So what is the best coffee to buy for espresso UK? The best coffee for espresso is Balance Coffee Espresso Taster Pack. It has been expertly roasted and blended to provide the perfect flavor and intensity. Whether you're a professional barista or home enthusiast, the espresso taster pack will produce delicious, creamy espresso shots every time.
Before you waste time and money on trial and error, you should research and find out.
And well, you are in luck because my 10+ years of experience in the coffee industry are at your disposal.
As a result, in today’s post, I will show you where to buy the best coffee beans for espresso.
Even better, I have taken the time to break this article into minor details, making it easier to scan.
With that said, let’s scuba-dive into the best coffee beans UK brands can give the citizens, shall we?
Here Are Our Best Top 3 Picks For You
For some coffee lovers, nothing conjures up more happiness than a shot of fierce espresso.
And honestly, there are many reasons why espresso has developed its loyal base of customers. Some of these include its aroma, spice, and bold flavour.
But Espresso is a complicated drink to master, and you need nothing less than the best coffee beans. Hence, this guide will tell you about the best coffee to buy for espresso.
So whether you prefer medium, dark or light roasts, you will find something for you here.
Even better? I have written extensively about the best roast coffee beans on Balance Coffee too.
Here we go:
- Best Light Roast Coffee Beans Brands (New List)
- Best Medium Roast Coffee Beans Brands (Expert Pick)
- Best Dark Roast Coffee Beans Brands 2023
You should read it to find more details should medium roast be your preference
Here are the top three picks and let me tell you this: each has every reason to be on the top of the list.
1. Balance Coffee Rotate Espresso
Balance Coffee is a brand that supplies healthy, speciality-grade coffee to consumers. James, our founder, ensures each coffee batch goes through a test for mould, mycotoxins, and pesticides to get the most nourishing and freshest coffee mug.
Its coffee also provides you with 1000+ antioxidants! So what’s better than a cup of coffee that tastes delicious and is also great for health? Nothing!
Their Rotate Espresso is medium to dark roast and comes packed with dark chocolate and cranberry tasting notes.
It’s incredible when brewed strong and serves as the perfect base for creamy cappuccinos and lattes.
Hence, it’s not hard to see why this is the best coffee for espresso.
There is a reason why this has become an award-winning coffee!
Balance Coffee commits to quality and sustainability. As a result, it has earned a seal of approval from customers.
Here is what happy customers are saying about our Rotate Espresso.
Daniel Said: Cranberries are there so is the chocolate. I enjoy the beautiful smell. Excellent coffee beans.
Natalie L Said: Really lovely coffee made in my cafetiere pot! Recommended.
Clemmie R Said: Rotate gives me a clean natural boost in the morning.
It’s also a no-risk buy because Balance Coffee offers a return guarantee.
Visit Balance Coffee Shop Here .
2. Spiller and Tait Signature Blend Coffee Bean
If you have been hunting for the best coffee beans to buy for Espresso, then it’s time to explore the Spiller and Tait Signature Blend.
Earning the second spot on our list, this medium to high-roasted coffee blend is from Columbia, Brazil, Kenya, and Ethiopia.
What makes this coffee stand out is its tasting notes. Once you sip espresso from these beans, you’ll taste hints of almond mixed with demerara sugar.
Its supreme taste and freshness make this one of the best coffee to buy for Espresso.
Visit the Spiller and Tait official store.
3. Clumsy Goat Italian Espresso
If you are one of those coffee enthusiasts who love the richness and complexity of each Espresso shot, you will undoubtedly love this one. Clumsy Goat is one of the UK's most popular espresso coffee brands.
Clumsy Goat’s Italian Espresso is an excellent choice for has tasting notes of cocoa and almonds. The lingering cocoa notes from the addition of Sumatra beans make this blend stand out.
It also has a smooth and well-rounded finish, which makes this an excellent purchase. Clumsy Goat also roasts coffee in small batches, keeping each batch as fresh as possible.
