10 Best Espresso Coffee Beans in Australia: 2023 Reviews & Top Picks

It’s no secret that Australians love their coffee. And with the cost of nearly everything rising, more and more people are looking for ways to make delicious espresso at home.

If you’re one of those people, you’re in luck! We’ve rounded up the 10 best espresso coffee beans in Australia, so you can enjoy barista-quality coffee without having to leave your house (or spend a fortune).

A Quick Comparison of Our Favourites in 2023

	Image	Product	Details
Best Overall		Grinders Coffee, Crema	Award-winning at the Sydney Fine Food Show in 2016, 2017, and 2018 100% Arabica blend Rainforest alliance certified	CHECK PRICE
Best Value		Lavazza Espresso Barista Intense	Lasting aftertaste Strong aroma Right balance of acidity and bitterness	CHECK PRICE
Premium Choice		Sons of Amazon, Strong and Fair	High caffeine levels Silky creme Balanced flavours	CHECK PRICE
		Byron Bay Coffee Company Organic Espresso	Consistent flavour Smooth and creamy Eco-friendly packaging	CHECK PRICE
		Copper Moon Tropical Coconut Blend	Batch roasted Kosher Low acidity	CHECK PRICE

The 10 Best Espresso Coffee Beans in Australia

1. Grinders Coffee, Crema – Best Overall

If you’re looking for an espresso blend that’s sure to please, look no further than Grinders Coffee Crema. These beans have won best overall at the Sydney Fine Food Show three years in a row, so you know they’re good. It is a 100% Arabica blend, and it’s certified by the Rainforest Alliance. That means you can enjoy your cup of joe knowing that it was grown sustainably.

The only downside to Grinders Coffee Crema is that the packaging doesn’t include a roast date. That’s not a huge deal, but it would be nice to know how long ago these beans were roasted. Otherwise, this is an excellent choice for anyone who loves a great cup of espresso.

2. Lavazza Espresso Barista Intense – Best Value

If you’re looking for a good espresso at a reasonable price, Lavazza Espresso Barista Intense is a great option. The coffee has a strong aroma and a lasting aftertaste. It’s also the right balance of acidity and bitterness.

That said, it’s not as strong as advertised. So, if you’re looking for a real power punch, you might be disappointed. But overall, Lavazza Espresso Barista Intense is a great value for the money.

3. Sons of Amazon, Strong and Fair – Premium Choice

If you’re looking for a premium espresso coffee bean that packs a punch, Sons of Amazon is the one for you. This coffee is incredibly strong, with high levels of caffeine that will keep you going all day long.

It’s also got a lovely silky creme that makes it really smooth and easy to drink. However, some people might find the flavour a bit too powerful and overwhelming. It’s definitely not for the faint-hearted!

But if you’re looking for a coffee that’s full-flavoured and Fairtrade, Sons of Amazon is a great choice.

4. Byron Bay Coffee Company Organic Espresso

For those in search of local, organic espresso beans, Byron Bay Coffee Company is a great option. The coffee beans are roasted in small batches to ensure consistent flavour, and they produce a smooth, creamy espresso.

The company also uses eco-friendly packaging, which is an added bonus. However, the coffee beans lack depth for those who consider themselves coffee connoisseurs.

They may be too light for some people’s taste. Overall, Byron Bay Coffee Company Organic Espresso is a good choice for those looking for local, organic coffee beans.

5. Copper Moon Tropical Coconut Blend

If you like your coffee with a tropical twist, you’ll want to give Copper Moon Tropical Coconut Blend a try. These espresso beans are batch roasted for consistent quality, and they’re also kosher.

One of the best things about this blend is its low acidity, which makes it easier on your stomach. However, because it’s an international product, local supplies may vary. That said, it’s definitely worth seeking out if you’re looking for something different.

6. Pablo & Rusty’s Porter St Blend

If you’re looking for some of the best espresso coffee beans that money can buy, then you’ll want to give Pablo & Rusty’s Porter St Blend a try.

These beans are roasted fresh and have the roast date advertised on the packaging, so you know you’re getting the best possible product.

