What is the Cost of Robusta Coffee Beans?
Known for their bold and intense flavours, as well as a rich crema, Robusta coffee perfect for coffee lovers who need a caffeine kick! Determining the cost of Robusta coffee beans requires careful consideration, taking into account certain impactful factors and whether the overall price is justified.
In this guide, we’ll explore the cost of Robusta coffee beans, including key flavours and where to find the best coffee beans for your palate.
- What is Robusta?
- What Affects the Cost of Robusta Coffee Beans?
- How Much Do Robusta Beans Cost?
- Comparing Robusta and Arabica Coffee Beans
- Should I Buy Robusta Beans?
- Where to Buy the Best Robusta Coffee Beans
- Frequently Asked Questions
Discover the benefits and flavour profile of Robusta beans.
Browse different factors that impact the overall price of Robusta.
Find out the cost of Robusta coffee beans.
Compare Robusta vs Arabica beans for your perfect cup of coffee.
Decide whether the cost of Robusta coffee beans is worth it.
Discover how to find the best Robusta, and the benefits of a coffee subscription.
Read common queries on Robusta coffee beans.
What is Robusta?
Originating in central and western sub-Saharan Africa, Robusta (Coffea canephora) is one of the main bean species of coffee in the world, second only to Arabica (Coffea arabica). Robusta is known for its high caffeine content, rich crema, strong flavour, and complexity, perfect for coffee drinkers who love a strong kick in the morning.
As Robusta is easier to cultivate compared to Arabica due to its lower altitudes and hotter growing conditions, it is often more affordable and commonly found in instant coffee, espresso blends, and supermarket products. The beans are smaller and rounder than those of Arabica, offering a punchier and more bitter profile.
Expect earthy, woody, and nutty notes, along with a less refined flavour profile.
Why Drink Robusta Coffee?
Robusta is perfect for espresso lovers who want a thick and rich crema, as well as fans of strong, bold flavours.
Due to its bitterness and strength, Robusta is not for everyone. For those looking for a smooth taste along with a caffeine kick, consider blends of Robusta and Arabica for a well-balanced flavour profile.
Enjoy a blend of Arabica & Robusta beans for intense flavours of nuttiness and sweetness:
Carluccio’s Roma Coffee Beans are carefully roasted using authentic Italian methods, showcasing the classic Roman flavours of toast, chocolate, dark caramel, and nuts. For softer flavours of almond and vanilla, grind Roma beans coarsely – perfect for a cafetière.
What Affects the Cost of Robusta Coffee Beans?
Robusta is a much easier plant to cultivate than Arabica. It thrives at lower altitudes and higher temperatures. Because of this, Robusta is more widely available, and generally sold at a lower price.
However, certain factors may impact the overall cost of Robusta coffee beans:
- The Harvest Conditions: Robusta is often planted in West Africa (Uganda and Ethiopia) and Southeast Asia (Vietnam, Indonesia, and India). Changing weather conditions, such as drought or excessive rainfall, can impact harvest quality, reducing yields and increasing the overall cost of Robusta coffee beans.
- Global Demand: Popular among instant coffee and ready-to-drink products, an increase in demand for Robusta beans may also drive up prices.
- Quality Grades & Certification: Coffee grading evaluates the quality of coffee beans based on their size, defects, moisture, and cup quality, ranging from Speciality Grade 1 (the highest quality) to Off-Grade Beans (very low quality with a high number of defects). Higher grades or certified batches, such as those by Fairtrade, command premium prices.
- Trade Policies & Export Tariffs: Restrictions and tariffs in major producing countries can also influence the cost of Robusta coffee beans.
At Carluccio’s, we source high-quality coffee beans from across the world, roasting them in Italy for a truly authentic Italian coffee experience. We focus on the detail and quality of each blend, with our Italian coffee collection available in three styles: bean, espresso (fine ground), and caffettiera (coarse grind).
Take a flavour journey from Northern Milano to Southern Napoli and experience authentic and complex Italian blends with Carluccio’s. Our regional styles are perfect for every type of coffee lover – from the everyday cappuccinos to a strong kick of Robusta.
