Making delicious espresso depends greatly on using the best espresso beans to extract maximum flavor. Espresso beans refer to the coffee beans used to make espresso, which are roasted longer than regular coffee to bring out sweeter, darker notes. The right beans can make all the difference between bitter, watery espresso and a balanced, aromatic shot.

When selecting the best espresso beans, important factors to consider include roast level, origin/region, freshness, and whether you prefer a blend or single origin. Light roasts preserve more complex flavors while darker roasts have bolder, intensified flavors better suited to cutting through milk. Beans from Africa and Central/South America offer varying flavor profiles. Moreover, fresh beans within two weeks of roasting contain more aromatics. Blends combine beans from different regions, allowing experienced roasters to craft specific flavors, while single origin highlights unique terroir.

After extensive testing, our top picks for best espresso beans are light roast Ethiopian Yirgacheffe for floral, tea-like notes, a medium roast blend from Guatemala and Sumatra for balanced body and brightness, and dark roast Italian beans for an authentic, rich espresso.

No matter your bean choice, using a consistent grind size from a burr grinder, evenly tamping the grounds, and timing your shot are key to pulling flavorful espresso worthy of your homemade cafĂ©. With the right technique and the best espresso beans, you’ll be brewing coffeehouse-quality espresso from the comfort of your home.