10 Best Espresso Coffees: Top Picks

Are you looking for the best espresso coffees? I’ve personally sampled countless brands to bring you my top ten picks for truly exceptional and aromatic espresso at home.

Espresso coffee transforms your daily routine into something special. The rich aroma and bold flavors wake up your senses like nothing else can. Finding the perfect espresso blend makes every morning feel like a café experience.

I’ve tested dozens of espresso brands over the years to find the ones that truly deliver. This guide reveals the top espresso coffees that consistently brew exceptional cups with amazing taste and aroma.

List of Top 10 Espresso Coffees

Image Title Best For Price
Starbucks Ground Coffee, Dark Roast Coffee, Espresso Roast, 100% Arabica, 1 bag (28 oz) Starbucks Ground Coffee, Dark Roast Coffee, Espresso Roast, 100% Arabica, 1 bag (28 oz)

This dark roast coffee is perfect for coffee lovers who enjoy a rich, bold taste. It works great for anyone who likes to make espresso drinks at home.

Starbucks Whole Bean Coffee, Dark Roast Coffee, Espresso Roast, 100% Arabica, 1 bag (18 oz) Starbucks Whole Bean Coffee, Dark Roast Coffee, Espresso Roast, 100% Arabica, 1 bag (18 oz)

This dark roast coffee is perfect for espresso lovers who want café-quality drinks at home. It’s ideal for people who enjoy rich, bold flavors and like to grind their own beans for the freshest taste possible.

Cafe La Llave Dark Roast Ground Espresso Coffee, 10 oz Brick - Rich and Bold Cuban-Style Blend for Moka Pot, Espresso Machine, or Drip Coffee Maker - Strong, Aromatic Flavor Cafe La Llave Dark Roast Ground Espresso Coffee, 10 oz Brick – Rich and Bold Cuban-Style Blend for Moka Pot, Espresso Machine, or Drip Coffee Maker – Strong, Aromatic Flavor

Cafe La Llave is perfect for coffee lovers who like strong, bold taste. This dark roast works great in moka pots, espresso machines, and drip makers.

Cafe La Llave Dark Roast Ground Espresso Coffee, 10 oz Can - Rich and Bold Cuban-Style Blend - Strong, Aromatic Flavor Cafe La Llave Dark Roast Ground Espresso Coffee, 10 oz Can – Rich and Bold Cuban-Style Blend – Strong, Aromatic Flavor

This dark roast espresso coffee is perfect for coffee lovers who want a bold and rich flavor in their daily cup. It’s also great for those who enjoy Cuban-style blends and care about sustainable sourcing.

Illy Intenso Ground Espresso Coffee, Bold Roast, Intense, Robust And Full Flavored With Notes Of Deep Cocoa, 100% Arabica Coffee, No Preservatives, 8.8 Ounce (Pack Of 1) Illy Intenso Ground Espresso Coffee, Bold Roast, Intense, Robust And Full Flavored With Notes Of Deep Cocoa, 100% Arabica Coffee, No Preservatives, 8.8 Ounce (Pack Of 1)

Craving a rich, bold coffee experience? This Illy Intenso Ground Espresso is perfect for you. It’s ideal for those who love a robust, full-flavored cup with delightful hints of cocoa.

Illy Classico Ground Espresso Coffee, Medium Roast Roast With Notes Of Chocolate & Caramel, 100% Arabica, 8.8 Ounce (Pack Of 1) Illy Classico Ground Espresso Coffee, Medium Roast Roast With Notes Of Chocolate & Caramel, 100% Arabica, 8.8 Ounce (Pack Of 1)

This ground espresso coffee is perfect for coffee lovers who want a smooth, balanced taste with notes of caramel and chocolate right at home. It’s ideal for those who value high-quality Arabica beans and enjoy a simple, fresh brew that brings a bit of Italian tradition without fuss.

Community Coffee Dark & Bold Espresso Roast, Extra Dark Roast Ground Coffee, 12 Ounce Bag (Pack of 1) Community Coffee Dark & Bold Espresso Roast, Extra Dark Roast Ground Coffee, 12 Ounce Bag (Pack of 1)

This bold coffee is perfect for coffee lovers who like strong taste and rich smell. It works well for hot, iced, or cold brew drinks.