So if you’re looking to make fresh and delicious Espressos, then the Clumsy Goat Italian Espresso is your cup of tea (or should I say coffee?).
Visit the official Clumsy Goat official store.
A Brief Overview of Espresso and Its Popularity
Espresso, a traditionally European beverage, quickly made its way into America. This beverage started to gain popularity 150 years ago when the first rudimentary Espresso coffee maker was patented.
But it wasn’t until the turn of the 20th century that Luigi Bezerra and then Desiderio Pavoni improved the original machine to produce a much better Espresso. This new machine was showcased in 1906 at the Milan Fair and became a huge hit. So much so that it started springing up in coffee shops all over Italy. The machine underwent a series of improvements over the years and became more popular than ever in the 1950s.
It spread like wildfire throughout Western Europe thanks to the creation of Capuccino. It entered America through Seattle a few years later when cappuccinos turned into lattes.
Fast forward to today, and Espresso coffee has become omnipresent in America.
The National Coffee Association reports that the consumption of espressos, cappuccinos, and lattes has increased by 50% over the past five years.
Let’s look at some more statistics on the growing popularity of Espressos.
Between 2022 and 2027, the espresso coffee market growth will increase by $4,559.96 million at a CAGR of 5.84%. Europe will contribute 41% of market growth during this projection period.
Importance of Choosing The Right Coffee For Espresso
If you’ve ever made an espresso, you would know that the quality of coffee grounds you choose can make or break the perfect cup. And while there are many different coffee beans for espresso available, not all will deliver fantastic results.
Different types of coffee beans are suited for other brewing methods. For example, if you are using an espresso machine, you need to choose a specific type of ground coffee to get the best results.
Moreover, it’s also vital to pick a blend specifically designed for espresso because this beverage requires a fine grind.
Getting the proper espresso coffee can help you get the perfect, velvety layer of crema on top, coupled with a rich and decadent taste.
I have also talked about the best coffee subscription in the UK here.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Coffee for Espresso
So now you know how critical it is to source the proper coffee for your delicious espresso shots. But what factors should you consider while choosing the best types of coffee for espresso?
Not to worry because, in this section, we will cover all those factors and more!
Roast Levels for Espresso
The roast level of coffee beans has a significant impact on espresso extraction. However, each roast level brings its unique features to espresso beverages.
For example, dark roasts produce more crema, while lighter roasts produce a more bright and more acidic drink.
People also tend to gravitate towards dark roasts for espressos because they bring out the chocolate and caramel notes of the coffee.
But medium roasts are touted as the sweet spot for espressos and are great for producing a well-rounded beverage.
So, opt for medium roasts while searching for the best espresso coffee. While at it, read this article on the types of coffee roasts.
Bean Origin and Variety
The type of bean and its origin also plays an important part. For example, although Arabica beans are more expensive, they are grown in higher altitudes and produce a sweeter and more complex espresso shot.
Robusta beans are more affordable and deliver a shot with more bite and a thicker crema.
But if you’re looking for the most accessible type of coffee to extract your espresso from, then it’s recommended to pick a blend that has both, Arabica and Robusta beans.
A blend of both bean varieties produces a well-rounded body and a rich, velvety crema like a warm hug on your lips.
Grind Size For Espresso
To extract a high-quality espresso shot that is rich, dark, and concentrated, you need to use finely ground coffee.
You will achieve a more robust and more balanced espresso if you grind your beans finer.
You can also check out the best coffee grinders for espresso UK here.
Types of Coffee Beans Suitable for Espresso
Your choice of coffee beans for espresso may depend on your taste. But the truth is that you can’t make rich espressos with any coffee beans that you please. You need to know what the best coffee to buy for espresso is.
It specifically applies to your beans! The type of bean and its origins are two factors you need to consider while making your purchase.
So without further ado, let’s get into it.
