12 Best Espresso Beans of 2020 – Buyer’s Guide

Don’t you just hate it when you go through a coffee bean rack and none of them explicitly screams best espresso beans?

We know that you have sweated blood to get an espresso roast shot that is just right, but you drown in the never ending struggle of finding the most kickass bag of espresso coffee beans.

Let me guess! As a coffee aficionado, you started off by experimenting on different brewing methods. But then you heard the word espresso being tossed around as a fancy hype; so you definitely had to find out what the thrill was all about –  I have been there!

So, all the best coffee beans are suited to brew all types of espresso, isn’t that correct? Sadly, no. As fate would have it, there is a big gap between espresso beans vs coffee beans.

When your espresso machine fails to replicate that one espresso shot you had a hundred miles away or a hundred dollars dear, you begin wondering – do I not know of enough good espresso coffee brands? Or are the best coffee beans in the world extinct for that matter?

I know we have cried crocodile tears in our bad times reminiscing about that good old expressive espresso with half your voice and a dried up throat. It would have made everything better. Don’t even try to deny it, we have all been there.

As you have a latte on your mind lately, and having the best espresso coffee is all we  need to push through like paladin. So here goes, the twelve best coffee beans for espresso:

1. Lavazza Super Crema Whole Bean Coffee Blend

Originating from across the world, Lavazza coffee beans have proportionately imported arabica beans from Colombia, India and Brazil and robusta beans from Indonesia and Vietnam.

What’s surprising about this mix is that it forms a mild espresso roast that is creamy and frothy in texture. This aromatic blend can also brew a cappuccino with notes of hazelnut. It also gives away notes of brown sugar which adds a natural sweetness to your espresso roast.

In case, you are not into compact crema and would prefer a hint of bitterness, you can add in with water. It comes in different dried fruits tasting notes: from nuts to almonds to honey – you can try its many flavours to choose your preference.

Lavazza is known for over 120 years for its italian craftsmanship. They refuse to control their coffee quality and arguably market that the best espresso coffee beans are built through a daily process.

As far as the company’s standards go, they involve everyone as an essential part through different phases of production.

As a proud US labelled and FDA registered company, Lavazza holds merit in not mixing their coffee beans with other ingredients.

What People Are Saying:

• “Incredibly velvety and creamy”
• “There is no hope for us, we’re hooked!”
• “It’s not oily. It’s not starbucks-bitter, and uses authentic italian espresso roast”

2. Kicking Horse Coffee – Cliff Hanger Espresso

This is yet another example of a mild espresso roast with cocoa tones but a bold happy ending. It is scented with black currant and uses wild berry syrup in its ingredients to deliver a smooth and silky tasting note.

In addition to that, it is shade grown and kosher-certified. What do the two mean? Well, to be real, among all the edibles consumed by us, coffee plants, after tobacco, are the most chemically sprayed product. I know right! This was news for us too. But wait, the good news is that you can still have the best whole bean coffee by going for a product that is “shade grown.”

Shade grown coffee beans or sun grown coffee farming is produced under a canopy of trees. Specific assorted canopy trees are used to cultivate the plant organically. If you want to go for the best coffee beans brand, it would indicate the labels USDA Organic, Fairtrade or Bird Friendly Coffee; all three of these certifications are markers of shade grown coffee.

A kosher certified product, on the other hand, is a stamp from a rabbinic agency that is highly competitive. Similar to halal products, kosher products follow minute biblical laws that are permissible for jewish people to consume. Kosher products are prepared in ways that are certified orthodox for kosher’s compliance.

For coffee drinkers who are curious about its origins – the lavazza coffee beans grew in the rocky mountains of Canada. To get that smooth cocoa finish, it is recommended to brew in a french press, a drip machine, espresso, cold brew or a pour over.

What People Are Saying:

• “No stomach upset ever! And the taste is never bitter”
• “A macchiato with the Kicking Horse tastes heavenly”
• “As an espresso guy, I take my coffee seriously, and this one packs a good kick.”

3. Eight O’Clock Whole Bean Coffee

A strong aroma made of 100% arabica beans isn’t everyone’s cup of coffee. This dark Italian flavor comes in a 32 ounce bag of original gourmet whole beans. Proudly made in the US, Eight O’Clock has been in the industry for over 150 years. If that’s not surprising, a consumer report rated it No. 1 back in 2009 in a list that even Starbucks didn’t make it!

They have been manufacturing in Maryland USA, and the classic flavors date back to a decade’s worth of original growing and roasting techniques that remain unchanged.

If you happen to have a keurig coffee maker at home, you can get it in k-cups. In case you would like to try a variation of the espresso roast, you can get it in mild and medium.

