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10 Best Espresso Beans to Buy in 2023 – Buyer’s Guide & Reviews

best espresso coffee beans

Two main ingredients are vital for a perfect cup of espresso: water and beans. Of course, you need to have an appropriate machine, but if you use low-quality beans, you will not be able to enjoy all the way.

Most people think that the machine is the most critical factor when making espresso, and even though it is much better to use an expensive one, the quality of beans is vital too.

The idea is to pair a high-end espresso machine with coffee beans as well as water that will contain specific minerals, and you will get the perfect cup of your favorite beverage.

That is the main reason why we decided to present you the ten best espresso beans that you can find on the market in 2023.

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Lavazza Super Crema Whole Bean Coffee Blend
Lifeboost Organic Espresso Beans

  • Type: 100 % Arabica
  • Roast: Dark Roast
  • Taste: Fruits and chocolate
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Lavazza Super Crema Whole Bean Coffee Blend
Lavazza Super Crema

  • Type: 80 % Arabica
    20% Robusta
  • Roast: Medium Dark Roast
  • Taste: Fruits and chocolate
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Koffee Kult Dark Roast Coffee Beans
Koffee Kult Dark Roast

  • Type: 100% Arabica
  • Roast: Dark Roast
  • Taste: Spice, nuts, and citruses
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Coffee Bean Direct Italian Roast Espresso, Whole Bean Coffee
Coffee Bean Direct Espresso

  • Type: South American + Indian Beans
  • Roast: Italian Roast
  • Taste: Cocoa, smokey, molasses
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Kicking Horse Coffee, Cliff Hanger Espresso
Kicking Horse Coffee

  • Type: 100% Arabica
  • Roast: Medium Roast
  • Taste: Wildberry syrup, cocoa finish
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Verena Street 2 Pound Flavored Whole Bean Coffee
Verena Street

  • Type: 100% Arabica
  • Roast: Medium Roast
  • Taste: Hazelnut, caramel, butterscotch
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Café de Loja AWARD-WINNING Specialty Coffee Beans Medium/Dark Roast
Cafe de Loja Medium/Dark Roast

  • Type: 100% Arabica
  • Roast: Medium Dark Roast
  • Taste: Fruity
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Nicoletti Coffee Espresso Roast Beans 2.20lb
Nicoletti Coffee Espresso Roast Beans

  • Type: 75% Arabica
    25% Robusta
  • Roast: City Roast
  • Taste: Dark chocolate Toasted almond
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Blackwelder Coffee, 100% Arabica Espresso Whole Bean Coffee
Blackwelder Coffee

  • Type: 100% Arabica
  • Roast: Medium Dark Roast
  • Taste: Complex caramel flavor
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Larry's Beans Fair Trade Organic Coffee
Larry’s Coffee Organic Fair Trade Whole Bean

  • Type: 100% Arabica
  • Roast: Medium Dark Roast
  • Taste: Sweet berry, chocolate finish
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1. Lifeboost Organic Espresso Beans – Editor’s Choice

Lifeboost Organic Espresso Beans

Lifeboost’s 100% Arabica coffee beans are grown in the mountains of Nicaragua, and then after being handpicked one at a time, they’re rinsed in spring water and dried in the hot Central American sun – making it a top tier quality.

Not only do these beans contain organic ingredients, but they are 100% USDA certified!

Lifeboost Organic Espresso Beans are carefully prepared only after months of examining over 400 different toxins that could exist in your espresso brew before it is declared Safe!

Each Lifeboost pack contains 100% Arabica bean varietals for a superior taste that will not disappoint.

The beans can be described as having a complex, but well rounded taste that is powerfully yet deliciously flavored. It has a rich velvety texture and undertones of chocolate with caramel and light fruitiness – some have even said it may have slight notes of vanilla or sweet almond which makes for an interesting cup! Taking milk out of this equation proves even tastier-the flavors will stand out even more in black coffee!

Pros
  • Healthy
  • Many customers have been really happy with the flavor of the beans
  • Pesticide-free, organic, and shade-grown
  • Low-acid and mycotoxin-free
  • 30 day money back guarantee
  • Perfect for low acid coffee drinkers
Cons
  • Fairly pricey
  • Doesn’t work as well with cream and sugar
  • Zero origin variety

What’s the Bottom Line?

