Coffee comes in many shapes and sizes, but for simplicity’s sake a lot of coffee can be categorised into two distinct species: Arabica and Robusta.
While both of these coffee types can make a great cup of coffee, there are clear differences between them in terms of flavour, aroma, caffeine levels, body, growing conditions and appearance.
If you’re shopping for coffee at home, knowing the difference between Arabica and Robusta will help you pick a coffee you’re more likely to enjoy.
Coffee should be simple. Here at The Coffee Loop we believe you should know the bean, know the roast, and drink what YOU like.
Arabica vs Robusta at a glance
|
characteristics
|
Arabica | Robusta |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific name | Coffea arabica | Coffea canephora |
| Flavour | Smooth, nuanced, often sweeter | Stronger, bolder, more intense flavours |
| Aroma | Typically more aromatic | Earthier aroma |
| Bitterness | Generally less bitter | Generally more bitter |
| Caffeine | Less caffeine | More caffeine |
| Body | Smooth to medium-bodied | Full, heavier body |
| Acidity | Acidity is often present and noticeable | Generally less acidic |
| Common use | Black coffee, pour-over, specialty coffee | Espresso, adds body to blends, strong coffee |
Keep in mind that these are generalisations. Origin, processing, roast level, freshness and brewing method all play important roles in the development of flavour too!
What Is Arabica Coffee?
Arabica coffee comes from the Coffea arabica species. This species accounts for a large proportion of the world’s coffee and is famous for its flavour complexity.
Typically associated with a smooth, sweet and balanced cup, Arabica can range from sweet and nutty to fruity or chocolaty depending on where the coffee is grown and how it’s processed and roasted.
The reason Arabica is enjoyed by so many coffee drinkers is down to its smooth flavour and ability to have nuanced tasting notes.
What does Arabica coffee taste like?
There’s no single “taste of Arabica”. Coffee flavour can vary drastically depending on where it’s grown, how it’s roasted and how it’s brewed.
That being said, Arabica is often described as having:
- A smoother flavour
- More pronounced aroma
- Mild to moderate levels of bitterness
- Perceived sweetness
- Noticeable acidity
- Complex flavour notes
Roast level also plays a significant role in the flavour profile of any coffee. A light roast will generally result in a brighter tasting coffee with more acidic flavours and preserved flavour characteristics from the bean. A dark roast will generally result in a coffee with darker, more roasty flavours.
If you like your coffee smooth, aromatic and layered in flavour, starting with Arabica coffee might be the way to go.
What Is Robusta Coffee?
Robusta refers to coffee from the Coffea canephora species. Coffees from this species are known for being strong, full bodied and intense.
Robusta contains more caffeine than its Arabica counterpart. This is what gives it it’s strong and bitter characteristics.
For this reason, robusta is commonly used in espresso blends and is favoured by those who enjoy drinking strong coffee.
What does Robusta coffee taste like?
Again, it depends. But robusta coffee is often described as having:
- A stronger flavour
- Higher levels of bitterness
- A fuller body
- Earthy or woody flavours
- More caffeine
- More intense finish
Drinkers of dark roasted coffee will likely enjoy Robusta. That isn’t to say that light roasted Robusta coffee doesn’t exist. In fact a well roasted light coffee can be fantastic.
The quality of the beans and the way they’re processed, roasted, and brewed will always influence the final product.
If you prefer your coffee bold, full bodied and strong, give Robusta a try!
Arabica vs Robusta: Which Has More Caffeine?
One thing that is generally true is that Robusta coffee contains more caffeine than Arabica.
Whilst caffeine does act as a natural pesticide for the coffee plant, it also plays a big role in the taste of your morning brew.
More caffeine generally leads to increased bitterness and can contribute to the body of the coffee. This is why Robusta coffee is often perceived as being stronger than Arabica coffee.
Higher caffeine content doesn’t mean Robusta is better, or that Arabica is weak. It simply means that the two coffees taste different!
If you prefer your coffee strong and intense, you may want to try Robusta coffee.
If you prefer a smoother, more nuanced cup of coffee, you may want to go with Arabica.
Arabica vs Robusta: Which Tastes Better?
This is a question we get asked a lot. Unfortunately there’s no clear answer.
Some people like the smooth flavour of Arabica coffee. Some like the boldness of Robusta.
Instead of asking yourself “Which coffee is better?” - Ask yourself: “Which coffee do I enjoy drinking?”
Your preferred brewing method can also have an influence on the type of coffee you’ll enjoy.