Coming back to its tasting notes, it is full-bodied aka has rich, complex and flavorful mixed tastes of chocolate and arabica. Eight O’ Clock is favorite among espresso freaks for being dark but not bitter. As most Italian variations of the best espresso beans tend to tip their taste towards a burnt tang.

What People Are Saying:

• “From our grandparents to us, Eight O’ Clock has been in the family for years.”
• “My wife, Mrs. Coffee Snob wouldn’t give up starbucks until I made her try Eight O’ Clock.”
• “This is my late-in-the-day decaf coffee forever.”

4. Lavazza Gran Crema Whole Bean Coffee Blend

Well, who can know better than Italians for making different types of espresso? Lavazza Super Crema primarily has a mild espresso roast, but it can be used to make all types of coffee using different coffee makers.

Since 1895, Lavazza has been an italian favorite for its dedication towards perfecting its coffee. Luigi Lavazza – the founder is known to be a man of principles that places his Italian descent as a notable distinctive feature in the healthy espresso competition in the market. It is intense in its taste and has a hint of spice and dark chocolate that combines to give that strong kick that has the power to pull you through an all-nighter.

The blend is best crafted through an espresso machine or a moka but goes along well with a french press or a drip coffee maker. Lavazza, as the most sold brand in Italy, is as picky about making their coffee beans as you are about choosing them. With a multitude of variations, Lavazza Super Crema has a ratio of 70% arabica and 30% robusta.

The espresso roast is a combination of both medium and light toasts which surprisingly makes it more flavorful than most dark roasts. For its authentic taste and great manufacturing quality, it is a miracle to have it all the from Italian grounds to your morning cup.

It’s non GMO label certifies the use of natural foods in its making, and the fact that the standards of their coffee beans were maintained without using genetically modifying technique or sprays that can build on harmful toxins later on.

*Note: Such toxin buildup in the body can be cleared by getting the best detox tea. Best get started with it if you have been consuming food that is not organic for long.*

What People Are Saying:

• “Very decadent, very creamy”
• “This roast blend is for strong drinkers who prefer lattes and cappuccinos.”
• “I’m picky but this coffee passed. It’s great with the moka pot.”

5. Verena Street 2 Pound Espresso Beans

Verena Street Coffee Co. is a privately owned organization that was founded in december 2010. They have a state-of-the-art facility in Dubuque, Iowa. They roast coffee beans in small batches and keep minimum inventory at their warehouse to ensure fresh delivery. They may not be the best coffee beans brand as of yet but use a unique roasting method that has garnered it a place on our list.

Their sourcing methods have been verified by the Rainforest Alliance. What can we assess by this? Well, this means that their manufacturing techniques meet the ten standards that protect worker’s rights, animal rights, conserves the ecosystem and creates a world that is where both people and nature can thrive in harmony.

In short, it’s a low acid blend on the pricier side of the dollar. For the amount of bucks they charge, they certainly deliver quality. Some of their other flavors including sunday drive decaf, cow tipper, nine mile sunset and mississippi grogg are frequently sold in 2 lbs bags.

On top of that, it tastes like a rich body with a sweet and creamy complexity. If you’re a big time espresso drinker, their flavor, hot tower espresso has all the darkness and bitterness that you would expect in your espresso shot.

What People Are Saying:

• “The butterscotch & alcohol mix is a good combination, I’d definitely recommend it”
• “No unpleasant undertones or finish problems”

6. Coffee Bean Direct Italian Roast Espresso

The good news for all the hardcore espresso lovers is that this one is on the dark side. The whole beans though, are a bit oily. Some of you may prefer a bit of oiliness as dry beans won’t be everyone’s preferred choice. But the thing with oily beans is that they are a bit over-roasted to the point that the beans start giving away their oil, which means they lose some of its nutrient components.

Oily beans occur as a result of a chemical reaction in which the internal shell of a bean is met with oxygen. In other settings, this is what they mean when they advertise “oxidised” beans. Regardless of this fact, people who prefer their coffee from a bean with an oily sheen do not necessarily go for it because of its oxidation properties but because it is more “bitter” and “raw” in taste unlike the flavorful taste you get from a dry bean.

Alternatively, even dry beans, once the package is opened start giving out oil within a few weeks. So your best bet for getting maximum freshness out of a whole bean is to purchase in minimal quantities that is used within a few days of your purchase. This is an expensive bargain though but for picky coffee lovers who can taste the stage of bean roasts from a coffee sip – this might be an ideal solution.

What People Are Saying:

• “It lives up to the hype – a success.”
• “In a way, it reminds me of popcorn, which I absolutely like!”
• “It has a mellow, creamy taste and consistency than that huge national chain. But I love it!”

7. Starbucks Espresso Dark Roast Whole Bean Coffee

Starbucks is known to make some of the world’s best coffee drinks in the world. So when we talk about its whole coffee beans packages, it goes without saying that it is all set to create hype.

