Coffee Beans vs. Expresso Beans: Is There A Difference?

crazy by Editorial Staff | Updated on April 23rd, 2023

As coffee aficionados and experienced baristas, we know that coffee is a complex and diverse beverage. It can be brewed in various ways, each producing a unique flavor profile.


But what about the beans themselves? Are there specific beans for espresso, or can any coffee bean be used?

Coffee beans vs. expresso beans: Is there a difference?

Here at Crazy Coffee Crave, our team of coffee enthusiasts and baristas is excited to take you on a journey to explore the differences between coffee beans and espresso beans, and how these differences can impact your coffee experience.

Key Differences

The Beans

  • Coffee Beans: Used for brewing coffee in various methods; available in different roast levels.
  • Espresso Beans: Dark roast variety; typically roasted longer to achieve the desired flavor profile.

Roast

  • Coffee Beans: Can be light, medium, or medium-dark roast.
  • Espresso Beans: Dark roast; roasted longer, resulting in a heavier, fuller mouthfeel.

Grind

  • Coffee Beans: Grind size varies based on brewing method.
  • Espresso Beans: Finely ground to allow for the extraction of concentrated coffee using an espresso machine.

Brewing

  • Coffee Beans: Brewed using various methods, including drip, percolator, French press, and more.
  • Espresso Beans: Brewed using an espresso machine or AeroPress to produce a concentrated espresso shot.

Taste

  • Coffee Beans: Taste varies based on brewing method and roast level.
  • Espresso Beans: Bolder, less acidic taste; rich coffee flavor with a full-bodied finish.

Caffeine Content

  • Espresso: One shot contains around 40-75mg of caffeine (depending on roast and origin).
  • Pour-Over Coffee: An average cup contains up to 185mg of caffeine.

Can You Use Coffee Beans for Espresso?

Yes, you can experiment with different roast levels when making espresso, but lighter roasts may produce a weaker brew.

What Does the Espresso Label Really Mean?

The label indicates that the beans have been roasted longer and darker, and are suitable for fine grinding and brewing as espresso.

Can You Use Espresso Beans for Regular Coffee?

Yes, espresso beans are just coffee beans roasted and blended for espresso, but they can also be used in other brewing methods.

The Bottom Line

Ultimately, the differences between coffee beans and espresso beans are based on how they are roasted, ground, and prepared. As coffee enthusiasts and experts, we believe that understanding these differences empowers you to make informed choices about your coffee beans and how to use them. So go ahead, experiment, and get crazy with coffee!

Get crazy with coffee!

crazy

Editorial Staff

The editorial staff at Crazy Coffee Crave is a team of coffee enthusiasts & Baristas who enjoy the one thing we all think about as soon as we get up in the morning. Trusted by thousands of readers worldwide.