Comparison of the two most popular coffee varieties – Robusta and Arabica

Arabica and Robusta coffee beans account for the majority of global coffee production and consumption. Both types of coffee are known for their unique characteristics, but how can they be directly compared?

Arabica is sweeter and has fruity notes. Robusta is darker, richer and more bitter. Arabica is more expensive, but generally of higher quality and more versatile. Robusta is used as a filler in coffee blends. High-quality Robusta is desirable for espresso and has a much higher caffeine content.

The comparison between Arabica and Robusta is important, but first you need to know the advantages and disadvantages of the two types of coffee. Let’s take a look at Arabica and Robusta coffee beans under the microscope to compare them.

Arabica Robusta

Higher sugar content Lower sugar content

Higher oil content Lower oil content

More acidic Less acidic

Sweet, fruity, softer in taste Bitter, earthy, woody in taste

More expensive Cheaper

More difficult to grow Easier to grow

Susceptible to pests Not susceptible to pests

Grown at higher altitudes Grown at lower altitudes

Lower yield of beans from one tree Higher yield of beans from one tree

1.5% caffeine content 2.7% caffeine content

Mainly grown in Latin America Also grown in Africa and Indonesia.

More versatile Less versatile

The share of coffee consumption is 70%. The share of coffee consumption is 25%.

Generally higher quality Generally lower quality

Weaker coffee Stronger coffee, preferably espresso

Used for single-origin coffee Mostly used in blends

More antioxidants in medium or dark roasts More antioxidants in light roasts

Arabica is generally of higher quality than Robusta. Taking into account the special features of cultivation, appearance, growing locations and taste, Arabica is twice or even more expensive. Unscrupulous producers often use Robusta instead of Arabica to increase their profits.

Is it possible to check the quality of the coffee?

In Germany, it is possible to investigate and expose these producers.

With the help of special tests, Quality Services International GmbH can determine the quality of the coffee. As an accredited laboratory with state-of-the-art laboratory equipment and experienced, constantly trained specialists, QSI can offer the full range of analyses of foodstuffs, including coffee, in accordance with the pharmacopoeia. QSI performs more than 15 coffee tests and can determine the presence of Robusta or Arabica, the quality of the roasted coffee, the contamination of the beans, mold and much more.

Coffee blends:

The combined use of Arabica and Robusta in coffee blends, which must be declared in advance, allows you to experience a wider range of sensations. Robusta helps Arabica to open up, and vice versa. The combination of Arabica and Robusta in varying proportions is perfect for preparing a velvety espresso in the best Italian tradition. It is also a good base for coffee milkshakes.