Lifeboost’s coffee is pricey but it offers a lot of perks for those who are looking for something different. The coffee is: Organic, fair trade, shade grown and not bitter like what some low acid coffees taste like. Plus you can get 50% of your first purchase with our promotion code! The blend has been tested by many customers all over the world and have unanimously agreed that Lifeboost is one of the top coffee brands out there.

2. Lavazza Super Crema – Best Coffee Beans for Espresso Crema

Lavazza Super Crema

We have to start by saying that Lavazza Super Crema is one of the best Italian espresso beans that will provide you perfect taste wherever you are. Everything started back in Italy at the end of the 19th century, which means that you will drink the original flavor from the past.

Finally, you can rest assured, because it comprises 80% of high-quality Arabica beans in combination with Robusta that will provide it the perfect cream.

Therefore, you will be able to enjoy in full flavor in combination with thick cream, which is great for other types of espresso drinks such as cappuccinos and lattes.

When it comes to roast, you will get a combination of medium, and it will go up to dark brown which is evenly roasted, which will provide you the specific Italian taste that you will enjoy along the way.

The combination of chocolate and fruity taste and flavor is the main reason for its popularity, so you will always think that you are in Italy while drinking it.
Pros
  • Long lasting taste
  • Thick crema for espresso types such as latte and cappuccino
  • Combination of Arabica and Robusta
  • The feeling of Italy
Cons
  • Bitter taste

3. Koffee Kult Dark Roast – Best Coffee Beans for Superautomatic Espresso Machines

Koffee Kult

Koffee Kult Dark Roast is one of the best solutions that you can find on the market in case you enjoy dark roast espressos.

Finally, you will be able to enjoy nutty and spicy espresso taste that will provide you notes of citrus in combination with the strength that will keep you up for hours.

As soon as you open it up, you will be able to see the glossy and dark coating, which means that you will get high quality as well as appearance and taste that will resemble the best coffee that you cannot find in shops around your area.

You should have in mind that it features 100% Arabica beans that are entirely organic, which means that it comes from Sumatra, Guatemala, and Columbia.

Even though the popularity of single-origin espresso coffees increased in the last few years, you will get complex flavors we have mentioned above.

The smell is so amazing that you will feel its power as soon as you open it up, which is the main reason why you should try it.
Pros
  • Dark roast for lovers of bitterness and strength
  • Amazing fragrance and taste
  • Completely organic
  • 100% Arabica
Cons
  • It may be too intense for some people

4. Coffee Bean Direct Espresso – Best Espresso Beans That Come From India and South America

Direct Espresso

If you wish to find espresso beans that will provide you a combination of smokey and cocoa flavors with exceptional aroma, you should consider Coffee Bean Direct Espresso.

It is an excellent solution that comes from a company that features a solid reputation for creating fantastic espresso beans that will provide you amazing flavors along the way.

Even though the package does not state whether it features Arabica or Robusta beans, they said that beans come from South America and India, which means that it is a combination of both types.

The Italian roast is something that you will enjoy, and that will ensure that you can use it for days after opening it up. It is highly aromatic when compared with other coffee beans, which means that you should try it so that you can make up your mind.

You will get a rich and vibrant coffee taste that you have not tasted anywhere around your neighborhood, but you have to use the appropriate machine that will allow you to use the most out of it.
Pros
  • Amazing aroma and taste
  • The brand features a trustworthy reputation
  • Beans come from India and South America
  • Italian roast for original espresso lovers
Cons
  • You have to use an appropriate machine for it

5. Kicking Horse – Best Coffee Beans for Drip and Espresso

Kicking Horse

If you wish to find the best espresso beans that come from Canada, you should consider Kicking Horse Coffee beans. The best thing about it is that you will be able to use it on any espresso machine, and you will get the amazing taste and flavor that you have not tried before.

Finally, you can enjoy medium roast coffee that features the ability to enjoy a smooth chocolate blend that will appear fantastic. The mixture will provide you the perfect cup of coffee, so you do not have to worry at all.

Have in mind that it is roasted in the Canadian Rocky Mountains.

When it comes to taste notes, you should know that you would get a combination of smooth cocoa finish as well as wild berry syrup. We recommend you to use a drip machine or French press brewing method so that you can get the most out of it.