Lavazza Espresso Barista Gran Crema Whole Bean Coffee Blend, Medium Espresso Roast, Oz Bag (Packaging May Vary) - 2.2 LB, 35.2 Ounce Lavazza Espresso Barista Gran Crema Whole Bean Coffee Blend, Medium Espresso Roast, Oz Bag (Packaging May Vary) – 2.2 LB, 35.2 Ounce

This Lavazza Espresso Barista Gran Crema is perfect for coffee lovers who want rich, full-bodied espresso at home. It’s ideal for people with espresso machines who enjoy strong coffee with honey notes and a smooth finish.

Café Bustelo Espresso Dark Roast Ground Coffee, 10 Ounces Café Bustelo Espresso Dark Roast Ground Coffee, 10 Ounces

This bold espresso is perfect for coffee lovers who want strong flavor every day. It works great for people who like their coffee dark and rich, whether they drink it black or add cream and sugar.

Lavazza Espresso Whole Bean Coffee, Medium Roast, 100% Arabica, 2.2 lb Bag (Pack of 1) Lavazza Espresso Whole Bean Coffee, Medium Roast, 100% Arabica, 2.2 lb Bag (Pack of 1)

This medium roast coffee is perfect for coffee lovers who want a sweet and aromatic cup with floral and fruit notes. It works great for people who use espresso machines, moka pots, drip coffee makers, or French press and want 100% Arabica beans from South America and Africa.

Detailed Reviews

We tested the top 10 espresso coffees for taste and value.
Our guide shows which beans give bold flavor without a high price.
Read on to pick the perfect coffee for your cup.

1. Starbucks Ground Coffee, Dark Roast Coffee, Espresso Roast, 100% Arabica, 1 bag (28 oz)

Starbucks Ground Coffee, Dark Roast Coffee, Espresso Roast, 100% Arabica, 1 bag (28 oz)

Starbucks Espresso Roast is a dark roast coffee that tastes rich with molasses and caramel. This premium ground coffee comes in a 28-ounce bag of 100% Arabica beans. It is perfect for making classic espresso drinks.

You get the same fresh coffee as in Starbucks cafés, thanks to high-quality standards. We ship it just right to keep the flavor top-notch.

Make it your way with our coffee, which brews well in drip brewers, coffee presses, pour-overs, and moka pots. Starbucks is all about ethical sourcing through Conservation International.

Pros Cons
  • Bold taste: Rich molasses and caramel notes.
  • Fresh, premium coffee: Enjoy the Starbucks taste you love.
  • Brew your way: Perfect for any brewing style.
  • Ethically sourced: Feel good about your coffee.
  • Dark roast may be too strong for some
  • Large bag might go stale before finishing
  • Higher price than basic coffee brands

Perfect For:

This dark roast coffee is perfect for coffee lovers who enjoy a rich, bold taste. It works great for anyone who likes to make espresso drinks at home.

Ready to Purchase?

2. Starbucks Whole Bean Coffee, Dark Roast Coffee, Espresso Roast, 100% Arabica, 1 bag (18 oz)

Starbucks Whole Bean Coffee, Dark Roast Coffee, Espresso Roast, 100% Arabica, 1 bag (18 oz)

Starbucks Whole Bean Coffee comes in an 18‑oz bag. It is a dark roast made from 100% Arabica beans.

Espresso Roast offers rich molasses and caramel notes. It brews strong espresso and tasty drip coffee.

You can grind it for any brew. It ships fresh, just like café coffee. All beans are ethically sourced.

Pros Cons
  • Rich, bold flavor with caramel notes.
  • Fresh taste from 100% Arabica beans.
  • Brew easily in drip, press, or pour-over.
  • Ethically sourced for good quality.
  • Delicious espresso for every cup.
  • Requires grinding at home
  • Dark roast may be too strong for some
  • Pricier than other coffee brands

Perfect For:

This dark roast coffee is perfect for espresso lovers who want café-quality drinks at home. It’s ideal for people who enjoy rich, bold flavors and like to grind their own beans for the freshest taste possible.