Now here is the breakdown: Starbucks being the coffee giant mafia it is, will it really willingly sell their secrets for as low as an average bean coffee package? It could be a marketing tactic to expand their coffee reign. We all can’t stop having that 20 buck a cup espresso shot, but the bean package? Let’s dig a little deeper.

Fortunately, it does hint at their standards of great taste and quality but unfortunately for hardcore starbuck fans, it falls short of their original taste and flavor. So it is safe to say that the bean package is a spin off version that does taste like starbucks but is missing all the core brewing techniques that scream starbucks!

With that said, it has a caramelly sweet note when paired with steamed milk. It has a robust bold taste that hits you with a punch of caffeine to keep you up and working. Starbucks also offers variations in k-pod cups, grounded coffee and an instant sachet.

What People Are Saying:

• “If you can’t go without a robust hit, you will love this”
• “A bit of crushed chocolate compliments it perfectly”
• “Bought it from Amazon, far cheaper than the local store”

8. Cafe Don Pablo Gourmet Coffee – Classic Italian Espresso

Don Pablo is known for its low acidic, non GMO full bodied characteristics. To attain its intense roastiness, the natural sugars in the bean are given full caramelization. This roasting technique is unique to Dan Pablo and gives it a smooth aftertaste.

Akin to Verena Street, it roasts its beans in small batches to maintain optimal freshness. The roasting procedure is half art and half science. The artisan tests the roast by the smell, sound and sight of the bean to make sure that the natural sugars are being caramelised optimally.

Through a sharing certified program, Don Pablo maintains over 1,000,000 coffee trees in South America. The quality of their arabica beans has been certified by Food Safety certified and Certified for Organic Production – both base testers in the US.

What People Are Saying:

• “Recommended if you are sensitive to acid reflux.”
• “Makes perfect coffee, not too acidic, with a rich full flavor”
• “How can they afford to charge such a great price?”

9. SF Bay Coffee Pete’s Espresso Blend

What stands out about SF Bay for us is it’s perfect combination of sweetness coupled with both fruity and chocolaty notes. Most dark roasts have a bitter taste and mixing sugar with them gives it a subtle taste of sweetness. If you have a sweet tooth SF  Bay is definitely our recommended coffee brand for those caffeine and sugar cravings.

SF Bay throughout all its facilities follows a four pillar approach:

SF Bay is an environment friendly brand that has been growing in the shade of coffee trees for over the course of years. This has helped increase the plantation of trees across thousands of acres of rainforests.

Unlike many of the best high end espresso beans brands, SF Bay is one of the rare coffee companies that farms its own produce and roasts it under its own facilities. Most coffee bean companies import whole beans, which makes SF Bay a market lead of being both farmers and roasters of the finest espresso beans in the US.

What People Are Saying:

• “Just the right amount of crema with a chocolatey aftertaste.”
• “Got that fresh strong smell when opened the bag, and I knew this was it”
• “Smooth, dark and no bitterness!”

10. JO ESPRESSO – Medium Dark Roast

Jo is popular for using no added preservatives or chemicals and having its own heavy chocolatey finish. Jo is an expensive brand but it is also available in a lower price packaging of a 2 lb bag.

It is one of the rare products that has been certified by many labels, mainly: USDA Organic, Fairtrade and Kosher Certified. Although, this one is fairly dark but if you crave for a darker roast that is downright bitter and as black as a goth’s soul then “Wild JO” will give you the forceful boost that normal coffee types can’t.

It has a rich crema cupping note and an organic elegant finish. Jo forewarns its coffee consumers to not take the organic label lightly. Any coffee brand that is using the term “organic” without the USDA certification label is bound to tricking you into believing an untruth.

Gluten free coffee brands usually have a low level of gluten. This too, unless stamped with a certified label should be looked at with care. With Jo, gaining certification is a big marketing strategy.In addition to its previous certificates, Jo makes it a point to import their arabica beans from the top 2% of all certified organic arabica bean producers.

Aside from the labels, they are also proud members of the Specialty Coffee Association and were winners of the professional Roaster’s Guild Challenge. They are quite popular on social media for their active tenure, and guess what keeps them their feet up and running? You guessed it their infamous raw coffee that is all set to put a smile on your face.

What People Are Saying:

• “As advertised, a really nice finish and strong notes of cocoa.”
• “I equate to the standard whiskey or beer that I used to drink on a regular basis.”
• “It makes a great cup of Jo”

11. Fresh Roasted Coffee LLC, Italian Roast Espresso Coffee

A terrifying reality of espresso coffee brands is the presence of unwarranted stones hidden in a whole bean bag. While this can be improved by getting the best espresso coffee beans, reviewers have come forward to complain about some of the most high end brands to have pelts too.

