Coffee Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Coffee Beans
Top 20 Coffee Producing Countries
Coffee producing countries are nations that cultivate, harvest, and process coffee beans for domestic use and global export. Major coffee-producing countries are located in Latin America, Asia, and Africa, according to the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) Crop Statistics 2021. Latin America, including Brazil, Colombia, Mexico, Honduras, Guatemala, and Peru, produces 55.5% of the world’s coffee and 80%...
Top 20 Coffee Producing Countries
Coffee producing countries are nations that cultivate, harvest, and process coffee beans for domestic use and global export. Major coffee-producing countries are located in Latin America, Asia, and Africa, according to the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) Crop Statistics 2021. Latin America, including Brazil, Colombia, Mexico, Honduras, Guatemala, and Peru, produces 55.5% of the world’s coffee and 80%...
Kona Coffee: Best Brands, Growing Regions, and ...
The best Kona coffee is 100% Kona, graded 'Extra Fancy', and estate-grown. It meets both Hawaii Department of Agriculture and Specialty Coffee Association standards. Kona coffee is a rare type of coffee grown only in Hawaii. While the terms "Kona coffee," "Kona coffee blend," and "Hawaiian coffee" might seem similar, they have different meanings. To be called 100% Kona coffee,...
Kona Coffee: Best Brands, Growing Regions, and ...
The best Kona coffee is 100% Kona, graded 'Extra Fancy', and estate-grown. It meets both Hawaii Department of Agriculture and Specialty Coffee Association standards. Kona coffee is a rare type of coffee grown only in Hawaii. While the terms "Kona coffee," "Kona coffee blend," and "Hawaiian coffee" might seem similar, they have different meanings. To be called 100% Kona coffee,...
Excelsa Coffee: Origin, Taste, and How to Choose
Excelsa coffee beans come from the Coffea liberica plant. They were first named Coffea excelsa, and later, they were considered a type of Coffea liberica. Excelsa coffee beans are medium-sized, oval-shaped, and have a slightly wrinkled surface. The coffee beans are about 2 cm long and 1.7 cm wide. Excelsa coffee is mainly grown in Southeast Asia. Vietnam, the Philippines,...
Excelsa Coffee: Origin, Taste, and How to Choose
Excelsa coffee beans come from the Coffea liberica plant. They were first named Coffea excelsa, and later, they were considered a type of Coffea liberica. Excelsa coffee beans are medium-sized, oval-shaped, and have a slightly wrinkled surface. The coffee beans are about 2 cm long and 1.7 cm wide. Excelsa coffee is mainly grown in Southeast Asia. Vietnam, the Philippines,...
Espresso Beans vs. Coffee Beans: What's the Dif...
Espresso beans are coffee beans roasted, prepared, and ground for espresso machines. Coffee beans are roasted and ground seeds from the Coffea plant. All espresso beans are coffee beans, but not all coffee beans are espresso beans. The key differences are the roasting process, grind size, and brewing method. Espresso beans are roasted longer than regular coffee beans. Espresso beans...
Espresso Beans vs. Coffee Beans: What's the Dif...
Espresso beans are coffee beans roasted, prepared, and ground for espresso machines. Coffee beans are roasted and ground seeds from the Coffea plant. All espresso beans are coffee beans, but not all coffee beans are espresso beans. The key differences are the roasting process, grind size, and brewing method. Espresso beans are roasted longer than regular coffee beans. Espresso beans...
Green Coffee: Taste, Benefits, and How To Make
Green coffee beans are raw, unroasted seeds from the coffee fruit. They come in two main types: Arabica and Robusta. Green coffee beans are the result of processing ripe coffee cherries. This involves harvesting, removing outer layers, and drying. Green coffee has a grassy, herbal, slightly bitter taste. It smells earthy, like fresh-cut grass or raw legumes, and lacks the...
