Espresso vs Coffee: What's the Difference?

Espresso and coffee are both caffeinated beverages, but they differ. Espresso is a concentrated 1-ounce Italian drink made with an espresso machine from finely-ground coffee beans. In the U.S., 'coffee' typically refers to an 8-ounce cup of filter coffee brewed via auto-drip, pour-over, or French press methods. A 1-ounce espresso shot has about 64 mg of caffeine, compared to approximately 95 mg in an 8-ounce cup of brewed coffee, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). Espresso and coffee also differ in brewing method, time, ratio, taste, grind size, and potential health effects. Whether coffee is 'better' than espresso, or if the same beans can be used for both, is a matter of personal preference.

What is Espresso?

Espresso is a concentrated type of coffee made in an espresso machine from finely-ground, densely-packed coffee beans. This pressurized brewing method gives espresso a higher concentration of taste and aroma, and a thicker body than regular coffee. Espresso is both a concentrated coffee and a base for drinks like lattes, cappuccinos, and Americanos. 14% of Americans prefer espresso for its flavor and strength, according to 2024 National Coffee Data Trends Market Research. Espresso drink consumption has increased by 50% since 2015.

Espresso originated in Italy in the early 20th century. The Italian Espresso National Institute (INEI) defines espresso according to strict guidelines as a 30 ml shot made by forcing hot water (91-96°C) at 9 bars of pressure through 7 grams of finely ground coffee under 25-second extraction time. Italian espresso, as defined by INEI, is the result of this preparation process. It has a thick consistency, distinct crema, and distinctive flavor. A certified espresso shot must have a hazel-brown to dark-brown foam with tawny reflexes and a fine texture.

What Does Espresso Mean?

The term 'espresso' carries multiple meanings and interpretations. Espresso brewing refers to high-pressure, forced-convection extraction method to produce concentrated coffee. It uses rapid percolation of near-boiling water through a compacted bed of finely ground coffee particles, pressure-driven. The result is a beverage called espresso. The word "espresso" comes from the Italian verb "esprimere," meaning "to express." This reflects the process of extracting coffee’s flavors under pressure. It also implies speed, as espresso was traditionally made quickly for customers. The correct spelling is "espresso," often misspelled as "expresso."

How Much Caffeine is in a Shot of Espresso?

A 1-ounce (30 ml) shot of espresso contains about 64 mg of caffeine, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. A double espresso shot (doppio) has roughly twice the caffeine. However, the caffeine content in espresso varies widely based on coffee bean type, roast level, coffee amount, and water temperature and pressure. For example, a 2007 study by Ben Desbrow published in the Food and Chemical Toxicology Journal found that a single espresso shot contains 25 to 214 mg of caffeine. A 2011 University of Glasgow study showed an even wider range, with espresso shot caffeine levels from 51 mg to 322 mg at coffee shops like Starbucks and Costa Coffee.

What Does Espresso Taste Like?

Espresso has a complex, intense, concentrated flavor, thick body, and rich aroma. Well-made espresso balances acidity and bitter flavors with a round, velvety taste and minimal astringency. It can have floral, fruity, spicy, or chocolate notes, depending on bean type, roast, and brewing. Light roast espresso has higher acidity and delicate, floral or fruity flavors. Dark roast espresso is more bitter with a smoky or burnt flavor. A perfect Italian espresso, according to 2023 World Barista Champion Daniele Carvalho Ricci, should have intense aromas of flowers, fruit, toast, and chocolate. It should deliver a balanced flavor that lingers on the palate, very different from a regular drip coffee.

What is Coffee?

Coffee is a broad term used for beverages brewed from roasted and ground coffee beans from Coffea arabica or Coffea robusta species. Coffee is a hot, dark, aromatic drink ranging in color from translucent amber to deep, opaque brown. In the U.S., "coffee" usually refers to an 8-ounce (237 ml) cup of filter coffee, made using drip, pour-over, or French press methods. According to the National Coffee Association, 27% of Americans prefer regular filter coffee over espresso, making drip coffee makers the most popular brewing method in the U.S. Drip coffee involves a longer extraction time than espresso, resulting in a less concentrated beverage. The taste of brewed coffee varies based on bean type, roast level, and brewing method.

What is the Difference Between Espresso and Coffee?

