11 Best Coffee Beans For Espresso UK 2024 (New List)

Top 11 Best Coffee Beans For Espresso 2024

At long last, the awaited compilation of the best espresso coffee beans available in the UK has arrived. Undoubtedly, individual taste preferences do factor into the selection process of the ideal blend.

However, this comprehensive list of the top espresso coffee bean brands in the UK is curated to ensure satisfaction. Rest assured, any of these recommendations will not leave you disappointed!

1. Balance Coffee Rotate Espresso

• • Whole or Ground: Both
  • Roast Level: Medium to Dark
  • Flavours: Dark Chocolate and Cranberry

It’s always a good idea to start with the best! Balance Coffee is the poster child for perfect, premium-grade coffee in the UK.

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Founded by health conscious, James Bellis in 2020, the venture has grown leaps and bounds in just a few years.

Perhaps the best part about Balance Coffee’s Espresso blend is its versatility - it forms the perfect base for the different types of coffee beverages you want to devour.

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What makes this blend the best of the lot? I’d have to start with the flavour; the earthiness and nuttiness of the Rotate Espresso make the beverage rich and delicious.

It’s also perfect for a dark roast! It’s laced with unique yet mouth-watering undertones of dark chocolate and cranberry.

Actually, the cranberry adds a fruity punch to the beverage without making it light! Appitising when brewed strong, it also makes for the best base when used for other coffee beverages.

The best part? Balance Coffee has everyone’s stamp of approval for our commitment to sustainability and ethically sourced coffee.

Trust me, when I say it is the best coffee beans for espresso machine in the UK.

2. Volcano Coffee Works Fullsteam Espresso

• • Whole or Ground: Whole Beans
  • Roast Level: Medium
  • Flavours: Smooth chocolate with fruity undertones

Volcano Coffee is the brainchild of Kurt Stewart, who founded it more than a decade ago. The mission of Volcano Coffee Works is simple - they want everyone to have cafe-quality coffee at home. This is why I had to include their espresso coffee beans to the list.

And if you consider that coffee lovers in the UK drink on average 2 cups of coffee per day according to thiis coffee consumption statistics then you understand why Kurt dived into this business.

Heck, in my recent blog post on brands that sells fresh roasted coffee beans online, Volcano also made the list. The reason is because the founder's dream resonates with me a lot.

Kurt was passionate about bringing the premium coffee taste of New Zealand to the UK, and he has been more than successful. Featuring a state-of-the-art roastery in Brixton, Volcano Coffee Work’s Fullsteam Espresso is the real dream.

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Sourced from Colombia’s Risaralda region, you can use this blend to make hard-hitting espressos or blended with milk to make delicious coffee.

but if blends aren't your thing, then do well to read my article on the best single origin coffee beans. Just maybe, there might be something for you in there.

This mix is also ideal for coffee connoisseurs on the lookout for distinctive flavours of espresso.

A delicate balance between smooth chocolate and undertones of ripe stone fruits is perfect for giving your palate sweet surprise.

The proprietary process used at the coffee roastery makes Volcano Coffee works stand out. Special care is taken to sort out the coffee cherries by the quality and only the best make the cut.

This means you can always be sure of consuming nothing but the best espresso coffee beans UK while using the full-steam espresso blend. Visit Volcano Coffee Works enjoy their coffee beans.

3. The Clumsy Goat Italian Espresso

• • Whole or Ground: Whole Beans
  • Roast Level: Dark
  • Flavours: Almonds and Cocoa

Clumsy Goat coffee is top-notch, has an established, loyal base of customers, and possesses a passion for the specialty coffee world! Their Fair Trade Italian Espresso beans are 100% Arabica with a lovely touch of fruit, and acidity. This blend coffee combines flavours from four different origins including Brazil, Colombia, and South America.

Combined flavours from all these origins give it a bold kick. The blend also has a super smooth finish, and its notes of Sumatra beans leave a pleasant taste.

The best part? The whole beans are roasted in small batches and shipped quickly, to minimise the time between roasting and consumption.

Clumsy Goat is also certified in Fair Trade and the supply chain is completely traceable.

The team's unwavering commitment to excellence in sourcing the finest espresso coffee beans and delivering premium flavors is what fuels their dedication to maintaining a seamless supply chain.