You will get 100% Arabica beans that come from South America, Indonesia, and Africa, and most of them are grown in environmentally responsive ways. It is 100% certified so that you can use it along the way.
Pros
  • 100% Arabica for additional enjoyment
  • Combination of wild berry syrup and smooth cocoa finish flavor
  • You can use numerous brewing methods
  • Environmentally conscious brand
  • Medium roast for further entertainment
Cons
  • Different taste than Italian espressos

6. Verena Street – Best Espresso Beans That Combine Modern and Old Methods of Roasting

Verena Street

Verena Street espresso beans are a great solution that you will get due to its medium roast flavor that will resemble caramel, butterscotch, and hazelnut.

Have in mind that most flavored coffees feature chemical additives that will reduce their potency, but you can rest assured because this particular type is impressive when compared with other brands on the market.

If you are a coffee lover, you will enjoy 100% Arabica coffee beans that will provide you citrus tones and notes along the way. That will create a combination of healthy and rich flavor that will wake you up every single morning with ease.

You will be able to experience the new roast profile by combining the aromatic fragrance with smooth flavor without bitterness as other brands. Therefore, you will enjoy a fantastic experience every single time you drink it, which is the main reason for its popularity.

Verena Street is a small manufacturer that creates a limited edition of coffee beans so that you can enjoy in a combination of real Italian and modern taste altogether.
Pros
  • Single origin
  • 100% Arabica
  • Fantastic aroma, taste, and fragrance
  • Strong and potent
  • Medium roast for additional enjoyment
Cons
  • Expensive price tag

7. Cafe de Loja Medium/Dark Roast – Best Espresso Beans That Come From Ecuador

Cafe de Loja

If you wish to find the best espresso beans that will feature 100% Arabica as well medium to dark roast, you should consider Café de Loja. It is an excellent solution that comes from Ecuador, which means that you will get the original taste of Arabica from its origins.

You can use numerous brewing methods such as French press, espresso machine; pour-over, cold brew, and even Turkish so that you can improve its perspective and tastefulness.

Finally, you can enjoy a cup of coffee that will not provide you the bitter aftertaste as low-quality beans that you can find on the market.

The process of roasting brings out the natural flavors without overburning and roasting the beans that will create bitter and lousy aftertaste.

Since Arabica grows on high altitudes, you should know that you would get a combination of flavorful and dense beans that will provide you an appropriate amount of acidity so that you can enjoy the smooth flavor.

The main problem with espresso beans is oxygen, but now you can rest assured because the package is triple layered within the aluminum packaging that will prevent it from affecting its taste.
Pros
  • No bitter aftertaste
  • High flavor coffee
  • Complex taste that you will enjoy
  • 100% Arabica beans
  • Consistent flavor
Cons
  • Pricey

8. Nicoletti Coffee – Best Brooklyn Espresso Beans

Nicoletti

When it comes to best espresso beans, you have to consider Nicoletti Coffee which are based in Brooklyn for more than forty years of operation.

The main idea is that you will get the package with fresh coffee 24 hours after roasting so that you can ensure that every single bag comes with highly fresh beans that will help you enjoy all the way.

The combination of dark chocolate and almond flavors will help you create a perfect cup of your favorite beverage. Have in mind that it features 75% Arabica and the rest of it remains to Robusta, which is an excellent combination because you will get the perfect taste and crema as well.

It does not feature bitter aftertaste, and it uses the specific city roast, which is a combination of dark and medium roasted beans that you will be able to use.

The overall taste is light, fresh and smooth, and due to Robusta content, the crema is highly thick so you can make a perfect Italian espresso within your household.
Pros
  • Perfect aftertaste
  • The combination of Arabica and Robusta for perfect Italian-like espresso
  • Company is based in Brooklyn
  • Smooth taste and flavor
  • Lack of bitterness
Cons
  • Weak character for dark roast lovers

9. Blackwelder – Best Espresso Beans from Latin America and Indonesia

Blackwelder

If you wish to enjoy in medium-dark roast beans that come from Indonesia as well as Latin America, you should consider Blackwelder Coffee. It will provide you fantastic blend so that you can enjoy an intense and rich espresso that lacks bitterness and features caramel flavor.

It is highly popular due to espresso milk drinks that you can combine it with so that you can get the perfect taste altogether. You will get the high-end and rich flavor as well as the exceptional balance of acidity.