Green Coffee: Taste, Benefits, and How To Make
Green coffee beans are raw, unroasted seeds from the coffee fruit. They come in two main types: Arabica and Robusta. Green coffee beans are the result of processing ripe coffee cherries. This involves harvesting, removing outer layers, and drying. Green coffee has a grassy, herbal, slightly bitter taste. It smells earthy, like fresh-cut grass or raw legumes, and lacks the...
What is White Coffee?
White coffee beans are roasted at a lower temperature (325 degrees Fahrenheit) and for less time than regular coffee. This results in a lighter, nuttier flavor that is less acidic and bitter. It tastes delicate, raw, and vegetative, with notes of peanuts, grass, hay, and wood. The white roast coffee beans are pale yellow, almost creamy, with no surface oils....
What is White Coffee?
White coffee beans are roasted at a lower temperature (325 degrees Fahrenheit) and for less time than regular coffee. This results in a lighter, nuttier flavor that is less acidic and bitter. It tastes delicate, raw, and vegetative, with notes of peanuts, grass, hay, and wood. The white roast coffee beans are pale yellow, almost creamy, with no surface oils....
What is Italian Roast Coffee?
Italian roast coffee is a dark roast. It's named after the way it's roasted, not the type of bean. The Italian roast coffee beans are almost black and oily, with a bitter, smoky flavor. Italian and French roasts differ mainly in how they are roasted. Italian roast is darker, roasted at 455°F or higher. Italian roast coffee has a bold,...
What is Italian Roast Coffee?
Italian roast coffee is a dark roast. It's named after the way it's roasted, not the type of bean. The Italian roast coffee beans are almost black and oily, with a bitter, smoky flavor. Italian and French roasts differ mainly in how they are roasted. Italian roast is darker, roasted at 455°F or higher. Italian roast coffee has a bold,...
French Roast Coffee: Definition, Taste, and Bes...
French roast coffee is a dark roast with a deep brown, oily surface. Beans are heated until they turn dark, near-charcoal. French roast coffee is made by roasting beans at 440-455°F (227-235°C) for 12-15 minutes, past the second crack. French roast coffee is bold and intense, with a deeply caramelized flavor. It has strong roasted, smoky, chocolate, and ashy notes....
French Roast Coffee: Definition, Taste, and Bes...
French roast coffee is a dark roast with a deep brown, oily surface. Beans are heated until they turn dark, near-charcoal. French roast coffee is made by roasting beans at 440-455°F (227-235°C) for 12-15 minutes, past the second crack. French roast coffee is bold and intense, with a deeply caramelized flavor. It has strong roasted, smoky, chocolate, and ashy notes....
What is Vienna Roast Coffee?
Vienna roast coffee is a dark roast. The beans are dark reddish-brown with a visible surface oil sheen. It is lighter and milder than Italian roast but darker than medium roasts. Vienna roast coffee has 95-105 mg of caffeine in an 8-ounce cup. Vienna and French roasts are dark roasts, but Vienna roasts keep some original flavors and have a...
What is Vienna Roast Coffee?
Vienna roast coffee is a dark roast. The beans are dark reddish-brown with a visible surface oil sheen. It is lighter and milder than Italian roast but darker than medium roasts. Vienna roast coffee has 95-105 mg of caffeine in an 8-ounce cup. Vienna and French roasts are dark roasts, but Vienna roasts keep some original flavors and have a...
What is Espresso Roast?
Espresso roast refers to coffee beans roasted specifically for use in brewing espresso. While any bean can technically be used to make espresso, the roast level significantly impacts the flavor and quality of the shot. Espresso roasts are typically roasted longer than beans intended for other brewing methods, which helps to develop the flavors and aromas that are characteristic of...
What is Espresso Roast?
Espresso roast refers to coffee beans roasted specifically for use in brewing espresso. While any bean can technically be used to make espresso, the roast level significantly impacts the flavor and quality of the shot. Espresso roasts are typically roasted longer than beans intended for other brewing methods, which helps to develop the flavors and aromas that are characteristic of...
Blonde Espresso vs Regular: What's the Difference?
