, yes. The interesting fact is any coffee bean can be used to make espresso. However, using beans roasted specifically for espresso usually yields better results. If you try to use a light roast or a coarse grind for espresso, you may end up with a sour, under-extracted shot that lacks body and crema.
That’s why if you want perfect coffee every time, it is crucial to choose the best coffee beans suitable for espresso.
Can You Use Espresso Beans for Regular Coffee?
Yes, you can use espresso beans to make regular coffee using the drip or pour-over method. However, keep in mind that a darker roast will produce a darker, more intense cup, often with less acidity and more bitterness compared to a medium or light roast.
Many coffee lovers enjoy the intense flavor of espresso beans in their drip or French press brews.
Choosing the Best Coffee Beans
The best coffee beans are always important for your best cup of coffee. You have to consider roast preference, bean origin, bean freshness, etc.
We already provided a detailed guideline on how you found the best coffee beans. Trust me, that will help a lot.
Our Top Picks
According to your needs, we’ve divided it into 2 different sections, one is best coffee beans for espresso and the other one is best coffee beans for pour-over and drip coffee.
Best Coffee Beans for Espresso:
Lavazza Super Crema Espresso
It’s a famous Italian brand and it’s significantly a blend of Arabica and Robusta beans. A popular Italian blend with smooth crema and balanced flavor.
Origin: Brazil, Colombia, Indonesia.
Roast Level: Medium.
Flavor Notes: Almonds, honey, and dried fruit.
Why It’s Best: It’s designed for espresso. Also its smooth crema, rich body, and low acidity make this ideal for espresso.
Stumptown Hair Bender
Hair Bender it’s known for its most complex blend with a complex flavor profile. It is also the most popular and well-known coffee.
Origin: Africa, Latin America, Indonesia.
Roast Level: Medium-Dark.
Flavor Notes: Caramel, citrus, and dark chocolate.
Why It’s Great: It is very famous for its well-balanced and complex flavor profile. It works beautifully with various brewing methods beside espresso.
Illy Classico Espresso Medium Roast
Illy coffee is a luxury and also carries Italian coffee culture. It’s famous for its smooth, balanced flavor with aromatic notes.
Origin: 100% Arabica.
Roast Level: Medium.
Flavor Notes: Caramel, jasmine, and orange blossom.
Why It’s Best: Its smooth, velvety taste and texture make it ideal for espresso lovers.
Best Coffee Beans for Drip & Pour-Over:
Kicking Horse Coffee – Smart Ass
Kicking Horse Coffee comes from British Columbia. It has a bright, semi-savory profile that cuts through all the flavors that follow.
Origin: Africa (Organic), Central & South America.
Roast Level: Medium;
Flavor Notes: Berry, milk chocolate, and sugar cane.
Why It’s Best: Sweet and fruity flavor, great for pour-over, drip and AeroPress.
Peet’s Coffee – Major Dickason’s Blend
It is a popular dark roast coffee and is known for its rich, complex, and full-bodied flavor profile. Coffee lovers often highlight its deep, earthy tones, hints of chocolate, and slightly smoky character.
Origin: Multi-origin blend.
Roast Level: Dark.
Flavor Notes: Rich, earthy, and spicy;
Why It’s Best: Bold and smoky, and also ideal for a strong drip brew or French press.
Blue Bottle Coffee – Three Africas
This is an organic coffee that gives coffee lovers more than they could ask for. It’s sweet, bright, and great for anyone.
Origin: Ethiopia & Uganda.
Roast Level: Light-Medium.
Flavor Notes: Floral, citrus, and a touch of sweetness.
Why It’s Best: A favorite coffee for pour-over or Chemex among third-wave coffee lovers.
My Tip: Try to buy whole beans and grind them just before brewing for this action you can enjoy the freshest cup of coffee. Store your coffee beans in a cool, dark place, and put them into an airtight container, don’t use a fridge for storing.
FAQs
Can I use regular coffee beans to make espresso?
Absolutely you can use regular coffee beans for espresso but may not give you the perfect taste of espresso.
Can I use espresso beans for drip coffee?
Obviously you can use espresso beans for drip coffee. You can also use them for pour-over or French press methods.
What are the best coffee beans for beginners?
Ok, if you are a beginner and looking for the best coffee beans for you, have a look at the best coffee beans. I am sure after reading this all your confusion will be gone.
Conclusion
So at the end of the day, coffee beans and espresso beans both come from the same coffee cherry but according to how they are roasted, ground, and brewed make the difference. So make your coffee and enjoy every moment.
Hi! I’m Semiul Bennett. After spending so many years in the coffee industry, I’ve developed a deep passion for all things coffee—from the beans to the brewing process. Now, I’m on a mission to help people have a better coffee experience at home and outdoors. Together with my team, we’re here to share expert tips, brewing techniques and the latest coffee trends, so you can enjoy your perfect cup every time.
