10 Best Beans For Espresso: Top Picks for Rich, Crema‑Ready Shots

Are you searching for the best beans for espresso?
This guide offers top coffee bean picks from trusted brands based on real user brewing experiences, guaranteeing the best brew for your enjoyment.

Finding the right coffee beans for your espresso machine is an exciting journey. Many users love how Lavazza Super Crema delivers a smooth shot with its bold flavor.

Real experiences show enthusiasts brewing daily. One user shared pulling a perfect creamy espresso that tastes of honey and roast.

This guide picks the top picks from trusted brands. Explore blends that fit your taste. Dive in for your best brew yet.

List of Top 10 Beans For Espresso

Image Title Best For Price
Lavazza Super Crema Whole Bean Coffee, Medium Espresso Roast, Arabica and Robusta Blend, 2.2 lb Bag, Package May Vary (Pack of 1) Lavazza Super Crema Whole Bean Coffee, Medium Espresso Roast, Arabica and Robusta Blend, 2.2 lb Bag, Package May Vary (Pack of 1)

Lavazza Super Crema is perfect for espresso lovers who enjoy bold, creamy coffee at home.
It’s ideal for anyone who makes fresh espresso with a grinder and brews it using the simple brewing guide.

Lavazza Espresso Barista Gran Crema Whole Bean Coffee Blend, Medium Espresso Roast, Oz Bag (Packaging May Vary) - 2.2 LB, 35.2 Ounce Lavazza Espresso Barista Gran Crema Whole Bean Coffee Blend, Medium Espresso Roast, Oz Bag (Packaging May Vary) – 2.2 LB, 35.2 Ounce

Home baristas who love pulling shots of strong espresso at home will find this full-bodied blend just right.
It suits anyone who wants honey-roasted coffee notes in their daily brew from an espresso machine.

Lavazza Espresso Whole Bean Coffee, Medium Roast, 100% Arabica, 2.2 lb Bag (Pack of 1) Lavazza Espresso Whole Bean Coffee, Medium Roast, 100% Arabica, 2.2 lb Bag (Pack of 1)

Craving delicious espresso at home? This Lavazza whole bean coffee is for you! It’s perfect for espresso lovers who want a sweet, aromatic, and easy-to-make coffee.

Starbucks Whole Bean Coffee, Dark Roast Coffee, Espresso Roast, 100% Arabica, 1 bag (18 oz) Starbucks Whole Bean Coffee, Dark Roast Coffee, Espresso Roast, 100% Arabica, 1 bag (18 oz)

Love a bold and rich coffee? This is for you. Starbucks Espresso Roast is perfect for anyone who enjoys a strong, classic espresso taste every day.

Gaviña Old Havana Espresso Whole Bean Coffee – Medium-Dark Roast, 100% Arabica, Nutty and Sweet Flavor, Great for Espresso Machines and Moka Pots, 32 oz Bag Gaviña Old Havana Espresso Whole Bean Coffee – Medium-Dark Roast, 100% Arabica, Nutty and Sweet Flavor, Great for Espresso Machines and Moka Pots, 32 oz Bag

This coffee is perfect for coffee lovers who enjoy a nutty and sweet taste in their espresso shots. It’s great for people who use espresso machines or moka pots and care about the environment.

Lavazza Espresso Whole Bean Coffee, Medium Roast, 100% Arabica, 2.2 lb Bag Lavazza Espresso Whole Bean Coffee, Medium Roast, 100% Arabica, 2.2 lb Bag

Love amazing coffee? This is for you. Lavazza Espresso Whole Bean Coffee is perfect for anyone who wants a sweet, aromatic, and naturally caffeinated experience. Enjoy the delightful floral and fruit notes in every cup!

Blue Bottle Whole Bean Organic Coffee, Espresso, Dark Roast, 12 Ounce bag (Pack of 1) Blue Bottle Whole Bean Organic Coffee, Espresso, Dark Roast, 12 Ounce bag (Pack of 1)

This espresso coffee is perfect for coffee lovers who want a rich, bold taste in their morning shots. It’s ideal for those who enjoy organic beans and chocolatey flavors that pair well with milk.

