Arabica vs Robusta Coffee: What’s the Difference?
Have you ever thought about where your daily cup of coffee comes from? All coffee beans come from a group of plants called Coffea. Within this group, two main types make up nearly all the coffee we drink: Coffea arabica (Arabica beans) and Coffea canephora (Robusta beans).
Think of these two types like siblings; they share some similarities but also have their own unique qualities!
Arabica coffee is sweeter, smoother, and lower in caffeine, with more natural sugars and fats, while Robusta is stronger, more bitter, and higher in caffeine and antioxidants like chlorogenic acid. Arabica grows in cooler, high-altitude regions and tends to be pricier, whereas Robusta thrives in hotter climates and is more resilient and affordable.
At MAK Coffee, we believe understanding these differences helps you appreciate your brew even more. So let’s take a look at what makes Arabica and Robusta coffee distinct.
What is Arabica Coffee?
Often called the top choice (though we at MAK Coffee think both have their charm!), Arabica coffee is loved for its delicate and smooth taste. Arabica beans tend to produce coffee with sweeter, more nuanced flavors – think chocolate, sugar, fruit, or even floral notes, depending on the variety.
Arabica beans come from the Coffea arabica plant, which originated in the high-altitude forests of Ethiopia. Some legends trace Arabica coffee’s use back to the 12th century!
Popular Arabica varieties include Typica, Bourbon, Caturra, and Catuai, and these beans thrive in cooler temperatures and higher elevations – places like Brazil, Ethiopia, and Colombia are well known for growing them.
Arabica accounts for around 70% of global coffee production, and it’s often considered higher in quality. The beans are generally oval, flatter, and oilier, with a lower caffeine content (about 1.5%), but nearly twice the sugar and 60% more lipids than Robusta – all of which contributes to that smoother, richer flavor.
Buy Fresh Roasted Arabica Beans From Mak Coffee
What is Robusta Coffee?
Robusta coffee, which comes from the Coffea canephora plant, makes up roughly 30% of the world’s coffee. While it’s sometimes seen as less refined (which we at MAK Coffee don’t fully agree with!), Robusta has a bold, strong flavor with a natural earthiness and a bit more bitterness.
Thanks to a higher caffeine content (around 2.2%), Robusta coffee is often used in instant coffee and espresso blends for an extra kick. That extra caffeine also acts as a natural insect repellent, making the Robusta plant more resilient and easier to grow – especially in lower-altitude, hotter climates like Vietnam, Indonesia, and Uganda.
Robusta beans are typically smaller and rounder than Arabica, and they contain fewer oils, which contributes to their stronger and heavier mouthfeel. They’re also less expensive and provide a higher yield, making them a practical choice for many farmers.
Arabica vs Robusta: 10 major differences between the two coffee varieties
Both Arabica and Robusta make great coffee, but they have different qualities that people like for different tastes and ways of making coffee. Here’s a simple look at the main ways they are different:
1. Flavor Profile
This is where you can really taste how different Arabica and Robusta coffee are. Arabica coffee gives you a smoother, more delicate drink with sweet notes like chocolate, berries, or even floral and citrusy hints. It often smells amazing and feels light on the tongue. Robusta coffee, on the other hand, is bold and powerful, with a strong flavor that can have nutty and dark chocolate undertones. These flavor differences come not just from the beans themselves, but also from how they’re processed—Arabica is often washed, giving it a cleaner taste, while Robusta is usually naturally processed, which adds to its depth and strength.
2. Acidity Levels
If you prefer your coffee mild and not too tangy, Robusta might be your go-to. It has lower acidity, giving it a more grounded, steady taste. Arabica coffee, however, has a brighter and more lively acidity. This is what gives Arabica its fruity zing and vibrant feel on your tongue. That touch of acidity is what many coffee lovers enjoy for a more layered and refreshing flavor.
3. Caffeine Content
Get ready for a serious energy boost with Robusta! Robusta beans naturally have nearly twice as much caffeine as Arabica—around 2.2% compared to Arabica’s 1.5%. That means you need less Robusta to get your caffeine fix. This high caffeine content not only amps up the flavor but also helps protect the plant from pests, meaning farmers often need fewer pesticides. Arabica offers a gentler experience, both in taste and effect.
4. Fats & Sugars
The difference in taste is also due to what’s inside the beans. Arabica contains more natural sugars and fats, making it milder, sweeter, and smoother in the cup. Robusta, on the other hand, has about 60% less sugar and fat, which contributes to its bold, intense flavor. So if you’re after something rich and punchy, Robusta’s the way to go. Prefer something smoother and sweeter? Arabica is your friend.
