What are the types of coffee?

Types of Coffee Explained: From Coffee Species and Roasts to Drinks and Global Regions 

Coffee is one of the most complex and beloved beverages in the world. What begins as a small seed (or “bean”) inside a coffee cherry can transform into thousands of flavor possibilities depending on the coffee species, where it is grown, how it is roasted, and how it is brewed! Understanding the different types of coffee empowers you to choose beans and drinks that truly match your taste preferences, caffeine needs, and lifestyle.

This comprehensive “types of coffee” guide explores all aspects of coffee, from the ground up. We will begin with the main coffee species, move into roast profiles, break down popular coffee drinks, explore coffee-growing regions around the world, and finally cover how to choose the best type of coffee for you!

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Kinds of Coffee Plants and Species: Understanding the Coffea Genus

All coffee plants belong to the Coffea genus, which is part of the Rubiaceae family of flowering plants. While there are over 120 known Coffea species, only a few are grown commercially. The most important coffee species are Arabica (Coffea arabica), Robusta (Coffea canephora), and Liberica (Coffea liberica).

Each species has unique growing requirements, chemical composition, and flavor characteristics that dramatically affect the cup of coffee you drink.

Pictured: Liberica, Arabica, and Robusta coffee species. 

Arabica Coffee: The Gold Standard of Flavor and Quality

Coffea arabica, commonly known as Arabica coffee, accounts for roughly 60–70 percent of the world’s coffee production and is widely regarded as the highest-quality coffee species available.

Arabica plants thrive at higher elevations, typically between 3,000 and 6,500 feet above sea level. These cooler growing conditions slow the development of the coffee cherries, allowing sugars and organic acids to develop more fully. This results in a coffee that is more complex, aromatic, and flavorful.

In terms of taste, Arabica coffee is known for:

• Bright, pleasant acidity

• Smooth body

• Notes of fruit, citrus, florals, chocolate, and caramel

• A clean, refined finish

Arabica beans also contain significantly more antioxidants than other coffee species, particularly chlorogenic acids, which are linked to anti-inflammatory and protective health benefits. Additionally, Arabica has lower caffeine content than Robusta, making it gentler on the stomach and less bitter.

When it comes to flavor, acidity balance, and antioxidant content, Arabica coffee is hands down the best choice, especially for those who drink coffee black or appreciate nuanced flavor profiles.

Robusta Coffee: Strong, Bold, and Caffeine-Heavy

Coffea canephora, commonly referred to as Robusta, is the second most widely produced coffee species. Robusta plants are hardier than Arabica and can grow at lower elevations, typically below 3,000 feet. They are more resistant to pests and disease, which makes them cheaper and easier to cultivate.

Robusta coffee has a very different chemical makeup:

• Nearly double the caffeine of Arabica

• Lower sugar content

• Higher chlorogenic acid levels contribute to bitterness

Flavor-wise, Robusta is often described as:

• Strong and harsh

• Bitter and earthy

• Woody, rubbery, or grainy

Because of its high caffeine content and thick crema production, Robusta is sometimes used in espresso blends, particularly in traditional Italian-style espresso. However, on its own, Robusta lacks the complexity, smoothness, and aromatic qualities that make Arabica superior.

 

Liberica Coffee: Rare, Mild, and Distinctive

Coffea liberica is a far less common coffee species, accounting for a very small percentage of global coffee production. Liberica plants grow tall and produce unusually large, asymmetrical beans. They are primarily grown in parts of Southeast Asia and West Africa. However, they are prone to diseases like coffee rust, and as such, are not commonly produced for global exportation. 

Liberica coffee is known for its highly distinctive flavor, often described as:

• Smoky or woody

• Floral and fruity

• Sometimes wild or fermented

While some coffee enthusiasts appreciate Liberica’s uniqueness, it is not as widely embraced due to its inconsistent flavor profile and limited availability. It is more of a specialty or novelty coffee rather than an everyday choice. Not to mention, with its uncommon nature, getting consistently good liberica coffee can be a real challenge. 

 

Next up, let's discuss the various coffee roast profiles! 

 

Pictured: Dark roast coffee with a chocolately profile. 

Coffee Types Based on Roast Profile

Once coffee beans are harvested and processed, they are roasted to unlock flavor. Roast level has a profound impact on taste, acidity, body, and aroma.

Light Roast Coffee

Light roast coffee is roasted for the shortest amount of time, typically just until the beans reach first crack.

Characteristics of light roasts include:

• High acidity

• Light body

• Bright, complex flavors

• Pronounced origin characteristics

Light roasts are popular among specialty coffee drinkers who want to taste the unique qualities of the coffee’s growing region. They work well for pour-over, drip coffee, and manual brewing methods.

Medium Roast Coffee

Medium roast coffee strikes a balance between origin flavor and roast character.

It offers:

• Balanced acidity

• Medium body

• Sweet, smooth flavor

• Notes of chocolate, caramel, and nuts

Medium roasts are extremely versatile and consistent, making them one of the most popular choices worldwide.

Dark Roast Coffee

Dark roast coffee is roasted longer, often past second crack.

