All coffee comes from one of four species of the Coffea plant. Each type of coffee bean has a completely different flavor, caffeine level, and growing profile, and understanding the differences is the first step to finding beans you love.
The four types of coffee beans are Arabica, Robusta, Liberica, and Excelsa. Arabica is the most popular (60-70% of global production), prized for its smooth, sweet flavor. Robusta is bolder and contains roughly twice the caffeine. Liberica and Excelsa are rare specialty beans with distinctive, polarizing tastes.
In this guide, we cover what makes each bean type unique, how they taste, where they grow, and how to choose the right beans for your brewing method.
The 4 Types of Coffee Beans at a Glance
| Bean Type | Species | Flavor | Caffeine | Global Share | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arabica | Coffea Arabica | Sweet, smooth, fruity, bright acidity | 1.61g / 100g | ~60-70% | Pour over, drip, single origin |
| Robusta | Coffea Canephora | Bold, earthy, bitter, chocolate notes | 2.26g / 100g | ~25-30% | Espresso blends, instant coffee |
| Liberica | Coffea Liberica | Smoky, floral, woody, polarizing | 1.23g / 100g | ~2% | Specialty, single origin |
| Excelsa | Coffea Liberica var. dewevrei | Tart, fruity, light body, complex | 1.00g / 100g | <1% | Blending, adventurous drinkers |
What Exactly Is a Coffee Bean?
The fact that we refer to coffee beans as, well, beans is a little bit misleading. To explain this, we might as well travel back in time to the origin story of the world’s coffee fixation, which can be traced to a curious goat-herder who was wandering with his flock on the Ethiopian plateau.
The herder noticed that his goats had developed a real taste for a certain berry, and whenever they ate them, the animals became unusually energetic!
The berry in question comes from the Coffea plant, and is often referred to as the coffee cherry. However, it wasn’t the flesh of these little fruits that was making the herder’s goats so manic, but rather the pits or seeds within them—because that was where the caffeine could be found.
Ultimately, when you grab a handful of fragrant coffee beans, what you’re actually holding is the seeds of the coffee plant, stripped of their fruity housing, dried and roasted, ready to be turned into a fine cup of Joe.
As you’ll soon discover, there are several different types of coffee plant, and four coffee bean types that we commonly grow them for. So, let’s get to know them all a little better.
The Four Types of Coffee Bean
There are four species of coffee bean from the Coffea genus that we grow to create our favorite morning beverage. They are Arabica, Robusta, Liberica and Excelsa.
They are cultivated and tended to within the so-called Bean Belt, an area that spans 50 countries around the world and traverses a slice of the globe’s surface between the Tropics of Cancer and Capricorn.
You may be surprised to discover that only two types of bean account for the vast majority of coffee production worldwide; the Arabica and Robusta coffee beans.
Two other closely related but distinct varieties, called Liberica and Excelsa, account for the rest, offering excitingly different flavours and growing profiles.
Given that we, collectively and internationally, consume around 2 billion cups of coffee every single day, isn’t it amazing that all of that deliciousness comes from only four species of a single plant?
Coffea Arabica: The Arabica Coffee Bean
As by far the most popular bean, Arabica accounts for about 60% of all the coffee produced commercially today. Thanks to its delicious taste, the Arabica bean is favored by most gourmet and specialty coffee brands and considered to be the true royalty bean among our fab-four.
The Arabica coffee plant is native to Ethiopia and was indeed the coffee type those goats were so fond of! It was popularised as a tasty beverage and pick-me-up in 7th century Arabia—today’s Yemen—which is where its name originates from. That widely-appreciated energy boost can be attributed to an offering of 1.61g of caffeine per 100g of beans.
Among the four coffee bean types, Arabica also deserves special mention for its high antioxidant profile after roasting. Although we should note that Liberica and Excelsa coffee beans have not been as well studied as Arabica and Robusta, those looking for a health boost should certainly have Arabica beans on their shopping lists.
Arabica coffee lends well to cultivation with a particularly compact shrubby form that is easy to prune. However, challengingly, it’s also quite a delicate plant. You see, Arabica coffee only grows well above an altitude of 2,000 feet and demands steady rainfall, natural shade, and well-draining mineral-rich soil.
These plants are prone to lots of different diseases, like coffee leaf rust and coffee berry disease. Who knew that growing coffee could be so complicated?
The Arabica Coffee Bean Taste Test
Now, it’s important to know that the flavor notes held within each precious coffee bean depend not only on which of the four coffee bean types it is, but also in a diversity of factors such as where it was grown, what the weather conditions were, and how—and when—it was dried and roasted.
That said, Arabica coffee beans are famed for their sweet, smooth, and multi-faceted taste profile. This is a medium-bodied bean with bright acidity and little bitterness. An ideal choice for those who prefer to drink their coffee relatively un-modified, so they can really taste the flavors! If you are new to specialty coffee, Arabica is where to start. See our best coffee beans for beginners guide.
Coffea Caniphora: The Robusta Coffee Bean
And now, our adventure takes us to the second most popular type of coffee and the Robusta coffee bean. As you might imagine, this particular species of coffee plant is more robust than its Arabica cousin—and that is indeed where its name comes from!
