10 Most Popular Types of Coffee Beans You Must Know!

One of the most common coffee-related questions is, “How many types of coffee beans are there?” There are almost 120+ coffee species in the World, yet you know only 2 of them. Am I right? If you love coffee, you’ve probably heard terms like Arabica or Robusta tossed around.

Alright, let’s drop the schoolteacher vibe—what are the 4 main types of coffee beans? Bet you didn’t know this off the top of your head! 😄

Each type of coffee bean offers a unique flavor profile, and understanding them can transform your morning cup of coffee. Whether you’re a casual drinker or a coffee enthusiast, this read will help you explore the top 10 types of coffee beans you need to know.

Table of Contents

10 Types of Coffee Beans

Let’s crack the popular coffee beans!

Assuming you know what coffee beans actually are. Do you? If not, no worries. Here is the complete guide about coffee beans for you.

Here we go. The first 4 are the top of the line, while the rest of the varieties of coffee beans are that you don’t know about. Kidding!

1. Arabica Coffee Beans: The Classic Favorite

Arabica beans are the most popular worldwide. Oval in shape, they account for over 60% of global coffee production. Why so loved? Their flavor is smooth, sweet, and often fruity or floral. You’ll mostly find Arabica beans in specialty coffee shops and light roasts.

These coffee beans have health benefits too. They have many antioxidants, so they shield your body against chronic diseases. Arabica beans contain vitamins and minerals making them a healthy choice for your body. I mean if consumed in a moderate amount per day!

The FDA and Mayo Clinic state that healthy adults can safely consume up to 400 mg of caffeine daily—about two to three 12-ounce cups of coffee.

Best for: Pour-over, drip coffee, or cold brews.
Where they grow: Grown in high-altitude areas, especially in South America and Africa.
Did you know? Arabica beans are sensitive to climate change, making them more challenging to grow. That’s why they are pricy. Well, I love to pay for my favorite flavor!

2. Robusta Coffee Beans: Bold and Caffeinated

Do you like your coffee strong? Then Robusta might be for you. Known for their higher caffeine content, these beans pack a punch with an earthy, nutty flavor. This coffee type belongs to coffee canephora and is therefore very resilient and easy to grow for good yield. While slightly bitter, their strength makes them perfect for espresso or instant coffees.

Best for: Espresso shots or a strong cup of coffee.
Where they grow: Primarily in Southeast Asia, like Vietnam, and parts of Africa.
Fun fact: The high caffeine in Robusta acts as a natural pest repellent!

Want to know which is best between Arabica and Robusta? You would love reading, Which Type of Coffee Beans is Better, Arabica or Robusta?

3. Liberica Coffee Beans: Rare and Floral

Liberica beans are a rare treat for coffee lovers. These beans are native to Western Africa and are now grown primarily in Southeast Asia. If we go precisely, the beans are grown in the Philippines. They’re famous for their distinct woody and floral aroma.

Best for: Specialty coffee blends.
Flavor: Smoky, nutty, and full-bodied.
Trivia: Liberica beans are larger as compared to both Arabica and Robusta beans. They look like teardrops in shape.

4. Excelsa Coffee Beans: Complex and Tart

If you love complexity in your coffee, you’ll enjoy Excelsa. Often considered part of the Liberica family, these beans deliver a flavor punch with fruity and tart notes. They’re a favorite among coffee enthusiasts looking to spice up their coffee blends.

Best for: Unique blends or single-origin tasting.
Where they grow: Found in Southeast Asia.
Did you know? Excelsa beans are often used to bring a unique fruity tartness that adds depth and character to coffee blends.

5. Peaberry Coffee Beans: A Rare Find

Peaberry beans are a fascinating mutation of regular coffee beans. Instead of the usual two beans inside a coffee cherry, these have only one. That makes them smaller and denser, which many believe leads to a more intense flavor.

Best for: Light to medium roasts.
Where they grow: Tanzania and Jamaica are famous for their peaberries.
Fun fact: Only 5% of coffee beans are peaberries, making them a rare treat.

Did You Know?
Worldwide, more than 2 billion cups of coffee are consumed on a daily basis!

6. Yellow Bourbon Coffee Beans: Golden and Sweet

Yellow Bourbon is a specialty variety of Arabica known for its bright yellow cherries. These beans are prized for their balanced flavor and sweetness. They also give honey and caramel flavor hints.

Best for: Filter coffee or specialty brews.
Where they grow: Popular in Brazil and El Salvador.
Trivia: Its golden cherries stand out in coffee farms, making it visually striking.

7. Maragogipe Coffee Beans: The Elephant Bean

Meet the “elephant bean”! Maragogipe is an Arabica variety, but its beans are much larger than most. Known for their delicate flavor, they’re a favorite among specialty roasters.

Best for: Light roasts to preserve the delicate flavors.
Where they grow: Central America, especially Nicaragua.
Fun fact: Maragogipe beans are named after a region in Brazil where they were discovered.

8. Kopi Luwak Coffee Beans: A Luxury Experience

Kopi Luwak, or civet coffee, is one of the most unique coffee experiences. These beans are eaten and digested by civet cats, which supposedly enhances their flavor.

Best for: Specialty occasions due to its high price.
Where they grow: Southeast Asia, particularly Indonesia.
Flavor: Smooth, earthy, and less acidic.

9. Blend of Arabica and Robusta: Best of Both Worlds

Many coffee lovers enjoy blends of Arabica coffee and Robusta coffee. The result? The sweetness and aroma of Arabica combined with the strength and crema of Robusta. You’ll often find these in espresso blends or instant coffees.

Best for: Espresso, especially if you like a balanced taste with crema.
Trivia: Robusta adds body, while Arabica adds flavor, making them the perfect duo.

10. Charrier Coffee Beans: The Low-Caffeine Choice

If you’re looking for a naturally low-caffeine option, Charrier beans are perfect. These rare beans are ideal for those who want to enjoy coffee without the jitters.

Best for: Mild and relaxing coffee experiences.
Where they grow: Africa.
Fun fact: Charrier beans contain half the caffeine of Arabica beans.

Final Thoughts

From the sweet Arabica coffee beans to the bold Robusta and exotic Kopi Luwak, all types of coffee beans offer something special. Your taste buds decide which coffee bean type to opt for. Now that you know the 10 types of coffee beans, why not try them all? Discover your favorite and make every cup of coffee a delightful journey. I won’t mind if you’ll let me know in the comments which one you found as your morning buddy!

FAQs About Types of Coffee Beans

What is the most popular type of coffee bean?

Arabica is the most loved coffee bean. The sweet and smooth flavor profile of this special coffee type is the actual reason for its popularity.

What are the 7 Types of Coffee Beans?

The top 7 types of coffee beans include Arabica(topper), Robusta, Liberica, Excelsa, Peaberry coffee beans, yellow bourbon, and Maragogipe coffee beans.

Which coffee bean has the most caffeine?

Robusta coffee beans offer the most caffeine amount. These beans have nearly double the caffeine content of Arabica. Due to their high caffeine content, they are resistant to pests.