This ensures that the coffee industry, including the farmers, gets the support they deserve! Find out more about Clumsy Goat Although it’s a great choice for espresso, the beans work well for almost any type of coffee.

4. Pact Coffee Bourbon Cream Espresso

• • Whole or ground: Both
  • Roast Level: Dark
  • Flavours: Chocolate, cream, and biscuits

If you are wondering what the best tool is to really bring out the richness and bold flavours of espresso - it’s definitely dark roasted beans!

Steven Rapoport founded Pact Coffee three weeks before his wedding in 2012 to deliver fresh coffee to the people of London.

Whether it's their ground coffee or whole beans, the result is always a dark, rich liquid packed with an energy boost and full of flavours.

But if you’re worried about finding the best espresso coffee beans online UK that are dark roasted yet sweet in terms of flavour, Pact Coffee has you covered.

Pact Coffee’s brand promise is inspired by its Bermondsey location, the founding hub of Bourbon Cream biscuit.

Their dedication and inspiration shine through in the creation of their Bourbon Cream Espresso blend. Despite its dark roast, this remarkable blend showcases a delicate and intricate flavor profile that is sure to captivate your taste buds.

The blend has weaved flavours of dark roasted coffee with the sweet, cream bourbon biscuit and chocolate.

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This Brazilian coffee is homegrown and naturally processed for its sweet and mouth-watering flavours.

Pact Coffee’s Bourbon Cream Espresso dominates the charts for the best UK Espresso beans 2022 for its pleasant taste and aroma.

For any true coffee lover, the balance, distinct taste, and biscuity finish for the flavour profile seal the deal for this pack of beans! Visit the official website

5. Caravan Coffee Roasters Risaralda Sugarcane Decaf

• • Whole or ground: Whole
  • Roast Level: Dark
  • Flavours: Chocolate brownie, maple syrup, and poached pear

Caravan Coffee Roasters is another coffee pioneer in the UK, known for creating premium, flavoursome and addictive coffee blends.

Founded more than 20 years ago by Pete Miller, he had no idea that his small venture would make such a strong mark in the world of coffee.

Sporting their passion for sourcing good tasting coffee, they have become one of the biggest names in the coffee world in the UK.

While they have a wide variety of excellent quality espresso blends, the Risaralda sugarcane decaf has to be one of the best decaf coffee beans for espresso in town! And do you know what the fun fact is? Risaralda is not your average decaf blend.

Caravan coffee roasters take special care in ensuring that their decaf roasts are consistent and easily extractable.

It’s processed in Colombia using the by-products from a grower’s local sugarcane.

The distinctive flavours and sweetness of the sugarcane give it a great balance.

The tropical sweetness and perfectly rounded taste make it as good as its caffeine counterparts any day! It’s also an excellent choice for those who love to eat and drink clean!

This blend is crafted carefully and makes amazing beverages, no matter your choice. Visit the official website

6. Coffee World Organic Sumatra

• • Whole or Ground: Whole Beans
  • Roast Level: Medium Roast
  • Flavours: Chocolate and Apple

Have you been on the hunt for shots of hard-hitting espresso coupled with tones of an earthy flavour?

Then we have found the right match for you. The Coffee World Organic Sumatra is a treasure for the coffee world, provided by the lands of Sumatra.

Each coffee-growing area infuses its coffee with unique characteristics reflected in the espresso's taste, flavour, texture, and even aroma.

Sumatra is an area in Indonesia known for adding strong earthy flavours to the coffee it produces.

As the name suggests, Coffee World Organic Sumatra provides you with organic coffee that is naturally sourced from the highlands of Gayo in Sumatra.

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It also offers unique espresso beans in UK, since it combines the typical Sumatra flavours with notes of the fruitiness of apples.

The overall result is a well-balanced cup of espresso with a sweet finish and fruity crispiness.

Coffee World is a well-known brand in the universe and was the first coffee roaster established in Cambridge in 1984.

Apart from sourcing and roasting high-grade espresso coffee beans, the brand also sells and services coffee equipment; espresso machines to be exact. Visit the official website

7. Taylors of Harrogate Espresso Beans

• • Whole or Ground: Whole Beans
  • Roast Level: Dark Roasted
  • Flavours: Chocolate Tones

Whether you’re looking for the best work from home coffee or a hard-hitting coffee beverage in the office, the Harrogate espresso beans are a top pick.