Dark roasts are known for:

• Low acidity

• Heavy body

• Bold, smoky, and bitter flavors

• Notes of cocoa, spice, and toasted sugar

While dark roasts can be comforting and strong, they often mask the natural flavor of the coffee bean itself.

Blonde Roasts

Blonde roasts are a lighter subset of light roasts. They emphasize sweetness, brightness, and caffeine retention while offering a mild flavor profile. Blonde roasts are popular in modern coffee shops and appeal to drinkers who want smoothness without heaviness.

The Best Roast Overall

When considering flavor, acidity, consistency, and versatility, medium and medium-dark roasts are the best overall choice. They preserve the coffee’s natural sweetness while offering enough roast depth to satisfy most palates and brewing methods.

 

Types of Coffee Drinks Explained

The world is full of coffee concoctions. Let's discuss some of the different types of coffee drinks! For an even more in-depth list of coffee drinks, you can check out  this Wikipedia page. 

Pictured - An image of four different types of coffee drinks: espresso, iced coffee, black coffee, and a breve. 

Espresso

Espresso is a concentrated coffee brewed by forcing hot water through finely ground coffee under high pressure.

It is:

• Thick and intense

• Topped with a golden crema

• Rich, bold, and aromatic

Espresso forms the foundation for many coffee drinks and tastes best when made with high-quality Arabica beans.

Black Coffee

Black coffee refers to brewed coffee without milk or sugar.

It can be made using:

• Drip coffee makers

• Pour-over methods

• French press

Black coffee highlights the true flavor of the bean and roast, making Arabica medium roasts especially ideal.

Breve

A breve is an espresso-based drink made with steamed half-and-half instead of milk.

It is:

• Rich and creamy

• Slightly sweet

• Heavier than a latte

Latte

A latte combines espresso with steamed milk and a small amount of foam.

Lattes are:

• Smooth and mild

• Great for flavored syrups

• Popular for both hot and iced drinks

Iced Coffee

Iced coffee is brewed hot and then chilled or poured over ice.

It offers:

• Refreshing flavor

• Lower acidity when brewed properly

• Excellent versatility with milk or sweeteners

Flavored Coffee Beans and Grounds

Flavored coffees are infused with natural or artificial flavor oils such as vanilla, hazelnut, caramel, or seasonal spices.

They work well:

• As black coffee

• With cream and sugar

• In espresso-based drinks

High-quality flavored coffees start with good Arabica beans to ensure the flavoring enhances rather than masks the coffee.

Coffee Types by Region

Image: A worker picks ripe coffee cherries in Colombia. 

Colombia

Colombian coffee is typically grown at high elevations in volcanic soil.

Known for:

• Balanced acidity

• Smooth body

• Notes of caramel, citrus, and nuts

Ethiopia

Ethiopia is considered the birthplace of coffee.

Ethiopian coffee offers:

• Floral and fruity flavors

• Tea-like body

• High acidity

• Complex aromatics

Guatemala

Guatemalan coffee grows in rich volcanic soil at high elevations.

It features:

• Chocolate and spice notes

• Bright acidity

• Full body

Mexico

Mexican coffee is often lighter-bodied and mild.

Common notes include:

• Nutty flavors

• Soft acidity

• Clean finish

Hawaii (Kona)

Hawaiian Kona coffee is grown on volcanic slopes with ideal climate conditions.

It is known for:

• Smooth, low acidity

• Sweet, mellow flavor

• Premium quality and price

Other Global Regions

• Brazil: Nutty, chocolatey, low acidity

• Kenya: Bright acidity, berry flavors

• Sumatra: Earthy, herbal, full-body

See various kinds of natural coffee from all of these growing regions and more for sale here!

 

How to Choose the Best Type of Coffee for You

So, how do you settle on the best type of coffee for you? Well, there are some main factors to keep in mind...

Choosing the best coffee comes down to a few key factors:

• Species: 100 percent Arabica coffee is generally prized for flavor.

• Roast: Medium or medium-dark for balance and consistency is always a safe bet.

• Region: Match flavor preferences to origin characteristics!  Ethiopian and Colombian coffees can both be very well balanced and smooth. 

• Drink Type: Espresso, black coffee, or milk-based drinks all benefit from different profiles. Pick your favorite based on your unique needs! 

• Decaf vs Regular: Consider caffeine, and if you are trying to avoid it, opt for decaf coffee. 

If you enjoy complexity and brightness, try a light to medium roast Ethiopian Arabica. For smooth everyday drinking, Colombian or Brazilian medium-roast coffees are ideal. For espresso or milk drinks, medium-dark Arabica beans offer richness without bitterness. Flavored coffees can also be amazing for brewing an array of tasty types of coffee drinks at home! 

 

Types of Coffee: Final Thoughts

The different types of coffee are shaped by so many factors, including species, soil, altitude, roasting technique, and brewing method. By understanding the types of coffee available to you, from Arabica and roast profiles, to drinks, to roasts, to global coffee growing regions, you can make mouthwatering choices that elevate every cup!

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No matter how you brew or drink your coffee, starting with high-quality Arabica beans, choosing the right roast, and matching origin to your taste will ensure a consistently satisfying coffee experience! For pure Arabica excellence in every single type of coffee we offer, OneGreatCoffee is your one-stop online-coffee shop.