Ready to Purchase?

3. Cafe La Llave Dark Roast Ground Espresso Coffee, 10 oz Brick – Rich and Bold Cuban-Style Blend for Moka Pot, Espresso Machine, or Drip Coffee Maker – Strong, Aromatic Flavor

Cafe La Llave Dark Roast Ground Espresso Coffee, 10 oz Brick - Rich and Bold Cuban-Style Blend for Moka Pot, Espresso Machine, or Drip Coffee Maker - Strong, Aromatic Flavor

Unleash the bold taste you crave! Cafe La Llave delivers an intense, rich flavor in every cup. It’s the coffee that jumps out of the cup!

This coffee is easy to brew. It is always a treat.

Taste Cuban coffee culture today! Our commitment to sustainability ensures quality. Get ready for great coffee!

Pros Cons
  • Rich, bold flavor delights with every strong sip.
  • Brew it your way: moka pot, espresso, or drip.
  • Taste authentic Cuban-style coffee at its absolute finest.
  • Sealed for maximum freshness and bold aroma.
  • Ethically sourced: feel good about every cup.
  • Too strong for mild coffee lovers
  • Pre-ground, not whole beans for freshness
  • Bold flavor may not suit all tastes

Perfect For:

Cafe La Llave is perfect for coffee lovers who like strong, bold taste. This dark roast works great in moka pots, espresso machines, and drip makers.

Ready to Purchase?

4. Cafe La Llave Dark Roast Ground Espresso Coffee, 10 oz Can – Rich and Bold Cuban-Style Blend – Strong, Aromatic Flavor

Cafe La Llave Dark Roast Ground Espresso Coffee, 10 oz Can - Rich and Bold Cuban-Style Blend - Strong, Aromatic Flavor

Discover Cafe La Llave Dark Roast Ground Espresso Coffee, a 10 oz can of rich and bold Cuban-style blend. Enjoy its strong and aromatic flavor in every sip for a true taste of Cuba.

Brew it in moka pots, espresso machines, or drip coffee makers for easy use. The airtight can keeps it fresh. We source it in a sustainable way to help farmers and the earth.

Pros Cons
  • Bold flavor for true coffee lovers!
  • Brew it your way: moka pot, espresso, drip.
  • Freshness in every can, sip after sip.
  • Cuban-style blend transports you to Havana.
  • Strong taste might not suit everyone.
  • Can is not resealable after opening.
  • Dark roast may be too bitter for some.

Perfect For:

This dark roast espresso coffee is perfect for coffee lovers who want a bold and rich flavor in their daily cup. It’s also great for those who enjoy Cuban-style blends and care about sustainable sourcing.

Ready to Purchase?

5. Illy Intenso Ground Espresso Coffee, Bold Roast, Intense, Robust And Full Flavored With Notes Of Deep Cocoa, 100% Arabica Coffee, No Preservatives, 8.8 Ounce (Pack Of 1)

Illy Intenso Ground Espresso Coffee, Bold Roast, Intense, Robust And Full Flavored With Notes Of Deep Cocoa, 100% Arabica Coffee, No Preservatives, 8.8 Ounce (Pack Of 1)

Illy Intenso brings you bold espresso coffee with rich cocoa notes. This 100% Arabica blend delivers a full-bodied taste that coffee lovers crave.

The company selects only the finest 1% of beans from quality growers. You can make authentic Italian coffee easily at home with this ground espresso.

This coffee has no preservatives added. The 8.8 ounce pack gives you plenty to enjoy. Illy focuses on sustainability and quality in every cup.

Pros Cons
  • Bold and rich espresso flavor.
  • Easy to brew at home.
  • Premium quality Arabica beans.
  • Authentic Italian coffee taste.
  • Sustainable and eco-friendly source.
  • Bold roast might be too strong for some.
  • Ground coffee loses freshness faster than whole beans.
  • Single pack might not suit heavy coffee drinkers.

Perfect For:

Craving a rich, bold coffee experience? This Illy Intenso Ground Espresso is perfect for you. It’s ideal for those who love a robust, full-flavored cup with delightful hints of cocoa.

Ready to Purchase?

6. Illy Classico Ground Espresso Coffee, Medium Roast Roast With Notes Of Chocolate & Caramel, 100% Arabica, 8.8 Ounce (Pack Of 1)

Illy Classico Ground Espresso Coffee, Medium Roast Roast With Notes Of Chocolate & Caramel, 100% Arabica, 8.8 Ounce (Pack Of 1)

Craving the perfect coffee? Look no further.

Illy Classico Ground Espresso Coffee offers a mild and balanced taste. Enjoy notes of caramel, orange blossom, and jasmine in every cup. It’s the easiest way to enjoy a classic Italian beverage in your home.

We only select the finest beans. Sustainability is always our vision. We bring the taste of Italy to you.

Pros Cons
  • Premium 100% Arabica beans for superior taste
  • Medium roast with rich chocolate and caramel notes
  • Easy preparation for authentic Italian espresso at home
  • Sustainably sourced from top 1% of coffee beans
  • Balanced flavor with mild, smooth drinking experience
  • May not be strong enough for some coffee lovers.
  • Only comes in one size; lacks variety.
  • Ground coffee means no whole bean option.

Perfect For:

This ground espresso coffee is perfect for coffee lovers who want a smooth, balanced taste with notes of caramel and chocolate right at home. It’s ideal for those who value high-quality Arabica beans and enjoy a simple, fresh brew that brings a bit of Italian tradition without fuss.

Ready to Purchase?

7. Community Coffee Dark & Bold Espresso Roast, Extra Dark Roast Ground Coffee, 12 Ounce Bag (Pack of 1)

Community Coffee Dark & Bold Espresso Roast, Extra Dark Roast Ground Coffee, 12 Ounce Bag (Pack of 1)

Start your day with a jolt of pure intensity. Community Coffee Dark & Bold Espresso Roast delivers a full-bodied, extra dark flavor that wakes you up and gets you going. Every cup is a rich and aromatic experience.

We roast 100% Arabica beans to perfection. This ground coffee is made with care, brewed and tasted by experts. You’ll taste the difference in every sip.

Community Coffee is more than just great coffee. We support our communities with every bag you buy.

Pros Cons
  • Extra dark roast delivers bold, intense flavor
  • Made from 100% Arabica beans for premium quality
  • Expertly ground for drip, pour over, or French press
  • Responsibly sourced beans support local communities
  • Rigorous quality testing ensures smooth coffee every time
  • Limited Size: Only a 12-ounce bag.
  • Single Roast Flavor: May not appeal to all tastes.

Perfect For:

This bold coffee is perfect for coffee lovers who like strong taste and rich smell. It works well for hot, iced, or cold brew drinks.

Ready to Purchase?

8. Lavazza Espresso Barista Gran Crema Whole Bean Coffee Blend, Medium Espresso Roast, Oz Bag (Packaging May Vary) – 2.2 LB, 35.2 Ounce

Lavazza Espresso Barista Gran Crema Whole Bean Coffee Blend, Medium Espresso Roast, Oz Bag (Packaging May Vary) - 2.2 LB, 35.2 Ounce

This Lavazza Espresso Barista Gran Crema is a premium whole bean coffee blend. It comes in a 2.2lb bag with a dark espresso roast.

The coffee has a full-bodied taste with notes of honey and roasted coffee. It features a balanced blend of Arabica and Robusta beans. The intensity level is 7 out of 10.

This coffee is best used in an espresso machine. Enjoy a perfect cup of espresso every time.

Pros Cons
  • Get a big 2.2lb bag of premium whole bean coffee.
  • Enjoy full-bodied flavor with honey notes in every cup.
  • This Arabica and Robusta blend is strong, yet tasty.
  • Perfect for your espresso machine.
  • Whole beans need grinding before use.
  • Blend may taste too strong or bitter for some.
  • Requires an espresso machine to brew best.