Death Wish Coffee, Whole Bean Espresso Roast - Organic, Fair Trade, Arabica and Robusta Coffee Beans, 14 ounce (Pack of 1) Death Wish Coffee, Whole Bean Espresso Roast – Organic, Fair Trade, Arabica and Robusta Coffee Beans, 14 ounce (Pack of 1)

Death Wish Coffee is perfect for coffee lovers who crave a really strong brew every morning. It’s ideal for people who like to make deep, smooth espresso at home using top-quality beans.

Peet's Coffee, Dark Roast Whole Bean Coffee - Espresso Forte 32 Ounce Bag Peet’s Coffee, Dark Roast Whole Bean Coffee – Espresso Forte 32 Ounce Bag

This dark roast coffee is perfect for espresso lovers who crave a bold, rich taste with notes of chocolate and hazelnut. It’s great for home brewers who want to make smooth crema using a fine grind for espresso or a coarse grind for cold brew or French press.

Black Rifle Coffee Company, AK-47 Espresso,100% Arabica Coffee,Colombian Supremo Roasted Dark, Whole Bean 12 oz Bag Black Rifle Coffee Company, AK-47 Espresso,100% Arabica Coffee,Colombian Supremo Roasted Dark, Whole Bean 12 oz Bag

Do you love bold coffee? The Black Rifle Coffee Company’s AK-47 Espresso is perfect for you. It is also the ideal gift for any coffee lover, especially ones who appreciate American-made products and support veterans.

Detailed Reviews

Looking for the best espresso beans? This guide shares top picks from experts and buyers. Discover the flavor and roast tailored for your taste.
Learn about Arabica, Robusta, and unique blends.

1. Lavazza Super Crema Whole Bean Coffee, Medium Espresso Roast, Arabica and Robusta Blend, 2.2 lb Bag, Package May Vary (Pack of 1)

Lavazza Super Crema Whole Bean Coffee, Medium Espresso Roast, Arabica and Robusta Blend, 2.2 lb Bag, Package May Vary (Pack of 1)

Lavazza Super Crema is a 2.2 lb whole bean coffee bag that makes smooth espresso drinks. This medium roast blend of Arabica and Robusta beans from 15 countries gives a bold flavor with a creamy finish.
Ground 0.28 oz makes a 1 oz shot of espresso. It is 100% coffee with no extras. This pure blend is great for espresso lovers.

Pros Cons
  • Perfect for espresso: Brew rich, creamy shots easily.
  • Bold, creamy flavor: Enjoy a full-bodied, delicious taste.
  • Arabica and Robusta blend: Savor beans from 15 countries!
  • Simple ingredients: Just pure, high-quality coffee beans.
  • Package may vary, so expect surprises.
  • Only suitable for espresso preparation.
  • Requires a grinder for whole beans – extra step!

Perfect For:

Lavazza Super Crema is perfect for espresso lovers who enjoy bold, creamy coffee at home.
It’s ideal for anyone who makes fresh espresso with a grinder and brews it using the simple brewing guide.

Ready to Purchase?

2. Lavazza Espresso Barista Gran Crema Whole Bean Coffee Blend, Medium Espresso Roast, Oz Bag (Packaging May Vary) – 2.2 LB, 35.2 Ounce

Lavazza Espresso Barista Gran Crema Whole Bean Coffee Blend, Medium Espresso Roast, Oz Bag (Packaging May Vary) - 2.2 LB, 35.2 Ounce

This Lavazza Espresso Barista Gran Crema is a whole bean coffee blend made for tasty espresso at home. It mixes Arabica and Robusta beans to create a smooth, strong drink.

Enjoy a dark roast with 7 out of 10 intensity. The taste is full-bodied with sweet notes of honey and roasted coffee.

Use this coffee in your espresso machine. Each bag has 2.2 pounds of beans. Try it now for great espresso.