Blonde espresso and regular espresso are both 1 oz shots but differ primarily in their roasting process, affecting color, flavor, caffeine, acidity, body, and brewing. Blonde espresso uses lightly roasted beans, often enjoyed straight to appreciate its complex flavors. Regular espresso uses dark roast beans and is commonly used as a base for various coffee drinks like lattes and cappuccinos....
Blonde Espresso vs Regular: What's the Difference?
Blonde espresso and regular espresso are both 1 oz shots but differ primarily in their roasting process, affecting color, flavor, caffeine, acidity, body, and brewing. Blonde espresso uses lightly roasted beans, often enjoyed straight to appreciate its complex flavors. Regular espresso uses dark roast beans and is commonly used as a base for various coffee drinks like lattes and cappuccinos....
Blonde Roast Coffee: Definition, Caffeine, Tast...
Blonde roast coffee refers to the lightest roast of coffee., roasted just before the first crack. The beans are dense and pale golden with no surface oil, best brewed in pour-over or espresso to highlight floral, fruity notes. Blonde roast coffee is lighter in color, higher in acidity, antioxidants, and sometimes caffeine, while dark roast is bolder, smoother, and less...
Blonde Roast Coffee: Definition, Caffeine, Tast...
Blonde roast coffee refers to the lightest roast of coffee., roasted just before the first crack. The beans are dense and pale golden with no surface oil, best brewed in pour-over or espresso to highlight floral, fruity notes. Blonde roast coffee is lighter in color, higher in acidity, antioxidants, and sometimes caffeine, while dark roast is bolder, smoother, and less...
Coffee Roast Levels: Meaning, Taste, and How To...
Coffee roast levels are defined by the degree of roasting, ranging from light to dark. Light roast coffee levels, including Nordic, Blonde, Cinnamon, and New England, are light brown with milder flavors. Medium roast coffee levels, like American, City, Breakfast, and Colombian, are medium brown with stronger flavors. Dark roast coffee levels, such as High, Continental, New Orleans, European, Espresso,...
Coffee Roast Levels: Meaning, Taste, and How To...
Coffee roast levels are defined by the degree of roasting, ranging from light to dark. Light roast coffee levels, including Nordic, Blonde, Cinnamon, and New England, are light brown with milder flavors. Medium roast coffee levels, like American, City, Breakfast, and Colombian, are medium brown with stronger flavors. Dark roast coffee levels, such as High, Continental, New Orleans, European, Espresso,...
What is Donut Shop Coffee?
Donut shop coffee is a mild, sweet blend that complements the sweetness of glazed donuts. Donut shop coffee is smooth and medium-bodied. It has a caramel and nutty aroma. The flavor is mildly sweet with hints of chocolate or nuts and low bitterness. Donut shop coffee has moderate strength. An 8-ounce cup has 95-100 mg of caffeine, similar to a...
What is Donut Shop Coffee?
Donut shop coffee is a mild, sweet blend that complements the sweetness of glazed donuts. Donut shop coffee is smooth and medium-bodied. It has a caramel and nutty aroma. The flavor is mildly sweet with hints of chocolate or nuts and low bitterness. Donut shop coffee has moderate strength. An 8-ounce cup has 95-100 mg of caffeine, similar to a...
House Blend Coffee: Definition, Taste, and Best...
House blend coffee refers to a coffee blend made by a coffee shop or roaster for everyday drinking. House blend coffee combines beans from different origins to create a balanced flavor. House blend coffee delivers balanced flavor with medium body and notes of sweetness, nuttiness, and earthiness. House blend coffee contains moderate caffeine levels and a balanced flavor, making it...
House Blend Coffee: Definition, Taste, and Best...
House blend coffee refers to a coffee blend made by a coffee shop or roaster for everyday drinking. House blend coffee combines beans from different origins to create a balanced flavor. House blend coffee delivers balanced flavor with medium body and notes of sweetness, nuttiness, and earthiness. House blend coffee contains moderate caffeine levels and a balanced flavor, making it...