The Taylors of Harrogate are a household name in the world of coffee and tea beverages and are a family-run business founded by Charles Taylor in 1886!

The best bit about Taylors of Harrogate is their sheer commitment to exquisite flavours that are memorable for the consumers.

Their Espresso pack offers some of the best strong espresso beans in UK and is made from 100% Arabica beans.

These premium espresso beans are sourced from Ethiopia, Kenya, Indonesia, and Brazil.

The strength level of these beans is a whopping 5, a peak high for the roast level.

The robustness of this blend makes it perfect for all coffee lovers who like their beverage strongly.

The coffee for this blend is sourced from outside the country but the roasting takes place in a traditional and reliable drum roastery in Harrogate. Visit the official website

8. Spiller and Tate Signature Blend Coffee Beans

• • Whole or Ground: Whole Beans
  • Roast Level: MediumFlavours: Roasted Almonds

Although Spiller and Tate’s coffee journey started in 2014, they have already managed to become a favourite for coffee lovers.

Their Signature Blend is a house favourite and is one of their very first coffee products. Fun facts - the signature blend is also a multi-award-winning blend that happens to be Spiller and Tate’s bestseller.

There are many reasons why this blend is hailed by the customers, but its smooth and rich taste takes the complete limelight.

The full-bodied and very well-rounded espresso is a product of Arabica Beans that are sourced from five different locations.

The Signature Blend also appeals to a wide variety of palettes and features a rich and smoky taste of roasted almonds combined with caramelized demerara sugar.

All the customers also love how the coffee does not leave a bitter aftertaste - much like other espresso blends.

Although it’s the perfect ingredient for a rich espresso, these coffee beans are quite versatile and will work amazingly for pretty much any beverage you’d like! Visit the official website

9. Balance Level Up Blend - The Best Blend In Town!

• • Whole or Ground:
  • Roast Level: Medium Roast
  • Flavours: Chocolate and Caramel

Our classic Balance Level Up Blend stays true to the promise of its name - the mix strikes a perfect balance between all of the different coffees included in it.

Feeling a bit lost? Let me elaborate on this. Balance Coffee’s Balance level-up Blend, combines quite a few different coffees to blend in different characteristics.

This combination includes 100% Arabica beans sourced from Colombia and Tanzania. We have already talked about Balance Coffee, as one of the hottest coffee brands currently in the UK.

The brand is on a mission to ethically source coffee and boost the sustainability of the industry.

It also provides the very best - specialty grade coffee. The level-up blend is the best one on our list because it beautifully combines both, the Colombian and Tanzanian flavours for a perfectly balanced cup of joe.

This blend gives a fruity punch to your cup of dark, black coffee. You can add a creamy finish to this by adding some milk.

The summary is, that no matter how make your cup of joe with this blend, the end result is going to be perfect. Use this blend to make your morning coffee exciting again! Visit the official website

10. Cafe Royal Espresso Beans

• • Whole or Ground: Whole
  • Roast Level: Medium to Dark Roast Level
  • Flavours: Spicy Flavour

The next one on our list for Best Espresso Coffee beans UK, is the cafe royal espresso beans.

The brainchild of Cafe Royal, these espresso beans are great value for money.

Cafe Royal has made a strong mark in the industry with over 65 years of experience under its belt.

Being a swiss brand, they have stood by their mission to provide customers with only the finest coffee!

What the customers really love about these coffee connoisseurs is that despite being in the industry for so long, they’re not complacent.

This pack will give you a spicy surprise with a blend of Arabica and Robusta! Laced with notes of spices, the roast level is medium to dark and is thoroughly enjoyable.

But the flavours are not that intense - making it a perfect choice for those looking to brew high-grade espresso coffee beans minus the intense note.

The acidity levels of the beans are also kept to a minimum, but the notes of the roasted, spicy flavour make this stand out in the list of the best espresso coffee beans UK! Visit the official website

11. Durham Coffee Castle Blend

• • Whole or Ground: Whole Beans
  • Roast Levels: Dark
  • Flavours: Chocolate

Are you trying to navigate tough financial waters but still want your daily dose of caffeine?

