Robusta Coffee: What It Is, Where It Grows, and Brewing Guide

Robusta coffee is a type of coffee made from the beans of the Coffea canephora plant, specifically the Robusta variety. Robusta coffee originates from the lowland evergreen rainforests of equatorial Africa. The key differences between Robusta and Arabica lie in their origin, growing conditions, chemical composition, and flavor profiles. Robusta is known for its bold flavor, often described as nutty, cocoa, fruity, and even sweet or sour. It also has almost double the amount of caffeine as Arabica coffee beans, varying with brewing methods.

Robusta is grown in many countries, but over 90% of global production comes from Vietnam, Brazil, Indonesia, Uganda, and India. Different types of Robusta include BP 534, BRS 1216, KR1, and Clon 24, among others. When choosing Robusta coffee, consider the grind size, aroma, and brewing method, especially for espresso where a balance of strength and flavor is desired. You can find Robusta beans and grounds from various online and in-store retailers for sale, with companies like Nguyen Coffee Supply, Colipse, and Caffè Borbone specializing in high quality Robusta grounds.

People choose Robusta for its higher caffeine content, bold flavor, affordability, longer shelf life, and ability to produce a thick crema. Potential health benefits include improved glucose metabolism, fat oxidation, muscle health, and possible anti-tumor effects. Robusta coffee is considered a more sustainable option for the future of coffee production, and its prices have recently reached its highest price in three decades.

What is Robusta Coffee?

Robusta coffee bean is a species coming from the Coffea canephore plant native to Sub-Saharan Africa. Robusta coffee is known for its strong, bold flavor and high caffeine content. The botanical name for the Robusta coffee plant is Cof­fea canepho­ra Pierre ex A. Froehn­er. The Coffea canephora plant is a shrub that thrives at altitudes rang­ing from 50 to 1500 meters above sea lev­el and can grow up to 10 meters tall (Davis, et al., 2006). It has dark green leaves and produces cherries that turn bright red when ripe.

Robusta coffee beans are small and round, with a greenish-brown color. A 2023 study from the Islamic University of Majapahit found that Robusta beans typically weigh around 0.27 grams each and are approximately 5-7 millimeters long. Based on these measurements, 100 grams of unroasted Robusta coffee beans would contain roughly 368 individual beans. The Robusta coffee grades are based on bean size and defects. The grades include Grade 1 (G1) with a maximum of 11 defects, and Grade 4 (GR4), which is further classified into Grade 4A (45 to 60 defects) and Grade 4B (61 to 80 defects).

Robusta coffee is a type of coffee bean that is becoming increasingly popular due to a combination of factors, including its high caffeine content, lower acidity, and the fact that it is easier, faster, and cheaper to grow than other coffee varieties. As researchers Daviron Benoit and Stefano Ponte highlight in their book The Coffee Paradox: Global Markets, Commodity Trade, and the Elusive Promise of Development (2005), the Robusta coffee plant is hardy and thrives in hot, humid climates. It also requires fewer pesticides and herbicides, making it a more sustainable choice.

What is the Difference between Robusta vs Arabica?

The key differences between Robusta and Arabica coffee beans are where and how they grow, their chemical composition, and their flavor profiles.

Robusta coffee beans originate from the lowland evergreen rainforests of equatorial Africa. Robusta coffee growing conditions include lower altitudes (up to 1,500 meters) in hot, humid climates. They are naturally resistant to coffee rust and some pests. Arabica coffee, on the other hand, originates from the highlands of Ethiopia, Sudan, and Kenya. It requires higher altitudes (1,300–2,000 meters) and cooler temperatures.

Robusta and Arabica coffee plants have different reproductive strategies. A 2022 study by Luis Fernando Campuzano-Duque published in Agriculture highlighted that Robusta coffee relies on cross-pollination, meaning it needs another plant to reproduce. Arabica coffee can reproduce alone.

Robusta coffee typically has a higher yield than Arabica. According to a 2023 Statista report, the yield of Arabica coffee in Brazil was estimated to be around 26 bags (60 kilograms) per hectare, while Robusta coffee yielded around 43 bags per hectare. This higher yield contributes to Robusta's lower cost.

In terms of flavor, Robusta is less popular than Arabica. Robusta coffee is not inherently bad, but it has a different taste than Arabica. Robusta coffee often has a stronger, more bitter taste due to higher caffeine content. Robusta coffee is commonly used in instant coffee, espresso blends, and as a filler in ground coffee blends. Arabica coffee tends to have a sweeter, more nuanced flavor and is favored for specialty coffees. Arabica is often described as having a more complex and nuanced flavor, while Robusta has a bolder, more intense taste.

Robusta coffee beans have more caffeine than Arabica beans due to a natural defense mechanism. The higher caffeine content acts as a deterrent for pests and diseases, protecting the Robusta plant.

Which is Better Robusta or Arabica?

Arabica coffee is often considered better than Robusta coffee for its smoother taste and complex aromas, although recent trends suggest that the lines are blurring. The United States International Trade Commission (USITC) notes a growing interest in developing specialty Robusta coffee beans with higher quality hybrids of Robusta and Arabica, such as the Timor Hybrid, that have higher cupping scores and are more resistant to leaf rust.

The commission also observes that while many consumers prefer Arabica coffee, several major coffee brands, such as Blue Bottle Coffee, Peet’s Coffee, and Starbucks, are either considering serving Robusta or have already begun offering 100 percent Robusta options. This indicates a potential shift in consumer perceptions and a growing appreciation for the unique qualities of Robusta.

How Much Caffeine is in Robusta Coffee?

Robusta has almost double the amount of caffeine as in Arabica coffee beans, although the exact range varies based on the brewing method, time, and other factors.

Robusta coffee is strong. A 2021 study by Ewa Olechno from the Department of Food Biotechnology at the Medical University of Białystok highlights that green (unroasted) Robusta coffee beans contain an average of 1.2–2.4% caffeine by dry weight. According to Clarke and Macrae (1985), Robusta coffee beans contain 1.6–2.4% caffeine dry weight, whereas researchers Eko Sutrisno and Anis Nurhayati, from the Agricultural Product Technology at the Islamic University of Majapahit, suggest that the caffeine content in Robusta beans typically ranges between 1.7% to 4% by weight.

The caffeine content in Robusta coffee brews also varies. Olechno's 2021 study showed Robusta coffee brewed using a coffee percolator brew yields 213 mg per 8-ounce cup, while Robusta espresso had 76 mg of caffeine. Other factors like the amount of coffee, water, and temperature also influence the final caffeine levels. Decaf coffee made from Robusta beans contains around 3 milligrams of caffeine per 8-ounce cup, according to the USDA and EU regulations.

The following table, sourced from Olechno's 2021 study, shows the caffeine content in milligrams per 8-ounce cup from various types of Robusta coffee and brewing methods.

Where is Robusta Coffee Grown?

Robusta coffee is grown in many countries around the world, although over 90% of the global Robusta production comes from Vietnam, Brazil, Indonesia, Uganda, and India. Most Robusta coffee grows in the "Bean Belt" near the Equator, between 25 degrees north and 30 degrees south.

Robusta coffee is cultivated in regions with hot, humid climates, temperatures between 22°C to 30°C, ample rainfall, and well-drained soil, according to the Centre for Applied Climate Sciences at the University of Southern Queensland. Robusta coffee prefers lower elevations at 200-800 meters above sea level.

Country that produces the most Robusta coffee is Vietnam. The International Coffee Organization’s Coffee Market Report states that in January 2024, Vietnam shipped 3.77 million 60-kg bags of Robusta coffee, a 66% increase from January 2023. Brazil is the second largest robusta producer. Brazil is expected to produce 21.7 million 60-kg bags in 2024/25, a 1.4% increase from 2023/24.

What are the Different Types of Robusta Coffee?

Different types of Robusta coffee include BP 534, BRS 1216, KR1, Clon 24, and many more. Types of Robusta coffee refer to the various cultivars of the Coffea canephora plant. Robusta coffee cultivars are distinct varieties of the Coffea canephora plant, bred or selected for specific traits like disease resistance, yield, or adaptability to environmental conditions.

There are two main varieties of Robusta coffee, including Erecta and Nganda. Erecta robusta coffee is a tall-standing coffee shrub variety with a robust flavor profile. Nganda robusta coffee is a wide-spreading coffee shrub variety with a slightly milder flavor compared to Erecta, often used in blends to add body and crema.

The terms "species," "varieties," "cultivars," and "hybrids" do not mean the same, as they represent different levels of Robusta coffee classification in the botanical hierarchy. Robusta coffee species refer to the basic unit of biological classification, such as Coffea canephora. Varieties are naturally occurring variations within a species, such as Erecta and Nganda, exhibiting distinct traits. Robusta coffee cultivars are plants selectively bred or discovered for particular characteristics, such as BP 936 or BRS 2314. Hybrids result from crossbreeding different species or varieties, like CxR (a hybrid between Coffea canephora and Coffea congensis).

This table shows various types and varieties of Robusta coffee.

What are the Different Types of Robusta Coffee Produced in Various Countries?

Different types of Robusta coffee from various countries and regions and their characteristics are listed below.

• Vietnamese Robusta Coffee: Vietnamese Robusta coffee, grown from the Coffea canephora plant, is characterized by its strong, bitter flavor with nut and chocolate notes. Primarily from Vietnam’s Central Highlands, major producers include Dak Lak, Lam Dong, and Gia Lai. Vietnam offers three main Robusta categories: the TR4 and Nguyen cultivars, and Robusta from Gia Lai. Culi Robusta, a rare variety, uses single-pea beans, also known as peaberry Robusta.
• Brazilian Robusta Coffee: Brazilian Robusta, or Conilon, is a strong, high-caffeine coffee grown primarily in Espírito Santo’s northern and northwestern regions. Known for its resilience, it thrives in hot climates and is tougher than Arabica coffee.
• Sumatran Robusta Coffee: Sumatra Robusta coffee is a bean grown in the fertile volcanic soil of Sumatra, Indonesia, specifically in the Lampung and Aceh provinces. Notable varieties include Robusta Aceh Gayo from the Gayo Highlands, Lampung Robusta from the Lampung province, and Sidikalang Robusta from North Sumatra's Sidikalang region.
• Indian Robusta Coffee: Indian Robusta coffee, a type of Coffea canephora, is cultivated in the southern states of Karnataka, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu. Major Indian Robusta varieties include CxR, S.795, and Kaapi Royale, with Malabar Robusta grown in Kerala’s Malabar region. Monsooned Malabar Robusta, a specialty variety, is uniquely processed using monsooning.
• Ugandan Robusta Coffee: Ugandan Robusta coffee is cultivated in Central Uganda, the Lake Victoria Crescent, and Western regions near the Rwenzori Mountains. Main varieties include Nganda, Erecta, and Conilon. The UCDA’s Robusta Coffee Handbook guides farmers in sustainable practices to enhance coffee quality for local and global markets.
• Philippine Robusta Coffee: Philippine Robusta coffee is defined as a type of Robusta coffee bean cultivated in the Philippines. Philippine Robusta coffee is primarily grown in the regions of Cavite, Batangas, and Mindanao, specifically Sultan Kudarat. The main types of Robusta coffee in the Philippines include Bukidnon Robusta, Kalinga Robusta, Sigay Robusta, and Cordillera Robusta.
• Congo Robusta Coffee: Congo Robusta coffee is cultivated across North Kivu, South Kivu, Ituri, and Bas-Uélé provinces in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Major varieties include Erecta and Nganda, alongside the high-yield, disease-resistant Kouillou cultivar.

How Does Robusta Coffee Taste?

Robusta coffee typically has a strong, bold taste with nutty and chocolatey notes and a bitter edge. Robusta coffee has more caffeine than Arabica, contributing to its characteristic bitterness. Common tasting notes for Robusta include earthy, rubbery, chocolatey, nutty, and spicy. Several factors can influence the taste of Robusta, including the roasting level, brewing method, processing method, and origin of the beans.

While Robusta coffee is generally known as being less acidic than Arabica, a 2024 study by Robrecht Bollen, PhD researcher from Meise Botanic Garden, found that it still exhibits a range of flavors, including nutty, cocoa, fruity, sweet, and even sour notes, particularly in some hybrid varieties. This indicates that Robusta can indeed be acidic, though the level of acidity can vary. Different roast levels also affect the taste. The following list describes the most common roast levels for Robusta coffee.

