Types of Coffee Beans: Exploring Varieties, Caffeine, & More

by Owala Team August 29, 2024

Coffee may be the best thing to happen to mornings—and not just because it’s delicious. Coffee also has tons of health benefits. From improving brain function to giving your body essential nutrients, coffee has proven to be a beneficial addition to our daily diet. Regular coffee consumption is linked to a reduced risk of several chronic diseases, thanks to its high antioxidant content and anti-inflammatory properties.

If that weren’t enough, coffee can boost physical performance by increasing adrenaline levels and breaking down body fat, making free fatty acids into fuel. Which means you have more energy to tackle your day. It's also known to improve mental alertness and reduce the risk of certain neurological diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. With these impressive health advantages, it’s no surprise why coffee is an absolute must-have in many people's lives.

What Are Coffee Beans?

Coffee beans are the seeds of the Coffea plant, which is part of the Rubiaceae family (which can be a real mouthful to say). These seeds are found inside the fruit, commonly referred to as coffee cherries. So yes, in case you were wondering—coffee is a fruit. So that means it’s healthy, right? Once harvested, coffee beans are processed and roasted to create the coffee we crave daily. The quality and flavor of coffee is mostly due to the variety of the coffee bean and the growing conditions.

Different coffee bean types offer those mouthwatering flavor profiles and characteristics. Arabica and Robusta are kind of the celebrities of the coffee bean world, but other varieties like Liberica and Excelsa are also important to the diversity in coffee flavor and aroma. Understanding these beans' origins and traits will only make you love and appreciate your morning coffee routine even more.

Where Is Coffee Grown?

Coffee is grown in the "Coffee Belt," a region that spans the globe between the Tropics of Cancer and Capricorn. This area includes parts of Central and South America, Africa, Asia, and the Caribbean. In this magical part of the world, coffee plants thrive thanks to a tropical climate with rich soil, mild temperatures, frequent rainfall, and high altitudes.

But while they’re in the same belt, each region has flavors unique to its beans. For instance, Latin American coffees often have a bright acidity and fruity notes, African coffees are known for their wine-like qualities and floral aromas, while Asian coffees tend to be full-bodied with earthy tones. These regional differences give you plenty of options to create tasty drinks.

What Are the Different Types of Coffee Beans?

There are too many types to dive into, but here are the four primary coffee beans you should know: Arabica, Robusta, Liberica, and Excelsa. Each one has unique characteristics, flavor profiles, and growing conditions.

Robusta Coffee Beans

Robusta coffee beans are primarily grown in Africa and Southeast Asia, particularly in Vietnam, which is the largest producer. These beans are known for their hardiness and ability to grow in lower altitudes and harsher climates. Robusta plants are more resistant to pests and diseases, making them easier to cultivate than Arabica beans.

Robusta beans have higher caffeine levels, which contribute to their strong, bold flavor and bitterness. They’re used in espresso blends to give a rich crema and are preferred for instant coffee production due to their robust flavor (just like their name) and lower cost.

H3: What do Robusta coffee beans taste like?

Most people say that Robusta coffee has a strong, harsh flavor with a distinctive bitterness. They often have earthy, nutty, and sometimes chocolatey notes, with a fuller body compared to Arabica beans. The high caffeine content in Robusta beans gives them that bitter taste and less acidic profile.

Arabica Coffee Beans

If you’ve had coffee even just once, chances are it was Arabica. It’s the most popular and widely consumed coffee bean type across the world, making up 60-70% of the world's coffee production. They’re grown mainly in Latin America, East Africa, and parts of Asia. This is because Arabica plants thrive at higher altitudes with cooler climates and require specific growing conditions to produce high-quality beans.

H3: What do Arabica coffee beans taste like?

They have a wide range of flavors, but are often described as sweet, fruity, and aromatic. They have a lighter body and higher acidity, with flavor notes that can include sugar, fruit, and berries. The complexity and smoothness of Arabica beans make them the most popular choice for high-quality coffee.

Liberica Coffee Beans

Liberica coffee beans are native to Western and Central Africa but are now grown primarily in the Philippines and Malaysia. These beans are larger and more irregular in shape compared to Arabica and Robusta beans. They’re also pretty tough—Liberica plants are known for their resilience and ability to grow in lowland tropical climates.

Liberica beans are less common and usually used in regional blends or specialty coffees, offering a different experience from the more widely available Arabica and Robusta beans.

H3: What do Liberica coffee beans taste like?