Pros Cons
  • Enjoy rich, full-bodied coffee at home.
  • Arabica and Robusta blend makes a great taste.
  • Perfect for your espresso machine.
  • Aromatic blend offers honey and roasted notes.
  • Dark roast may not suit all coffee fans.
  • Only best in espresso machine, not versatile.
  • Honey notes may not pair with every drink.

Perfect For:

Home baristas who love pulling shots of strong espresso at home will find this full-bodied blend just right.
It suits anyone who wants honey-roasted coffee notes in their daily brew from an espresso machine.

Ready to Purchase?

3. Lavazza Espresso Whole Bean Coffee, Medium Roast, 100% Arabica, 2.2 lb Bag (Pack of 1)

Lavazza Espresso Whole Bean Coffee, Medium Roast, 100% Arabica, 2.2 lb Bag (Pack of 1)

Lavazza Espresso is a 2.2 lb bag of whole bean coffee. It has a medium roast with 5/10 intensity. The blend is 100% Arabica from South America and Africa.

Floral and fruit notes make it sweet and aromatic. You can brew it many ways, like espresso machines or drip coffee.

This coffee has only coffee ingredients. It is made in special coffee factories. Lavazza started in 1895 and focuses on top quality beans.

Pros Cons
  • Sweet flavor delights your taste buds.
  • Versatile brew works with many machines.
  • Pure Arabica from top regions.
  • Fresh aroma of flowers and fruits.
  • Expert quality from over 100 years.
  • Only one bag of coffee, might need more soon.
  • Medium roast may be too light for some.
  • Needs grinding, not ready to brew right away.

Perfect For:

Craving delicious espresso at home? This Lavazza whole bean coffee is for you! It’s perfect for espresso lovers who want a sweet, aromatic, and easy-to-make coffee.

Ready to Purchase?

4. Starbucks Whole Bean Coffee, Dark Roast Coffee, Espresso Roast, 100% Arabica, 1 bag (18 oz)

Starbucks Whole Bean Coffee, Dark Roast Coffee, Espresso Roast, 100% Arabica, 1 bag (18 oz)

Enjoy Starbucks Espresso Roast, a bold dark roast made from 100% Arabica beans. It has rich flavors of molasses and caramel that taste great in espresso. Try it fresh from our cafés with high quality every time.

Brew it your way with drip brewers, coffee presses, or moka pots. We source our coffee 100% ethically in partnership with Conservation International.

Pros Cons
  • Rich and classic dark roast flavor every cup.
  • 100% Arabica beans for premium quality.
  • Fresh and carefully roasted like in cafés.
  • Versatile brewing for home or on the go.
  • Ethically sourced coffee you can feel good about.
  • Needs grinding before brewing—no instant use.
  • Strong flavor might be too intense for some.
  • Higher price compared to budget brands.

Perfect For:

Love a bold and rich coffee? This is for you. Starbucks Espresso Roast is perfect for anyone who enjoys a strong, classic espresso taste every day.

Ready to Purchase?

5. Gaviña Old Havana Espresso Whole Bean Coffee – Medium-Dark Roast, 100% Arabica, Nutty and Sweet Flavor, Great for Espresso Machines and Moka Pots, 32 oz Bag

Gaviña Old Havana Espresso Whole Bean Coffee – Medium-Dark Roast, 100% Arabica, Nutty and Sweet Flavor, Great for Espresso Machines and Moka Pots, 32 oz Bag

Gaviña Old Havana Espresso brings the rich taste of Cuban heritage to your cup. It offers nutty sweetness with citrus hints and a smooth finish for an authentic experience.

Choose whole bean freshness for the perfect espresso shot every time. Our Direct Impact Initiative protects the environment with every decision. Crafted in Los Angeles, it’s bold and ready for any brew.

Pros Cons
  • Delicious nutty and sweet flavor with citrus hints.
  • Fresh whole bean coffee for perfect espresso.
  • Great for espresso machines and moka pots.
  • Eco-friendly: Zero-waste facility, good for the planet!
  • Whole bean requires a grinder to use.
  • Best for espresso, not ideal for drip coffee.
  • 32 oz bag sizes may not last long.

