The Ultimate Guide to the Best Espresso Beans and Coffee for the Perfect Shot

Illy is a world-renowned company that has produced excellent, craft-quality Italian coffee beans since its arrival.

You can tell that the brand sourced these best coffee beans very carefully and let their quality shine here. The Classico Espresso roast consists of exclusively high-quality Arabica beans that are medium-roasted to yield a softer coffee imbued with subtle flavor. It also features rich and balanced undertones of chocolate and caramel which further enhances the taste and ensures a delicious, full-bodied shot on every sip.

What is unique about this coffee is that it arrives in air-free pressurized cans to seal in the oils and aromas so you can enjoy the freshest cup every day.

Additionally, it is pre-ground and, therefore, an excellent choice for those who don’t have an espresso-quality grinder or are unwilling to do that extra hard work. But if you own a grinder and have a proper setup, then make sure to go for the whole beans option!

Need help purchasing the best grinder? Check out our review on the Breville Smart Grinder Pro vs Baratza Virtuosa to see which is better.

Pros

• Features an authentic Italian taste
• Finely powdered coffee to save you from the hassle of grinding
• Beautifully fragrant
• Packed in nitrogen-filled cans to preserve freshness

Cons

• Not ideal for those who want stronger coffee
• Some users complained about receiving no lids with the can

6. Lifeboost Coffee Espresso Beans

There is no way that you are an avid coffee buyer but have not heard the name Lifeboost while shopping for some beans. Lifeboost Coffee has set the standard for organic, healthy beans, and their espresso blend beans are no different.

These beans are lovingly grown in the chilly mountains of Nicaragua, spring water-washed, and free from harmful pesticides, so you can rest assured knowing that you are getting a premium-grade coffee experience. Simultaneously, its notes of caramel and chocolate, coupled with fruity flavor, guarantee a supremely bold and intense base for your espresso roast.

Moreover, Lifeboost is a USDA-certified and fair trade brand which means that it makes sure that the beans are produced without sacrificing the environment, local coffee farmers, and your health. And isn’t it tempting to go for something that tastes and FEELS good to drink?

Pros

• Provides a bold, rich, and smooth base
• An intense and delicious aroma
• Mycotoxins and pesticides free
• Gentle on your stomach and teeth

Cons

• Expensive compared to other options
• Does not work with French press

7. Volcanica Coffee Tanzania Peaberry

Only a few coffee brands know how to do espressos the right way. Fortunately, Volcanica Coffee Tanzania Peaberry is one of those names.

These 100% pure Kenya AA coffee beans are cultivated directly from the slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro for the richest flavor combined with smooth, winy overtones. Moreover, they are packed and sealed carefully to preserve their freshness for the longest time.

The specialty of this espresso bean lies in its composition. While most cherry beans consist of two coffee beans, Volcanica falls under the rare category that contains only a single bean. By doing this, the peaberry conserves all the nutrients of the bean, adding to its richness and exoticness.

These medium-roasted beans feature Kenya’s signature fruity, sweet flavors and underlying taste of plum and nougat. Last, the lemongrass’s acidic level and buttery body promise to make your morning espressos robust, refreshing, and heavenly.

Pros:

• High-grade AA beans with lots of aromatic oils
• Fragrant aroma with a touch of raspberry, cranberry, and plum
• Medium roasted and vibrant lemongrass acidity
• Sealed packaging for long-lasting freshness.
• Single peaberry bean filled with nutrients and flavors.

Cons:

• Some people find them too oily and heavy
• Lacks complexity and depth of flavor

8. Peet’s Arabian Sanani

Alfred Peet, the man behind the name Peet, has always been connected with the history of coffee and the introduction of English brewing methods in California. Their flavorful Arabian Sanani coffee beans are here to set a new trend for what it means to be an excellent espresso.

It is made from 100% Arabica beans picked from the regions of Africa and Arabia. These coffee beans are dark roasted while containing light elements of chocolate and dates. Not only this, Peet’s limited edition espresso beans strike the perfect balance between a spicy and earthy aroma.

The longer the beans are packed and left, the more likely they will lose their original taste and nutrients. To tackle this problem, Peet only roasts these coffee beans after confirmation of the order and ships them within the next four hours.

With a dark roast type and a novelty, spicy aroma, Peet’s Arabian Sanani is perfect for espressos, Moka pots, French press, and pour-over. It also has a highly affordable price tag.

Pros:

• 100% Arabica beans from Africa and Arabia
• Available in whole and pre-ground bean type
• Roasted and shipped right away for unmatched freshness
• Budget-friendly choice
• Suitable for different coffee types, including espresso and French press

Cons:

• It leaves a sour and winy aftertaste
• Poor customer service

Buying Guide

No matter who you ask, every coffee barista agrees that its ingredients are the secret behind making the most delicious espresso coffee.