The coffee is strong and smooth, with a full-bodied flavor that is simply unbeatable. However, the downside is that it is quite expensive. But if you’re willing to splurge on your coffee, then Pablo & Rusty’s is definitely worth trying out.

7. Eight O’Clock Coffee Barista Blends Espresso Gold

Eight O’Clock Coffee Barista Blends Espresso Gold is a decent coffee bean. If you’re looking for a kosher coffee bean, this is a good option.

The Arabica beans give the coffee a stronger flavor and the printed roast date lets you know when the beans were roasted. Some found the coffee to be a bit acidic for sensitive stomachs. The coffee beans are also on the strong side, so if you’re looking for something mellower, these beans might not be for you. All in all, it’s a decent coffee bean, but there are better options out there.

8. Lavazza Tierra for Amazonia

If you’re looking for a basic espresso bean that supports a good cause, Lavazza Tierra for Amazonia is a great choice. The beans are sourced from the rainforests of Brazil, and a portion of the proceeds goes towards conservation efforts in the Amazon. As an added bonus, the beans are organic.

In terms of flavor, Tierra for Amazonia is a fairly basic espresso. It’s smooth and well-rounded but lacks the complex aroma and flavour of some of Lavazza’s more premium blends. That said, it’s still a great everyday bean, and its reasonable price makes it a great value proposition.

9. Starbucks Espresso Roast

If you’re looking for a solid espresso coffee bean that won’t break the bank, Starbucks Espresso Roast is a great option. While the coffee giant has had its fair share of controversies surrounding ethical coffee sourcing, its espresso beans are 100% ethically sourced.

In terms of flavour, these beans are bold and rich—perfect for making a strong cup of espresso. However, some customers have complained about receiving stale beans, which seems to be more common in big coffee companies compared to small, local ones. Overall, Starbucks Espresso Roast is a great option for those who want a delicious and affordable espresso.

10. Zoom Coffee Arabica 100% Premium Ethiopian

If you’re looking for an award-winning espresso coffee bean, Zoom Coffee’s Arabica 100% Premium Ethiopian is a great option. These hand-picked and sun-dried beans are sourced from a single origin, and they’re 100% Arabica.

That means you can expect a high-quality cup of coffee with complex flavours. And indeed, many reviewers have praised the Zoom coffee for its complex flavour profile.

However, there are also some who find the flavours too intense or unbalanced. So, if you’re looking for a smooth, well-rounded espresso, this may not be the beans for you. But if you enjoy exploring different flavour profiles in your coffee, Zoom Coffee’s Arabica 100% Premium Ethiopian is definitely worth a try.

Buyer’s Guide: Finding the Best Espresso Coffee Beans in Australia

When it comes to choosing the best espresso coffee beans, there are a few things you’ll want to keep in mind. Don’t forget that choosing the perfect coffee is a personal journey that differs for everyone. So, take the following factors into consideration, and find what works best for you.

A Matter of Preference

The first thing you’ll want to consider is what kind of coffee you like. Do you prefer a smooth, well-rounded coffee or one with more complex flavours? Do you like your coffee on the lighter side or darker?

These are the kinds of questions you’ll want to ask yourself when choosing espresso beans. It’s also important to remember that coffee beans can vary greatly in terms of flavour, so don’t be afraid to experiment until you find something you like.

How to Choose Your Beans

Now that you know what kind of coffee you like, it’s time to start choosing your beans. When it comes to espresso, there are two main types of beans you’ll want to choose from: Arabica and Robusta.

Arabica beans are generally considered to be of higher quality, and they tend to have more complex flavours. Robusta beans, on the other hand, are less expensive and have a more straightforward flavour.

If you’re just starting out, we recommend trying Arabica beans. Once you’ve found a coffee you like, you can always experiment with different roasts or blends to find something that suits your taste.

Bean Inspection

Once you’ve chosen your beans, it’s time to take a closer look at them. The first thing you’ll want to do is check for any visible defects. You can do this by holding the beans up to the light and looking for any discoloration or misshapen beans.

