Espresso Beans vs Coffee Beans — How are They Different?
Have you ever looked at the coffee aisle and seen the bags labeled as espresso? You may have wondered: are coffee beans and espresso beans actually different, or is it just a marketing thing?
Well, yes and no. Coffee beans and espresso beans are technically the same thing because they originate from the same place. But the “espresso” label is more than just a marketing gimmick.
The main difference is the brewing method. These two differ based on the ways they’re roasted and eventually prepared. While coffee beans are available in a variety of roasts to make different coffees, espresso beans in particular are a darker roast specifically made for a hot cup of espresso.
To avoid getting the wrong beans, keep on reading as I break down their differences for you.
Main Differences Between Espresso Beans vs Coffee Beans
The main differences between espresso beans vs coffee beans are:
- Coffee beans can belong to any type of roast, including mild to medium roasts, whereas espresso beans are usually of the dark roast variety.
- Ground coffee beans can be fine or coarse depending on what you preferred brewing method, whereas espresso grinds are usually very fine.
- Coffee beans can be brewed using a French press or other machines, whereas you need an AeroPress or espresso machine to brew espresso beans.
- The taste of coffee brewed from coffee beans can vary, whereas espresso beans give a rich, less acidic, full-bodied tasting cuppa.
Espresso Beans vs Coffee Beans: Product Comparisons
Espresso Beans:
1. Starbucks Espresso Dark Roast Whole Bean Coffee
If you like a no-frills dark roast, these Starbucks espresso beans are perfect.
Key Features:
- Caffeinated
- Dark roast
- Caramelly flavor
These espresso beans yield a strong-tasting coffee that somehow does not taste bitter. It does have notes of that caramel sweetness that help to salvage it from the bitter end of the spectrum.
However, it might be too bold for some people.
Pros:
- Strong, robust flavor
- Easily available
Cons:
- Low shelf life
- Might be too expensive for some
If you love a strong, robust coffee that retains the notes of sweetness to it, these espresso beans give you just that!
Overall Rating: 4.7/5
Check Amazon2. Lavazza Super Crema Whole Bean Coffee Blend, Medium Espresso Roast
These espresso beans produce a mild and creamy espresso flavor with hints of hazelnut and brown sugar flavors.
Key Features:
- Medium roast
- Roasted in Italy
- Best brewed with espresso machines
- 60% Arabica & 40% Robusta
When it comes to flavor and aroma, this product will hit all the right notes for any espresso lover! The combination of Arabica and Robusta combines the sugary notes of Arabica perfectly well with the bitterness of Robusta.
However, it might be a little mild for the OG espresso lovers.
Pros:
- Good flavor profile
- Velvety texture
Cons:
- Not very strong
- Not very smooth
All in all, it’s a great choice for espresso lovers who do not necessarily want a bitter-tasting coffee but can appreciate a strong cuppa when they taste it.
Overall rating: 4.6/5
Check Amazon3. Lavazza Espresso Barista Gran Crema
Key Features:
- Medium roast
- Caffeinated
- Manufactured in Italy
For those that love a smoky and earthy flavor in their espresso, these espresso beans are perfect. They are also very smooth-tasting and well-rounded.
However, it’s a medium roast, so it won’t give you the more toasty notes of a dark roast.
Pros:
- Great flavor profile
- Very aromatic
Cons:
- The flavor might be too mild for some
- Nothing too impressive taste-wise
If you want to go for an espresso bean bag that gives you a basic, more mild shot, then this is a perfect choice!
Overall Rating: 4.6/5
Check AmazonCoffee Beans:
1. Starbucks Medium Roast Whole Bean Coffee — Breakfast Blend
Start your mornings right with these well-balanced, energizing coffee beans.
Key Features:
- Medium roast
- Made with 100% Arabica beans
- Highly caffeinated
These beans produce coffee that tastes great on its own without any additions. It’s great for anyone who wants good taste without it being too overwhelming. Plus, the aroma is bound to wake you up every morning!
However, the caffeine content is quite high and might not be for everyone.
Pros:
- A go-to, accessible flavor
- Great value
Cons:
- Might make you jittery
Overall Rating: 4.7/5
Check Amazon2. Eight O’Clock Coffee the Original
Key Features:
- Medium roast
- Caffeinated
- Kosher
This coffee tastes pretty smooth with no hint of bitterness. It’s great for coffee drinkers that aren’t a fan of the burnt, more bitter taste of other types of coffee.
Sadly, some consumers may notice issues with quality control.
Pros:
- Full-bodied, strong flavor
- No bitterness
- Affordable
Cons:
- Might taste too bland for some
For beginners or occasional coffee drinkers who want an aromatic, mild cup of joe, these coffee beans are ideal.
Overall Rating: 4.6/5
Check Amazon3. Real Good Coffee Co Whole Bean Coffee
Sourced from South America, these coffee beans bring you the classic tasting coffee with hints of sweetness and the smoothness you crave.
Key Features:
- Medium roast
- Caffeinated
- Kosher certified
The company holds true to its name by giving you really good coffee with each brew. This product has that dark, robust flavor a lot of coffee-drinkers love without any unpleasant bitterness.
However, the beans are a little oily and might be difficult to grind.
Pros:
- Perfect flavor
- Affordable
Cons:
- Might taste too bitter to some
- Oily, hard-to-grind beans
If you’re a daily coffee drinker and need good-tasting coffee at an affordable price, look no further than the Real Good Coffee Co. This also makes it our top choice!
Overall Rating: 4.5/5
Check AmazonFAQs
What are the most important details to look for when buying beans?
Some things to consider before you pick your beans are:
- Level of roast
- Whether it’s caffeinated or not
- Flavor notes
- Type of beans
- Crema
Are espresso beans and coffee beans the same?
In theory, yes, they’re both coffee beans. However, espresso beans are roasted and brewed differently for that strong espresso flavor.
Do espresso beans have more caffeine?
Not necessarily. The difference lies in how they’re processed before they’re packaged and to us.
Do you always need espresso beans to make espresso?
No, you don’t. You can use regular coffee beans for espresso, especially dark roasted coffee beans that are ground to the perfect size.
Conclusion
The main difference between espresso beans and coffee beans lies not in the content of the beans or where they originate but in the way they’re roasted and ground before being brewed.
That being said, getting the perfect taste is not something we as coffee lovers can compromise on, am I right? While taste is subjective, you need to experiment with different types of grind, beans, and other variables to make sure you get the best cup of joe. Making the perfect cup of coffee goes beyond the type of beans you get.
However, getting the right type of beans is imperative to make sure you’re not getting something that’s too bold or too mild. Don’t be afraid of testing out a variety of beans to find what you like best.
Happy Brewing!
Owen is a writer and editor at Caffe Streets who considers himself a coffee fanatic. He spends his time researching and testing different coffee beans and brewing methods and sharing what he learns with others.