It’s fair to say that Robusta coffee beans are the feistiest members of the family, not only because they can thrive in a far wider range of environments and are less prone to disease, but also because they pack a far bigger caffeine punch. Yes, if you want to feel a mental tingle soon after imbibing, Robusta is the coffee bean for you. In fact, this bean type contains roughly twice the caffeine content of Arabica, coming in at around 2.26g per 100g of beans.
The Robusta coffee plant is much larger than the Arabica. It originally grew wild in sub-Saharan Africa, but its role as a cultivar has carried it onto coffee plantations across Africa, Indonesia, and Vietnam. Thanks to its hardy nature, Robusta is cheaper to produce making it popular for use in coffee blends and for brands seeking a certain style and flavor.
The Robusta Coffee Bean Taste Test
Alongside those impressive caffeine credentials, Robusta coffee offers a very different profile to Arabica for discerning coffee drinkers. If downing a cup made only from this bean, you can expect a distinctly darker, earthier, and likely more bitter flavor, accompanied by a richer crema that may have a chocolaty undertone.
While this bean may not be first choice among many gourmet coffee drinkers, it is very popular in Southern Europe, where its buzz-producing espressos are just the way to start the day! The powerful presence of Robusta also complements the sweet milkiness of lattes and cappuccinos, so it certainly has its part to play in the wider coffee-making landscape.
Coffea Liberica: The Liberica Coffee Bean
Moving on to a far rarer bean, we discover the Liberica coffee plant. This intriguing type may only account for a tiny proportion of coffee production today, but it was once a very essential aid to maintaining coffee habits. Around 150 years ago, an attack of coffee rust wiped out much of the world’s supply of Arabica coffee beans, and Liberica stepped up to fill the gap. It’s always good to have a backup plan!
The Liberica coffee bean came originally from West Africa, although today it is grown and consumed primarily in the Philippines, Indonesia, and Malaysia. In terms of hardiness, this coffee variety falls somewhere between Arabica and Robusta, tolerating poorer soils and moderate altitudes reasonably well, but still preferring some shade and good drainage.
The plant itself is much larger than Arabica and Robusta—so much so that takes the form of a tree and ladders are usually required to harvest it! Keen-eyed coffee lovers will also spot that the beans themselves are distinct, being bigger and less uniformly shaped than the more popular coffee bean duo. Liberica is relatively low on caffeine content, packing roughly 1.23g of caffeine per 100g of beans.
The Liberica Coffee Bean Taste Test
Liberica coffee beans don’t appear within the American and European markets so often, most likely because of their strong flavor. To get a sense of what that taste might be like, we only need to look at what this type of coffee is called in the Philippines, where it is much more popular. There, it is colloquially known as “barako”, which translates as “manly”!
For those still curious to discover something beyond their usual palette of coffee flavors, the notes to seek out include smoky, nutty, and woody undertones with floral and fruity high notes. These beans are not to everyone’s taste but are certainly worthy of the caffeinated voyager’s exploration.
Coffea Excelsa: The Excelsa Coffee Bean
Finally, the time has come to get acquainted with the Excelsa coffee bean, which accounts for around 7% of the global coffee crop. Fascinatingly, scientists recently reclassified Excelsa as a sub-variant of the Liberica species. But, in the eyes of any dedicated and noble barista, they will never be one and the same!
Excelsa beans are usually grown in Southeast Asia, and the plants themselves are similar to Liberica, growing long and tall, and offering moderate hardiness in terms of the conditions they will tolerate. However, this is where the similarities stop, because Excelsa offers a very different flavour profile indeed.
In elite coffee drinking circles, Excelsa was once considered an inferior variety akin to Robusta, but today this misconception is attributed to the way the coffee was grown more than the properties of the plant itself. In fact, among the different coffee bean types, we may soon see this one start to rise in popularity because it marries some of the sweeter attributes of Arabica with the robustness of Robusta.
Excelsa coffee beans offer the lowest caffeine content of the four coffee bean types, with only 1g of caffeine per 100g of beans. Depending on whether you are in search of a boost or wish to avoid over-stimulation, you may see that as a bust or a boon!
The Excelsa Coffee Bean Taste Test
While parallels can be drawn between Arabica and Excelsa, there are striking differences too—this truly is a unique type of coffee bean. The Excelsa bean offers a soft fragrance and fruity flavor. It possesses a tart acidity and a rich undertone, with less of the bitterness often found in Robusta but still a striking depth. This bean is increasingly found in specialty blends because it contributes an unusual layer of complexity.
The Importance of Knowing the Four Coffee Bean Types
The sheer diversity of coffee flavors on the market creates a veritable playground for all who take pleasure in drinking this tasty and transformative beverage. However, all of that choice can also feel a little overwhelming—especially if we have a sense of what we like and don’t, but aren’t sure how to find it!
Many coffee drinkers find that too much caffeine can be detrimental, making being able to identify coffee types that will be a little kinder on their nervous system a useful tool. Equally, others have sky-high caffeine tolerance and are always on the hunt for something powerful in order to boost their academic, sporting, or professional performance.
