Different Types of Coffee Beans: Understanding the Flavors, Tastes, and Origins

When it comes to coffee, there are many different types of beans and blends to choose from. Two of the most common types of coffee beans are Arabica and Robusta. These two types of beans have distinct differences in terms of taste, flavor, and growing conditions.

Arabica: The Gourmet Coffee Bean

Arabica beans are considered to be the higher-quality coffee bean, with a milder, sweeter taste and a subtler flavor profile. They are typically grown at higher altitudes in more temperate climates and are known for their fruity and floral notes. Arabica beans are used by many specialty coffee roasters and high-end coffee shops. Some of the most popular origins for Arabica beans include Brazil and Colombia, known for their high-quality, flavorful beans.

Brazilian Arabica Beans

Brazil is the largest producer of coffee beans in the world and a significant portion of their production is Arabica. Brazilian Arabica beans are known for their nutty and chocolatey notes.

Single Origin Brazil

Single origin coffee from Brazil refers to coffee that is sourced from a single farm or region within Brazil, usually selected for its unique flavor profile. These beans are often sought after by specialty coffee roasters.

Single Origin Colombian

Colombia is another popular origin for Arabica beans. Single origin coffee from Colombia refers to coffee that is sourced from a specific region or farm in Colombia and is known for its bright acidity and fruity notes.

Robusta: The Stronger Coffee Bean

Robusta beans, on the other hand, have a stronger, more bitter taste and a bolder flavor profile. They are typically grown at lower altitudes in hotter climates and are known for their nutty and earthy notes. Robusta beans are used in many commercial coffee blends, instant coffees, and coffee pods.

Other types of coffee beans

Excelsa and Liberica are other types of coffee beans that are less common, but they can be found in some coffee blends. Excelsa beans are known for their fruity and floral notes and are often used to add complexity to coffee blends. Liberica beans are known for their woody and smoky notes and are often used to add depth to coffee blends.

What Coffee Beans do We Love Coffee Products use?

ProductType of BeanOriginFlavor ProfileTasting Notes
MassimoBrazilian ArabicaBrazilNutty and chocolateySmooth, well-balanced
SignatureSouth American BlendSouth AmericaBalanced, smoothFruity, chocolatey
Bulldog OriginalSouth and Central America blendSouth and Central AmericaRich, smoothNutty, chocolatey
Bulldog ColombianSingle Origin ColombianColombiaBright acidityFruity, sweet

Coffee Beans from popular restaurants and fast food chains

What Coffee BEans do Starbucks use?

Starbucks primarily uses Arabica beans in their coffee, sourced from countries like Colombia, Ethiopia, and Brazil.

What Coffee BEans do IKEA use?

IKEA uses a blend of arabica and robusta beans, sourced from South American countries like Brazil and Colombia.

What Coffee BEans do McDonald’s use?

McDonald’s uses a blend of arabica and robusta beans, sourced from South American countries like Brazil and Colombia.

Restaurant/ChainType of BeanFlavor Profile
StarbucksArabicaMild, sweet
CostaBlend of Arabica and RobustaBalanced, smooth
IKEABlend of Arabica, Robusta and ExcelsaSmooth, well-balanced, fruity
McDonald’sBlend of Arabica, Robusta and ExcelsaMild, smooth, fruity
Dunkin’ DonutsBlend of Arabica, Excelsa and LibericaRich, smooth, full-bodied
Tim HortonsBlend of Arabica, Excelsa and LibericaSmooth, balanced, woody
SubwayBlend of Arabica, Excelsa and LibericaSmooth, well-balanced, fruity