If you're a coffee aficionado, then you already know there's nothing quite like a perfectly pulled shot of espresso — the intense flavor, crema, and kick of caffeine is the best way to start your day or when you're resting on your balcony in the evening.
The best espresso beans in 2025 are Lavazza Barista Gran Crema for authentic Italian espresso, Starbucks Espresso Roast for consistent café-quality shots, and Lavazza Super Crema for smooth, creamy flavor. We've tested and compared 10 top-rated options based on roast quality, flavor profiles, and value to help you find the perfect beans for your brewing style.
Quick Comparison: Top 10 Espresso Beans
| Rank | Product | Roast Level | Price | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Lavazza Barista Gran Crema | Dark | $17 | Full-bodied Italian espresso |
| 2 | Starbucks Espresso Roast | Dark | $14 | Consistent café-style shots |
| 3 | Lavazza Super Crema | Medium | $25 | Creamy, smooth espresso |
| 4 | Allegro Organic Espresso Sierra | Medium-Dark | $12 | Organic chocolate notes |
| 5 | Lavazza Espresso Medium Roast | Medium | $17 | Daily drinking, versatile |
| 6 | Lavazza Super Crema 22oz | Medium | $17 | Budget-friendly everyday blend |
| 7 | Death Wish Coffee Espresso | Dark | $17 | High caffeine, bold flavor |
| 8 | Black Rifle AK-47 Espresso | Medium-Dark | $16 | Rich chocolate notes |
| 9 | Lavazza Lamborghini Dark Roast | Dark | $30 | Premium bold espresso |
| 10 | Lavazza Espresso 100% Arabica | Medium | $17 | Floral, fruity notes |
1. Lavazza Barista Gran Crema Whole Bean Coffee
This Italian blend combines Arabica and Robusta beans for full-bodied espresso with honey and roasted coffee notes. The dark roast delivers medium-high intensity perfect for espresso machines or moka pots.
At $17 for 2.2 pounds, it offers excellent value for authentic Italian café flavor. The blend creates thick crema and smooth body that holds up beautifully in milk-based drinks.
Best for: Espresso purists who want traditional Italian café flavor at home.
2. Starbucks Espresso Roast Dark Whole Bean Coffee
This classic dark roast tastes just like what you'd get in Starbucks cafes. Rich molasses and caramel notes work great for espresso drinks or regular coffee.
The 100% arabica beans are ethically sourced and work with any brewing method. At $14 for 18 ounces, it's an affordable way to bring café-quality shots home.
Best for: Starbucks fans who want consistent, familiar espresso flavor.
3. Lavazza Super Crema Whole Bean Coffee
This medium roast delivers full body with a signature creamy finish. The Arabica and Robusta blend from 15 countries provides balanced flavor without overwhelming intensity.
The 2.2-pound bag offers consistent shots with no additives. It's ideal for daily espresso that doesn't overpower milk drinks.
Best for: Those who prefer medium roast espresso with smooth, creamy texture.
4. Allegro Coffee Organic Espresso Sierra Whole Bean
This specialty organic blend features medium-dark roast with deep notes of dark chocolate and caramel. The whole beans deliver smooth flavor perfect for espresso lovers who prefer organic options.
At $12, it's an affordable way to enjoy specialty-grade organic espresso. The rich flavor profile works beautifully for straight shots or milk drinks.
Best for: Organic coffee enthusiasts seeking chocolate-forward espresso.
5. Lavazza Espresso Whole Bean Coffee Medium Roast
This versatile medium roast works well for both espresso and regular drip coffee. The 100% Arabica beans from South America and Africa have floral and fruity aromas.
With 5/10 intensity, it's perfect for daily drinking without being too bold. The 2.2-pound bag offers great value for different brewing methods.
Best for: Versatile coffee drinkers who want one bean for multiple brewing styles.
6. Lavazza Super Crema Whole Bean Coffee 22oz
This everyday blend offers nice balance—full-bodied with creamy finish but not too strong. The arabica and robusta mix from 15 countries delivers consistent shots.
At $17 for 22 ounces, it's an affordable option for daily espresso. Designed specifically for espresso preparation with no additives.
Best for: Budget-conscious espresso drinkers who want reliable daily shots.
7. Death Wish Coffee Whole Bean Espresso Roast
This strong dark roast packs high caffeine content with notes of caramelized sugar, cocoa, and cherries. The organic, fair trade certified blend combines arabica and robusta beans from India, Peru, and Sumatra.
It delivers bold flavor with serious kick. Works well for both regular coffee and espresso drinks when you need extra caffeine.
Best for: Coffee lovers who want maximum caffeine with rich, bold flavor.
8. Black Rifle Coffee AK-47 Espresso Whole Bean
This medium-dark roast combines Colombian and Brazilian beans for rich, full-bodied flavor. Notes of citrus and dark chocolate with nutty aroma make it distinctive.
The veteran-owned company supports military causes. At $16 for 12 ounces, it's reasonably priced for specialty coffee.
Best for: Those who want to support veteran-owned businesses with quality espresso.
9. Lavazza Lamborghini Dark Roast Coffee Beans
This premium collaboration between Lavazza and Lamborghini delivers bold, intense espresso with full body. The dark roast blend of arabica and robusta beans is sourced from South America, Southeast Asia, and Africa.
At $30 for 2.2 pounds, it's a premium option for special occasions. Optimized specifically for espresso preparation with racing-inspired boldness.
Best for: Premium espresso lovers who want distinctive Italian roasting quality.
10. Lavazza Espresso Medium Roast Whole Bean Coffee
This medium roast has balanced flavor with floral and fruity notes. The 100% Arabica beans grind well and work great in espresso machines, drip coffee makers, or French press.
The sweet finish and 5/10 intensity make it approachable for espresso newcomers. Sourced from South America and Africa for consistent quality.
Best for: Coffee drinkers who prefer lighter, more nuanced espresso flavors.
The Best Espresso Beans For Lattes
When crafting delicious lattes, opt for espresso beans with medium to dark roast profiles. Look for beans with smooth, creamy body and hints of chocolate, caramel, or nutty undertones.
From our list, Lavazza Super Crema (positions 3 and 6) are specifically designed for creamy milk drinks. The Starbucks Espresso Roast also works beautifully in lattes with its familiar café-style flavor. These beans deliver robust, full-bodied espresso that pairs exceptionally well with milk, creating luscious, velvety texture.
▶ What's the difference between espresso beans and regular coffee beans?
▶ Can I use espresso beans for regular coffee?
▶ How long do espresso beans stay fresh?
▶ What roast level is best for espresso?
▶ Do I need special beans for espresso machines?
Conclusion
The intense flavor and rich crema make espresso a beloved choice for coffee lovers worldwide. Whether you prefer bold Italian blends like Lavazza Barista Gran Crema, familiar café flavors from Starbucks, or high-octane options like Death Wish Coffee, there's an espresso bean for every taste.
Start with our top three recommendations and experiment to find your perfect morning shot. Remember, freshly ground beans make all the difference—invest in a quality grinder and store your beans properly for the best espresso experience.
