(Spoiler: They’re Not a Secret Bean Species)

If you’ve ever stood in front of a wall of coffee bags at the grocery store or scrolled through an online coffee selection, you’ve probably spotted the mysterious phrase: espresso beans. But what are espresso beans, really? Are they grown differently? Or from one specific origin? Roasted on a mountain under the light of a full moon? 

Espresso Beans vs. Coffee Beans: What’s the Difference?

Here’s the cheeky truth: there’s no such thing as an “espresso bean.” Yep, espresso beans are just coffee beans—same plant, same bean, same caffeine kick. The difference lies in how they’re roasted, blended, and brewed.

Most of the time when people are asking for espresso beans, what they are really looking for is an espresso blend or espresso roast. 
Espresso blends are typically roasted darker than your average drip or pour-over beans. Why? A darker roast helps bring out rich, bold flavors that can hold up under the high-pressure brewing method of an espresso machine.

In short:
🟤 Coffee bean = all-purpose bean
⚫ Espresso bean = coffee bean with a darker roast, optimized for espresso machines

What Makes an Espresso Blend?

A great espresso blend usually has different components that brings their own notes to the cup. Roasters usually combine beans from two or more regions to balance three key elements:

Body

That velvety mouthfeel espresso fans crave.

Acidity

A touch of brightness to keep things lively.

Sweetness

Natural sugars that come out during roasting, giving espresso its signature caramel finish.

Common blend regions include Latin America (think chocolate and nuts), Africa (citrus and berries), and Asia (earthy and spicy). A roaster might mix a spicy Sumatra with a fruity Costa Rican to get a sweet, bold and syrupy shot that cuts through milk like a dream. 
Huh, that actually sounds familiar.

Can You Use Regular Coffee Beans for Espresso?

Technically? Yes. Should you? It depends. Some single origins or light roasts won't be suited to the high-pressure + low-volume brew method of the espresso machine. Instead of something rich and bold, it'll give you something resembling sour bean water. 

However, if you like experimenting, you might just find a light or medium roast coffee that delivers a really sweet and punchy espresso! Some other blends might also work - we've enjoyed Sunrise Tiger as a bright and zesty option or Dark Horse for something more chocolate-y. 

Final Shot: What Are Espresso Beans?

Espresso beans are coffee beans that have been roasted and blended with espresso brewing in mind. That’s it. No magic beans, no special plants—just good coffee optimized for great espresso.