Lucky for you, we have picked out one of the best espresso coffee beans UK, which is light on your pocket too.

Speaking of light, we have covered an article on the best light roast coffee beans in the UK. You should check it out if that's also your specific preference.

Let us continue now, shall we?

Durham Coffee has made the perfect blend to make your dream of perfect, everyday espresso a reality.

For some perspective, Durham Coffee was actually founded by a father-daughter duo, that set out to source coffee ethically from the North East.

The blend combines powerful and delicious beans sourced from Brazil, India, and Rwanda.

All of these come together beautifully, in the form of a balanced cup!

The Castle Blend is also a wonderful choice for everyone who really adores a sweet and creamy finish to their espressos.

And I think it’s actually the notes of chocolate that really elevate this blend to make you a delicious cup of joe each time.

While this blend was made to make you rich cups of espresso, it also makes an excellent base for bold pour-overs. It’s also definitely one of the top choices on the list of the best value espresso beans UK!

And with this, we head towards the end of our carefully curated list of the 11 Best Espresso Coffee beans In UK!

Each brand and blend bring something unique to the table in terms of flavours, texture, aromas, and the surge of energy that you get from it.

But remember at the end of the day, your choice of the Best Espresso Coffee beans UK will also boil down to your personal choice!

While some people live for the earthy flavours, others get a much-needed kick from dark roasted beans. This is why you need to explore the coffee world and find what works for you! Visit the official website

What Makes A Good Quality Espresso Bean?

Here’s something that you probably never really thought about - there is a lot of behind-the-scenes action that happens for a single cup of rich espresso.

The process is long and requires resources and precision, from sourcing the best espresso beans to brewing them in the best coffee machine.

There are many brewing methods that you can use to make an amazing cup of coffee. For example, coffee for cafetiere has recently gained a lot of traction.

But hey, that does not mean you can’t become a home-barista brewing a delicious and rich cup of espresso each morning!

Here, we will arm you with some tips and tricks to help you enjoy a perfect cup of espresso - by getting your beans right!

The first step is understanding how to spot good quality espresso beans. We have already talked at length about the Best Espresso Coffee beans UK.

Now let’s dive headfirst into getting the right espresso beans for some mouthwatering coffee beverages.

Understanding how to choose good quality beans is critical to pulling out perfect espresso shots - so make sure you’re doing it right.

Bean Species: Arabica vs Robusta

Don't sign up for a coffee subscription without understanding which coffee bean type will work for you.

Arabica and Robusta are two of the most well-known types of coffee commercially produced over the globe.

These two species differ in terms of their shape, texture, and obviously the resulting flavour.

They also carry varying amounts of caffeine. Arabica beans produce beverages with a subtle aroma and leave a caramel aftertaste.

They are also flatter and longer in shape with 40-65 mg of caffeine.

Robusta, on the other hand, lends body to your espresso but doesn’t have a pleasing aroma and has a woody taste.

The amount of caffeine, however, is almost double that of Arabia - we are looking at somewhere between 80 to 120 mg of caffeine.

The final choice boils down to the amount of kick you’re looking for, from your espresso and of course the taste that appeals to you!

The Best Espresso Coffee beans UK include both the varieties and sometimes also features a combination!

Roast Level

Coffee preferences can only be finalized after rounds of experiments. But for beginners, let’s talk about which roast level makes for the best espresso! As a general rule of thumb, it's best to avoid both - extremely light and dark roast levels. For the espresso brewing method, it’s best to use the Best Espresso Coffee beans UK roasted somewhere in the middle of the spectrum. Medium roasted beans will exhibit the following characteristics:

• The taste will still reflect the features of the chosen bean variety or species
• There will be slight patches of oil visible on the beans and this will add to the taste and texture of your espresso’s crema
• Your espresso will have a full-bodied and rich taste
• Moving towards a darker roast will add a bittersweet taste to your expresso, with subtle chocolate notes nested in between

The Freshness of The Beans

Like with all of our food, the fresher your beans are, the better the resulting espresso! While picking out the Best Espresso Coffee beans In UK is the first step in the journey, always make sure to check its roast date. The golden rule says that you should wait for at least one to four days after roasting, to let the coffee ‘rest’. Between the five to ten days timeframe, coffee is expected to reach its peak flavour. While choosing your beans, picking a bag with air valves is also recommended. This keeps the freshness of roasted beans intact and also releases the post-roasting gases.