Perfect For:

This coffee is perfect for coffee lovers who enjoy a nutty and sweet taste in their espresso shots. It’s great for people who use espresso machines or moka pots and care about the environment.

Ready to Purchase?

6. Lavazza Espresso Whole Bean Coffee, Medium Roast, 100% Arabica, 2.2 lb Bag

Lavazza Espresso Whole Bean Coffee, Medium Roast, 100% Arabica, 2.2 lb Bag

Lavazza Espresso Whole Bean Coffee is a medium roast with a 5 out of 10 intensity. It gives a sweet and aromatic taste that you will love. This coffee comes in a 100% Arabica blend from South America and Africa.

You can smell floral and fruit notes in every cup. It works well with espresso machines, moka pots, drip machines, or French presses.

Get the 2.2 lb bag of whole beans for your home coffee setup. It has only pure coffee made in special coffee-only factories.

Pros Cons
  • Sweet and aromatic medium roast delights your senses.
  • 100% Arabica beans from top global sources.
  • Floral and fruit notes for a fresh taste.
  • Versatile brewing for espresso or drip coffee.
  • Pure coffee with no extras added.
  • Only medium roast option available.
  • Flavor profile may not suit all tastes.
  • Requires grinding, extra step for some.

Perfect For:

Love amazing coffee? This is for you. Lavazza Espresso Whole Bean Coffee is perfect for anyone who wants a sweet, aromatic, and naturally caffeinated experience. Enjoy the delightful floral and fruit notes in every cup!

Ready to Purchase?

7. Blue Bottle Whole Bean Organic Coffee, Espresso, Dark Roast, 12 Ounce bag (Pack of 1)

Blue Bottle Whole Bean Organic Coffee, Espresso, Dark Roast, 12 Ounce bag (Pack of 1)

Unleash rich flavor with Blue Bottle Espresso. This dark roast creates a potent, sweet shot. It’s perfect for serious coffee lovers.

This organic blend uses premium beans. Enjoy a bold and chocolatey experience today.

Pros Cons
  • Enjoy a rich, full-bodied espresso made just right.
  • It has a bold, sweet, chocolatey flavor you’ll love.
  • Experience premium, organic coffee from around the world.
  • Sustainably sourced beans makes the best cup of coffee.
  • Find a blend to fit any taste or mood you desire.
  • Whole beans need home grinding
  • Dark roast flavor feels too strong
  • Small 12 oz bag empties fast

Perfect For:

This espresso coffee is perfect for coffee lovers who want a rich, bold taste in their morning shots. It’s ideal for those who enjoy organic beans and chocolatey flavors that pair well with milk.

Ready to Purchase?

8. Death Wish Coffee, Whole Bean Espresso Roast – Organic, Fair Trade, Arabica and Robusta Coffee Beans, 14 ounce (Pack of 1)

Death Wish Coffee, Whole Bean Espresso Roast - Organic, Fair Trade, Arabica and Robusta Coffee Beans, 14 ounce (Pack of 1)

Death Wish Coffee is a seriously strong whole bean espresso roast. It uses organic, fair trade arabica and robusta beans for a bold brew.

This coffee lets you be your own barista at home. Grind it fresh for espresso or drip coffee. It has a rich taste with notes of caramel, cocoa, and cherries.

Source high-quality beans from top spots around the world. India, Peru, and Sumatra provide the best. Fair Trade USA certifies each bag for fair practices.

Pros Cons
  • Seriously strong for a bold daily boost.
  • Makes rich, smooth espresso at home.
  • Tastes of cocoa and sweet cherries.
  • Packed with premium, fair trade beans.
  • Roasts to bold perfection, never bitter.
  • Strong taste isn’t for everyone’s palate.
  • Requires a grinder to brew from whole beans.
  • Dark roast may be too intense for some.

Perfect For:

Death Wish Coffee is perfect for coffee lovers who crave a really strong brew every morning. It’s ideal for people who like to make deep, smooth espresso at home using top-quality beans.

Ready to Purchase?