Being able to navigate the different types of coffee bean can be a big bonus in any of these endeavors—you simply need to know which styles and flavors suit you best. Our guides to the best beans for lattes and best beans for cold brew can help narrow down your choice.
Once you’ve pinned down exactly what will make your cup of coffee truly irresistible, you can strategize which coffee bean types to buy, the roast and grind level to reach for, and experiment with different styles of coffee preparation until you strike gold!
As a rule of thumb, if you prefer a lighter, sweeter coffee profile, it is likely that Arabica beans will always be your sweetheart—if you’ll excuse the pun.
In contrast, if you prefer an earthier taste that packs a punch, Robusta, Liberica, and Excelsa are more likely to suit. Of course, contemporary coffee blends can work true magic in terms of balancing the myriad properties of all of these beans.
Coffee Roast Levels Explained
Beyond the bean type, the roast level dramatically affects the flavor in your cup. The same Arabica bean will taste completely different depending on whether it is roasted light, medium, or dark.
| Roast Level | Color | Flavor | Caffeine | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Light roast | Light brown, no oil | Bright, acidic, fruity, origin flavors shine | Slightly more | Pour over, drip |
| Medium roast | Brown, slight oil | Balanced, smooth, caramel sweetness | Moderate | All-purpose, French press |
| Dark roast | Dark brown to black, oily | Bold, smoky, bitter, low acidity | Slightly less | Espresso, cold brew |
A common myth is that dark roasts have more caffeine because they taste “stronger.” In reality, light roasts contain slightly more caffeine per bean because the roasting process breaks down caffeine molecules. The difference is small though, so choose your roast based on flavor preference, not caffeine.
Dark roasts also tend to produce oilier beans, which can affect grinder maintenance and shelf life. If you use a super-automatic espresso machine, oil-free beans may be a better choice to avoid clogging the grinder.
How to Choose the Right Coffee Beans
With four bean types and multiple roast levels, choosing beans can feel overwhelming. Here is a quick guide based on what you are looking for:
| If you want… | Choose this |
|---|---|
| Smooth, sweet, easy to drink | 100% Arabica, light or medium roast |
| Strong espresso with thick crema | Arabica/Robusta blend, medium-dark roast |
| Maximum caffeine | Robusta or Arabica/Robusta blend |
| Low acidity | Dark roast Arabica or cold brew beans |
| Chocolate notes | Medium-dark Arabica from Brazil or Colombia |
| Something unique and adventurous | Single-origin Liberica or Excelsa |
| Great beans on a budget | Check our cheap vs expensive guide |
Keep in mind that freshness matters as much as the bean type. Coffee beans are at their best 7 to 21 days after roasting, so always check the roast date. And the grinder you use makes a bigger difference than most people realize. Grinding fresh, right before brewing, is the single best thing you can do for your coffee.
Wrapping Up
The four types of coffee beans each bring something different to the table. Arabica is the crowd-pleaser, Robusta is the caffeine powerhouse, and Liberica and Excelsa offer rare and distinctive flavors for the adventurous drinker.
Understanding the differences between them, combined with knowing your preferred roast level, gives you everything you need to pick beans that match your taste. Explore our guides to the best beans for cappuccino, latte, and French press to find your perfect match.
Frequently Asked Questions
The four main types of coffee beans are Arabica, Robusta, Liberica, and Excelsa. Arabica is the most popular (60-70% of global production) and is known for its smooth, sweet taste. Robusta has roughly twice the caffeine and a bolder flavor. Liberica and Excelsa are rare specialty beans with distinctive flavor profiles.
Robusta has the most caffeine at about 2.26g per 100g of beans, roughly twice the amount found in Arabica (1.61g per 100g). Liberica has about 1.23g and Excelsa has the least at about 1.00g per 100g. If you want maximum caffeine, look for blends that include Robusta.
Arabica beans are smooth, sweet, and complex with bright acidity and lower caffeine. Robusta beans are bolder, earthier, and more bitter with nearly double the caffeine. Arabica is harder to grow (requires altitude and specific conditions) while Robusta is hardier and cheaper to produce. Most specialty coffee uses Arabica; Robusta is common in espresso blends and instant coffee.
A blend of Arabica and Robusta is the traditional choice for espresso. Arabica provides smooth, sweet flavor while Robusta adds body, crema, and a caffeine kick. For specialty espresso, 100% Arabica medium-dark roast is popular. The ideal roast for espresso is medium to dark, which brings out caramel and chocolate notes.
If you enjoy exploring unusual flavors, yes. Liberica has a smoky, woody, floral profile that is polarizing but unique. Excelsa is tart and fruity with an unusual complexity. Both are hard to find outside Southeast Asia and specialty importers, but they offer a genuinely different coffee experience from the mainstream Arabica and Robusta options.
Explore more in our coffee beans guides.
Hey there! I’m Austin and I love coffee. In fact, I drink about 5 americanos a day. I started BrewingCoffees because I wanted to share my love of coffee with the world. Before starting BrewingCoffees, I worked as a Barista for 7 years.
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