{"id":1861029,"date":"2023-03-10T10:50:19","date_gmt":"2023-03-10T16:50:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/?post_type=listicle&p=1861029"},"modified":"2025-04-17T11:55:58","modified_gmt":"2025-04-17T16:55:58","slug":"the-best-espresso-beans-for-every-coffee-drinker","status":"publish","type":"listicle","link":"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/collection\/the-best-espresso-beans-for-every-coffee-drinker\/","title":{"rendered":"The Best Espresso Beans for Every Coffee Drinker [Tested and Reviewed]"},"content":{"rendered":"[SINGLE_AFFILIATE_PRODUCT superlative=\"Best Overall\" product_name=\"Lavazza Espresso\" pros=\"Balanced flavor perfect for variety of espresso drinks\" pros1=\"Budget-friendly\" pros2=\"Very smooth\" cons=\"Bag was a bit tricky to open with no easy way to reseal\" image=\"2008513\" image_credit=\"KATIE BANDURSKI\/TASTE OF HOME\" pr_name=\"Lavazza\" pr_url=\"https:\/\/go.skimresources.com?id=131817X1598243&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.lavazzausa.com%2Fen%2Fwhole-bean-coffee%2Fespresso\" pr_display_text=\"Shop on Lavazza\" retailers_2_name=\"Amazon\" retailers_2_url=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/dp\/B00P0ZMWEC?tag=tohmke-20\" retailers_2_display_text=\"Shop on Amazon\" \/]\r\n\r\nThis is the Goldilocks of espresso. If you're searching for a perfectly balanced bean with a hint of sweetness that's not too dark or bitter, look no further than Lavazza<\/a>.\r\n\r\nThis was the first bag I opened, and it set the tone for the rest of the tests. The flavor was ideal for pretty much any drink, whether you're looking to sip it on its own or with milk. Whether I poured a shot or foamed milk for a cappuccino, Lavazza did not disappoint. I also liked that there weren't many flavor notes on the bag to set expectations. Going in, I wasn't quite sure what to expect. But the medium roast lent a light, aromatic flavor with hints of floral and citrus\u2014all while tasting like an espresso you would find in a good coffee shop. My partner and I blew through this two-pound bag embarrassingly fast\u2014it was that easy to drink.\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\nPlus, priced at just $0.43 an ounce, it was one of the most affordable options we tested.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n[SINGLE_AFFILIATE_PRODUCT superlative=\"Best Organic\" product_name=\"Kicking Horse Coffee 454 Horse Power\" pros=\"Very dark, bold espresso flavor\" pros1=\"Certified organic\" pros2=\"Ideal for milk-based drinks\" pros3=\"Moderate price point\" cons=\"May be too dark for some, especially to sip on its own\" image=\"2008510\" image_credit=\"KATIE BANDURSKI\/TASTE OF HOME\" retailers_2_name=\"Amazon\" retailers_2_url=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/dp\/B00KC0LP84?tag=tohmke-20\" retailers_2_display_text=\"Shop on Amazon\" \/]\r\n\r\nContent Director Nicole Doster<\/a> put me on to this organic espresso bean option. Kicking Horse Coffee 454 Horse Power<\/a> is a dark roast that will certainly wake you up.\r\n\r\nAt first sip, it's heavy on the tongue, with a light, slightly acidic finish. It's certainly one of the stronger espressos I tried, but it's not overpowering\u2014especially when combined with milk or foam. If you like strong and bold coffee, this is the option for you.<\/span>\r\n\r\nNicole agrees, saying, \"This whole-bean coffee is smooth and chocolatey with no bitter taste. It\u2019s the perfect crowd-pleaser.\" And w<\/span>ith a $1.23 per ounce price tag, you can enjoy Horse Power on any morning.\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n[SINGLE_AFFILIATE_PRODUCT superlative=\"Best Splurge\" product_name=\"Onyx Coffee Lab Monarch\" pros=\"Very complex flavor profile\" pros1=\"Satisfying enough to drink on its own\" pros2=\"Beautiful packaging\" cons=\"Pricey\" image=\"2008515\" image_credit=\"KATIE BANDURSKI\/TASTE OF HOME\" pr_name=\"Williams Sonoma\" pr_url=\"https:\/\/go.skimresources.com?id=131817X1598243&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.williams-sonoma.com%2Fproducts%2Fonyx-coffee-monarch-coffee-beans%2F%3FcatalogId%3D79%26sku%3D3088508%26cm_ven%3DPLA%26cm_cat%3DGoogle%26cm_pla%3DFood%2520%253E%2520Coffee%2520Beans%2520%2526%2520Capsules%26cm_ite%3D3088508_14571727833_aud-2015650457649%253Apla-1707300908564%26gad_source%3D1%26gclid%3DCj0KCQiA4fi7BhC5ARIsAEV1YiaXootNjnNayDwG58YxE_9GtD3L_W71Ivhi0pRSxJ0fQw_03fPDQ_8aAoyZEALw_wcB\" pr_display_text=\"Shop on Williams Sonoma\" retailers_2_name=\"Amazon\" retailers_2_url=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/dp\/B08JJKGXPW?tag=tohmke-20\" retailers_2_display_text=\"Shop on Amazon\" \/]\r\n\r\nPriced at nearly $2 an ounce, Onyx Coffee Lab's Monarch<\/a> is one of the priciest beans we tried. But after one sip, you'll be hooked.\r\n\r\nI loved the medium body of this espresso. It seemed to combine the nuanced complexity of light, medium and dark roasts\u2014all in one bean! It's a bit acidic on the tongue, but then gives way to a rich finish of berries and cocoa. It was the most pleasantly unusual espresso bean I tested.