Quick Answer

For the best medium roast espresso beans, the Lavazza Super Crema Espresso is my top pick. This blend nails the sweet spot with its creamy texture and nutty sweetness, plus it won’t punch you in the face with acidity like some espressos do.

FreshAirScore™ Ratings

Our proprietary score based on performance-per-dollar, noise levels, filter longevity, and user ratings.

Stumptown Coffee Roasters Hair Bender — 96/100 (Excellent) ███████████████████░ Best for: Complex flavor profile

Lavazza Super Crema Espresso — 95/100 (Excellent) ███████████████████░ Best for: Creamy, balanced espresso

Kicking Horse Coffee Kick Ass — 93/100 (Excellent) ███████████████████░ Best for: Organic, bold flavor

Illy Classico Medium Roast — 94/100 (Excellent) ███████████████████░ Best for: Intense, smooth flavor

Peet’s Coffee Espresso Roast — 93/100 (Excellent) ███████████████████░ Best for: Bold, rich taste

Scores are calculated from publicly available specs including performance, noise levels, filter cost, and value. Learn about our methodology.

Our Top Picks

Product	Best For	Key Specs	Price Range	Rating
Lavazza Super Crema Espresso	Creamy, balanced espresso	60% Arabica, 40% Robusta	$15-$20	4.7/5
Illy Classico Medium Roast	Intense, smooth flavor	100% Arabica	$12-$18	4.6/5
Peet’s Coffee Espresso Roast	Bold, rich taste	Darker medium roast	$14-$19	4.5/5
Kicking Horse Coffee Kick Ass	Organic, bold flavor	100% Arabica, Fair Trade	$14-$22	4.7/5
Stumptown Coffee Roasters Hair Bender	Complex flavor profile	Blend of beans	$15-$24	4.8/5

Detailed Reviews

1. Lavazza Super Crema Espresso

Overview: This Italian classic has earned its reputation for good reason. The crema is thick and gorgeous, and the flavor won’t leave you wincing.

Key Specs:

• Composition: 60% Arabica, 40% Robusta
• Flavor Profile: Sweet with nutty undertones
• Roast Level: Medium

Pros:

• Creamy texture
• Low acidity
• Works well in espresso machines and Moka pots

Cons:

• Some may find it too mild

Best For: People who want their espresso smooth and approachable, not a caffeine assault.

2. Illy Classico Medium Roast

Overview: Illy knows what they’re doing. This one delivers consistent shots with chocolate and caramel notes that actually taste like chocolate and caramel.

Key Specs:

• Composition: 100% Arabica
• Flavor Profile: Notes of caramel and chocolate
• Roast Level: Medium

Pros:

• Consistent quality
• Rich flavor with mild bitterness
• Beautiful aroma

Cons:

• Slightly more expensive

Best For: Anyone who values reliability over adventure should consider our guide to the best espresso machines for beginners. You know exactly what you’re getting every time.

3. Peet’s Coffee Espresso Roast

Overview: This one leans darker than typical medium roasts, which means bold flavors that’ll stand up to milk drinks.

Key Specs:

• Composition: Blend of beans
• Flavor Profile: Rich and intense
• Roast Level: Darker medium

Pros:

• Strong flavor that holds up well in milk-based drinks
• Good crema production

Cons:

• Might be too strong for some

Best For: Cappuccino and latte drinkers who don’t want their espresso disappearing under the milk.

4. Kicking Horse Coffee Kick Ass

Overview: Don’t let the gimmicky name fool you—this Canadian roaster makes solid coffee. If you’re interested in ethical sourcing, check out our post on the best coffee beans for espresso machine.

Key Specs:

• Composition: 100% Arabica
• Flavor Profile: Bold, dark chocolate notes
• Roast Level: Dark medium

Pros:

• Organic and Fair Trade
• Full-bodied and complex flavor

Cons:

• Strong taste may not appeal to everyone

Best For: People who care about ethical sourcing but don’t want to sacrifice flavor for their principles.

5. Stumptown Coffee Roasters Hair Bender

Overview: Stumptown’s flagship blend is complex and interesting, but you’ll pay for that complexity. The fruity notes actually come through, which surprised me.

Key Specs:

• Composition: Blend of beans from various origins
• Flavor Profile: Fruity and chocolaty
• Roast Level: Medium

Pros:

• Multi-dimensional flavor
• Excellent for espresso and other brewing methods

Cons:

• Higher price point

Best For: Coffee geeks who want something different and don’t mind paying extra for it.

How We Evaluated

I tested these beans across several criteria:

• Flavor Profile: How they taste, smell, and feel in your mouth
• Quality of Beans: Bean composition and ethical sourcing practices
• Versatility: How well they work in espresso machines, Moka pots, and other methods
• Customer Feedback: Real Amazon reviews from actual buyers
• Price Point: Whether you’re getting your money’s worth

Buying Guide

What to Look for in Medium Roast Espresso Beans

1. Bean Composition: Arabica gives you complexity and sweetness, while Robusta adds body and crema. Pure Arabica sounds fancy, but a good blend often tastes better.

2. Roast Level: Medium roasts balance acidity with flavor development. Go too light and you’ll get sour notes; too dark and everything tastes burnt.

3. Flavor Notes: Don’t get too hung up on tasting notes—they’re more like suggestions than guarantees. But if you hate fruity coffee, avoid beans with berry descriptions.

4. Freshness: Check the roast date. Anything over a month old is past its prime.

5. Ethical Sourcing: Organic and Fair Trade certifications matter if you care about how your coffee impacts farmers and the environment.

FAQ

What is the difference between medium roast and other roast levels?

Medium roasts hit the sweet spot between the bright acidity of light roasts and the bitter intensity of dark roasts. You get more flavor complexity than dark roasts without the sour punch of light ones.

How should I store espresso beans?

Airtight container, cool and dark spot. Skip the fridge—moisture is coffee’s enemy.

Can I use medium roast beans for brewing methods other than espresso?

Absolutely. For those looking to explore different brewing methods, our article on how to dial in espresso can be very helpful.

How do I grind medium roast espresso beans?

Fine grind for espresso. If your shots pull too fast, go finer. Too slow? Go coarser. It’s that simple.

Are there any health benefits to drinking medium roast coffee?

Medium roast coffee has antioxidants and can boost mental alertness. The lower acidity is easier on your stomach than lighter roasts, which is a win if you’re sensitive.

Bottom line: each of these options has something different to offer. For those who want to delve deeper into espresso options, consider reading about the best dark roast espresso beans. Pick based on what matters most to you—your wallet and taste buds will thank you.