Espresso beans and coffee beans are actually the same types of coffee beans—the difference comes down primarily to how the beans are roasted, ground, and brewed. While bags labeled “espresso beans” are typically roasted to create the rich, concentrated flavor associated with espresso, you can technically make espresso with many different coffee beans and roast levels.
What is the difference between espresso and coffee beans?
Are espresso beans and coffee beans the same?
Yes. Espresso beans are coffee beans selected or roasted with espresso brewing in mind. Espresso describes the brewing method, rather than a separate bean species or a required roast level. Both Arabica and Robusta coffees can be used, and light, medium and dark roasts can all make espresso.
Choosing coffee for your machine? Compare our whole bean espresso and ground espresso coffee, roasted in Queens, New York.
What is espresso?
Espresso is a shot of concentrated coffee, made by forcing very hot water at a high pressure through finely-ground coffee beans. The definition of espresso shows two of the major differences between espresso and coffee: the brewing process and the grind.
Espresso is coffee. It’s just made differently than “regular” American-style coffee.
The differences between espresso and coffee
Roast
Espresso does not require a dark roast. Medium and darker roasts are popular for their body and deeper roast flavors, while lighter roasts can emphasize brightness and origin character. Choose a roast to suit your taste, then adjust the grind and recipe for your machine.
The same coffee can be brewed as espresso or drip coffee. Learn how light and dark coffee roasts differ.
Grind
An espresso grind is typically much finer than other types of coffee grinds. This is because the process of making espresso requires hot water being pushed through tightly packed grounds. The coffee grounds need to be very fine, like the texture of sand, because the water comes into contact with them for a shorter period of time.
Ground coffee labeled for espresso is generally finely ground. Check the product description and your machine’s requirements to make sure the grind is suitable.
Pro-tip: Espresso grounds are our favorite option for DIY coffee skincare, because it’s fine and less likely to damage skin compared to coarser grinds.
Brewing
Espresso uses pressure to force hot water through a compact bed of finely ground coffee. Drip coffee uses gravity to move water through the grounds. An AeroPress can make a concentrated coffee for milk drinks, but it does not produce the same high-pressure extraction as a traditional espresso machine.
For espresso, start with a fine grind and adjust to your machine, basket and recipe. Whole beans give you control over grind size. Pre-ground espresso is convenient, but one grind may not suit every machine.
Taste
Because espresso is roasted, ground, and brewed differently, it has a unique flavor compared to drip coffee. It usually has a bolder, less acidic taste, with a well-rounded and full-bodied finish. It tastes “stronger,” meaning that it has a rich coffee flavor. The roasting process especially brings out more oils in the beans, so it often has a heavier feel.
Does espresso have more caffeine than drip coffee?
Espresso generally contains more caffeine per ounce, but a full cup of drip coffee usually contains more caffeine than a single espresso shot because the serving is larger. Bean species, dose, brew recipe and serving size all affect the amount. Roast color alone does not reliably tell you how much caffeine is in your cup.
For more detail on espresso preparation and caffeine per serving, see the National Coffee Association's espresso guide.
What is the difference between espresso and Americano?
An Americano contains espresso. In fact, Caffè Americano (also called a “long black”) is basically just diluted espresso (espresso and water). When diluted, it has a similar strength to drip coffee, but with a smoother and less acidic taste.
An Americano usually has the espresso poured in the mug first, topped with water. A long dark typically puts water in the cup first, topped with espresso.
What is the difference between espresso and cappuccino?
Similarly, a cappuccino has espresso. A cappuccino will typically be a shot or two of espresso mixed with milk (or cream) and topped with steamed milk foam (aka microfoam). Then, it may be topped with cinnamon or cocoa powder for an extra treat.
A cappuccino is made by first pouring one or two shots of espresso in the bottom of a cappuccino cup. Then, hot milk is poured into the cup to mix together. The top of the drink has milk foam, which can sometimes have drawings like latte art.
Discover the fascinating history of cappuccino here.
Can you use regular coffee beans for espresso?
Yes. Coffee sold for drip brewing can also be used for espresso when you grind it appropriately and adjust your recipe. A medium roast can make excellent espresso. If the shot tastes thin, sour or bitter, review grind size, dose and extraction before assuming the roast is unsuitable.
What does the espresso label mean?
On a bag of whole beans, the label usually indicates that the roaster recommends that coffee for espresso. On pre-ground coffee, it may also describe a fine grind intended for espresso-style preparation. Check the product's format and your brewer's requirements before ordering.
The difference comes down to brewing
Espresso and drip coffee use the same kinds of coffee beans. Pressure, grind size, dose and the amount of water create the difference in the cup. Choose a flavor you enjoy, then match the preparation to your equipment.
Explore Eldorado espresso beans and ground coffee, including Cafe D'oro whole bean or espresso grind and Café Eldorado ground espresso.
What coffee beans are best for espresso
The best coffee beans for espresso depend on the flavor you want in the cup. Medium-to-dark roasts are traditionally popular for espresso because they can produce a rich body, balanced sweetness, and flavors that stand up well in milk-based drinks. Lighter roasts can also work well for espresso when you prefer brighter acidity and more pronounced origin characteristics. Freshness, grind size, dose, and extraction are just as important as roast level when preparing espresso.
Eldorado Coffee Roasters is a family-owned New York coffee roaster in Queens. Explore our Queens coffee roasters facility or shop espresso beans and fresh roasted coffee.
Shop next: Browse espresso beans or compare all coffee beans roasted in Queens by Eldorado.
