Coffee Beans vs. Espresso Beans: What’s The Difference?

Are you confused as to why some coffee bags say “espresso”? What is the difference between espresso beans and regular coffee beans? 

Well, espresso beans and coffee beans come from the same plant. But are differentiated by their roast level and preparation method. 

Usually, espresso beans are dark-roasted and finely ground. This makes them perfect for high-pressure brewing. 

On the other hand, coffee beans can be light, medium, or dark roasted and are suitable for various brewing methods like drip, pour-over, and French press.

Anyway, if you want to discover more details, from roast levels to grind sizes, just keep reading. 

Espresso Beans Vs. Coffee Beans: Comparison

Aspect	Espresso Beans	Coffee Beans
Roast Level	Typically dark roast for bold, rich flavor	It can be light, medium, or dark roast
Grind Size	Very fine grind for high-pressure extraction	Varies: coarse for French press, medium for drip
Flavor Profile	Intense, concentrated, often smoky or bittersweet	Varies widely: fruity, floral, balanced, or robust
Brewing Method	Espresso machines with high pressure	Espresso machines with high-pressure
Crema Production	Produces a thick, golden crema	Generally doesn’t produce crema
Caffeine Content	Generally higher per ounce due to concentration	Varies by bean type and brewing method
Aroma	Strong, deep, roasted scents	Can range from light and floral to rich and earthy
Preferred Use	Espresso shots, lattes, cappuccinos, macchiatos	Regular coffee, specialty brews, cold brews
Typical Brands	Lavazza, Death Wish Coffee, Kicking Horse Coffee	Stumptown, Peet’s Coffee, Blue Bottle Coffee
Preparation Focus	Emphasis on precision in grind size and pressure	Emphasis on variety and matching brew method

Why Do You See “Espresso Beans” Marketed?

When coffee is marketed as “espresso beans,” the focus is on the roast, grind size, and flavor. 

These beans are typically roasted longer and darker than regular coffee beans. 

This roasting process creates a rich, bold flavor that matches the high-pressure brewing method used in espresso machines. 

Also, darker roasts make better crema, and the golden layer of foam tops a well-pulled espresso shot.

So, when a bag is labeled as espresso beans, it hints that these beans are ideal for making espresso but can also be used in other methods.

Understanding Different Coffee Beans Roast Levels

Each roast level brings out unique flavors and aromas and pairs differently with several brewing methods. I’ll share with you some insights:

Light Roast

Light roast beans are bright and tangy, often fruity or floral. They offer a fresh aroma with pronounced acidity and subtle, delicate scents. 

These beans are great for pour-over and Aeropress methods, highlighting subtle flavors and acidity.

Medium Roast

Medium roast beans give you a balanced taste with a mix of acidity and body.

It often has hints of caramel or chocolate and a richer, more complex aroma. These beans work well with drip coffee makers and siphon brewers.

Medium-Dark Roast

Medium-dark roast beans offer a fuller-bodied taste with deeper, more robust flavors. Usually, you can find hints of spice or nuts and a stronger, more pronounced roasted aroma. 

I love this coffee roast for French press and moka pot brewing methods. 

Dark Roast

Dark roast beans are bold and rich, often smoky or bittersweet. They also have an intense aroma with strong, deep scents that can be earthy or toasty. 

These beans work great for espresso machines and cold brew. Where the bold flavors and low acidity give you a powerful and smooth drink.

Also, two of my favorite brands are Death Wish Coffee and Kicking Horse Coffee. I highly recommend trying them out. They give a robust, intense flavor that’s perfect for these brewing methods.

Does This Mean You Can Only Use Dark Roast For Espresso?

Well, dark roasts are traditionally associated with espresso because of their robust, chocolatey flavors and low acidity.

You aren’t restricted to using them only. Any coffee bean can be used for espresso, as the key is finding a roast profile that works best for you.

I’ve found that experimenting with different beans, including lighter and medium roasts, can give you surprising results. 

Just to say, the best choice aligns with your flavor preferences, whether it’s a classic dark roast or a more unconventional option.

What’s The Problem With Espresso Coffee?

Sometimes, depending on the brand, their dark roasts can give you a bad experience. The fact is not all brands approach dark roasts with the same care. Some over-roast their beans, resulting in:

• Burnt Flavors: An excessively dark roast can give you an unpleasant, burnt taste.
• Oily Beans: Over-roasting can make beans oily, which clogs grinders and espresso machines, affecting performance and cleanliness.
• Lower Quality Beans: Some brands use dark roasting to mask the defects of lower-quality beans. The heavy roast can hide imperfections but doesn’t offer a great experience (besides spitting your cup to the floor).

Anyway, this isn’t the end of the world; here are some things worth doing:

• Medium Roasts: Buy medium roasted coffee beans and grind them at home. You get a more balanced coffee with the bean’s natural flavors. 
• High-Quality Beans: Invest in beans from reputable roasters who prioritize quality over masking flaws. I suggest to look for beans that specify their origin and roasting process. You can even look for reviews online before purchasing those beans.
• Experimentation: Don’t be afraid to try lighter roasts for espresso. While they require more precise equipment and technique, the resulting flavor complexity is worth the effort.
• Proper Equipment: Using high-quality grinders and espresso machines can help you extract the best flavors from your beans, regardless of the roast level.

What’s The Difference In Espresso Grinding Size?

Besides the roast, there’s another reason a bag labeled “espresso coffee” is better for your expresso machine: its grind.

See, espresso needs a very fine grind, much thinner than you’d use for a drip coffee maker or French press.

 This fine grind is essential for the espresso brewing process. Because it needs to force hot water through the coffee grounds at high pressure. 

If the grind is too coarse, the water will pass through too quickly, resulting in a weak, under-extracted espresso. 

Otherwise, if the grind is too fine, the water will struggle to pass through, leading to over-extraction and a bitter taste.

How Does Espresso Grind Size Matter in Extraction and Flavor?

Also, the grind size is important in the extraction process and flavor. Here’s why:

Extraction Time: A fine grind increases the surface area of the coffee, helping the hot water extract the flavors quickly and efficiently.

This process usually takes about 25-30 seconds. The precise grind size ensures that the extraction is just right—neither too fast nor too slow, giving you a balanced espresso shot.

Flavor Profile: The fine grind ensures the water extracts the coffee’s rich oils and flavors, creating a bold, concentrated shot.

As I explained before, it also helps form a thick golden crema. That’s the sign of a well-pulled espresso shot.

Last Thoughts

So, choosing espresso beans is important because these beans are roasted and ground to bring out the best flavors under high-pressure extraction. 

Also, their dark roast and fine grind create a rich, bold taste with a thick crema.

However, if you don’t enjoy dark roasts, try medium roast beans and grind them finely at home. Make sure you have a good coffee grinder for this.

Anyway, do you have tips or experiences? Leave your comment below and with that “voilà!”