Breakfast Blend Coffee: Definition, Caffeine, T...
Breakfast blend coffee is a light-to-medium roast with bright acidity and balanced flavors. The term lacks a strict industry definition, enabling any company to use it. An 8-ounce cup of breakfast blend coffee usually has 95-150 mg of caffeine. The amount changes based on the beans, how it's made, and the size of the cup. Breakfast blend coffee balances acidity...
Breakfast Blend Coffee: Definition, Caffeine, T...
Breakfast blend coffee is a light-to-medium roast with bright acidity and balanced flavors. The term lacks a strict industry definition, enabling any company to use it. An 8-ounce cup of breakfast blend coffee usually has 95-150 mg of caffeine. The amount changes based on the beans, how it's made, and the size of the cup. Breakfast blend coffee balances acidity...
Coffee Blends: Definition, Types, and Where To Buy
Coffee blends mix beans from various origins to create specific flavors, maintain quality consistency, and provide variety. Popular examples include House Blend Coffee, Breakfast Blend Coffee, and Holiday Blend Coffee. To choose the best blend for your brewing, consider how bean origin, roast level, and grind size interact. The best places to buy coffee blends are specialty coffee shops and...
Coffee Blends: Definition, Types, and Where To Buy
Coffee blends mix beans from various origins to create specific flavors, maintain quality consistency, and provide variety. Popular examples include House Blend Coffee, Breakfast Blend Coffee, and Holiday Blend Coffee. To choose the best blend for your brewing, consider how bean origin, roast level, and grind size interact. The best places to buy coffee blends are specialty coffee shops and...
Single Origin Coffee: Definition, Taste, and Be...
Single origin coffee refers to coffee beans sourced from one singular geographic location such as country, region, farm. Single-origin coffee is better than blends for people who enjoy unique flavors that show the terroir of its growing region. Single origin coffee delivers distinct, complex flavors with floral, fruity, nutty, and caramel notes that express the bean’s natural character. The best...
Single Origin Coffee: Definition, Taste, and Be...
Single origin coffee refers to coffee beans sourced from one singular geographic location such as country, region, farm. Single-origin coffee is better than blends for people who enjoy unique flavors that show the terroir of its growing region. Single origin coffee delivers distinct, complex flavors with floral, fruity, nutty, and caramel notes that express the bean’s natural character. The best...
9 Best Light Roast Coffee in 2025
The best light roast coffee is freshly roasted, specialty-grade single origins Arabica from high-altitude regions like Ethiopia, Kenya, or Costa Rica. When choosing the best light roast coffee, look for beans with bright flavor, high acidity, fruity or floral aroma, and a tea-like body. While no single "best" option exists, top light roast coffee brands stand out for flavor, brewing...
9 Best Light Roast Coffee in 2025
The best light roast coffee is freshly roasted, specialty-grade single origins Arabica from high-altitude regions like Ethiopia, Kenya, or Costa Rica. When choosing the best light roast coffee, look for beans with bright flavor, high acidity, fruity or floral aroma, and a tea-like body. While no single "best" option exists, top light roast coffee brands stand out for flavor, brewing...
Best Medium Roast Coffee: Brands, Flavors and F...
The best medium roast coffee brand offers a balance of freshness, flavor, availability, and price with a smooth, well-rounded taste and consistent quality. However, there is no single 'best' medium roast coffee that suits all palates, brewing methods, drink types, or budgets. Choosing the best medium roast is a personal decision shaped by your preferred flavor notes, how you brew...
Best Medium Roast Coffee: Brands, Flavors and F...
The best medium roast coffee brand offers a balance of freshness, flavor, availability, and price with a smooth, well-rounded taste and consistent quality. However, there is no single 'best' medium roast coffee that suits all palates, brewing methods, drink types, or budgets. Choosing the best medium roast is a personal decision shaped by your preferred flavor notes, how you brew...