Liberica coffee beans have a unique flavor profile that is often described as woody and smoky, with floral and fruity undertones. The taste is more intense and bold, providing a distinct alternative to the flavors of Arabica and Robusta beans.

Excelsa Coffee Beans

Excelsa coffee beans are grown primarily in Southeast Asia and are a member of the Liberica family. They are known for their unique tart and fruity flavor profile, which adds complexity to coffee blends. Excelsa plants thrive in medium to high altitudes and require specific growing conditions.

H3: What do Excelsa coffee beans taste like?

Excelsa coffee beans offer a tart, fruity flavor that adds depth and complexity to coffee blends. Their distinctive taste can include notes of fruit and a light, wine-like acidity, making them a unique and valuable addition to many coffee profiles.

Other Types of Coffee Beans

In addition to coffee beans in your typical rotation, there are several amazing varieties that contribute to the diversity of coffee flavors worldwide. A few of these impressive types include Bourbon Coffee Beans, known for their sweet and complex flavors, and Geisha Coffee Beans, which are highly prized for their unique, floral taste. Jamaican Blue Mountain is another famous variety, loved for its mild flavor and lack of bitterness.

Other varieties like Java, Kona, and Sumatra coffee beans each bring their own original flavor to the table. These beans are usually in specialty blends. Pretty fancy, huh? If you want to become a true coffee aficionado, understanding coffee bean names and their characteristics can help and fully appreciate all the unique flavors in the coffee world.

Bourbon Coffee Beans
Catimor Coffee Beans
Caturra Coffee Beans
Geisha Coffee Beans
Harar (Harrar) Artisan Coffee Beans
Icatu Coffee Beans
Jackson Coffee Beans
Jamaican Blue Mountain
Java Coffee Beans
Jember Coffee Beans
Kent Coffee Beans
Kona Coffee Beans
Maragatura Coffee Beans
Maragogype Coffee Beans
Mocha Coffee Beans
Mundo Novo Coffee Beans
Pacamara Coffee Beans
Pacas Coffee Beans
Ruiru Coffee Beans
Sagada Coffee Beans
SL-28 Coffee Beans
SL-34 Coffee Beans
Sumatra Coffee Beans
Tanzania Peaberry Coffee Beans
Timor Coffee Beans
Typica Coffee Beans

How Much Caffeine Is in Coffee?

H3: Caffeine content in different beans

Because that’s what we’re all here for—the caffeine (okay, and the taste too). The caffeine levels in coffee can vary significantly depending on the type of coffee bean. Generally, Robusta beans contain about twice as much caffeine as Arabica beans. To put that into perspective, an average 10oz cup of coffee made with Arabica beans typically contains about 90-120mg of caffeine, while the same amount of coffee made with Robusta beans can have around 150-200mg. If you’re drinking a larger 20oz cup, you could be looking at 180-240mg of caffeine from Arabica and 300-400mg from Robusta. So if you need an extra jolt in the morning, Robusta is your BFF.

H3: How brewing methods affect caffeine levels

But it’s not just about the coffee beans you choose—the brewing method also plays a big role in how much caffeine ends up in your cup. For example, espresso typically has more caffeine per ounce compared to drip coffee (which is why you usually get it in smaller amounts), but a standard serving size of drip coffee usually contains more caffeine overall due to the larger volume. A 10oz cup of espresso-based coffee might contain around 100-150mg of caffeine, while a 20oz drip coffee could range from 200-300mg. Cold brew coffee, which steeps for an extended period, also tends to have higher caffeine levels, often packing in 200-300mg of caffeine in a 10-20oz serving. So the question is: How tired are you?

Choosing the Right Coffee Bean for You

With so many types of coffee beans to choose from, how do you even narrow it down? You could choose coffee based on caffeine levels alone. It might just be one of those days. But generally, you’ll probably find a favorite based on flavor preferences and brewing methods. If you prefer a smoother, more complex taste with higher acidity, Arabica beans are an excellent choice. For a stronger, bolder flavor with higher caffeine content, Robusta beans are ideal. If you enjoy unique and distinct flavors, exploring Liberica and Excelsa beans can be a rewarding experience.

To find which coffee you love most, experiment with all kinds of different coffee bean types. With some trial and error, you’ll eventually find your perfect match (just like dating). Whether you prefer a fruity, floral, or bold and robust flavor, there's tons of coffee bean varieties out there to suit your taste. It won’t be long before you find “the one.”