Arabica and robusta are the two species of coffee plant behind almost everything you can buy. They look similar as roasted beans, but they taste, grow and behave very differently.
Arabica vs robusta at a glance
- Flavour: arabica is sweeter, more aromatic and more acidic, with fruit, caramel and chocolate. Robusta is heavier, earthier and more bitter.
- Caffeine: arabica carries roughly 1.2% caffeine by weight, robusta closer to 2.2%, so nearly double.
- Where it grows: arabica prefers higher altitudes and cooler climates. Robusta tolerates heat, lower altitude and disease, which is how it got its name.
- Price: robusta is cheaper to grow and to buy.
Why arabica dominates specialty coffee
Arabica's sugars and acids give it the complexity people pay for. Almost all specialty coffee, and everything labelled 100% arabica, comes from this species. That includes the single origins we stock from Colombia and Brazil.
Why some espresso blends use robusta
Robusta is not only a cheap filler. In small amounts it adds body, a thick crema and a stronger kick, which is why some traditional Italian style espresso blends include it on purpose. The trade-off is bitterness, and it shows more the higher the percentage.
How to tell which one you are buying
Look for the words 100% arabica. If a bag does not say it, and especially if it is cheap and labelled extra strong, it probably contains robusta. Instant coffee and many supermarket blends use a lot of it.
Which should you choose?
For flavour, arabica. For maximum caffeine or a very heavy, traditional espresso, a blend with some robusta. Most people who think they dislike coffee have mostly tasted cheap robusta.
100% arabica beans we stock
The Smuggler Colombian is 100% arabica and 100% Colombian. Bravo Minas Santos is made from Brazilian Minas beans, with earthy, nutty flavours that linger. Our full list is on the arabica coffee page.
Common questions
Is arabica or robusta stronger?
Robusta has nearly twice the caffeine and a stronger, more bitter taste. Arabica tastes smoother and sweeter.
Is robusta bad coffee?
No, but most robusta is grown for price rather than quality. Well grown robusta has a place in espresso blends.
Does arabica have less caffeine?
Yes, roughly half as much as robusta by weight. We break down caffeine by drink in how much caffeine is in a coffee.
For the wider picture, see types of coffee beans.
