10 Best Espressos: Your Ultimate Energy Boost

What are the best espressos?
I’m sharing my top 10 espresso picks, drawn from years of tasting rich, bold shots that energize my mornings.

If you’re a coffee lover, you know the magic of a perfect espresso. It’s a rich, bold shot of energy.

I’ve spent years finding the best espressos. I’ve tried many, from dark roasts to smooth blends. Now, I’m excited to share my top picks with you. Get ready to find your new favorite espresso!

List of Top 10 Espressos

Image Title Best For Price
Nespresso Capsules Vertuo, Double Espresso Chiaro, Medium Roast Espresso Coffee, 30-Count Coffee Pods, Brews 2.7oz. Nespresso Capsules Vertuo, Double Espresso Chiaro, Medium Roast Espresso Coffee, 30-Count Coffee Pods, Brews 2.7oz.

This Nespresso Double Espresso Chiaro is perfect for coffee lovers. It is great for those who like a strong and balanced coffee.

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 coffee is perfect for coffee lovers who want a smooth, balanced taste like classic Italian espresso at home. It’s great for people who enjoy quick drinks with notes of chocolate and caramel and care about quality and the environment.

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

This rich and bold Cuban-style coffee is perfect for coffee lovers who crave intense, aromatic flavors and enjoy brewing with moka pots, espresso machines, or drip makers. It’s ideal for those who value fresh, sustainable coffee that supports ethical farming.

Nespresso Capsules Vertuo, Espresso Bold Variety Pack, Medium and Dark Roast Coffee, 40-Count Espresso Pods, Brews 1.35oz. Nespresso Capsules Vertuo, Espresso Bold Variety Pack, Medium and Dark Roast Coffee, 40-Count Espresso Pods, Brews 1.35oz.

Love a powerful and flavorful espresso? This is for you! The Nespresso Vertuo Espresso Bold Variety Pack is perfect for anyone who wants a rich, intense, and creamy shot of espresso every time.

NESCAFÉ Gold Espresso Intense, Instant Coffee, 3.5 oz NESCAFÉ Gold Espresso Intense, Instant Coffee, 3.5 oz

NESCAFÉ Gold Espresso Intense is perfect for busy people who crave rich, café-quality espresso without the hassle of fancy machines. Coffee lovers on the go will love its instant, easy prep that delivers bold flavor anytime.

Starbucks - RTD Coffee Espresso And Cream, 6.5oz Cans (12 Pack) (Packaging May Vary) Starbucks – RTD Coffee Espresso And Cream, 6.5oz Cans (12 Pack) (Packaging May Vary)

This Starbucks RTD Coffee is perfect for coffee lovers. It is also great for anyone who wants a quick and easy caffeinated drink.

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

Love rich, bold coffee? Then Lavazza Espresso Barista Gran Crema is for you. This blend is awesome for anyone who wants a full-bodied taste with honey and roasted coffee notes.

Starbucks Ready to Drink Coffee, Espresso & Cream Light , 6.5oz Cans (12 Pack) (Packaging May Vary) Starbucks Ready to Drink Coffee, Espresso & Cream Light , 6.5oz Cans (12 Pack) (Packaging May Vary)

This Starbucks ready-to-drink coffee is perfect for busy people who want a quick and easy way to enjoy rich espresso with cream. It’s ideal for anyone on the go who needs a light drink with 70 calories and a strong caffeine boost.

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 Whole Bean Coffee is perfect for coffee lovers who want a smooth, flavorful brew at home or work. It’s ideal for folks making espresso or drip coffee with any machine.

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

This Café Bustelo coffee is perfect for coffee lovers. It is great for anyone who wants a strong and flavorful coffee.

Detailed Reviews

We chose the top 10 espresso blends from experts and users. We list taste, price, and features for each. Find the perfect espresso for your taste and budget.