It features 100% Arabica coffee, and it is perfect for coffee enthusiasts because you will be able to enjoy in maximal freshness. You will get it in resealable packaging so that you can use it for days with ease. You can find it in small batches as well as large ones based on your preferences.

Finally, you will find espresso beans that you can use on any espresso machine, and most customers state that it is a great blend that will wake you up in the morning without any additional problem.
Pros
  • 100% Arabica beans with caramel flavor
  • Perfect for espresso machines
  • It matches amazingly with milk drinks
  • Resealable packaging for additional durability
Cons
  • Flavorless crema

10. Larry’s Coffee Organic Fair Trade Whole Bean – Best Espresso Beans with Amazing Chocolate Flavor

Larry’s Coffee

Larry’s Coffee Organic Fair Trade Whole Bean is an excellent choice for coffee lovers and enthusiasts because they will get amazing, medium-dark roast that will provide them enjoyment every single morning.

Apart from these characteristics, you should remember that it features creamy and dark chocolate undertones, which means that you will get a fantastic finish that will lack bitterness.

You do not have to worry because it comes from 100% Arabica beans, so you will be able to enjoy in fruity taste.

It will not give you the Italian-like espresso, which means that cream is not that thick because it lacks Robusta, but in general, it is a solid choice when compared with other beans on the market.

They use only organic beans that are environmentally protected, which means that by buying this particular brand, you are helping them save the planet as well as the environment that surrounds us.
Pros
  • Eco-friendly brand
  • 100% organic for additional enjoyment
  • Arabica beans with fruity flavor
  • You will get chocolate finish
Cons
  • Crema is not that thick because it lacks Robusta beans

Things to Consider When Chooshing Best Espresso Beans

When it comes to best espresso beans, the first thing you should understand is the difference between Arabica and Robusta:

  • Arabica – Have in mind that it features milder flavor when compared with Robusta beans, they are oval, and you will get the balanced taste. Have in mind that it is considered as the premium coffee bean.
  • Robusta – On the other hand, this particular type of coffee beans feature more caffeine than Arabica, which will result in a bitter taste. It is cheaper than Arabica because it is simpler to produce it, and in most cases, manufacturers combine these two to get a perfect shot of espresso.

Different Types of Roasts

The science of roasting beans is something that only a few people can do because it is the main factor that creates a flavor as well as aroma, acidity, and body.

The aroma is what gives your coffee smell; acidity is the sharpness that you will notice on your tongue while tasting it, and body means the thickness of brew that will happen as a result.

Everything depends on personal taste, but we decided to present to you the most common ones:

  • Light Roast – If you want to get light roast, you will notice the light shade of brown as well as lower body and acidity. Have in mind that they are not roasted enough for the oil to breakthrough. Therefore, most people with stomach issues choose this particular roast due to low levels of acidity and mild flavor. However, it is not strong enough and suited for espresso drinks.
  • Medium Roast – It is darker in color than a light roast, and therefore, you will get more acid as well. Have in mind that it features other names too such as breakfast or American roast. It is popular due to its balanced taste in which you will not get too strong or too weak coffee.
  • Dark Roast – Finally, dark roast means that you will get thicker and heavier bodies as well as an almost black color that will feature bold flavor and fantastic strength. They feature an oily surface, which is the result of prolonged roasting, so you should check it out before you make up your mind. Remember that most of them feature bitter aftertaste. In case you prefer black coffee without milk, you should use dark roast because it is the strongest there is. It is an excellent solution for passionate espresso drinkers that want to make fantastic cappuccino and late. However, they produce texture and oily flavor, which is not appealing to most people. At the same time, in case you wish to sip slowly, this is not the coffee for you, because it features high acidity levels and it can be challenging for your stomach as well.

Conclusion

It is essential to understand that you need to find a brand and type of the best espresso beans that will accommodate your needs and taste. That is why we provided you with a thorough guide on how to find the best coffee beans in all flavors and roasts.

Of course, before you make up your mind, you should be aware that everything depends on your affections, so we cannot say which one is the best.

All of them come from certified and quality beans that feature only Arabica or combination of Arabica and Robusta, for Italian espresso enjoyment.

Finally, you should tell us all about your previous experiences with espresso beans by commenting in the section below.

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