Best Coffee Beans For Latte: Top 7 Picks

The best coffee beans for latte combine quality, peak freshness, a smooth roast profile, and reasonable pricing. Important factors for selecting the best coffee for lattes include the bean type, blend composition, roast level, latte machine compatibility, and how well the coffee’s flavor complements steamed milk. No single coffee bean or brand suits all latte preferences. Some drinkers prefer bold, chocolatey notes, others enjoy light, floral profiles, or naturally sweet cups that pair well with oat milk.

When choosing the best coffee for latte machines, look for grind size, bean format, and roast date, since lattes differ by milk type, added flavors like vanilla or caramel, and milk-to-espresso ratio. Some brands cost more due to specialty sourcing or small-batch roasting. To get the best value, look for discounts, free shipping, bulk pricing, and subscription deals. The following list shows top 7 coffees for making latte at home.

1. Colipse Six House Blend
2. Intelligentsia El Diablo
3. Joe Coffee The Daily
4. Atomic Coffee Black Velvet
5. Allegro Coffee’s Organic Italian Roast
6. Lavazza Super Crema
7. Mission Coffee Roasters French Roast

1. Colipse Six House Blend

Colipse Six House Blend is a dark roast specialty grade coffee that uses 100% Arabica beans sourced from six regions around the world. This is the best tasting coffee blend for latte because it is roasted to order in small batches for maximum freshness. The beans are shipped same day they are roasted and delivered fresh within 3-5 days. This coffee comes in whole bean for any fully automatic latte machine for home like the Jura ENA 8, Philips 4300 LatteGo, or Breville Oracle Touch, as well as in fine ground for manual espresso machines with portafilters. These dark roast beans have a clean surface and low oil content that won’t clog grinders or home latte machines.

Taste: Colipse Six House Blend has a smooth body, low acidity, and balanced sweetness. It features flavors of dark chocolate, magnolia, and warm spice, with lingering chocolate and nutty notes. The coffee cuts through milk beautifully. It delivers a bold, dessert-like taste and is suitable for flavored coffee lattes like vanilla latte, cinnamon mocha latte, and honey nutmeg latte.

About Colipse: Colipse Coffee is an online store selling specialty-grade coffee for various brewers and drinks, independently operated in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

Availability: Colipse Six House Blend is available on the official Colipse website with direct-to-consumer shipping. It is offered in 12 oz, 16 oz, 2 lb, and 5 lb bags, available as whole beans or ground (coarse, medium, or fine), and is roasted fresh on demand. It comes with subscriptions offering up to 10% off and bulk savings over 40% per pound. All U.S. orders ship free via USPS, UPS, or FedEx and arrive within days after roasting.

Pros: Multiple grinds, Bag variety, Free shipping.

Cons: Higher cost.

Recommendation: Colipse Six House Blend is ideal for making latte at home with the same rich flavor, smooth texture, and balanced intensity you’d expect from a high-end specialty coffee shop.

2. Intelligentsia El Diablo

Intelligentsia El Diablo is a dark roast made from seasonal Arabica beans and is the best single-origin choice for lattes, sourced from high-altitude Costa Rican farms in Tarrazú. This dark roast coffee has a clean surface and is not overly oily. It works well with espresso machines like the Breville Bambino Plus, Gaggia Classic Pro, and De’Longhi Dedica without clogging the grinders, as well as with manual brewing methods.

Taste: Intelligentsia El Diablo has a smooth texture with rich flavors of caramelized sugars, molasses, and dark chocolate. It offers a balanced taste with a sweet aftertaste, making it ideal for black coffee, espresso, or milk-based drinks like lattes. It pairs well with buttery pastries, pecan pie, and chocolate chip banana bread.

About Intelligentsia Coffee: Intelligentsia Coffee is an American roaster and retailer selling specialty coffee, operating since 1995 in Chicago.

Availability:Intelligentsia El Diablo is available on the company’s website and number of U.S. retailers, including Amazon, Target, and Whole Foods, in 12 oz whole bean bags. It is priced at approximately $15–$18 per bag, with subscription options offering free U.S. shipping and up to 10% discounts. The coffee is pre-roasted, not roasted to order, and availability may vary due to its seasonal bean sourcing.

Pros: Direct Trade, High quality, Espresso compatible, Manual brew friendly.

Cons: No subscription discounts.

Recommendation: Intelligentsia El Diablo is recommended for making latte at home as a single-origin coffee with a distinct character and depth compared to typical blends.

3. Joe Coffee The Daily

Joe Coffee Company The Daily is a medium roast coffee that blends naturally and washed processed 100% Arabica beans from Brazil and Colombia. It is ideal for latte preparation and suits both home and professional latte machines like the Miele CM5310, Siemens EQ.6 Plus, and Spinn Pro, as well as drip brewers and manual espresso makers.

