When people talk about types of coffee beans they usually mean one of four different things: the species of plant, the country it grew in, how the fruit was processed, or how dark the bean was roasted. Each changes the cup in its own way.
1. Species: arabica and robusta
Almost all coffee sold comes from two species.
- Arabica is grown at higher altitude, is sweeter and more aromatic, and has more acidity. Most specialty coffee is arabica.
- Robusta is hardier, grows lower, carries roughly twice the caffeine, and tastes stronger and more bitter. It is used in some espresso blends for body and crema.
There are other species, such as liberica and excelsa, but they are rare outside the countries that grow them. The full comparison is in arabica vs robusta.
2. Origin
Where coffee grows shapes its flavour. Broadly:
- Central and South America: balanced, caramel, nuts, chocolate. Colombia and Brazil are the classics.
- Africa: fruity, floral, bright. Ethiopia and Kenya are the best known.
- Asia and the Pacific: earthy, heavy body, lower acidity. Sumatra, Java and Papua New Guinea.
We go country by country in the coffee origin guide.
3. Processing
Coffee beans are the seeds of a fruit, and how the fruit is removed changes the flavour. Washed coffee has the fruit removed before drying and tastes clean and bright. Natural coffee is dried inside the whole cherry and tastes fruitier and heavier. Honey process sits between the two, and has nothing to do with honey.
4. Roast
- Light: keeps the most origin character and acidity.
- Medium: balanced sweetness and body.
- Dark: roast flavours dominate: chocolate, toast, low acidity.
Roast is chosen by the roaster, and it is the easiest of the four to act on when you buy. See our light, medium and dark roast ranges.
Three to compare
A Colombian single origin, a Brazilian from the Bravo range, and Caffe Moda Venetian, a syrupy medium-dark coffee with nut and dark chocolate. Three origins and roast styles side by side.
Common questions
What are the main types of coffee beans?
By species, arabica and robusta. Beyond that, beans are described by origin, processing method and roast level.
Which type of coffee bean is strongest?
Robusta has roughly twice the caffeine of arabica. In flavour, dark roasts taste strongest, though they do not carry more caffeine.
Which coffee beans are best for beginners?
A medium roast arabica blend. It is balanced, forgiving to brew, and works black or with milk.