What is really scary about these pebbles are the amount of destruction they are capable of. For instance, a stone is quite hard to grind, and provided that it got roasted along with the espresso whole beans, it has the potential to break through your grinder!

Note: Stones in espresso coffee beans are not unheard of. To save yourself from an impending disaster, either go for the best coffee grinder or get the best coffee storage container to store ground espresso.

LLC comes packed in a 5 pound bag, which is a lot of whole beans to last you more than 6 months. The good news for single users is that it comes in a 2 pound bag, and in case you are short on a grinder, you can have the 12 ounce ground espresso bag. Unfortunately though, these are all the variations LLC offers and we have yet to see this brand extend to include more types of flavors and roasts.

This product is on our best espresso beans list as it offers a smokeless coffee roasting environment, that cuts down on carbon emissions by 80% making it one of the most environmentally friendly espresso brands.

What People Are Saying:

• “Rich, real & raw; it can get as robust as you want it too”
• “Makes me want to prolong my coffee break”
• “Similar to what I had in Europe, beans are silky and shiny.”

12. Lavazza Gran Espresso Whole Bean Coffee Blend

As the saying goes, tea is to the British like an espresso is to the Italians. As an Italian company, Lavazza is quite specific about its beans. For Instance, it uses 100% arabica beans to make the best medium roast coffee. It uses a mix of washed arabica beans from Honduras and African robusta beans all the way from Uganda to get a hint of spice.

Lavazza’s Gran Espresso is a good option for people who want that spicy touch along with a creamy texture. The Gran collection extends to the Gran Filtro (fruity) and the Gran Filtro Dark Roast (caramelised).

The plus point of buying your espresso roast with Lavazza is that they have crafted their roast for over 120 years. This means that the whole bean bags will not differ much from one batch to another, and you can rely on them from providing you with consistent freshness and tasting notes.

Brewtiful Tip: Espresso beans usually require an espresso machine for brewing, but despite this, you can make espresso without using the machine.

The best espresso is made by mastering the art of roasting a bean. As it focuses a lot on the bean’s quality, it is hard to get a hold of the best ground espresso. Ground espresso does not retain the coffee’s freshness and flavor due to oxidation, which is why high end brands like even Lavazzo have not experimented with launching ground espresso to maintain their prime quality and a loyal customer base.

What People Are Saying:

• “Grinds to perfect ground and brews a rich crema”
• “Gives a velvety, deeply colored crema”
• “Reminds me of the little bar in Florence”

Editor’s Pick – Recommended Best Espresso Beans

No matter how roasty your beans are, when it comes to coffee, everyone has their own preference. You just have to find a blend that fits you snugly. Keeping that in mind, JO Espresso is one of the many delights that comes in a medium dark roast. Some of you may prefer an espresso shot that is dark and bitter through and through.

What works for me though is a medium roast with caramelised tasting notes of dark chocolate. It has the best espresso beans that are not roasted to the point of bitterness but enough to give both: a solid kick and rich crema.

JO Espresso is known globally for its many tags. With a fancy amount of legit certifications, it gains the upper hand over other coffee companies for me. Although Starbucks and Lavazza have proved themselves to be well known companies with great taste, there is something about their usual signature taste that doesn’t sit well with me anymore.

Besides, JO gives an elegant finish with a rich crema and does not have any fancy flavors that try to interfere with the natural taste of coffee. There are many new and emerging coffee labels in the market but with JO having all the necessary certifications, it makes it a safer option to try for a new taste.

Best Espresso Beans – Buyer’s Guide

Bag Size

The fresher an espresso roast is the best type of coffee you can make. Even with sealed packages, it is better to go for 2 pound multiple packets than a 5 pound espresso whole bean bag. If you are a single user, a 12 ounce bag would do for you.

Beans

The two major types of beans are: arabica and robusta. Both of them can be used to roast longer to make espresso beans. Some coffee companies use a mix of both while some use 100% arabica beans. As robusta and arabica give different tasting notes with arabica giving a sweet tang while robusta gives an acidic feel, so it is totally up to you to choose an espresso roast as per your liking.

Roasting Methods

From roasting in small batches to maintaining the freshness by roasting in a nut-free facility, coffee companies have their own tried and tested blends that have continued on for years. While some of the coffee brands will be secretive about their roasting techniques, others will proudly storytell their bean biography to show you how it’s really made. Bean roasting is a craft mastered by a few artisans.

Frequently Asked Questions – FAQs

Conclusion

Espresso is an Italian specialty, just like pizza. With food, music and fashion; Italians have the best taste across Europe for a variety of delicacies. Espresso is no different, with its full flavored concentrated goodness of caffeine richness, it has been a regular American favorite beverage for years. Being a regular espresso drinker has been known to: