Difference Between Arabica and Robusta Beans

Not many people give much thought to the type of beans they’re brewing or drinking, with most of the names sounding like gibberish almost. Two of the most common species of coffee beans are Coffea Arabica and Coffea Canephora, also referred to as Coffea Robusta.

With coffee being such a personal taste and something that drinkers of it are completely loyal to when they find their preference, it’s no wonder that everyone seems divided over which is best in the Arabica vs Robusta debate. Each species of coffee has its own pro and cons for the drinker, so it’s time to weigh up the facts and see what they can offer to you.

We’ve compiled this handy comparison so that you’ll be able to tell the difference between Arabica and Robusta beans, pointing you in the right direction to your favorite bean. With a bit more background information about what makes these beans so special, you’ll be enjoying your coffee just as you like it.

How Were The Beans Discovered?

Before we can delve into the difference between their tastes and textures, it’s helpful to learn more about how each bean was discovered. Coffea Arabica is believed to have been the first species of coffee to ever be cultivated and translates to “coffee shrub of Arabia”.

Arabica beans account for around 60 percent of the world’s coffee consumption so it appears to be the favorite. Robusta, on the other hand, accounts for the remainder of the global consumption and is in a close second place for popularity.

The Difference In Taste Between Robusta And Arabica Coffee

So, what is it that makes these species of coffee so unique, and why do they divide so many caffeine lovers? Arabica is a popular choice in western countries because it has a milder and aromatic taste and smell to it and can come in quite varied flavors.

When looking at the flavors of the Robusta bean, you might find that they are more bitter and intense, which suits many coffee lovers just fine. Some say there is a slightly burnt aroma to Robusta beans but for some drinkers, they prefer the intensity and acidic taste that it offers.

One key factor to note is that Arabica coffee contains significantly more lipids, around 60 percent, and even has a higher concentration of sugar in each bean. It’s likely that these factor into why some people prefer the taste of Arabica to Robusta because it’s naturally sweetened, but again that won’t appeal to every palette.

The Caffeine Levels Of Each

If you’re the kind of coffee lover who doesn’t care what you drink, as long as it’s strong and keeps you pepped up, you’ll probably opt for the powers of the Robusta bean. With a whopping 2.7 percent, caffeine content compared to the milder 1.5 percent that Arabica beans offer, these beans have almost double the amount of caffeine and double the kick.

You’ll be guaranteed a boost of energy when you drink a cup of Robusta, however again some people might not appreciate that much of a boost from just one cup of coffee. Again, it all comes down to personal taste and what you hope to get out of your coffee each morning. Knowing this will point you in the right direction for choosing your best brew.

The Price Difference Between Beans

As mentioned earlier, it’s been proven that Robusta beans are cheaper to produce and this is due to how much the crop yields and how easy they are to grow. This means that the costs are then passed down to the consumers and you’re able to purchase the beans for a significantly lower price than Arabica beans.  

Usually, purchasing green Robusta beans will cost half the price of purchasing the same amount of Arabica, so the difference is quite significant.

Those who have a passion for coffee, though, are rarely deterred by the price, and so if you prefer the milder taste and effects of Arabica beans then you’ll be happy to pay a little extra.

If you’re making your own coffee at home you’re likely already saving yourself quite a bit of money from not visiting cafes and coffee houses, so spending a little extra on the beans you prefer won’t matter.

A Personal Preference For Coffee Lovers

Although we can all agree that coffee is our favorite drink, and everyone around the world will certainly agree, the fact is there are many forms and variations that it can take. Choosing between Arabica beans and Robusta beans is just one option that you have to pick from when deciding what your favorite brew of coffee is, and it all comes down to personal taste.

If you’re someone who likes their coffee with a kick and doesn’t feel as if they’re getting the genuine coffee experience unless it has that dark and bitter taste to it, then Robusta beans are for you. However, for a milder and smoother coffee experience that might take a couple more cups to get the full effects of, you’ll want to opt for the Arabica bean.

Whichever you choose there’s no doubt that you’ll stay loyal to how you drink your morning cup of coffee for years, as all coffee aficionados know that they’re quite loyal once they’ve found their preference. As the two leading coffee bean species in the world, you’re sure to find one you prefer, and stay faithful to that bean for the rest of your coffee drinking career.