• Light Roast Robusta Coffee: Light roast Robusta coffee flavor profile is typically characterized by a lighter body, a pronounced bitterness, and subtle hints of chocolate and nuttiness. Light roast Robusta coffee beans refers to Robusta coffee beans roasted to a light brown color at temperatures between 380°F - 400°F (193°C - 204°C) for a shorter amount of time.
• Medium roast Robusta Coffee: Medium roast Robusta coffee is strong and earthy, but not too bitter. It tastes like chocolate and nuts, with a hint of smoke. It's also low in acid. Medium roast Robusta coffee beans refer to Robusta coffee beans roasted to a medium level, typically reaching an internal bean temperature of 400°F - 430°F (204°C to 221°C) for 10-15 minutes.
• Dark Roast Robusta Coffee: Dark roast Robusta coffee flavor profile is bold and intense, with earthy, smoky, and bitter notes, reduced acidity, and a fuller body. It often carries undertones of dark cocoa or spices. Dark roast Robusta coffee beans refer to Robusta beans roasted to a higher temperature until the second crack, resulting in a dark brown or nearly black appearance with visible oils on the surface.

The brewing methods, processing methods, and farming practices may affect the taste of Robusta coffee. Making espresso, French press, moka pot, or drip brewing Robusta coffee bring out its strong and full-bodied characteristics. Washed Robusta coffee has a cleaner, more defined flavor, while natural Robusta coffee often delivers heavier, earthy, and nutty notes. Organic and non-organic Robusta coffees generally taste similar, though according to many coffee enthusiasts, organic coffee generally tastes better than conventional coffee.

Freshly roasted Robusta coffee beans provide the best intensity and crema. Colipse offers specialty grade Robusta coffee beans and grounds, freshly roasted only after the customer places an order. Single-origin Robusta coffee from regions such as Vietnam, India, Indonesia, and Uganda typically has subtle regional differences in flavor. Some of the best tasting Robusta coffee beans are from Vietnam and Uganda.

How to Choose Robusta Coffee Beans for Different Brewing Methods?

To choose the best Robusta coffee for your brewing method, consider the grind size, aroma, and flavor profile. Look for whole beans for maximum freshness and flavor. Smell the beans for a strong, earthy aroma. Match the bean origin to your preferred brewing method and flavor profile. Avoid overly oily beans, which can indicate over-roasting. Choose beans from reputable sources for quality assurance.

At Colipse, we offer a range of Robusta coffee beans and grounds suitable for espresso, French press, cold brew, pour over, drip, and Moka pot. For optimal flavor, we recommend using freshly roasted Robusta beans, ideally within two weeks of the roast date. Colipse does not sell Robusta decaf coffee beans.

What are the Best Robusta Coffee Beans for Espresso?

The best Robusta coffee beans for espresso are those that offer a balance of strength and flavor. These beans provide a powerful caffeine kick and a rich crema.

What are the Best Robusta Coffee Beans for Cold Brew?

The best Robusta coffee beans for cold brew are those that have a bold flavor profile. These beans should be low in acidity, offer chocolate and nutty notes, and produce a smooth, full-bodied cold brew.

What are the Best Robusta Coffee Beans for French Press?

The best Robusta coffee beans for French press are the ones that have a medium-dark roast. These beans offer a full-bodied flavor with a strong, bold taste.

Where to Buy Robusta Coffee?

Robusta coffee beans and grounds are available for sale from a variety of online and in-store retailers. Some companies, like Colipse, specialize in freshly roasted Robusta beans, offering both whole bean and ground options to cater to customer preferences. Colipse carries a wide range of single-origin Robusta coffees and Robusta blends to suit diverse tastes. Colipse offers Robusta coffee for sale online in convenient 12 oz bags.

What is the Price of Robusta Coffee?

At Colipse, we offer a variety of Robusta coffee online, each with its own price. Our most affordable option is the Italian Roast Blend, priced at $19.95 per bag. Our blends featuring a mix of Robusta and Arabica beans are generally priced around $22.50 per bag. For the discerning palate, we offer our single-origin 100% Robusta coffee beans and grounds from India, a premium coffee priced at $24.50 per bag. All orders ship for free.

What Coffee Brands use Robusta Beans?

Several companies specialize in Robusta coffee, including Nguyen Coffee Supply, Colipse, and Caffè Borbone, offering a variety of blends and single-origin options. The following table shows coffee brands that use Robusta coffee beans and grounds

Why Do People Choose to Drink Robusta Coffee?

The following list shows the 5 main reasons people choose to drink Robusta coffee.