9. Peet’s Coffee, Dark Roast Whole Bean Coffee – Espresso Forte 32 Ounce Bag

Peet's Coffee, Dark Roast Whole Bean Coffee - Espresso Forte 32 Ounce Bag

Peet’s Espresso Forte is a dark roast whole bean coffee in a 32 ounce bag. This 100% Arabica blend offers flavors of chocolate and hazelnut with a smooth crema.

It is perfect for home espresso when ground fine. Use it coarsely for cold brew or French press. A medium grind works great for drip coffee.

Support communities around the world by choosing Peet’s. Enjoy the best coffees, hand-roasted by masters for over 50 years.

Pros Cons
  • Bold dark roast packs intense flavor.
  • Makes smooth espresso crema perfectly.
  • Works for many brewing methods.
  • Supports farms and nature.
  • Hand-roasted by coffee experts.
  • Dark roast means it’s very strong for some.
  • Whole bean = you need a grinder.

Perfect For:

This dark roast coffee is perfect for espresso lovers who crave a bold, rich taste with notes of chocolate and hazelnut. It’s great for home brewers who want to make smooth crema using a fine grind for espresso or a coarse grind for cold brew or French press.

Ready to Purchase?

10. Black Rifle Coffee Company, AK-47 Espresso,100% Arabica Coffee,Colombian Supremo Roasted Dark, Whole Bean 12 oz Bag

Black Rifle Coffee Company, AK-47 Espresso,100% Arabica Coffee,Colombian Supremo Roasted Dark, Whole Bean 12 oz Bag

AK-47 Espresso from Black Rifle Coffee Company packs a punch in every cup. This 12 oz bag of whole bean coffee uses 100% Arabica beans.

Our medium roast blends light Colombian and dark Brazilian beans. It brings a nutty aroma with notes of citrus and dark chocolate. Enjoy a smooth, full-bodied brew each time.

These beans come from top coffee regions in Colombia and Brazil. The flavor stays balanced and rich in every roast. It’s a great pick for coffee fans.

This premium coffee makes the perfect gift for bold brew lovers. It’s American-made and veteran founded. A part of sales helps veterans and first responders.

Pros Cons
  • Smooth and robust brew in every cup.
  • Nutty aroma with citrus and dark chocolate notes.
  • High-quality Arabica beans from Colombia and Brazil.
  • Perfect gift for coffee lovers.
  • Supports veterans and first responders.
  • Whole beans need a grinder to brew.
  • Medium roast might feel less bold for some.
  • 12 oz bag may empty too fast.

Perfect For:

Do you love bold coffee? The Black Rifle Coffee Company’s AK-47 Espresso is perfect for you. It is also the ideal gift for any coffee lover, especially ones who appreciate American-made products and support veterans.

Ready to Purchase?

Buying Guide

Finding the right coffee beans boosts your espresso machine fun. Lavazza Super Crema stands out for its bold flavor.

Real users pull creamy espressos daily. One fan shared a honey-roast taste that sparks joy. Others grind fresh for smooth shots in any brew setup.

  • Roast Level: Dark roasts like Starbucks Espresso Roast give bold taste with caramel notes. Medium roasts such as Lavazza Espresso offer sweetness and fruit hints for balance.
  • Bean Blend: Arabica beans from Blue Bottle Espresso bring organic quality and chocolate vibes. Robusta blends in Death Wish Coffee make it super strong for power brews.
  • Flavor Notes: Look for nutty sweetness in Gaviña Old Havana Espresso with citrus touches. Some like Peet’s Espresso Forte add hazelnut and dark chocolate for depth.
  • Bag Size and Freshness: A 2.2 lb bag from Lavazza lasts longer than a 12 oz pack. Whole beans stay fresher when kept unground for creamy results.
  • Origin and Sourcing: Beans from Colombia in Black Rifle AK-47 Espresso show nutty aromas. Ethical picks like fair trade options ensure community support.
  • Price and Value: Budget brands like Lavazza give pure coffee at a low cost. Premium ones such as Peet’s offer expert roasts for extra flavor.
  • Brewing Tips: Grind fine for espresso or coarse for press. Match intensity, like medium roast, to your daily drink for best pulls.