How To Enjoy Espresso Beans?

The moment that we all have been waiting for…..can we enjoy our espresso beans already? So here’s what the scene looks like - you have already invested in the Best Espresso Coffee beans UK and used our recommendations. So what’s next? There is a right way to enjoy your espresso and get the most out of the crema! Remember how you see people enjoying their espresso shots in Italy, in some of your favourite movies? That bit is real - but you don’t necessarily have to fly to Florence to take in the happiness of a perfectly made espresso. Do it right and just follow these easy steps.

Make Sure Your Cup is Warm

No one ever enjoyed a cup of cold espresso. After you’re done ordering your espresso, use the right cup for your espresso. Using a ceramic cup that is ceramic and white will keep your beverage warm and also help you enjoy a generous volume of caffeine! It will also help you appreciate the richness of your crema and is certainly insta-worthy!

Sip Sparkling Water

The sparkling water that baristas serve along with espresso shots is not just for decoration. The sparkling water helps to cleanse your palate so you can thoroughly enjoy the rich, dark liquid of your espresso. So, whenever your barista brings sparkling water with your espresso, don’t just save it for later. Enjoy it with your espresso shots!

Skim Away the Crema and Stir

If you are making espresso at home using the Best Espresso Coffee beans Online UK, it’s time to use your espresso machine! Investing in the best coffee kitchen appliances is an excellent way to bring the cafe-quality coffee experience to your home.

So if you have made your cup of liquid gold and want to get the most out of the espresso experience, stir your crema.

Yes, I know it looks beautiful and shouldn’t be stirred away unless you have the perfect shot for your Instagram story.

But you need to stir the crema to blend the thicker parts of the shots that usually sink to the bottom of the cup.

Finally - Enjoy Your Espresso

The journey from purchasing the best espresso beans UK and pulling the perfect shots has been long, but now you are at your destination.

Take long sips of your espresso and just let the taste of your rich, dark, and full-bodied espresso roll over your tongue.

Let the espresso blanket over your tongue and enjoy the lighter notes of bitterness, especially if you had dark roasted beans.

At the end of the experience, you’ll most probably feel pumped and ready to take on the world!

Frequently Asked Questions:

Let's answer the burning questions that you have about the best coffee beans for espresso below.

Which roast of coffee is best for espresso?

The best roast of coffee, also recommended by Italian baristas, is medium to dark roasts. Dark roasted beans have a shiny and oily appearance and are heated at a higher range than light roasts. But the choice for the best roast also depends on an individual’s choice.

Which Espresso coffee brand is best in the UK?

Many Best Espresso beans UK brands offer an amazing selection of coffee. However, Balance Coffee is the best espresso coffee brand in UK and offers fantastic blends like their Balance Level Rotate Espresso - it makes rich and delicious beverages. The brand also focuses on sustainability.

Which coffee origin is best for espresso?

Usually, the best coffee origins for espresso include Kenya, Colombia, Rwanda, and Ethiopia. The coffee from these origins holds a vibrant acidity that gives the resulting espressos a bittersweet and sour taste. The sourness can be avoided by distributing the coffee carefully in the portafilter.

How do you pick good espresso beans?

You can pick out the Best Espresso Coffee beans UK by looking at three main factors: roast level, the bean variety, and the beans' freshness. Usually, for espressos, it's recommended to have medium to dark roasts. Arabica and Robusta are preferred in terms of bean variety.

Is an espresso roast the same as espresso?

Espresso roast is just a way of roasting. The roasting is a process of roasting any green coffee with the intention of tasting good, brewed espresso. It’s not stronger or a different type of coffee, just a way to suit the espresso-making process. Over the years, dark roasts have become famous for espresso.

What's the difference between espresso beans and coffee beans?

There is no difference between espresso beans and coffee beans. Most coffee beans used for espresso are the same, like Arabica and Robusta. The espresso bean is simply a coffee bean roasted and brewed in an espresso machine to make the perfect beverage.