1. Nespresso Capsules Vertuo, Double Espresso Chiaro, Medium Roast Espresso Coffee, 30-Count Coffee Pods, Brews 2.7oz.

Nespresso Capsules Vertuo, Double Espresso Chiaro, Medium Roast Espresso Coffee, 30-Count Coffee Pods, Brews 2.7oz.

Craving a bold, yet balanced coffee? Nespresso’s Double Espresso Chiaro is your answer.

This medium-roast espresso has woody, earthy notes. It provides an intense, yet approachable taste. Plus, it brews a generous 2.7 fl. oz.

Savor it black or with milk. You’ll enjoy the notes of caramel. Nespresso is sustainably sourced and recyclable, too.

Pros Cons
  • Intense yet balanced with woody notes.
  • Rich medium roast from split-roasting.
  • Brews a perfect 2.7 oz double espresso.
  • Creamy and caramel-like with milk.
  • Fully recyclable and eco-friendly.
  • Too intense for light drinkers.
  • Costs more per coffee cup than regular coffee.
  • Requires a special machine to brew.

Perfect For:

This Nespresso Double Espresso Chiaro is perfect for coffee lovers. It is great for those who like a strong and balanced coffee.

Ready to Purchase?

2. 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)

Illy Classico is a medium roast ground espresso made from 100% Arabica beans. It has a smooth taste with notes of chocolate and caramel.

You can make perfect coffee at home with ease. Just brew it fresh for the best flavor. Enjoy Italy’s fine tradition anytime.

We pick only the top 1% of coffee beans. Our growers focus on high quality and care for the earth. This blend has been loved for 80 years.

Pros Cons
  • Rich taste of chocolate and caramel notes.
  • Easy brewing for home coffee delight.
  • Finest beans from top Arabica grade.
  • Italian style brings classic espresso feel.
  • Green focus on sustainability efforts.
  • Flavor profile may not suit all tastes.
  • Must brew it; it isn’t instant coffee.
  • Only one bag in the package.

Perfect For:

This coffee is perfect for coffee lovers who want a smooth, balanced taste like classic Italian espresso at home. It’s great for people who enjoy quick drinks with notes of chocolate and caramel and care about quality and the environment.

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

Bold and rich, our dark roast ground coffee makes a strong cup every time. You can use it in moka pots, espresso machines, or drip makers for easy brewing. This Cuban-style blend brings authentic flavor from Havana’s streets.

It stays fresh in a vacuum-sealed 10 oz brick, locking in aroma and taste. We source it sustainably, supporting fair farming and the environment.

Enjoy a cup that wakes you up with complex notes. Grab yours today for daily pleasure.

Pros Cons
  • Rich flavor delivers a bold and intense taste.
  • Versatile brewing for moka pots, espresso, or drip.
  • Enjoy the authentic Cuban-style blend.
  • Freshness is preserved in every vacuum-sealed brick.
  • This coffee is produced with sustainable sourcing.
  • Small size means it finishes fast for big drinkers.
  • Strong taste may be too bold for some palates.
  • Ground coffee can go stale quickly after opening.

Perfect For:

This rich and bold Cuban-style coffee is perfect for coffee lovers who crave intense, aromatic flavors and enjoy brewing with moka pots, espresso machines, or drip makers. It’s ideal for those who value fresh, sustainable coffee that supports ethical farming.

Ready to Purchase?

4. Nespresso Capsules Vertuo, Espresso Bold Variety Pack, Medium and Dark Roast Coffee, 40-Count Espresso Pods, Brews 1.35oz.

Nespresso Capsules Vertuo, Espresso Bold Variety Pack, Medium and Dark Roast Coffee, 40-Count Espresso Pods, Brews 1.35oz.

Ready for intense coffee? This Nespresso VertuoLine pack delivers!

These pods bring a big flavor. You get two kinds of bold espresso. Enjoy rich, creamy, full-bodied coffee.

These pods work in your machine. They make small espresso drinks. The pods are fully recyclable.