• Higher Caffeine Content: Robusta beans pack a punch with roughly double the caffeine of Arabica, providing a more intense and longer-lasting energy boost, making it perfect for early mornings or afternoon slumps.
• Bold Flavor: Robusta coffee has a strong, bitter taste with hints of nuts and chocolate. Some people also find it earthy or rubbery. This bold flavor makes it perfect for espresso and milk drinks like lattes and cappuccinos.
• Affordable: Robusta beans are generally less expensive to produce than Arabica, making them a more budget-friendly option. This affordability also makes Robusta a popular choice for large-scale coffee production and blends.
• Longer Shelf Life: The higher chlorogenic acid content in Robusta beans makes them less prone to oxidation and spoilage, meaning they retain their freshness and flavor for longer periods compared to Arabica beans, making them a great choice for bulk buying or storage.
• Thick Crema: Robusta coffee produces a thick, rich crema – the golden-brown foam that sits atop a well-pulled espresso. This crema enhances the visual appeal of espresso-based drinks and contributes to a creamy mouthfeel, adding to the overall sensory experience.

What Are the Benefits of Drinking Robusta Coffee?

Potential health benefits of drinking Robusta coffee include improved glucose metabolism, fat oxidation, and muscle health, as well as possible anti-tumor effects. Robusta coffee can be a good and healthy choice for several reasons listed below.

• A 2019 study from the Department of Endocrinology and Internal Medicine at Aarhus University Hospital showed that Robusta coffee improves glucose metabolism and fat oxidation, which may help with weight loss. The study involved 14 healthy men who consumed either Robusta coffee or a placebo for 4 weeks. The results showed that those who consumed Robusta coffee had a significant increase in glucose metabolism and fat oxidation compared to those who consumed the placebo.
• According to a 2024 study in GSC Advanced Research and Reviews, consumption of Robusta coffee and exercise may help lower myostatin levels, a protein that inhibits muscle growth and is linked to age-related muscle loss. This combination shows promise for improving muscle health and managing muscle-wasting conditions. The study reviewed 46 research papers published from 2019 to 2024 and found that both coffee and exercise can positively influence myostatin levels.
• A 2021 study in Oxidative Medicine and Cellular Longevity found that Robusta coffee extract reduced the growth of human breast, colorectal, brain, and bone cancer cells. The extract was particularly effective on breast cancer cells, disrupting their cell cycle, causing them to lose their ability to reproduce, and triggering a process of programmed cell death. These anti-tumor effects were observed in both traditional 2D and more advanced 3D cell models.

However, Robusta coffee has high levels of caffeine. This can cause anxiety, sleep problems, and upset stomachs in some people. Body weight, genetics, and health affect how a person reacts to caffeine.

What Are the Facts About of Robusta Coffee?

The facts about Robusta coffee are that it originated in Africa, it is a more sustainable option for the future of coffee production, and its prices have recently hit a peak last seen in the early 1990s. The word "robusta" is pronounced as "roh-buhst-uh". It is derived from the Latin word "robustus", meaning "strong" or "robust."

The history of Robusta coffee reveals that the species was discovered in the late 19th century in sub-Saharan Africa. It was first grown around 1870 in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Robusta coffee is a resilient plant that grows well in diverse climates and altitudes. Its hardiness and ability to resist disease led to its widespread cultivation, and it was soon brought to Indonesia, Brazil, and other coffee-producing countries.

Climate change is threatening Arabica coffee production, which could decrease by 80% by 2050. A five-year study found that Robusta coffee can grow well in high altitudes and may be a good alternative, as it requires less water and fertilizer. With global coffee consumption at 2.2 billion cups daily, Robusta offers a sustainable option for the future with potential for business growth, as its production has already increased by 30% in recent decades.

Will Robusta coffee prices increase? Several factors suggest they will. Robusta prices recently hit a 30-year high due to supply shortages in key producing regions, coupled with rising global demand. As of October, 2024, the price of Robusta coffee at the farm gate in Uganda is approximately $3.34 per kilogram, a significant increase from $1.74 last year.

Limited supplies, increased exports from Vietnam (potentially limiting availability elsewhere), and weather issues in Brazil are all contributing to upward Robusta price pressure. Furthermore, the rising popularity of coffee blends incorporating Robusta and improvements in Robusta quality are further fueling demand.

What are Some Other Types of Coffee Beans besides Robusta?

Besides Robusta, other three coffee bean types are Arabica, Liberica, and Excelsa. Arabica beans are the most popular coffee beans, making up about 60–70% of all coffee grown worldwide. They have a smooth, tasty flavor. Liberica and Excelsa beans are less common. They have unique fruity or tart flavors and are often mixed with other beans for special coffee blends.