5. Antioxidants
Coffee is a great source of antioxidants, especially chlorogenic acid. Robusta coffee has more chlorogenic acid than Arabica, which means it might offer even more health benefits. Some studies suggest these antioxidants can help reduce inflammation and support overall wellness, which could make Robusta a solid choice if you’re sipping with health in mind.
6. Optimal Roasting Temperatures
Because Arabica and Robusta are so different, they roast differently too. Arabica beans are more delicate and benefit from lower roasting temperatures to bring out their sweet and subtle flavors. Robusta is tougher and can handle higher heat, which helps enhance its bold, intense profile. Roasting them just right is key to unlocking the best taste in each.
7. Crop Yield
Robusta coffee plants tend to produce more beans per acre than Arabica. Thanks to the favorable climates in places like Africa and Asia and the fact that Robusta plants are often bred to resist pests and diseases, farmers can usually get larger harvests. That makes Robusta more cost-effective to grow and helps keep prices more affordable for you.
8. Plant Hardiness
Robusta plants are tough cookies! They grow well in a range of climates—hot, humid, sunny—and don’t need as much care. They’re naturally resistant to pests and diseases, which makes them easier for farmers to manage. Arabica plants, while producing a more delicate cup, are fussier. They need specific conditions, like high elevations and cooler subtropical climates, and are more vulnerable to the environment.
9. Cultivation
Robusta coffee grows in even clusters that ripen at the same time, making it easier and cheaper to harvest—often in one go, by hand or machine. Arabica, however, ripens unevenly, meaning farmers have to hand-pick each cherry to make sure only the ripe ones are processed. It’s a labor of love, but it contributes to the higher quality (and price) of Arabica beans.
10. Shape
Even their appearance is different! Arabica beans are longer and more oval, with a curved crease down the middle. Robusta beans are rounder and shorter, with a straighter crease. You might not notice it in your cup, but next time you see whole beans, take a look!
So, when it comes to Arabica vs robusta, which reigns supreme? At MAK Coffee, we believe there’s no single “best.” It’s all about your personal preference and what you’re looking for in your brew. Let’s find out which one to choose:
Which Coffee Bean is Best for You: Arabica or Robusta?
Deciding whether arabica or robusta is “better” really depends on what you’re looking for in your daily coffee and how you like to make it:
Choose Robusta if:
- You like a coffee that is strong, bold, and gives you a big caffeine kick, like the coffee used in Vietnamese iced coffee.
- You need an extra boost of energy for studying, working late, or just getting your day started.
- You enjoy the rich flavor of espresso and drinks made with espresso.
- You’re interested in coffee that is generally more sustainable and better for the environment.
Choose Arabica if:
- You prefer a coffee with more delicate flavors that can be fruity, earthy, or smooth.
- You enjoy a lighter, almost tea-like coffee with a bright and clean taste.
- You typically use a pour-over coffee maker to brew your coffee.
If you’re curious about the bolder side of coffee and want to experience a rich and strong brew, why not give MAK Coffee a try? We carefully select our beans to bring you a fantastic coffee experience, no matter your preference. Explore our range and discover your perfect cup!
MAK Coffee: Perfectly Roasted – Find the Coffee You’ll Love
At MAK Coffee, we take our special Arabica beans from around the world and roast them carefully to bring out the best flavor. We roast them fresh, so every time you make a cup, it tastes amazing, just the way you like it. Check out our different roasting styles and the wonderful coffees we offer:
Our Arabica Choices:
- Light Roast: These coffees are bright and lively, with a lovely smell and fruity flavors. Great if you like a coffee that’s clear and has interesting tastes.
- Ground Coffee: EL Salvador Monte Verde (Light), Sumatra Mandheling (Light), Costa Rica Tarrazu (Light), Kenya AA (Light)
- Whole Bean: EL Salvador Monte Verde (Light), Sumatra Mandheling (Light)
- Medium Roast: These coffees are smooth and balanced, with a natural, sweet taste. A good all-around coffee that you can enjoy any time.
- Ground Coffee: EL Salvador Monte Verde (Medium), Sumatra Mandheling (Medium), Costa Rica Tarrazu (Medium), Kenya AA (Medium)
- Whole Bean: EL Salvador Monte Verde (Medium), Sumatra Mandheling (Medium)
- Dark Roast: These coffees are strong and have a deep, full flavor with a rich ending taste. Perfect if you like your coffee to be bold and have that classic coffee taste.
- Ground Coffee: EL Salvador Monte Verde (Dark), Sumatra Mandheling (Dark), Costa Rica Tarrazu (Dark), Kenya AA (Dark)
- Whole Bean: EL Salvador Monte Verde (Dark), Sumatra Mandheling (Dark)
No matter how you like your coffee, light and cheerful or rich and strong. MAK Coffee has an Arabica roast from your favorite region, ground or as whole beans, created just for you. Explore our selection and elevate your coffee time even better!