Roasted coffee beans shown on the wooden tray

10 Best Coffee Beans for Espresso to Buy in 2024

Henry
Henry Muller
Barista

Espresso lovers know that the secret to a perfect shot is not just in the machine but it is in the beans.

Selecting the right coffee beans is crucial for achieving that rich, bold flavor and beautiful crema that makes espresso so beloved.

But with so many options out there, how do you choose the right beans for your espresso?

Have no worries.

In this blog, I will be listing the best coffee beans for espresso.

Things to consider when buying whole coffee beans for espresso

1) Roast Level

Espresso works best with medium to dark roast beans. Darker roasts tend to have a richer flavor profile that pairs well with the intense brewing method of espresso.

2) Bean Quality

Look for high-quality, freshly roasted beans. Arabica beans are generally preferred for their smoother, less bitter flavor compared to Robusta beans for espresso.

3) Origin

The origin of the beans can greatly influence the flavor profile. Different regions produce beans with unique flavors and characteristics.

Popular espresso bean origins include Ethiopia, Colombia, Brazil, and Guatemala.

4) Blend or Single Origin

Some espresso blends are a combination of beans from different regions, which can create a balanced and complex flavor profile.

Single-origin beans offer a unique flavor experience, showcasing the specific characteristics of a particular region.

5) Freshness

Freshly roasted beans are essential for a flavorful espresso. Look for beans with a roast date within a few weeks of your purchase, and try to use them within a month for the best results.

6) Packaging

Opt for beans that are packaged in a way that preserves freshness, such as airtight bags with a degassing valve. Avoid beans stored in clear containers or exposed to light, as this can degrade the quality.

7) Flavor Profile

Consider the flavor notes of the beans, such as fruity, nutty, chocolatey, or floral. Choose beans with flavor notes that appeal to your taste preferences.

11 Best Coffee Beans For Espresso

1) Volcanica Dark Roast Coffee

Volcanica Espresso Dark Roast Coffee

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This product is made using the finest Arabica beans.

The beans are carefully dark roasted to perfection, enhancing their natural flavors and creating a rich, full-bodied cup of coffee.

The flavor profile of this espresso is truly exceptional, with a dense caramel-like sweetness that is perfectly balanced by its signature intensity.

The coffee exhibits a light acidity that adds a refreshing brightness to each sip, while its complex spicy aroma engages all the senses and makes every cup a truly memorable experience.

To ensure maximum freshness, the beans are roasted and immediately packed and sealed.

2) Lifeboost Dark Roast

Lifeboost Dark Roast

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This product offers a rich and bold coffee experience that is sure to please even the most discerning coffee enthusiasts.

The beans used in it are sourced from the finest coffee beans, this blend is crafted to perfection, ensuring a deeply satisfying cup every time.

The dark roast level of these beans results in a robust flavor profile with hints of caramel and chocolate that provide a complex and indulgent taste experience.

Each batch of this product is carefully roasted in small batches to ensure maximum freshness and flavor.

Whether you prefer a classic drip coffee or a more elaborate espresso drink, these beans are versatile enough to satisfy any coffee craving.

3) Cuvee Coffee Karmadillo Dark Blend

Cuvee Coffee Karmadillo Dark Blend

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It offers a luxurious and indulgent coffee experience that is sure to please even the most discerning coffee lovers.

The dark roast level enhances the natural sweetness of the beans, creating a smooth and balanced coffee with a rich, chocolatey aroma.

Each batch of Cuvee Coffee's Dark Chocolate Whole Bean is roasted in small batches to ensure maximum freshness and flavor.

Whether you prefer a classic drip coffee or a more indulgent espresso drink, these beans are versatile enough to satisfy any coffee craving.

Being packed with caffeine, it is the perfect choice for those looking for a morning pick-me-up or an afternoon energy boost.

Also, with its convenient whole-bean form, you can grind the beans to your desired coarseness, which allows you to customize the taste of your coffee.

4) Lavazza “Dek”

Lavazza Dek Whole bean espresso blend

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These are decaffeinated espresso beans.

They offer a luxurious and flavorful coffee experience that is perfect for those looking to enjoy a rich cup of coffee without the caffeine.

It is sourced from the finest coffee beans and decaffeinated using a natural process, this blend delivers a smooth and creamy dark roast with exceptional aroma and flavor.

The beans come with notes of roasted cereals which offers the depth and complexity to each sip that makes it a delightful choice for any coffee lover.

These coffee beans are dark roasted to perfection which enhances their natural flavors and creates a rich and full-bodied coffee that is perfect for espresso enthusiasts.