Espresso and coffee differ in several key aspects, including brewing equipment, time, coffee-to-water ratio, and taste. Espresso requires high-pressure extraction, specialized machines, and a shorter brewing time, resulting in a concentrated and intense flavor. Regular coffee, on the other hand, is brewed using gravity or steeping methods, leading to a milder taste with more variation depending on origin and brew technique.

• Brewing Equipment: Espresso requires specialized machines to reach the 9 bars of pressure needed for extraction. These include automatic (De'Longhi, Jura, Philips), semi-automatic (Breville, Gaggia, Bezzera), and manual (Flair, Rok) machines. Filter coffee uses gravity or steeping for extraction and can be made with drip coffee makers (Mr. Coffee, Cuisinart, Technivorm Moccamaster), pour-over devices (Chemex, Hario V60, Kalita Wave), or even a cup and hot water (cowboy coffee).
• Brewing Time: Espresso and coffee brewing times vary. Espresso, made by forcing hot water through finely ground coffee under high pressure, brews in 20-30 seconds. The Italian National Espresso Institute recommends a 25-second extraction for a classic Italian dark roast. A ristretto, a concentrated espresso, brews in under 20 seconds. Drip coffee filters hot water through grounds over several minutes. French press requires a four-minute steep. The AeroPress steeps and presses in 1.5 minutes. Turkish coffee boils finely ground beans quickly before serving.
• Coffee to Water Ratio: Espresso has a higher coffee-to-water ratio than coffee. It uses a 1:2 ratio, while regular coffee ranges from 1:15 to 1:18. A single shot requires 7-9 grams of coffee for 1-1.5 ounces (25-45 ml), while a double shot uses 14-18 grams for 2-2.5 ounces. Drip coffee and French press follow similar ratios but vary based on strength preference.
• Taste: Espresso and coffee does not taste the same. Espresso has a hazelnut-colored crema with intense aromas of flowers, fruit, toast, and chocolate. Its flavors linger for seconds or minutes after drinking. A well-balanced espresso tastes like coffee with a round, velvety mouthfeel. It should have minimal astringency, with no dominant sourness or bitterness. In contrast, drip coffee is less concentrated and provides diverse flavors based on origin, roast level, and brewing technique. Espresso has a stronger, more intense taste due to its concentrated nature.

Other significant differences between espresso and coffee include grind size, caffeine content, and health benefits.

What is the Difference in Grind Size Between Espresso and Coffee?

Espresso and coffee grind sizes differ. Pre-ground coffee is usually too coarse for espresso. The Italian National Espresso Institute specifies that an espresso shot requires 7 grams of finely ground coffee, between 200-500 microns (μm). This fine grind ensures optimal extraction during high-pressure brewing. Regular drip coffee requires a medium grind size between 300-900 μm. This coarser grind suits the slow drip brewing process, preventing over-extraction and bitterness. Drip coffee grounds can be used for espresso, but the coarser grind leads to under-extraction, producing weak, sour espresso. Similarly, using espresso grounds for drip coffee results in over-extraction, causing a bitter taste.

Is Espresso Stronger than Coffee?

Yes, a single espresso shot has a much higher caffeine concentration than a cup of coffee, though it contains less caffeine overall. A single shot of espresso (30 ml) contains about 63 mg of caffeine. An 8-ounce (237 ml) cup of brewed coffee has approximately 95 mg, ranging from 70 to 140 mg, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). Espresso is stronger than brewed coffee in caffeine concentration. Espresso has 2.12 mg of caffeine per milliliter, while brewed coffee contains 0.40 mg/mL. However, a 1-ounce shot of espresso has about the same caffeine as half a cup of brewed coffee due to serving size differences.

Is Espresso Healtheir than Coffee?

Coffee and espresso have different health impacts, especially on stomach and cardiovascular health. Regarding stomach health, a 2019 Food Research International Journal study found that drip coffee (V60 and French Press) contained less chlorogenic acid (a major contributor to acidity) than espresso. While pH levels were similar across brewing methods (5.15-5.17), this suggests drip coffee might be gentler on sensitive stomachs.