Arabica vs Robusta beans
So I already touched covered Arabica vs Robusta beans in a blog previously. But here, I will give you my professional opinion and verdict on which is better.
It’s high-grade and speciality Arabica that produces the best espresso you’ll ever taste! And when it comes to the best high-grade Arabica beans for espresso, you need to get your hands on the ones sourced from Colombia.
Espresso brewed with high-quality Arabica produces a balanced and smooth coffee with hints of fruit, chocolate, and caramel. It also has a medium body, which is why these are the best coffee beans to buy for espresso.
On the other hand, Robusta produces heavier, bitter coffee and comes with tasting notes of chocolate and hazelnut. As compared to Arabica, the liquor is heavy-bodied and more tart.
However, some people choose robusta beans for their espresso because they love the rich and velvety crema.
Single Origin vs Blend Coffee Beans
Ultimately, it's down to your preferred taste and brewing skill when deciding on single-origin or blended ground coffee beans for espresso.
It is because single-origin coffee beans are harder to brew and more rewarding. On the other hand, blended coffee beans are generally easier to brew and more forgiving if you make a few mistakes during brewing.
Blend coffee beans are easier to extract and come packed with caramel and dark chocolate flavours, which many people love.
But this is where things get tricky. There are many blends, but you need to know the best place to order coffee beans online for espresso. Once you get your hands on the perfect combination, you can easily brew an espresso that you’ll love.
Top 5 Coffee Brands for Espresso UK
I know what you’re thinking. What is the best coffee to buy for espresso? What are the top coffee brands for espresso in the UK?
Lucky for you, I will delve into the answers to those exact questions in this section.
1. Balance Coffee
Balance Coffee is the flagbearer of healthy and speciality-grade coffee in the UK. We focuses on sourcing coffee from the top 5% of suppliers over the globe, so each blend features premium quality.
We also regularly tests our coffee for moulds, mycotoxins, and pesticides, so you get fresh coffee optimised for health.
In addition, the beans feature unique flavour profiles and are roasted as orders come in to keep everything fresh.
We are an award-winning coffee brand and one of the best place to buy coffee beans online in the UK.
Our blends for espressos are not only delicious and decadent but also come packed with over 1000 antioxidants!
The best blend for espresso is the Rotate Espresso blend. It's laced with hints and undertones of dark chocolate and cranberry, which is mouth-watering.
The cranberry undertones add a fruity punch to your espresso without making it too light. In the end, you have a rich, delicious, balanced espresso that is perfect for mornings.
All of these factors make it the best coffee to buy for espresso.
2. Spiller and Tait
Spiller and Tait started in 2014 but have made a name for themselves in the coffee world. Their signature blend is an excellent choice for espressos.
This blend uses medium to dark roasted, Arabica coffee beans sourced from Columbia, Brazil, Kenya and Ethiopia.
Spiller and Tait roast its beans in the UK; Its almond and chocolate flavours make it stand out.
The beans are fresh, making this a top brand for espresso in the UK.
3. Clumsy Goat
If you’re looking for a brand in the UK that helps you make an espresso with a smooth mouthfeel, consider Clumsy Goat.
This brand has established itself in the coffee world owing to its passion for speciality coffee. Some customers even claim that Clumsy Goat’s espresso blends' freshness and aroma are hard to miss.
Its Italian Espresso Beans are 100% Arabica and fair game for making rich espressos. This blend gives tasting notes of almond and malt with a fruity punch.
However, it also has a kick, which most of us enjoy in our espressos. It’s all of these qualities that make it the best coffee to buy for espresso.
4. Lavazza
Lavazza has been a part of the coffee market for an astounding period. And their coffee blends never fail to amaze us!
Lucky for us, Lavazza also offers excellent coffee beans for espressos. Their Qualita Rossa Coffee Beans mix Arabica and Robusta and are perfect for espressos.
The smooth flavours of chocolate and dried fruit especially come through when you brew an espresso with this blend.