Perfect For:

This Lavazza Espresso Barista Gran Crema is perfect for coffee lovers who want rich, full-bodied espresso at home. It’s ideal for people with espresso machines who enjoy strong coffee with honey notes and a smooth finish.

Ready to Purchase?

9. Café Bustelo Espresso Dark Roast Ground Coffee, 10 Ounces

Café Bustelo Espresso Dark Roast Ground Coffee, 10 Ounces

Café Bustelo Espresso brings you bold coffee flavor in a convenient 10-ounce can. This dark roast ground coffee delivers a robust, full-bodied taste that coffee lovers crave.

The coffee features 100% pure, high-quality beans roasted to perfection for maximum flavor. Its captivating aroma and bold sabor latino make every cup special, whether you drink it black or with cream and sugar.

This versatile coffee works great in any brewing method. You can use it in electric machines or manual coffee makers. It’s perfect for making drip coffee, espressos, cappuccinos, and many other coffee drinks.

Pros Cons
  • Bold Latino flavor shines with every sip.
  • 100% pure beans ensure top-notch quality.
  • Robust and full-bodied taste delights coffee fans.
  • Captivating aroma starts your day right.
  • Brews any way you like, from drip to espresso.
  • Small 10 ounce size runs out quickly
  • Dark roast may be too strong for some
  • Pre-ground coffee loses freshness faster

Perfect For:

This bold espresso is perfect for coffee lovers who want strong flavor every day. It works great for people who like their coffee dark and rich, whether they drink it black or add cream and sugar.

Ready to Purchase?

10. Lavazza Espresso Whole Bean Coffee, Medium Roast, 100% Arabica, 2.2 lb Bag (Pack of 1)

Lavazza Espresso Whole Bean Coffee, Medium Roast, 100% Arabica, 2.2 lb Bag (Pack of 1)

Lavazza Espresso comes in a 2.2 lb bag of whole beans. This is a medium roast with sweet and aromatic notes. It contains only 100% Arabica coffee beans.

You can brew it with espresso machines or drip coffee makers. Lavazza has made quality coffee since 1895.

Pros Cons
  • Rich, balanced flavor works for espresso or drip.
  • Medium roast gives sweet, aromatic finish every cup.
  • 100% Arabica beans sourced from South America and Africa.
  • Large 2.2 lb bag lasts for weeks of coffee.
  • Pure coffee ingredients—no additives, just great taste.
  • Medium roast may not be strong enough for some espresso drinkers.
  • Needs to be ground fresh for best flavor.

Perfect For:

This medium roast coffee is perfect for coffee lovers who want a sweet and aromatic cup with floral and fruit notes. It works great for people who use espresso machines, moka pots, drip coffee makers, or French press and want 100% Arabica beans from South America and Africa.

Ready to Purchase?

Buying Guide

Espresso coffee is a game changer. It wakes me up like no other drink. Every sip feels powerful and rich.

When I first tried a strong espresso, I knew I found my jam. The bold taste and deep aroma made mornings exciting. Brewing the perfect shot is an art and worth the effort.

Here’s what to look for when buying espresso coffee:

  • Roast Level: Dark roasts give strong, bold flavors. Medium roasts are smoother and balanced. Choose based on your taste.

  • Coffee Type: Look for 100% Arabica for smooth and rich taste. Robusta adds strength and more caffeine.

  • Whole Bean or Ground: Whole beans stay fresh longer. Ground coffee is more convenient but loses flavor faster.

  • Freshness: Fresh coffee is key. Choose sealed bags or cans with roast dates to ensure quality.

  • Aroma and Flavor Notes: Notice the scent and tasting notes. Look for hints like caramel, chocolate, or spices.

  • Ethical Sourcing: Support brands that source beans responsibly. This ensures good quality and helps farmers.

  • Packaging Size: Pick a size that fits your usage. Larger bags are great if you drink a lot daily.

  • Brewing Method Compatibility: Make sure the coffee works with your machine—espresso machines, drip brewers, moka pots, etc.

  • Brand Reputation: Trusted brands often bring consistent quality and flavor.

Keeping these factors in mind helps you find espresso coffee that wakes you up and tastes amazing every time.