Next, give them a sniff. Coffee beans should have a pleasant, earthy smell. If they smell sour or off, it’s best to avoid them.

And finally, give the beans a good squeeze. They should be firm but not too hard. If they’re too soft, it could mean that they’re old or over-roasted.

Coffee beans contain a variety of different oils that are released when the beans are roasted. These oils contribute to the flavour and aroma of the coffee. These oils are present on the outside of the bean, so you can see the quality of the beans on visual inspection.

Roast

The next thing you’ll want to consider is the roast level of the beans. The roast level refers to how dark the beans have been roasted.

As a general rule, darker roasts tend to have a more intense flavour, while lighter roasts are more mellow. That said, there are no hard and fast rules when it comes to roast levels.

It’s important to experiment with different roast levels to find what you like. And keep in mind that the roast level can also affect the caffeine content of the coffee. So if you’re looking for a more energizing cup of coffee, opt for a darker roast.

Single-Origin vs Blend

When it comes to espresso, you’ll also want to choose between single-origin and blended beans.

Single-origin beans are sourced from a single country or region, while blended beans are a mix of beans from different countries or regions.

There are pros and cons to both single-origin and blend beans. Single-origin beans tend to have more distinct flavours, while blends tend to be more well-rounded.

It’s really up to you which you prefer. If you’re just starting out, we recommend trying a few different single-origin beans to see what you like. Once you’ve found a few that you like, you can experiment with blends.

“Espresso Roast”

When it comes to espresso, there’s no such thing as an “espresso roast.”

The term “espresso roast” is actually a marketing gimmick used by some coffee companies. There’s no specific roast level that’s required for espresso.

However, if you’re new to the intricate world of at-home coffee brewing, these advertised espresso roasts can be a good starting point. Just remember that you don’t need to limit yourself to these beans and that experimentation is key to finding what you like.

Getting the Most Out of Your Bean

Once you’ve chosen your beans, it’s time to start thinking about how to get the most out of them.

Buy Fresh

The first thing you’ll want to do is make sure you’re buying fresh beans. Coffee beans start to lose their flavour shortly after they’re roasted, so you’ll want to buy them as close to the roast date as possible.

If you can’t find the roast date, try to buy from a local roaster who roast their beans in small batches. This way, you can be sure that the beans are fresh.

Grind Fresh

The next thing you’ll want to do is grind your beans fresh. Coffee beans start to lose their flavour as soon as they’re ground, so it’s best to grind them just before brewing.

If you don’t have a coffee grinder at home, you can always ask your local roaster or coffee shop to grind the beans for you.

Small Quantities

Beans lose their freshness quickly, so it’s best to buy them in small quantities. This way, you can be sure that you’re always using fresh beans.

Consider how much your household or workplace drinks in a week and buy accordingly.

Proper Storage

The next thing you’ll want to think about is storage. Coffee beans should be stored in an airtight container in a cool, dark place.

Ideally, you should use the beans within two weeks of buying them. But if you need to store them for longer, you can keep them in the freezer. Just make sure to let them thaw completely before grinding and brewing.

Brand Ethics

Last but not least, you’ll want to consider the ethics of the coffee company.

When it comes to coffee, there are a lot of issues to consider, from the environmental impact of coffee production to the working conditions of coffee farmers.

There are a lot of great coffee companies out there that are ethically and environmentally conscious. So, take your time, do your research, and find one that you can feel good about supporting.

Conclusion

Our favourite espresso coffee bean is Grinders Coffee Crema.

This Crema coffee has a rich and full-bodied flavour with fruity notes. It’s perfect for those who want to enjoy a complex and flavourful cup of espresso.

For the best value for money, we liked Lavazza Espresso Barista Intense. It’s a great all-rounder that produces a delicious cup of espresso without breaking the bank.

We hope this article has helped you choose the best espresso coffee beans for you. Remember, the best way to find what you like is to experiment. So don’t be afraid to try new things. Happy brewing!

Featured Image Credit: Tina Guina, Unsplash