A person who drinks their coffee with milk may prefer the stronger taste of Robusta. After all, milk will help cut the bitterness of the coffee. Someone who drinks black coffee may enjoy the aroma and flavour that comes from a high quality Arabica.
What’s the Difference in Appearance?
Beans from each species can look very different too!
Arabica beans are typically more oval in shape with a curved crease that runs through the centre of the bean.
Robusta beans are typically rounder and more compact with a straighter crease.
Once roasted and ground however, these differences aren’t as apparent.
That’s one reason why you shouldn’t judge a coffee by its packaging or the colour of its beans.
Arabica vs Robusta: Growing Conditions
Arabica coffee grows best in slightly higher altitudes. It’s also a little more sensitive to things like weather and disease.
Robusta is more resilient. It can grow in lower elevations as well as warmer climates.
Climate and conditions can drastically change the taste of your coffee. Soil composition, amount of rainfall, altitude, use of shade, agricultural processes, harvesting methods and processing can all influence the way your coffee tastes.
Does Arabica Mean Premium Coffee?
No.
Just because a coffee is 100% Arabica doesn’t mean it’s better quality than your Robusta coffee. You can have great Arabica coffee, and you can have poor quality Arabica coffee.
There are many factors that affect the quality of coffee:
- Bean quality
- Growing conditions
- Harvesting techniques
- Processing methods
- Storage quality
- Roasting technique
- Grind quality
- Packaging
- Brewing method
This is why we highlight the quality and grade of the coffee we sell at Coffee Loop.
We don’t want you to be sold into thinking that if it says “100% Arabica” on the packaging that it’s guaranteed to be great.
At Coffee Loop we want you to know your roast, know your bean, and most importantly, know what YOU like!
Is Robusta ‘Lower Quality’ Than Arabica?
No, Robusta is not lower quality than Arabica.
Again, this is false perception that’s been made over time. Just because Robusta is stronger and more intense doesn’t mean Arabica is superior.
There’s nothing wrong with enjoying Robusta coffee if it’s something you like. The same can be applied for people who enjoy Arabica.
Quality Robusta beans can offer great body, intensity and amazing crema. High quality Arabica beans can offer bright, complex flavours and a smoother cup of coffee.
When you’re buying coffee, ask yourself:
- Where does this coffee come from?
- How was it processed?
- How was it roasted?
- How was it stored?
These are much better questions to consider than simply “is this arabica or robusta?”
Arabica Beans vs Arabica Powder
There’s no difference between Arabica beans and Arabica powder other than the form in which you buy your coffee.
Buying whole beans means you can grind your coffee immediately before brewing. This gives your coffee less time to go stale and can help you preserve some of the aroma and flavour.
Coffee powder on the other hand is convenient. You buy it ground and its ready to measure and brew.
If you have a quality grinder and enjoy brewing your own coffee, whole Arabica beans might be right for you.
If you value convenience and don’t mind coffee that’s been ground days ago, try buying coffee powder instead.
The same rules apply for Robusta coffee.
Which Coffee Should You Choose?
Should you buy Arabica or Robusta coffee? The answer isn’t always clear.
Choose Arabica if you:
- Prefer smooth coffee
- Enjoy aromatic flavours
- Want more nuanced flavour
- Want a balanced cup of coffee
- Prefer your coffee black or with very little added milk
Choose Robusta if you:
- Prefer strong coffee
- Enjoy full bodied coffee
- Don’t mind intensity
- Don’t mind bitterness
- Enjoy your coffee with milk
Remember, these are generalisations and shouldn’t be ruled set in stone.
You may love the taste of dark roasted Arabica but hate any light roasted coffee. You may be the opposite.
Coffee is a personal thing, so try as many types as you can!
Arabica or Robusta: Why Not Both?
We don’t want to persuade you to buy either Arabica nor Robusta coffee.
There’s nothing wrong with either choice, and they both offer unique experiences to the consumer.
Take Arabica for instance: smooth, nuanced and often sweet. Takes you to the drink coffee from;
Or Robusta: intense, full bodied, naturally rich in caffeine. Is perfect for:
So when choosing between the two, ask yourself what kind of coffee you want to drink. Do you like your coffee dark and bitter? Or light and sweet?
When picking between Arabica vs Robusta beans, pay attention to more than just the species name.
Look at the coffee grade, roast level, roast date, and freshness. This will help you buy the best coffee possible.
Whether you choose whole beans or coffee powder, brew it how you enjoy it and drink what YOU like.
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Check out our premium selection of AAA-graded Arabica and Robusta coffee available in both whole bean and coffee powder form.
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