For cardiovascular health, a 2022 study by Åsne Lirhus Svatun from UiT The Arctic University of Norway found that drinking 3-5 cups of espresso daily increased serum total cholesterol by 0.09 mmol/L in women and 0.16 mmol/L in men. In contrast, drip coffee increased cholesterol by 0.11 mmol/L in women consuming at least six cups daily but had no significant effect in men. The higher diterpene levels in espresso (10-54 mg/L cafestol) compared to drip coffee (5 mg/L cafestol) likely contribute to its greater impact.

Despite these differences, a 2017 British Medical Journal meta-analysis by Robin Poole from the University of Southampton reviewed 218 studies and found that both drip coffee and espresso provide health benefits when consumed in moderation (3-4 cups/day). These benefits include reduced risks of all-cause mortality, cardiovascular disease, and specific cancers, as shown in the table below.

How to Make Espresso?

To make espresso, start by selecting high-quality, freshly roasted coffee beans. Consider the roast level, bean type, and origin, as these characteristics will affect the taste. Grind finely, under 300 microns, for proper extraction. Warm up the espresso machine for temperature stability. Adjust the dose: 7-9 grams for a single shot, 14-18 grams for a double. Evenly distribute grounds in the portafilter and tamp with 20-30 pounds of pressure. Purge the group head for consistency. Use filtered water to enhance flavor and prevent mineral buildup in your machine. Insert the portafilter carefully and pull the shot. Aim for 20-30 seconds of extraction to produce 1.5 ounces.

What are the Best Coffee Beans to Make Espresso?

The best coffee beans to make espresso include high-quality Brazilian Arabicas for body and crema, Central American beans like Guatemalan or Costa Rican for balance and sweetness, and dry-processed Ethiopians or Tanzanian Peaberry for fruitiness and sharp complexity.

Where to Buy the Best Coffee Beans to Make Espresso?

You can buy the best coffee beans for espresso from specialty coffee shops, online stores, or high-quality local coffee roasters. Many online specialty coffee stores, such as Colipse, offer freshly roasted espresso beans for sale. For best flavor, choose "espresso blend" beans with a medium-to-dark roast. Check the roast date and buy beans roasted within two weeks.

How to Make Coffee?

To make coffee, you can use different methods, each with unique processes. The drip method pours hot water over medium-ground coffee grounds in a filter, allowing brewed coffee to drip below. A French press steeps coarsely-ground coffee grounds in hot water before pressing the filter down. A Moka pot forces steam pressure through finely-ground coffee grounds for a concentrated brew. Turkish coffee boils very finely ground coffee in water, creating a strong coffee with sediment. The correct coffee-to-water ratio, water temperature, and steep time determine flavor.

What are the Best Coffee Beans for Drip Coffee?

The best coffee beans for drip or filter brewing include high-altitude Central American beans like Guatemalan and Costa Rican for balance and sweetness, Ethiopian beans for floral complexity, Colombian beans for a smooth profile, and Sumatran beans for deep body and low acidity.

Where to Buy the Best Coffee Beans?

You can buy the best coffee beans from specialty coffee brands, online stores, or local roasters. Many online stores, like Colipse, sell freshly roasted coffee beans. For best flavor, choose between medium to dark Arabica blends roasted within two weeks.

Can you Buy the Same Coffee Beans for Espresso and Coffee?

Yes, you can buy the same coffee beans for both espresso and brewed coffee. The main difference between espresso beans and coffee beans is the roast level. Espresso beans are roasted longer, creating a darker, shiny bean due to oils. Dark roast coffee enhances espresso with a strong, rich flavor and easier extraction. Espresso blends balance flavors, while single-origin beans highlight distinct characteristics. Coffee beans are roasted to various levels, light to dark. Roasting level and blend suit many brewing methods, not just espresso. Colipse Coffee roasts high-quality beans to order, ensuring peak flavor and aroma. Available options include light, medium, and dark roasts.

What is the Difference Between Espresso and Black Coffee?

The main difference between espresso and black coffee is the brewing method and concentration. Espresso is made by forcing hot water through finely ground coffee under pressure, resulting in a strong, concentrated shot with crema. Black coffee is brewed using drip, pour-over, or French press methods, producing a milder, larger serving.

What is the Difference Between Espresso and Turkish Coffee?

Espresso and Turkish coffee differ in brewing and texture. Espresso is pressure-brewed into a concentrated shot with crema. Turkish coffee is boiled, creating a thick, unfiltered, gritty drink.