Ultimate Guide to The Best Espresso Beans [2020]

Best Beans for Espresso

So after running your eye over this comparison chart you might be wondering if any style of whole beans can be used to make espresso in your home machine. And you would be correct. 

There are many great espresso beans brands and it definitely worth trying different coffee roasts for your shot of espresso. 

But, there are a couple of factors that will make some espresso coffee beans better than others and we list these below.

1. Fresh Espresso Beans

We mention this point a lot around here, but we will say it again. Buying fresh whole beans and grinding them at home is one of the best ways to make a great espresso at home.

2. 100% Arabica Beans

There are two types of coffee beans grown around the world. Arabica and Robusta.

• Arabica beans tend to be grown at high elevations, have more acidity and complexity of flavor but are also more expensive.
• Robusta coffee beans are higher in caffeine, have a more robust flavor, are grown at lower elevations but are considered poorer in quality.

Arabica beans are the best quality coffee beans. If you are after the best espresso coffee, we think 100% Arabica coffee beans are a good place to start.

3. Medium to Dark Roast Beans

Traditionally most coffee beans recommended for espresso are dark roast beans. Dark roasts are bold, smoky and often have a bitterness not found in other roast styles due to the longer roasting time.

While this may not be great for people who drink their coffee black, they are a great choice for people who add milk to their coffee. 

The robust flavor of a dark roast is able to cut through the milk much more effectively than a medium roast coffee. This is the reason why a number of the espresso beans on our list are dark roasts.

But there are many reasons why medium and medium dark roasts are a great choice too, especially if you drink black coffee.  

Medium roast coffee beans tend to have a more complex flavor than lightly roasted or dark roasted beans.

What about light roast coffee beans? Light roast beans have higher acidity, are higher in caffeine and often have delicate fruity overtones. Which is great in a pour over coffee maker, but they tend to fall flat when used for espresso. 

They lack the body and richness of flavor of medium and dark roasts. So unless you have a personal love of light roast coffee beans, we think you are best to avoid them for espresso coffee.

Image: Jessica Lewis

4. Do You Take Milk?

The best espresso beans will also depend on whether you like your espresso straight up or with milk.

Let’s face it, the majority of coffee drinkers add milk to their coffee. The problem is that milk fundamentally changes the flavor of the espresso.

Milk softens the acidity of your coffee and also makes your espresso taste sweeter. But sometimes it also cloaks the intricate flavors in the coffee.

If you are a milk coffee drinker we think a medium dark or dark roast is a good choice as the more robust flavor can cut through the milk.

If you drink your espresso black, then you have a wider range of roasts to experiment with.

5. Single Origin Beans

For a unique espresso experience, experiment with different single origin coffee beans.

Traditionally coffee beans for espresso are blends. The primary reason for this is that many single origin blends have more delicate flavors and are better combined with others.

But as more high quality single origin coffee beans come on the market, there are gems waiting to be discovered.

Africa is known for fruity and complex flavors. Asia is popular with those who love earthy and rich texture. Central and South America delivers well balanced, sweet brews. 

If you are unsure, read the descriptions of the beans. The best espresso brands will highlight which of their roasts are the best single origin coffee for espresso.