Pros Cons
  • Bold, rich flavor in every single pod.
  • Two intense varieties for your perfect espresso.
  • Quick and easy to brew the perfect cup.
  • Good for Earth with fully recyclable pods.
  • Bold flavors might be too intense for some.
  • Only works with Vertuo machines.
  • Pods use aluminum that needs recycling.

Perfect For:

Love a powerful and flavorful espresso? This is for you! The Nespresso Vertuo Espresso Bold Variety Pack is perfect for anyone who wants a rich, intense, and creamy shot of espresso every time.

Ready to Purchase?

5. NESCAFÉ Gold Espresso Intense, Instant Coffee, 3.5 oz

NESCAFÉ Gold Espresso Intense, Instant Coffee, 3.5 oz

Make your mornings powerful with NESCAFÉ Gold Espresso Intense. This instant coffee gives you a rich, velvety taste like a real café.

It uses quality Arabica beans from sources you can trust. You get an uplifting espresso in seconds, no fancy gear needed.

Just add one small spoon to a little water for a shot of espresso. Or use more water for an Americano drink. One jar makes about 50 cups to fuel your goals.

Pros Cons
  • Enjoy café-quality espresso in an instant.
  • No expensive machine is needed to make it.
  • Made from responsibly sourced Arabica coffee beans.
  • Easy to prepare for a quick, strong coffee.
  • One jar makes up to 50 delicious cups.
  • May not taste as fresh and rich as real espresso.
  • Only makes a small number of cups per jar.
  • Needs hot water to brew, no machine shortcuts.

Perfect For:

NESCAFÉ Gold Espresso Intense is perfect for busy people who crave rich, café-quality espresso without the hassle of fancy machines. Coffee lovers on the go will love its instant, easy prep that delivers bold flavor anytime.

Ready to Purchase?

6. Starbucks – RTD Coffee Espresso And Cream, 6.5oz Cans (12 Pack) (Packaging May Vary)

Starbucks - RTD Coffee Espresso And Cream, 6.5oz Cans (12 Pack) (Packaging May Vary)

Starbucks RTD Coffee Espresso And Cream is a rich, bold drink bursting with the real taste of brewed espresso. It has just the right mix of cream for a smooth, enjoyable sip.

Grab a 6.5 oz. can from this 12-pack. Caffeine gives you energy. It has only 140 calories per serving.

Try it anytime—at home, at work, or on the go. This convenient option fits your busy life. You will love the bold flavor every day.

Pros Cons
  • Rich, bold espresso flavor.
  • Perfect amount of cream for a smooth taste.
  • Enjoy it at home, work, or on the go.
  • Convenient and easy to drink.
  • Only 140 calories per serving.
  • RTD coffee misses fresh espresso taste.
  • 140 calories add up with multiple cans.
  • Caffeine boost may cause jitters.

Perfect For:

This Starbucks RTD Coffee is perfect for coffee lovers. It is also great for anyone who wants a quick and easy caffeinated drink.

Ready to Purchase?

7. 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

Get ready to savor the Lavazza Espresso Barista Gran Crema Whole Bean Coffee Blend. It’s a delicious coffee experience.

This blend offers a full-bodied taste. It has an intensity of 7/10. Enjoy the honey and roasted coffee notes.

This coffee is a blend of Arabica and Robusta beans. It is best for your espresso machine. You will love every sip.

Pros Cons
  • Rich honey and roasted coffee aromas.
  • Makes full-bodied espresso drinks.
  • Bold intensity at 7 out of 10.
  • Uses quality Arabica and Robusta beans.
  • Fits great in your espresso machine.
  • Dark roast might be too strong for some.
  • Only truly shines in an espresso machine.
  • Packaging may vary, which might confuse some buyers.

Perfect For:

Love rich, bold coffee? Then Lavazza Espresso Barista Gran Crema is for you. This blend is awesome for anyone who wants a full-bodied taste with honey and roasted coffee notes.

Ready to Purchase?

