The 30-second answer
- 🌱 Two different species: Coffea arabica and Coffea canephora (robusta).
- 🍫 Arabica: smoother, more aromatic, less caffeine. Robusta: more bitter, stronger, about twice the caffeine.
- ⛰️ Arabica grows at altitude and needs more care: it costs more.
- 🏷️ Read the label: only "100% arabica" guarantees there is no robusta.
Updated 27 September 2026 · Reading time: 8 min
On coffee packs you'll see "100% arabica", "pure robusta" or "arabica-robusta blend". These aren't brands or roasting methods, but two different species of coffee plant, which produce very different coffees in the cup. Here's what sets them apart, and how to choose.
Two coffee species
Arabica (Coffea arabica) originates from the highlands of Ethiopia. It is the most widely grown species in the world. Robusta is the common name for Coffea canephora, native to Central and West Africa. As the name suggests, it is hardier: it copes better with heat and disease, and yields more.
The differences in one table
| Arabica | Robusta | |
|---|---|---|
| Growing altitude | High altitude, often between 1,000 and 2,000 m | Lowlands and low altitude |
| Taste | Smooth, aromatic, fruity, floral, chocolatey notes | Bitter, strong, woody or earthy notes |
| Acidity | Present, pleasant | Low |
| Caffeine | About 1.1 to 1.5% | About 2 to 2.7% |
| Bean shape | Oval, S-shaped crease | Rounder, straight crease |
| Price | Higher | Lower |
| Common use | Specialty coffee, single origins | Entry-level coffee, instant coffee, some espresso blends |
Taste: the real difference
Arabica offers a wide range of aromas: red fruit and citrus in African coffees, chocolate and hazelnut in Latin American ones, spice in Asian ones. Its bitterness is moderate and its acidity brings freshness to the cup.
Robusta is more powerful and more bitter, with less nuance. On the other hand, it gives a thick crema in espresso, which explains its place in some blends.
Caffeine
Robusta contains about twice as much caffeine as arabica. Our coffees, all 100% arabica, range from 1.17% caffeine (Brazil Santos, Peru HB ORGANIC, Mexico Altura ORGANIC) to 1.40% (Tanzania AA Bourbon). If you want a strong cup without excess caffeine, choose an intense arabica rather than a robusta. To learn more: Coffee and health: what we really know.
How to tell the beans apart
Put a few beans in your hand: arabica beans are oval and elongated, with an S-shaped crease. Robusta beans are smaller and rounder, with an almost straight crease. It's a good test for whole bean coffee sold without a clear label.
Why blend the two?
Robusta is cheaper and gives a thick crema. Arabica-robusta blends therefore bring the price down and produce a very strong "Italian-style" espresso. It's a style choice, but often an economic one too: the higher the share of robusta, the less aromatic the coffee.
Read the label: "arabica" alone or "rich in arabica" guarantees nothing. Only the words "100% arabica" ensure there is no robusta in the pack.
FROM THE BIRTHPLACE OF ARABICA
Ethiopia Moka Sidamo Organic Coffee
Ethiopia is the birthplace of arabica. Our Moka Sidamo ORGANIC is a perfect example: jasmine, apricot, a silky texture. The most fragrant side of what arabica can offer.
Arabica or robusta: which one to choose?
- You like aromatic coffee with little bitterness: arabica, no question.
- You want a strong but not harsh coffee: an intense arabica such as Sumatra Gayo Mountain ORGANIC or Tanzania AA Bourbon.
- You're after the lowest price or lots of caffeine: a blend with robusta.
All Ti Cafew coffees are 100% arabica: find our 18 origins in our arabica coffee collection. To explore the range of flavours by country, read our Single-origin coffee: flavour guide by country.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between arabica and robusta?
They are two species of coffee plant. Arabica is smoother and more aromatic, grows at altitude and contains less caffeine. Robusta is more bitter and stronger, more productive and has about twice as much caffeine.
Which coffee has the most caffeine?
Robusta, with about 2 to 2.7% caffeine, compared with 1.1 to 1.5% for arabica.
Is 100% arabica coffee better?
It is more aromatic and less bitter. "Better" depends on your taste, but it is the choice of specialty coffee.
Why is arabica more expensive?
It grows at altitude, yields less, is more vulnerable to disease and needs more care.
How can I tell if my coffee is 100% arabica?
The words "100% arabica" should appear on the packaging. For whole beans, an oval shape with an S-shaped crease is also a good sign.
Discover our arabicas
Related articles
- Single-origin coffee: flavour guide by country
- Arabica coffee prices in Morocco: what makes the difference
- Specialty coffee: what does the SCA score mean?
In short: arabica and robusta are two different species. Arabica, grown at altitude, offers more aroma and less caffeine; robusta, stronger and cheaper, is mainly used in blends. For an aromatic coffee without bitterness, check for the words "100% arabica".
Our 100% arabica coffees are craft-roasted in France in small batches and delivered anywhere in Morocco in 2 to 5 days. Free delivery from 350 DH, cash on delivery.