Taste: Joe Coffee The Daily is a top daily coffee with a bright flavor, medium body, and sweet finish featuring fresh fruit and honey notes. It is ideal for lattes with whole milk, oat milk, or almond milk and offers a smooth, balanced taste. It pairs well with pancakes or muffins and is suitable for everyday drinking.

About Joe Coffee Company: Joe Coffee Company is a U.S.-based specialty roaster independently run by Jonathan and Jill Perri since 2003, selling coffee online through its website.

Availability: Joe Coffee The Daily is available on the company’s website and major U.S. retailers, including Amazon. It is sold in 12 oz bags in whole bean or ground (medium-fine) formats, roasted in small batches. The coffee is priced at $19.99 per 12 oz bag, with free shipping on orders over $35 via Amazon or Joe Coffee’s website. Subscription options provide up to 20% discounts, and bulk purchases are available for select blends.

Pros: Whole bean, Ground option, Brewing versatility, Subscription savings.

Cons: Not roasted to order.

Recommendation: Joe Coffee Company The Daily is ideal for lattes suited for those who prefer gentler flavors over the boldness of dark roasts.

4. Atomic Coffee Black Velvet

Atomic Coffee Roasters Black Velvet is a dark roast coffee available in 12 oz whole bean bags. It is ideal for latte macchiato thanks to its bold yet balanced flavor that pairs smoothly with milk. The beans are consistently dark-roasted, not overly oily, ensuring uniform quality and reliable extraction. This coffee suits both home enthusiasts and café professionals, and it performs well in espresso machines like the Lelit Anna, Ascaso Dream PID, and Quick Mill Alexia Evo.

Taste: Atomic Coffee Roasters Black Velvet has a rich, bold flavor with a smooth, full-bodied profile. It delivers a clean sip with a chocolate-like aftertaste. The coffee excels in espresso brewing. It is ideal for milk-based drinks like lattes. It pairs well with chocolate desserts or hearty breakfasts and provides a strong caffeine boost.

About Atomic Coffee Roasters: Atomic Coffee Roasters is a U.S.-based, independently operated roastery that specializes in ethically sourced coffee and sells online.

Availability: Atomic Coffee Roasters Black Velvet is available on the brand’s website, Amazon, and several U.S. retailers like Instacart. It is sold in 12 oz whole bean bags with a dark roast profile, roasted to order within 24 hours. The coffee is priced at approximately $16.50 per bag (plus shipping) through Atomic’s website. Subscription options offer up to 10% discounts, with pricing and shipping fees varying by retailer.

Pros: Roasted fresh, Espresso compatible.

Cons: Not ideal for fans of lighter roasts.

Recommendation: Atomic Coffee Roasters Black Velvet Dark Roast is ideal for espresso with a bold base that blends smoothly with milk in lattes.

5. Allegro Coffee’s Organic Italian Roast

Allegro Coffee Organic Italian Roast Ground Coffee is a dark roast coffee that uses certified organic beans. It is a top choice for lattes on the budget due to its balance of quality and affordability at $12.99 for a 12 oz bag. The coffee has a 4.5/5 rating from over 2,400 reviews.

Taste: Allegro Coffee Organic Italian Roast has a rich, bold flavor with dark chocolate notes and a subtle smokiness. It offers a smooth, full-bodied texture and a clean, lingering finish. The coffee is ideal for espresso drinks, lattes, or black coffee and pairs well with roasted meats or chocolate desserts.

About Allegro Coffee: Allegro Coffee is a specialty roaster owned by Whole Foods Market.

Availability: Allegro Coffee Organic Italian Roast is available at Whole Foods Market, Allegro Coffee’s website, and online retailers like Amazon and Walmart in the United States. It is sold in 12 oz pre-ground bags with an Italian roast profile, priced at $12.99, though prices may vary ($11.99–$13.99) by retailer. Subscription and bulk purchase options, available through Allegro’s website and Amazon, offer discounts for regular buyers.

Pros: Organic certified, Low price.

Cons: Whole bean only, No freshness guarantee.

Recommendation: Allegro Coffee Organic Italian Roast is a budget-friendly choice for rich lattes with a well-balanced dark roast profile.

6. Lavazza Super Crema

Lavazza Super Crema is a medium roast coffee that blends Arabica and Robusta beans from Central America. It is ideal for latte art due to its rich, velvety crema and smooth body, which support detailed designs with steamed milk. The coffee ensures consistent crema formation and reliable extraction. It suits home users and professional baristas who use espresso machines for standard espresso brewing.

