What Is the Difference Between Espresso vs. Dark Roast Coffee Bean?

crazy by Editorial Staff | Posted on June 26th, 2022

You know a coffee bean is a coffee bean, but when browsing the coffee aisle, you notice some bags labeled as coffee beans or espresso beans. That gets you wondering, “what is the difference between regular coffee and espresso beans?”


Or today’s article regarding espresso vs. dark roast coffee beans.

espresso vs dark roast

They are not the same, and very few people know what sets them apart. Have an idea of what distinguishes them? This piece is for you if you are unsure when one must be chosen over the other. Keep reading to learn more!

What is the difference between espresso vs. dark roast? The roast

Their roast, which ranges from light to dark, distinguishes coffee beans. Dark roasted beans are those that are most suited to making espresso.

Dark roasted coffee beans

brown coffee beans on brown wooden surface

Dark roasted beans are dark brown and often have an oil and shiny surface. These beans are primarily used for espresso brewing; their flavor can be fuller, smokier, and almost burnt. Unfortunately, to most people, this flavor is too intense. They can also be used in French Presses and other standard brewing methods, but you must be a true coffee aficionado to achieve desirable results. 

Bonus! Choose a light roast if you want your beans’ full, distinct flavor, which can vary based on the country of origin.

Are you looking for the best dark roast coffee beans?

Espresso beans

brown coffee beans beside white ceramic mug

Espresso beans are simply coffee beans that are roasted more, ground finer, and brewed in an espresso machine.

Some people think that you must use espresso beans for espresso. This is because lighter roasts are harder to extract.

So dominantly, espresso beans tend to belong to the dark roast category. However, some medium roasted espresso beans are richer in coffee’s natural oil, emulsified with other coffee components, resulting in the so-called espresso Crema.

However, try your best to avoid beans that have been roasted too dark as the excess oil can clog up grinders, specifically in super-automatic brewers. 

Regular beans are not recommended for espresso as the yielded drink may taste funky, sour, and tart. Instead, stick to dark roast for perfect espresso shots.

Here is a quick rundown of why you must use the right beans for good espresso:

  • Espresso coffee beans help achieve a rich Crema, enhancing the entire brew.
  • They will give you the consistency, flavor, and body you want in your shot.
  • Regular coffee beans are great for various brewing methods, but espresso coffee beans hold up best with high-pressure methods.

What does the “espresso label” really mean?

The espresso label on the bag can mean different things. For example, a roaster can have a label on the bag to guide you in using the beans based on the grind or roast. Espresso is typically a dark roast.

While you can brew espressos with different roasts and beans, many of them will be far from the classic espresso. So the espresso label helps to set the expectations.

If the beans are whole, you will want to grind them fine before using them for your espresso. 

If it is a ground coffee, the espresso beans are likely dark roasted and already ground very fine, perfect to throw in your espresso machine or AeroPress.

Do coffee roasts impact your espresso machine?

You must be careful if using overly roasted beans as they are oily and leave a greasy residue on all your brewer components. With time, this oily residue becomes sticky and gummy, which can cause damage. So, if you prefer using excessively roasted beans, clean your machine regularly to ensure it yields an excellent espresso. 

Is espresso stronger than the dark roast?

Usually, the darker the roast, the stronger the flavor. For that reason, dark roast coffee beans are said to be the strongest type of coffee.

Again, espresso beans are typically dark roast.

Now, by making espresso coffee out of dark roast, you will undoubtedly get much stronger coffee than regularly prepared java. 

What are the best beans for espresso?

The best beans for espresso are medium-dark to dark roasts as they extract more rapidly and are more soluble. In addition, they are rich in oils, which help yield a richer crema. Not to mention that they give your espresso that great consistency, body, and flavor you want in your shot. Check out our article on the best espresso beans you can buy today.

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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.