Arabica robusta blend coffee beans

Arabica and robusta: the difference

Arabica and robusta are two different coffee species. Arabica grows at higher altitudes, is more susceptible to disease and gives a milder, more complex cup. Robusta grows lower down, copes better with heat and disease, and tastes fuller and more bitter.

Arabica coffee beans

• Mild, fruity and floral aromas
• Lower caffeine content (about 1.2–1.5%)
• More acidity and a more complex flavour profile

Robusta coffee beans

• Earthy, nutty and bitter notes
• Higher caffeine content (about 2.2–2.7%)
• Fuller body and a thicker crema

Why blend them?

A blend combines arabica's aroma with robusta's body. Compared with pure arabica, it gives you:

• A thicker, longer-lasting crema
• More body, so the coffee holds its own under milk
• More caffeine
• A steadier flavour, because the roaster can balance beans from different origins

Compared with pure robusta, a blend is less bitter and more aromatic. That balance makes blends a popular everyday choice for espresso, cappuccino and bean-to-cup machines.

The ratio

Roasters mix arabica and robusta in set proportions. Italian espresso blends often use 80/20 or 70/30 arabica to robusta: 80/20 gives a smoother espresso with good crema, 70/30 more body and strength. A 60/40 blend is bolder still, with more caffeine. Not every pack states its ratio, so check the product page for the details we have, including the strength on our scale out of 13.

Which brewing method?

• Arabica Robusta espresso: the classic use. Robusta helps the crema, arabica brings the finer notes.
• Bean-to-cup machine: blends are forgiving and hold up well under milk; see coffee beans for bean-to-cup machines.
• Moka pot: a blend gives the full, strong cup people expect from a moka pot.
• Filter and cafetière: pick a blend with more arabica for a milder cup; the body still comes through without pressure.

Blends in this category

Most of what you find here comes as whole beans in 1 kg bags, from Italian brands such as Lavazza, Segafredo, Kimbo, Caffè Vergnano 1882, Gimoka, Lucaffé, Passalacqua and Hausbrandt, as well as Dallmayr, Julius Meinl and Costa Coffee. Among our fresh coffee beans you will find blends such as Espresso Intenso, Espresso Madrugador and Bregman's Blend 80-20.

Tips for choosing

• Want a smooth espresso with good crema? Start with a blend that leans towards arabica.
• Want more strength and caffeine? Choose a blend with more robusta, or look for a higher strength out of 13.
• Not sure yet? A sample pack lets you compare several blends.

Fairtrade and organic

Fairtrade arabica and robusta beans are grown and traded on fair terms. Organic coffee is grown under organic farming rules, which allow only a short list of approved pesticides. If either matters to you, check the product name and page before you order.