Shop all Carluccio’s Italian Coffee Beans here.
How Much Do Robusta Beans Cost?
According to market research, the average cost of Robusta coffee beans ranges from £2 to £4 per 250g. This varies depending on whether they are green (raw) Robusta beans, roasted, or included in an instant or espresso blend.
Retail prices of Robusta beans tend to be between £12 and £16 per kilogram, and £1.50 and £4 per 250g. These are commonly found in supermarkets and online stores, with varying prices on branding, roast level, and packaging.
Comparing Robusta and Arabica Coffee Beans
Generally, Robusta costs less than Arabica beans due to its lower price and easier to cultivate nature.
Use our comparison table to find which bean variety works best for your palette and budget:
| Robusta | Arabica | |
| Average Cost (Roasted, per kg) | Lower – averaging around £12 to £16 per kg | Higher – between £10 and £30 per kilo |
| 250g Retail Price (Roasted) | £1.50 - £4.00 | £3.50 - £7.00 |
| Flavour Profile | Strong, bitter, earthy, and nutty notes – great for instant and espresso blends | Smooth, sweet and fruity flavours – favoured in premium coffee |
| Caffeine Count | Higher – between 2.2% and 2.7% | Lower – between 1.2% and 1.5% |
| Bean Shape | Round with a straight crease | Oval with a curved crease |
| Best for | Perfect for espresso blends, instant coffee, coffee lovers on a budget, and those who need a strong caffeine kick | Perfect for speciality and premium coffee lovers, those who love a sweeter taste, and single-origin blends |
For more information, read our Arabica vs Robusta beans comparison guide here.
Should I Buy Robusta Beans?
Robusta is perfect for coffee lovers who want a heavy kick of caffeine, and a more energising brew compared to Arabica. Great for blends, instant coffee and strong espressos, Robusta beans are ideal for espresso lovers and those who want bold and intense flavours, such as earth, wood and nut.
Get your caffeine fix and a well-rounded cup with Carluccio’s Napoli coffee beans:
A blend of Arabica and Robusta, our Napoli coffee collection is the epitome of the authentic flavours savoured by the Neapolitans. Perfect for lattes and cappuccinos, expect flavours of dark cocoa, smoke, and blackberry along with a strong Robusta kick.
Shop Napoli Coffee Beans, Espresso, and Caffettiera styles here.
The bitterness and strength of Robusta may put off certain coffee drinkers, particularly those who are looking for an easy-to-drink, on-the-go cup. If you prefer a smooth, aromatic coffee, Robusta may not be the right choice for you. Consider blends that are 100% Arabica, such as our Milano coffee collection.
But, do not be deterred! Robusta is also great for blending with Arabica for the best of both: smooth flavours with a caffeine kick.
Experimenting is part of the fun—sample various flavours, from single origin to complex blends of Arabica and Robusta.
Browse our entire collection of authentic Italian coffee here.
Where to Buy the Best Robusta Coffee Beans
To get the most out of your cup, look for high-quality coffee beans. Choose single-origin Robusta, or premium blends with a high Robusta content for strong, bold and intense flavours. Shop at speciality coffee stores, which take care in providing authentic and complex blends.
Why not consider subscribing to a coffee service? At Carluccio’s, we offer a coffee subscription for all our Italian coffees, including Napoli, Milano, and Roma blends. Choose from coffee beans to particular grinds – perfect for brewing in a Moka Pot, espresso machine, or cafetière. It’s a great way to save money on your Robusta beans in the long run!
Interested? Browse our coffee subscription to find your perfect flavour here.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Robusta cheaper for home espresso brewing?
Generally, Robusta is more cost-effective compared to Arabica, as the beans are less expensive to produce. They are perfect for budget-conscious coffee lovers!
To enhance the complex flavours, we recommend freshly grinding your coffee beans before making an Italian espresso.
For more information, read our guide on choosing the best coffee beans for an Italian espresso here.
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The Ultimate Guide to Arabica vs Robusta Coffee Beans
A Full Guide to Arabica Coffee Beans