8. Starbucks Ready to Drink Coffee, Espresso & Cream Light , 6.5oz Cans (12 Pack) (Packaging May Vary)

Starbucks Ready to Drink Coffee, Espresso & Cream Light , 6.5oz Cans (12 Pack) (Packaging May Vary)

Starbucks Ready to Drink Coffee blends rich, bold espresso with just the right cream. Each can is easy to open and perfect for quick enjoyment.

This 12-pack lets you grab caffeine whenever you need it. Each serving has 120 mg of caffeine for a good boost. Eat your calories at 70 per can.

Pros Cons
  • Rich, bold espresso with just the right cream.
  • Ready to drink anytime, anywhere.
  • Convenient 6.5 oz can for on-the-go fun.
  • 120mg caffeine to energize your day.
  • Only 70 calories per can, low-calorie delight.
  • Limited size may not satisfy all.
  • Caffeine might affect some people.
  • Cream content might not be suitable for everyone.

Perfect For:

This Starbucks ready-to-drink coffee is perfect for busy people who want a quick and easy way to enjoy rich espresso with cream. It’s ideal for anyone on the go who needs a light drink with 70 calories and a strong caffeine boost.

Ready to Purchase?

9. 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)

Get ready to enjoy Lavazza Espresso! This whole bean coffee is perfect for your daily coffee ritual. It is a great choice for coffee lovers.

This medium roast offers a sweet and aromatic finish. It has a 5/10 intensity.

The blend is made with 100% Arabica beans. These beans come from South America and Africa.

Pros Cons
  • Big bag for the everyday coffee lover.
  • Sweet, fragrant flavor: a truly lovely experience.
  • 100% Arabica blend: High-quality beans, always.
  • Brew it your way: Espresso, drip, and more!
  • Lavazza: Over a century of coffee perfection!
  • Medium roast might not be strong enough for some.
  • Limited to floral, fruit aroma preferences.
  • Large bag means you need a way to keep it fresh.

Perfect For:

Lavazza Espresso Whole Bean Coffee is perfect for coffee lovers who want a smooth, flavorful brew at home or work. It’s ideal for folks making espresso or drip coffee with any machine.

Ready to Purchase?

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

Café Bustelo Espresso Dark Roast Ground Coffee, 10 Ounces

Get ready for a bold flavor blast with Café Bustelo. This dark roast espresso coffee is packed in a handy 10-ounce can. It’s perfect for your daily brew.

Sip the rich, full-bodied taste of Latin-inspired coffee. Add cream and sugar or enjoy it black. The captivating aroma will wake up your mornings.

Brew it your way in any coffee maker. Make espressos, cappuccinos, or drip coffee easily. Grab your can and start brewing great coffee now.

Pros Cons
  • Bold flavor that stands out!
  • Enjoy a robust and full-bodied taste.
  • Made with high-quality coffee beans.
  • Perfect for various brewing methods.
  • Strong taste may not suit everyone’s palate.
  • Dark roast can be too bitter for some.

Perfect For:

This Café Bustelo coffee is perfect for coffee lovers. It is great for anyone who wants a strong and flavorful coffee.

Ready to Purchase?

Buying Guide

I love the bold kick from a perfect espresso. My mornings start with that rich sip under the porch light.

Roast Level: Choose a medium roast for a balanced taste. Dark roasts give a strong, bold flavor. Pick based on your mood for the day.

Flavor Notes: Look for caramel or chocolate hints in the coffee. They add sweetness to your cup. Test packs to find your favorite mix.

Bean Origin: Arabica beans make smooth coffee. A blend with Robusta boosts strength. Ask for sources from trusted farms.

Ease of Brew: Pods cut prep time. Ground coffee lets you grind fresh. Instant options skip the machine.

Sustainability: Pick recyclable pods to help the earth. Look for fair trade farms. They support good growing ways.

Caffeine Boost: Check for a quick energy lift. Aim for enough to wake you up. Avoid too much if nights are restless.

Value and Size: Buy packs that last all week. Compare cost per cup. Bigger bags save money on bulk buys.

Convenience Level: Grab ready-to-drink cans for fast sips. Use at home or on the go. They fit busy days without fuss.