But how do you know which coffee beans give a bitter flavor to your drink and blend it just the way you want? Well, to understand this and pick the best espresso beans for your beverages, you need to consider the following details:

Roast Type

The type of roast you use as your espresso coffee beans plays a significant role in determining the bitterness of the drink, along with which brewing method is the best for it. The three main types include light, medium, and dark roasts.

Lighter roasted beans are perfect for coffees with a slow extraction process. They have balanced acidity and a slightly sweet, organic flavor. At the same time, medium roasts are more bitter and richer in flavor. These beans offer the best of both worlds by being less acidic than the light type and smoother than the dark ones.

Lastly, dark roast beans are oily on the surface and have twice the strength of a usual coffee. They have the highest bitterness and lowest acidity.

Single Origin vs Blends

As its name suggests, single-origin coffee beans are grown in a specific area during a particular season. Therefore, they have exotic, rich flavors and are used by expert baristas in brewing exquisite beverages.

In contrast, blended coffee beans are grown in various locations and accessible all year round. Blends are also more forgiving to work with since you can mix things up while brewing the drink but still end up with a decent latte or cappuccino.

Bean Origin

Coffee beans are grown all around the world, but all of them differ from each other in one or more ways. For example, beans grown in Jamaica have a well-balanced, mellow, and spicy taste, whereas Mexican beans are known for their fruity, light body with moderate acidity.

On the other hand, people go with Indian beans if they want a more creamy, earthy, and less acidic taste. Beans from African regions, including Ethiopia and Tanzania, are famous for their citrusy, bright, and vibrant bodies. If you want a buttery, nutty, and chocolatey essence, go with beans cultivated in Brazil.

Whole vs Pre-Ground Beans

Whether you grind your coffee beans or purchase pre-ground ones can directly affect the aroma and strength of your espresso. The critical difference between both is that of flavor and convenience. Whole beans have a fresher and richer taste since the beans start to oxidize and lose their essence with time. They also give you greater control over the bitterness of the coffee.

Pre-ground beans are convenient and faster to grind, saving you space and time when running late for work. In addition, you don’t need a specific type or model of grinder for this type to make your espresso tasty and refreshing.

What Kind of Beans Are Best for Espresso?

The best espresso is one with lots of creams and a smooth texture. Baristas usually use dark roasted beans with low acidity to achieve this flavor. The best kind of beans for espresso is Arabica, but a less than 50% concentration of Robusta bean also works. This is because the Robusta bean produces more foam, has better yields, and has a higher caffeine content than the former type. 

What Espresso Beans Does Starbucks Use?

This is one of the most common questions asked by avid visitors of coffee shops; what beans does Starbucks use in their espresso coffee? As we already talked about Arabica being the best kind of espresso beans, Starbucks sticks to this statement and uses 100% Arabica coffee beans to make the richest, creamiest caramel espressos.

Another secret ingredient behind their mouth-watering beverages is how they slowly roast their espresso coffee beans for a refined, rich, and strong taste.

What Are the Best Espresso Beans for Lattes and Crema?

Since the latte is an espresso-based drink, it is also brewed from espresso beans. Similar to espressos, the best beans for lattes are a combination of the Arabica bean and Robusta bean. The Arabica bean provides a softer texture as compared to Robusta’s rich flavor in return for a lighter essence.

Generally, dark roasted beans make lattes, but if it feels too bitter, you can switch to medium-roasted beans too.

As for crema, you need to go with a lighter roast of coffee beans. The best choice for this is Robusta, all thanks to its luscious, thick crema. However, if you want to tone down the sourness of the beverage, blend it with Arabica beans.

What Are the Best Italian and Italian Roast Coffee Beans?

Many Italian coffee brands offer a mixture of different roast coffee beans when brewing espresso. The most popular is undoubtedly Lavazza Rossa, a combination of Robusta and Arabica beans from Africa. Its biggest competitor is Illy which uses 100% Arabica beans for a more refined and rich taste for a high price. Whereas, for the best roast, people often go with Caffe Vergnano, using 100% Arabic espresso roast beans.

Conclusion

With that said, we have reached the end of our ultimate guide to the best espresso beans available. Whether you prefer a dark or light roast, our list will help you find the most suitable espresso bean for your beverages.

Remember that the key to making the most delicious and exquisite espresso is knowing what espresso bean to use and whether you want a rich, bitter aftertaste or a sweet, fruity one.

Also, remember the coffee bean’s origins and the machinery you will use while brewing your morning drink. After all, all of these factors play a vital role in getting your espresso’s texture, color, and taste right!