Is Arabica coffee good for espresso?

An espresso machine is made from either Arabica or Robusta. Arabica beans are one of the most popular bean varieties and make the best coffee. Espressos made from Arabica beans are delicious. However, adding 5 to 15% Robusta beans will lend more body to your crema.

Do I need special beans for espresso?

No, you don’t need special beans for espresso. Your regular coffee beans also work for espressos. However, to make rich and delicious espresso, it's recommended to use whole beans with a full-bodied flavour. Medium to dark roasted beans are also usually preferred for espressos.

What are the strongest espresso coffee beans?

The Robusta beans make the most robust espresso coffee and have the highest caffeine content. Dark roasting Robusta beans also make the strongest coffee. Dark roasted coffee packs more caffeine than lightly roasted coffee and tastes more intense. Hence, you need dark roasted Robusta beans for the most robust coffee!

Is espresso stronger than a dark roast?

Espresso brewed using a French press can be stronger than a dark roast. But espresso that has been brewed using the drip method is not stronger than dark roast coffee. Hence, whether or not espresso is stronger than a dark roast depends on your brewing method.

What Is The Best Roast For Espresso Beans?

Generally speaking, the best roasts for espresso beans are medium or dark roasts. Espresso uses dark roasts heated at a temperature of 464 degrees Fahrenheit. Dark roasted beans are darker in colour and also have a shiny, oily exterior.

How To Grind Coffee Beans For Espresso?

To make the perfect espresso, you must grind your coffee beans really fine. You need to use a fine grind setting during espresso brew. The suggested ground particles should be around 1/32 if an exact inch. However, this value might differ for different coffee beans or even coffee makers. If you're also interested in finding an espresso coffee grinder with a wide variety of grind sizes, check out our Niche Zero Coffee Grinder Review and best burr coffee grinders.

What Is The Best Decaf Coffee Beans For Espresso?

The best decaf coffee beans for espresso are the Caravan Coffee Roasters Risaralda Sugarcane Decaf beans. They have a tropical sweetness to them and offer a completely balanced cup. These decaf coffee beans for espresso make it a top choice for everyone looking to keep things healthy!

Is Eating Espresso Beans The Same As Drinking Coffee?

Eating espresso beans is not the same as drinking coffee. Consuming these beans directly will increase both the benefits and downsides of espresso beans. For example, you will consume a higher level of caffeine because of the rapid absorption of the beans.

Is It Best To Buy Ground Espresso Or Espresso Beans?

Buying ground espresso or whole beans is actually a matter of personal preference. But as a general rule, whole beans are flavourful and produce fresh cups of coffee each time. This is also why people usually prefer espresso beans over ground espresso.

How Do You Store Espresso Beans?

The best way to store espresso beans is to keep them in a cool, dark place. Avoid storing your espresso beans on the kitchen counter as they can go bad quickly. You should also store your espresso beans away from direct sunlight. Keeping beans in airtight sealed canisters is the best way!

Can You Freeze Espresso Beans?

Yes, you can freeze beans for usage at a later point in time. Coffee beans roasted for espresso can last for at least 4 months if you freeze them. But if you freeze your espresso beans, make sure you thaw them overnight before using them. Also, be careful because frozen beans can damage grinders.

What Is The Best Blend For Espresso?

The Balance Level Up Blend by Balance Coffee is the best blend for espresso. This blend features a variety of different flavours including both Colombian and Tanzanian flavours. Balance Coffee has cemented itself as one of the leading coffee brands in UK and ethically sources its specialty grade coffee.

Conclusion

Espressos are ruling the hearts of many coffee lovers around the globe.

Whether it’s the rich, smoky taste or fresh aroma, coffee lovers adore perfectly pulled espresso shots.

But the hard part is getting your hands on the Best Espresso Coffee beans UK. With so many options to choose them, the process of picking the best can be exhausting.

This is exactly why we put together a list of the best espresso coffee beans in the UK - so all you have to do is sit back, order the one you like and enjoy your espressos!

In case you're looking for a wide variety of gift ideas, check out our top 50 best gifts for coffee lovers in the UK in 2022!

You’ll also find a whole world of knowledge about coffee here from the best coffee maker for camping to the history of coffee, we have it all!