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\nAs an added bonus, the packaging was stunning. The beans came in a paper bag tucked inside a beautiful white box. If you're looking for a gift for coffee lovers<\/a>, this espresso fits the bill without need of additional wrapping.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n[SINGLE_AFFILIATE_PRODUCT superlative=\"Best Dark Roast\" product_name=\"La Colombe Bleu\" pros=\"Lovely dark roast with a touch of sweetness\" pros1=\"Moderate price point\" pros2=\"Delicious over ice\" pros3=\"Certified organic\" cons=\"Not technically an espresso roast\" image=\"2008511\" image_credit=\"KATIE BANDURSKI\/TASTE OF HOME\" retailers_2_name=\"Amazon\" retailers_2_url=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/dp\/B07MD2L9H2?tag=tohmke-20\" retailers_2_display_text=\"Shop on Amazon\" \/]\r\n\r\nDark roast lovers, this one's for you. While not technically marketed as an espresso roast, I found that La Colombe Bleu<\/a> yielded beautiful shots with a rich crema.\r\n\r\nThis is a dark roast that's a touch on the sweet side. It's not quite as dark as the Kicking Horse, but it is still a lovely way to start your day. It's palatable enough to drink on its own (as long as you like strong coffee) and a tasty base for espresso drinks.\r\n\r\nI especially liked this one over ice. The beans were very dark and shiny. Plus, it sells for about $1.25 an ounce. Not too bad for an organic coffee<\/a>!\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n[SINGLE_AFFILIATE_PRODUCT superlative=\"Best Medium Roast\" product_name=\"Allegro Coffee Organic Espresso Bel Canto\" pros=\"Deep fruity and chocolaty flavor\" pros1=\"Fairly affordable\" pros2=\"Certified organic\" cons=\"A bit acidic for a medium roast\" image=\"2008507\" image_credit=\"KATIE BANDURSKI\/TASTE OF HOME\" retailers_2_name=\"Amazon\" retailers_2_url=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/dp\/B078ZMGB5S?tag=tohmke-20\" retailers_2_display_text=\"Shop on Amazon\" \/]\r\n\r\nCraving an espresso with a touch more acidity? Allegro's Espresso Bel Canto<\/a> lets the coffee's natural flavors shine.\r\n\r\nThe beans are a deeper brown with a slightly oily finish. The flavor is fruity with a chocolaty richness. It almost reminded me of a chocolate-covered pomegranate seed.\r\n\r\nPlus, at roughly $1 an ounce, it offers a gourmet taste without breaking the bank. These beans are also non-GMO and fair trade certified.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n[SINGLE_AFFILIATE_PRODUCT superlative=\"Best Light Roast\" product_name=\"Wink Coffee Blonde Espresso\" pros1=\"Very fruity blonde espresso\" pros2=\"One of the most affordable options\" pros3=\"Pairs beautifully with flavored syrups\" cons=\"Very light, borderline sour, flavor\" image=\"2008518\" image_credit=\"KATIE BANDURSKI\/TASTE OF HOME\" pr_name=\"Amazon\" pr_url=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/dp\/B079F6KV24?tag=tohmke-20\" pr_display_text=\"Shop on Amazon\" \/]\r\n\r\nI'll be completely honest: Wink Coffee's Blonde Espresso<\/a> was not a personal favorite. But I'm also not a light roast coffee fan. I much prefer darker roasts, especially for espresso. But other testers, including my husband, enjoyed this acidic blonde.\r\n\r\nIt was very fruity, hinging on slightly sour. But the notes were vibrant and fresh; the description expresses \"citrus, brown sugar and a touch of dried strawberry.\" If you like light coffee, this is the blonde espresso to try. I would also recommend this roast if you're planning to pair your espresso with a flavored syrup. I mean, can you say shaken espresso<\/a>?\r\n\r\nBonus: It's very affordable, coming in at around $0.65 per ounce.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n[SINGLE_AFFILIATE_PRODUCT superlative=\"Best Small Business\" product_name=\"Partners Coffee Roasters Elevate\" pros=\"True to its tasting notes\" pros1=\"Complex flavor from start to finish\" pros2=\"Easy-to-seal packaging for freshness\" cons=\"A bit on the acidic side\" cons1=\"Pricey\" image=\"2008516\" image_credit=\"KATIE BANDURSKI\/TASTE OF HOME\" pr_name=\"Partners\" pr_url=\"https:\/\/www.partnerscoffee.com\/products\/elevate\" pr_display_text=\"Shop on Partners\" \/]\r\n\r\nThe tasting notes for Partners Coffee Roasters' Elevate<\/a> are \"red apple, caramel and pecan pie.\" So...a Thanksgiving dessert? I'm happy to report that those oddly specific flavors really do shine through.\r\n\r\nThe first sip of this medium roast is acidic, but then it gives way to a sweeter finish. It's kind of like biting into a caramel apple\u2014<\/span>in reverse! I'm dying to try this one in an espresso martini<\/a>!\r\n\r\nThis is the second-priciest bean we recommend, with a price tag of around $1.54 an ounce.\r\n\r\n
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Other Espresso Beans We Tried<\/h2>\r\n