5) Death Wish Whole coffee

Death Wish Whole Bean Coffee

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These dark-roasted coffee beans provide an abundance of energy to keep you performing at your peak all day long.

This product is crafted from a blend of premium Arabica and Robusta beans sourced from around the world.

Each cup of coffee brewed using these beans delivers a smooth and subtle flavor profile with notes of cherry and chocolate, never crossing into bitterness.

The dark roast level enhances these flavors, creating a rich and full-bodied coffee that is as irresistible as it is satisfying.

Every bag of this coffee is filled with organic whole coffee beans that are Fair Trade and USDA-certified organic.

6) Red Bay’s Brazilian Cake Lady

Red Bay’s Brazilian Cake Lady

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This product offers a full-bodied medium roast sourced from Brazil, showcasing a delightful tasting profile of golden raisin, nougat, and citrus zest.

This single-origin coffee has garnered acclaim, earning Red Bay Coffee multiple medals at the prestigious Golden Bean North America competition.

From sourcing to roasting and delivery, Red Bay is committed to providing the best and most beautiful single-origin whole bean coffee to its customers.

Each batch of Brazilian Cake Lady coffee beans is sourced directly from Brazil and roasted fresh in Oakland, CA for each order.

These beans are packaged in a resealable pouch to maintain freshness.

7) Peet’s Arabian Mocha Sanani

Peet’s Arabian Mocha Sanani

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If you are a home roaster, you can consider Peet's green beans can help you decide what roast level suits you most.

The unroasted coffee beans used in this product are sourced from the renowned Arabian Mocha Sanani region.

These unroasted green coffee beans are perfect for those who prefer to roast their coffee beans at home.

With a light roast level, these beans offer a delicate and nuanced flavor profile, with notes of chocolate and a hint of sweetness.

The caffeine content provides a gentle energy boost which makes it a perfect choice for any time of day.

This product is packaged in a convenient canister, these 5 lb green coffee beans are ideal for home roasters looking to experiment with different roast levels and flavor profiles. 

8) Cafe Don Pablo Gourmet Coffee

Cafe Don Pablo Gourmet Coffee

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This product offers a delightful medium to full-bodied brew with a very smooth cocoa-toned finish and low acidity.

This special blend combines the finest beans from Colombia, Guatemala, and Brazil.

It comes with a rich and complex flavor profile that is sure to please even the most discerning coffee enthusiasts.

The beans are sourced from Colombia, Guatemala, and Brazil, regions known for producing some of the finest coffee beans in the world.

9) Coffee Bros. roasted beans

Coffee Bros. Espresso Roast

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It offers a delightful and aromatic medium-roast coffee with a hint of vanilla. This blend is crafted with care to deliver a smooth and balanced flavor profile that is sure to delight your taste buds.

Sourced from the finest coffee beans, Coffee Bros' Vanilla Whole Bean Coffee is caffeinated to give you the energy boost you need to start your day.

The medium roast level enhances the natural flavors of the beans, resulting in a coffee that is rich, flavorful, and satisfying.

Packaged as whole beans, this coffee allows you to grind the beans to your desired coarseness, ensuring a fresh and flavorful cup every time.

Whether you enjoy it black or with your favorite creamer, Coffee Bros' Vanilla Whole Bean Coffee is sure to become a favorite in your daily routine.

10) Sightglass

Sightglass Organic Crown Point

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It offers a unique blend sourced from Central and South America which provides a rich and flavorful coffee experience.

This blend is carefully crafted to deliver taste notes of dark chocolate, brown sugar, and vanilla, creating a complex and indulgent flavor profile.

It is packaged in an 8 oz bag, it is perfect for those who appreciate a high-quality, artisanal coffee experience.

The beans are a blend of various varieties and processed using the washed method, ensuring a clean and consistent flavor profile.

These beans are roasted in San Francisco.

Each batch brings out the natural flavors of the beans and delivers a delicious cup of coffee.

Wrapping it up

Here, I have provided you with a list of the best coffee beans for espresso.

You need to know that the journey of brewing perfect espresso doesn't end with buying a good espresso machine but choosing the right beans is necessary too.

We very well know that the journey of brewing the perfect espresso starts by choosing the right coffee beans.

Here, I have got you covered with the best espresso coffee beans. Along with it, we have also discussed how you can identify the right beans to brew espresso.

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Henry Muller

Team TAB
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I am a barista by profession hailing from NC. My journey began in my late teens when I started working as a barista in a local coffee shop. My passion for coffee quickly became evident as I immersed myself in the art of espresso extraction, latte art ...