When it comes to the most popular coffee bean types worldwide, Arabica and Robusta grab the win easily. But whether it’s about the extra bitterness or the stronger caffeine kick, some people just prefer it over Arabica beans. And to make your choice easier, we’ve decided to list the best Robusta coffee brands out there!
Note that we’ve ranked them based on their user ratings (and the overall number of reviews) on Amazon.
Some of the entries on this are quite well-known, such as Death Wish Coffee which is considered as one of the top Arabica-Robusta blends out there.
This way you’ll know for certain which Robusta coffee brand to go for if you want only the top of the top!
The Top 5 Robusta Coffee Brands
Every Robusta fan has to be familiar with these companies, including some of the top Robusta coffee producers, because they offer arguably the best Robusta coffee.
Also, keep in mind that we’ve prioritized the 100% Robusta brands at the top of the list.
- Also read: Best coffee on Amazon
Although some of the Arabica-Robusta blends might have better ratings, you’re more interested in pure Robusta-only coffee brands, right?
1. Biohazard Ground Coffee - The World's Strongest Coffee
Average customer rating: Great
Price: $$
Blend: 100% Robusta
Taste & flavor: Strong taste with a cherry flavor on top
Biohazard Coffee is the brand with the best 100% Robusta coffee, according to the related Amazon ratings.
Now, as you might already know Robusta has a higher caffeine content than Arabica.
However, Biohazard are taking things to a whole new level with their 928 mg of caffeine per 12-oz.
That’s around x4 the caffeine of basic coffee and roughly x2 what you’re getting from energy drinks.
The truly humongous amounts of caffeine that this coffee provides are meant to keep you up when it matters.
Whether it’s about staying all night to study or making your workouts more productive, Biohazard Coffee has got you covered.
This pre-ground type of Biohazard’s coffee makes for an ideal dark organic Robusta roast that Robusta fans are bound to enjoy.
2. Cannonball Coffee - Maximum Charge, Strong Whole Bean Coffee
Average customer rating: Very decent
Price: $$
Blend: 100% Robusta
Taste & flavor: Sweet flavor with caramel, dark chocolate and toasted malt notes
At number 2 we have a coffee brand that’s owned by a former veteran of the UK Armed Forces.
Apparently, Cannonball Coffee was created to pay homage to those lengthy overseas deployments where caffeine is a must-have.
Maybe that’s why this coffee is so ridiculously strong.
A 12-oz serving (using 2 oz of ground coffee) has a whopping 1101 mg of caffeine!
That’s more than what Biohazard Coffee and Death Wish Coffee has to offer.
But the real beauty of the Cannonball Coffe is that it’s made of medium roast Robusta beans.
And in case you’re wondering: does dark coffee have more caffeine – no, light and dark roasts have the same amount of caffeine.
Still, the medium roast gives Cannonball Coffee its sweeter flavor, while also having a higher caffeine content.
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Average customer rating: Decent
Price: $
Blend: 100% Robusta
Taste & flavor: Smooth with chocolate notes
Robusta and Vietnam simply go hand in hand so it was logical for a Vietnamese coffee to find its way to this list.
Now, this bach is exactly what you might expect from Vietnamese whole bean coffee.
These beans are grown in the high-altitude Dalat region in Vietnam, which is an ideal place for growing Robusta beans.
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Also, Bach’s whole beans are sun-dried for an optimal and rich flavor.
All of this means that you’re getting Robusta beans that are smooth and even sweet thanks to the choco notes.
So if you’re into low-acid, vegan Vietnamese coffee, this Robusta brand will be up your street.
4. Death Wish Organic Whole Bean Coffee
Average customer rating: Superb
Price: $$
Blend: High Robusta content
Taste & flavor: Bold and smooth with chocolate & cherry notes
First and foremost, Death Wish’s coffee is not pure Robusta.
This is a Robusta-Arabica blend with a predominantly Robusta content.
As a result, you’re still getting that big caffeine kick, while also benefiting from the smoother Arabica notes.
But there’s a trade-off to that, mainly in the caffeine content.
Although it’s dubbed the “World’s Strongest Coffee”, this Death Wish coffee offers “only” 728 mg of caffeine per a 12-oz serving.
Sure, that’s still quite a lot of caffeine, just not on the same level as Biohazard’s or Cannonball’s 100% Robusta beans.
Other than that, Death Wish coffee is one of the most popular and widespread coffee grounds and whole-bean coffee products ever.
Also, this dark roast beauty has been given the prestigious USDA organic certificate.
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5. Caffe Borbone ESE Coffee Pods, Miscela Nera
Average customer rating: Decent
Price: $$$
Blend: High Robusta content
Taste & flavor: Bold with a rich crema and full-bodied espresso flavor
This is another Robusta-Arabica blend, albeit favoring Robusta.
Apparently, Caffe Borbone’s coffee ESE pods are the best-selling pods in Italy (according to their words).
Now, ESE stands for Easy Serve Espresso coffee machines, implying that these pods are compatible only with such units.
But since they’re soft pods (not plastic ones like the K-Cups), I’d imagine that you can use them in other machines as well.