Taste: Lavazza Super Crema offers a rich flavor with notes of roasted hazelnut and brown sugar. It provides a smooth texture and a sweet, lingering aftertaste. The coffee excels in espresso-based drinks, particularly lattes and cappuccinos, when brewed with an espresso machine. It pairs well with sweet pastries and desserts.

About Lavazza: Lavazza is a family-owned coffee roaster based in Turin, Italy, operating since 1895 and selling internationally.

Availability: Lavazza Super Crema is available through Lavazza’s official website and select retailers, such as Amazon and Walmart, in a 1 kg (2.2 lb) bag of whole beans without pre-ground options. It is typically priced at $20–$25 per bag, though prices vary by retailer and promotion. Stock availability may vary, and users can register for notifications on Lavazza’s website if out of stock.

Pros: Large bag, Espresso optimized.

Cons: No freshness guarantee.

Recommendation: Lavazza Super Crema is ideal for those wanting an alternative to classic Italian dark roast. Its medium roast cuts through milk smoothly and suits latte art practice.

7. Mission Coffee Roasters French Roast

Mission Coffee Roasters French Roast is a dark French roast coffee sourced from premium coffee beans types. It is ideal for making lattes in bulk due to its consistent flavor and competitive pricing at $59.89 for a 5 lb bag, or $0.75 per ounce. It is suitable for offices, events, or cafes.

Taste: Mission Coffee Roasters French Roast has a rich, bold flavor with a deep, toasted nut aroma. It delivers a full-bodied texture and smooth finish, making it ideal for black americano coffee or milk-based espresso drinks like lattes. The coffee pairs well with breakfast pastries or dark chocolate desserts.

About Mission Coffee Roasters: Mission Coffee Roasters is an independent specialty roaster that sources, roasts, and sells coffee in Colorado Springs, Colorado.

Availability: Mission Coffee Roasters French Roast is available on the company’s official website and select U.S. retail stores. It is sold in 5 lb bags, available in whole bean or ground options, and is pre-packed rather than roasted to order. The coffee is priced at $59.89 per 5 lb bag, with a subscription option starting at $59.89 per month that includes free U.S. shipping on orders over $49, althoguh prices may vary.

Pros: Bulk friendly, Low price.

Cons: No roast date info.

Recommendation: Mission Coffee Roasters French Roast is recommended for those making lattes in bulk, thanks to its bold flavor and budget-friendly price.

Compare the Best Coffee Beans for Latte

When comparing the best coffee beans for lattes, consider roast freshness, bean quality, price, and shipping fees. Some brands roast to order, so the coffee arrives fresher and performs better in steamed milk. Freshly roasted beans deliver stronger aroma and flavor in milk drinks. Other brands are more mass-produced, so knowing about roast dates and bean sourcing helps avoid stale or lower-grade coffee. Specialty-grade beans are generally better because they meet higher standards for flavor, quality, and consistency. The following table helps compare prices, bulk deals, and shipping to find the best value.

		Intelligentsia El Diablo	Joe Coffee The Daily	Atomic Black Velvet	Allegro Organic Italian	Lavazza Super Crema	Mission French Roast
Fresh Roasted	Yes Roast to order	Pre-roasted, seasonal	Roasted in small batches	Roasted to order (24h)	Pre-ground, no roast date	Pre-packed, no roast date	Pre-packed, no roast date
Free Shipping	Yes	Yes, subscr. option	Free $35+ Amazon/web	No (shipping extra)	No	Varies by retailer	Free $49+ subscription
Price	$20.99 / 12 oz $27.99 / 16 oz $92.99 / 5 lb	$15–$18 / 12 oz	$19.99 / 12 oz	$16.50 / 12 oz	$12.99 / 12 oz	$23–$28 / 2.2 lb	$59.89 / 5 lb
Roast	Dark	Medium Dark	Medium	Dark	Italian (Dark)	Medium	French (Dark)
Quality	Specialty grade, 100% Arabica	High-quality, Direct Trade	Rainforest Alliance, 100% Arabica	Specialty-grade, ethically sourced	Certified organic, 4.5/5 reviews	Arabica/Robusta blend	Premium, unspecified beans
Bulk Discount	Up to 40% bulk 10% subscription	No (seasonal)	Up to 20% subscription	Up to 10% subscription	Discounts bulk/subscription	No (large bag)	Subscription option

How to Pick the Best Coffee for Making Latte at Home?

To pick the best coffee beans for making latte at home, follow the 7 instructions below.