Another excellent quality of this product is that it offers superb value for money. It is reasonably priced and is also one of the best coffee beans to buy online for espresso!
5. Rounton Family Roasters
Most of the leading espresso brands on our list offer blends and not single-origin coffee, which is fine, but this brand offers one of the best single-origin coffee for espressos.
The Rounton Coffee Brazil Family Farm come from a single, family-run farm in Brazil and possess sheer quality.
You can expect strong coffee and chocolate flavours from this blend, which is suitable for espressos and other coffee machines.
With that out of the way, let's take a look at some of the coffee equipment you may need for brewing espresso.
All the Types of Equipment You Need to Brew Espresso
If you have brewed espresso from the comfort of your home, you know it is the pinnacle of connection with your brew.
Seriously, it’s nothing like walking into a coffee shop only to return minutes later with an expensive espresso.
Why do that when you can simply brew the best cup from the comfort of your home?
But the real question is, what equipment besides the best coffee for espresso do you need? Let’s find out.
Semi Automatic Espresso Maker
To produce the same quality of espressos over and over, you will need to get yourself a semi-automatic espresso maker. It automates some of the most important aspects of espresso making, like the temperature and pressure.
There are many coffee machines, like the Sage Oracle Espresso Coffee Machine, and each brings its unique benefits.
Burr Grinder
Burr grinders are the best option for espresso-making. It’s precise enough to get the consistency needed for a tasty espresso brewing. In addition, they create a uniform grind size for your beans which is excellent for espressos.
Even better, I wrote about the best burr coffee grinders in the UK. Check it out.
Tamper
A tamper is required when brewing espresso, whether in a machine or on the stovetop. This little tool is vital for packing the coffee grounds for the greatest possible shot of espresso.
Espresso Beans
We have already discussed the best coffee to buy for espresso, including where you can get them. Go here to pick from our range of coffee products that suits your need.
Milk Thermometer
Milk thermometers help steam milk to the ideal temperature and generate glossy, creamy microfoam for your espresso-based beverage or coffee.
Milk Steamer
Once you have pulled a glorious espresso shot, you can make a creamy latte or Cappucino by adding steamed milk. Hopefully, your machine will have a steam wand. Otherwise, you will need a separate steamer to steam your milk.
Frequently Asked Questions
In this section of the post, I will answer other questions you may have on what is the best coffee to buy for espresso.
Let's run through those together now, shall we?
What Kind Of Coffee Beans Are Good for Espresso?
There are three main qualities of coffee beans which you need to look out for to make a good espresso. First, the coffee beans should ideally be high grade and speciality Arabica, single-origin and dark roasted. You can use any type of beans, but these are the best.
Can You Use Any Types of Coffee Beans For Espresso?
You can use all types of coffee in an espresso machine, provided it has a fine grind size. But most people prefer dark roast coffee because of its richer flavour notes. It brings out that kick a lot of people enjoy.
What Is The Best Coffee Beans for Espresso?
Arabica coffee beans are the best for espresso. The best technique to make espresso is to use Arabica beans. However, combining 10% to 40% Robusta beans will give your shot more crema. Many brands in the UK offer the best coffee beans for espresso.
Where to buy coffee beans online?
There are many places where you can purchase coffee beans online. However, I recommend you buy coffee beans from Amazon or the official online store of coffee brands. All top coffee brands have official stores where you can directly order their beans.
Wrapping It Up
I bet this piece already has you craving a rich, dark, bold espresso! Consuming espresso is not only delicious but also great for health and brings several benefits like improving your memory, lowering the risk of strokes and providing you with antioxidants.
However, these only apply if you choose the healthiest and best coffee for espresso, like Balance Coffee’s Rotate Espresso.
Balance Coffee is the best place to buy coffee beans in London because of its commitment to healthy, speciality-grade coffee. You can also get our coffee subscription to get hassle-free coffee delivered to your doorstep!