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The dimensions of these pods are 3/8” in thickness and 7/8” in diameter, so check if they’ll fit in your coffeemaker.
Anyway, this dark roast blend seems to be an ideal choice for those of you who want some Arabica with their Robusta.
FAQs
1. What is Robusta coffee?
Robusta coffee is a type of coffee bean that is grown primarily in Central and Western Africa, Southeast Asia, and Brazil.
It is known for its strong flavor and high caffeine content, making it a popular choice for use in instant coffee and espresso blends.
2. How should I prepare Robusta coffee for the best taste?
The best way to prepare Robusta coffee for the best taste is to use a French press or espresso machine.
Robusta coffee is strong and can be overwhelming if brewed using traditional drip coffee methods.
Additionally, using high-quality, freshly roasted beans can also improve the taste of your Robusta coffee.
3. Is Robusta coffee bad for you?
Robusta coffee has received a bad reputation in the past, but is it really bad for you?
Here are some things you should know:
- High caffeine content Robusta coffee has a higher caffeine content than Arabica coffee. While caffeine can be harmful in large amounts, moderate consumption of caffeine has been shown to have some health benefits.
- Antioxidants Coffee is a rich source of antioxidants, which help to protect your body against damage from free radicals. Robusta coffee has been shown to have higher levels of antioxidants than Arabica coffee.
- Acrylamide – Acrylamide is a chemical that is formed when coffee beans are roasted at high temperatures. Robusta coffee has been shown to have higher levels of acrylamide than Arabica coffee. While acrylamide is a potential carcinogen, the levels found in coffee are considered to be safe for consumption.
- Moderation is key As with any food or drink, moderation is key. Drinking too much coffee, whether it’s Robusta or Arabica, can lead to side effects like jitters, anxiety, and sleep problems. However, when consumed in moderation, coffee can have some health benefits.
Key information:
- Robusta coffee has a higher caffeine content and more antioxidants than Arabica coffee
- Robusta coffee has higher levels of acrylamide, but the levels are considered safe for consumption
- Drinking coffee in moderation is key for reaping its potential health benefits
4. How do you choose the best Robusta coffee?
Choosing the best Robusta coffee can be overwhelming, but here are some things to consider when making your selection:
- Origin – Robusta coffee beans are grown in different regions of the world, and each region has its own unique flavor profile. For example, Robusta beans grown in Vietnam are known for their chocolatey and nutty flavors, while Robusta beans grown in India have a more earthy and spicy taste.
- Roast level – The roast level can greatly affect the flavor of your coffee. Robusta coffee can be roasted to different levels, from light to dark. Light roasts tend to bring out the fruity and floral notes of the beans, while dark roasts bring out strong and bitter flavors.
- Blend – Many coffee brands blend Robusta beans with Arabica beans to create a unique flavor profile. If you prefer a milder taste, look for a blend with a higher percentage of Arabica beans. If you prefer a stronger taste, look for a blend with a higher percentage of Robusta beans.
Key information:
- Consider the origin of the Robusta beans for different flavor profiles
- Roast level affects the flavor of the coffee
- Blends of Robusta and Arabica beans can create unique flavor profiles
5. How should Robusta coffee be brewed?
Brewing Robusta coffee requires a different approach than brewing Arabica coffee.
Here are some tips for brewing Robusta coffee:
- Use a French press or Moka pot Robusta coffee is often used in espresso blends, so it’s best brewed using a French press or Moka pot. These methods allow the full flavor of the coffee to come through, while also creating a rich and creamy texture.
- Use a coarser grind Robusta coffee beans are harder and denser than Arabica beans, so they require a coarser grind to extract the full flavor. A coarse grind will also prevent the coffee from becoming too bitter.
- Use filtered water Filtered water is essential for brewing a good cup of coffee, whether it’s Robusta or Arabica. Tap water can contain minerals and chemicals that can affect the taste of the coffee.
Key information:
- French press and Moka pot are recommended for brewing Robusta coffee
- Use a coarser grind to extract full flavor and prevent bitterness
- Use filtered water for best results
6. Which Coffee Brands Are Considered Robusta?
There are several brands that offer 100% Robusta-only coffee.
However, it’s quite the challenge to find coffee brands that have pure Robusta beans or grounds.
But we did the hard work for you and these are the most prominent Robusta brands that you’ll stumble upon on Amazon:
- Biohazard Coffee
- Cannonball Coffee
- Bach Coffee
- Cafe Rogusta (yes, it’s Rogusta – not Robusta)
- Trung Nguyen
It’s also worth noting that most of the inexpensive coffee blends are actually made of mostly Robusta.
That’s because most people prefer the taste of Arabica, which happens to be the more expensive coffee bean type.
But you’re most likely a fan of Robusta if you’re reading this.
So in this case, rejoice – cheaper coffee blends contain more Robusta than Arabica!
7. Is Starbucks Coffee Arabica or Robusta?
Starbucks coffee has been labeled as 100% Arabica for a long time now.
This means that every caffeinated beverage on Starbucks’ menu is made of Arabica beans only.