• Select 100% Arabica Beans: 100% Arabica beans come from the Coffea arabica plant. Their smooth, sweet flavor blends well with milk-based latte drinks. Unlike Arabica, Robusta beans are bitter and harsh. Arabica beans create a smooth, sweet latte by enhancing milk’s sweetness and reducing bitterness. Robusta or mixed beans yield a harsh, bitter cup that overpowers milk and disrupts flavor balance. Arabica lattes highlight milk’s texture, while Robusta blends lack refinement.
• Pick Medium to Dark Roast: Medium to dark roast beans are roasted longer for richer flavors and fuller body. Their bold, caramelized notes complement milk’s creaminess and ensure coffee is prominent in lattes. Light roasts are acidic and thin. Medium to dark roasts produce a robust, velvety latte with balanced coffee and milk flavors. Light roasts create a watery, sour latte that lacks depth. Medium to dark roast lattes are flavorful and rich, while light roast lattes are weak and unbalanced.
• Ensure Beans Are Freshly Roasted: Freshly roasted beans are processed within 2–4 weeks before use. Their vibrant taste and aroma improve latte quality, as stale beans lose flavor. Fresh beans produce a lively, aromatic latte with strong coffee flavor in milk. Stale beans create a dull, tasteless latte with reduced aroma. Freshly roasted lattes are fragrant and rich, while stale bean lattes are bland and uninspiring.
• Look for Beans with Tasting Notes Like Chocolate, Caramel, or Nuts: Tasting notes describe flavors like chocolate, caramel, or nuts in coffee beans. These notes complement milk’s sweetness and create a cohesive, dessert-like latte. Citrus or floral notes clash with milk, and create sour, unbalanced lattes. Chocolate, caramel, or nutty beans yield rich, harmonious drinks. Nutty or chocolatey lattes are indulgent and smooth, while citrusy ones lack flavor harmony.
• Avoid Flavored or Heavily Acidic Beans: Flavored beans have artificial additives, and heavily acidic beans feature tangy flavors. Both overpower milk in lattes and disrupt creamy balance. Plain, low-acidity beans produce a clean, milky latte with harmonious flavors. Flavored beans create an artificial, syrupy latte, and acidic beans yield a sour, harsh cup. Low-acidity lattes are smooth and balanced, while flavored or acidic lattes are unpleasant and unbalanced.
• Choose Whole Beans and Grind Just Before Brewing: Whole beans are unground coffee, and fresh grinding occurs immediately before brewing. Whole beans retain freshness and produce maximum flavor for lattes. Pre-ground beans are stale. Freshly ground whole beans create a vibrant, aromatic latte with bold coffee essence. Pre-ground beans yield a weak, flavorless latte. Freshly ground lattes are bold and fragrant, while pre-ground lattes are dull and flat.
• Opt for Beans from Reputable Roasters: Reputable roasters are trusted companies with consistent quality control in sourcing and roasting. Their high-quality beans ensure predictable, excellent lattes. Unknown roasters may provide inconsistent beans. Reputable roasters’ beans create a consistent, high-quality latte with reliable flavors. Unknown roasters’ beans risk a subpar, unpredictable latte. Reputable roasters’ lattes are dependable and delicious, while unknown roasters’ lattes disappoint with uneven flavors.

What Coffee Beans Are Best for Lattes?

The best coffee beans for lattes are specialty-grade espresso blends that are freshly roasted, denser, and larger in size. Look for trusted brands like Colipse that offer roast-to-order options. Choose medium, medium-dark, or dark roasts for more flavor. Select beans with a bigger screen size for optimal extraction.

Where to Buy the Best Coffee Beans for Latte?

You can buy the best coffee beans for latte from Colipse at colipsecoffee.com. Choose freshly roasted dark, medium, or espresso blends in whole bean or ground form. Select by roast level, origin, or blend. All orders ship free in the U.S., with bulk options and grind sizes for any brewing method.

What is the Difference between Coffee Beans for Latte and Macchiato?

The main difference between coffee beans for latte and macchiato is the flavor intensity needed. Beans for lattes are usually medium to dark roasts with smooth, bold flavors to blend with milk. Beans for macchiato are typically dark roasts with intense, concentrated flavors that stand out with just a touch of milk.

What is the Difference between Coffee Beans for Latte and Cappuccino?

The main difference between coffee beans for latte and cappuccino is the roast and flavor profile. Beans for lattes are usually medium to dark roasts with bold, smooth flavors to pair with milk. In contrast, coffee beans for cappuccinos can be medium or dark, but often focus on strong, rich flavors that balance with frothy milk.

How to Make Latte at Home?

To make latte, follow the six steps below.

1. Heat 1 cup (240 ml) of milk until steaming but not boiling.
2. Brew 1 shot (about 1 oz or 30 ml) of espresso using an espresso machine or stovetop moka pot.
3. Froth the heated milk until it becomes creamy and smooth.
4. Pour the espresso into a cup.
5. Slowly add the frothed milk to the espresso, holding back foam with a spoon.
6. Top the latte with a small amount of foam and serve immediately.