Espresso Explained....

What’s the difference between espresso beans and coffee beans?

Even though espresso beans and coffee beans are technically different sides of the same coin, there are some key differences between espresso products and coffee products that lead consumers to play favorites. Some of the primary differences include: 

• Caffeine content: Many consumers erroneously believe that espresso beans are higher in caffeine than other kinds of coffee bean. In reality, however, the caffeine content of the beans themselves is more or less the same. The difference lies in the preparation and subsequent concentration. Two shots of espresso generally contain the same amount of caffeine as a full 8oz to 10oz serving of drip coffee
• Calories: Plain espresso and black coffee are both very low in calories. It’s the milk and sugar some consumers like to add to their beverages that actually affects the final calorie count. Black drip coffee is a popular low-calorie beverage option for consumers who want to avoid the added fat and calories from milk-heavy iced espresso beverages like lattes.
• Taste: The espresso preparation process yields a concentrated, bold flavor with a mouthfeel that is distinct from the standard texture of drip coffee. Many dark roast coffee beans – like those used in espresso beverages – boast notes of chocolate and caramel, while lighter roast beans like those used in drip coffee deliver brighter, fruitier or nuttier flavor profiles. 
• Production process: Espresso beans are roasted darker and ground more finely than regular coffee beans so they can be brewed under extreme pressure. Coffee beans, on the other hand, can be roasted at any level and ground to suit a variety of brewing methods. 

While many of these differences are subtle, many coffee lovers have deeply entrenched preferences when it comes to their favorite beverages. Subsequently, coffee producers and distributors must leverage consumer preferences with the unique aspects of each product to deliver coffee experiences that live up to diverse consumer expectations.