No Robusta, no Liberica or any other less popular types of coffee – just good old Arabica.
And why do you think Arabica is so popular?
It just tastes better, at least according to the vast majority of people out there. Here’s why:
- Arabica beans – Sweeter and softer taste with tones of various fruits
- Robusta beans – Harsher and more bitter with earthy tones
So it’s easy to see why Starbucks is all about Arabica.
However, Robusta beans contain more caffeine than Arabica.
Thus, if you stumble upon a particular coffee drink that’s supposedly Arabica but has much more caffeine than similarly-sized Arabica-only coffee drinks, be cautious.
It might not be a 100% Arabica drink after all.
There’s no difference in caffeine content between Arabica beans.
The higher caffeine content can be found in Robusta beans, so do keep that in mind!
8. What’s The Difference Between Robusta And Arabica Coffee?
The primary difference between the two is the caffeine content, taste and associated cost.
And to make it easier for you, here are 7 key differences between Arabica and Robusta:
- Taste – Robusta beans tend to have a more bitter and earthy taste, while Arabica sorts are sweeter and smoother.
- Price – Robusta coffee is cheaper than Arabica mainly because it’s easier to grow and it’s not so sought after.
- Caffeine – Robusta beans have x2 (twice) as much caffeine compared to Arabica i.e. 2.7% caffeine content per bean vs 1.5% for Arabica.
- Size – Arabica usually has bigger beans, while the Robusta ones tend to be smaller and rounder, albeit thicker.
- Cultivation – Arabica is typically grown in South American countries, while Robusta is predominantly grown in eastern regions like Vietnam and Indonesia.
- Maturation – Robusta beans mature much quicker as they produce fruit within a 2-year period, while Arabica takes twice as long to produce fruit – 4 years.
- Sugar – Arabica is sweeter due to the fact that it contains two mines more sugar than Robusta.
9. How is Robusta coffee typically brewed, and what brewing methods work best?
Robusta coffee can be brewed using a variety of methods, including espresso, French press, drip coffee, and pour-over.
Since Robusta beans have a strong, bold flavor, they are often used in espresso blends to add depth and complexity to the flavor profile.
French press and drip coffee are also popular brewing methods for Robusta coffee, as they allow the bold flavors to shine through.
Pour-over is another popular brewing method that can help bring out the unique characteristics of Robusta coffee.
10. What are the health benefits of drinking Robusta coffee?
Robusta coffee contains a higher amount of caffeine than Arabica coffee, which can provide a boost of energy and help improve mental alertness.
It also contains antioxidants, which can help protect against cell damage and reduce the risk of chronic diseases like cancer, diabetes, and heart disease.
Some studies have also suggested that regular coffee consumption may be associated with a lower risk of depression and Alzheimer’s disease.
Conclusion
Okay, these are the best Robusta coffee brands that you can get your Robusta fix.
Although it tends to be more bitter, some people have actually grown to love the Robusta taste.
Another key reason for preferring this coffee bean type is the caffeine content.
If you’re looking for that extra caffeine kick, Robusta is what you need.
Now, do you personally like the taste of Robusta or do you prefer the traditional Arabica path to coffee drinking?
Drop your answer below!
Simon is a coffee enthusiast who has spent years exploring the world of coffee. He has a deep passion for the art of brewing and enjoys experimenting with different brewing methods to create the perfect cup of coffee. His love for coffee has led him to become an expert in the field, and he is known for his meticulous attention to detail when it comes to selecting and brewing the perfect cup. Simon is also an avid traveler who loves incorporating new flavors and techniques into his brewing.
Last update on 2023-12-08 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
I’ve been a die-hard Starbucks fan for 30 years ever since they first opened in Pike’s Market in Seattle. I am now working where I need the extra boost in the morning and just drinking more of Starbucks isn’t helping. I tried Death Wish and couldn’t really see much of a difference from Starbucks 2x caffeine dark roast but now that I have learned the difference between Arabica and Robusta beans that makes sense. Death wish is a blend and Starbucks is all Arabica. It looks like Biohazard is the next brand to try, I am not brave enough to try Cannonball, yet!
Thanks for this great article on coffee/caffeine, I’ve learned a lot.
Hi and welcome to CL!
Death Wish’s coffee is an Arabica/Robusta blend indeed and these blends are typically more bitter than pure Arabica.
But on the other hand, you’re getting more caffeine so it’s all about what you’re looking for.
As for trying Cannonball Coffee – it might be a good idea if you don’t feel the caffeine kick from “weaker” brands.
However, I’ve personally realized that when I feel totally beat up, no amount of caffeine can help.
Cheers and God bless,
— Simon
Could someone please explain to me why it seems to be an industry standard to use the word “altitude” (as in the height of an airplane above the ground) instead of “elevation” (distance above mean sea level)?
Hi there Joe and welcome to CL!
Thank you for the interesting question.
Well, it’s just that elevation and altitude are used interchangeably when it comes to coffee.
There isn’t any specific or unique reason that I know of.
Cheers and God bless,
— Simon