10 Best Coffee Beans for Cappuccinos in 2024

As a former barista, I make several cappuccinos every week. As such, I know which coffee beans go best with it. 

The San Francisco Bay Whole Bean Coffee is my top choice of coffee beans for cappuccinos. Because it has a well-balanced flavor and strength. Plus, it’s affordable and available almost everywhere. 

san Francisco Bay Whole Bean Coffee: Best Overall

• Roast: Espresso Roast
• Flavor Profile: Rich, complex, and full-bodied
• Available In: 2 lb bag
• Price: $$
• Origin: Single origin, Central America
• Organic: N/A

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However, you might prefer a different type of bean or roast level. So, to cover everyone’s personal preferences, I put together a list of the top 10 coffee beans for cappuccinos. 

Let’s dive in. 

Top 10 Coffee Beans for Cappuccinos

1. San Francisco Bay Whole Bean Coffee – Best Overall
2. Lavazza Espresso Italiano Whole Bean – Runner Up
3. Death Wish Coffee Dark Roast Whole Bean – Most Caffeine 
4. Volcanica Sulawesi, Celebes Kalossi – Best Organic
5. Starbucks Espresso Roast– Best Starbucks
6. Eight O’Clock Coffee Dark Roast Whole Bean – Best Budget
7. Lavazza Crema E Aroma Whole Bean – Best Medium Roast
8. Olde Brooklyn Dark Roast Whole Beans – Strongest Coffee
9. Grinders Coffee, Espresso, Roasted Beans 1kg – Best in Australia
10. Lavazza, Qualità Rossa, Coffee Beans – Best in UK

10 Best Coffee Beans for Cappuccinos in 2023

1. San Francisco Bay Whole Bean Coffee – Best Overall

Roast	Espresso roast
Flavor profile	Rich, complex, and full-bodied
Available In	2 lb bag
Price	$$
Origin	Single origin, Central America
Organic	N/A

The San Francisco Bay Whole Bean Coffee Espresso Roast is my top choice for cappuccinos due to its unique flavor, smooth texture, and balanced roast level.

This whole bean coffee is an espresso roast with a balanced flavor that is not too strong or bitter. It is smooth and is suitable for brewing any type of espresso drink, not just cappuccinos.

It goes well with regular coffee, espressos, lattes, cappuccinos, and more.

The San Francisco Bay espresso roast is moderately priced compared to similar whole-bean coffees and isn’t the cheapest option. But it isn’t the most expensive either. 

One downside is that it is only available in a 2-pound bag. This is a significant amount of coffee that would be hard to use before it becomes stale.

However, you can vacuum seal and freeze half or more of the beans to make it last longer, like I do. 

The espresso roast is made from 100% Arabica beans the company sources from Central America. The flavor is unique and distinct from other coffees I’ve tried.

Some people may find the strength of these coffee beans to be perfect for cappuccinos. However, a few reviewers thought it was too strong.

San Francisco Bay Coffee has been roasting high-quality beans since 1979 and has a strong reputation for its exceptional coffee.

If you prefer an Italian espresso roast, the Lavazza Espresso Italiano Whole Bean Coffee Blend up next is my recommendation. 

2. Lavazza Espresso Italiano Whole Bean Coffee Blend – Runner Up

Roast	Medium
Flavor profile	Full body with creamy & caramel flavors
Available In	1.25 lb bag, 8 oz can (4 pack)
Price	$
Origin	Multiple origins– Southeast Asia, Africa, Central America, South America
Organic	N/A

Lavazza Espresso Italiano Whole Bean Coffee Blend has a pleasant and smooth flavor, perfect for your daily cappuccino.

This medium roast coffee has a well-balanced flavor profile with hints of floral and fruity notes.

It has a lower acidity level compared to dark roasts and has a stronger taste than light roasts. It is not overly robust or bitter.

This coffee is a blend of Arabica beans that Lavazza sources from multiple regions, including Southeast Asia, Africa, Central America, and South America.

This gives the coffee its various tasting notes and well-balanced flavor that enhances your cappuccino.

If you have a preference for medium roasts, the Lavazza Espresso Italiano coffee should be a good fit for you.

It makes a perfect cappuccino, or you can enjoy it as a plain shot of espresso or other drinks like Americanos, Lattes,  and more.

Lavazza Espresso Italiano whole beans are a medium roast with a strong flavor, which may not be intense enough for some espresso drinkers.

If you prefer a stronger flavor, opt for a dark or espresso roast instead.

You can buy this coffee in two different sizes: a 1.25 lb bag and an 8 oz 4-pack. Both sizes can be purchased on Amazon, other online retailers, and your local grocery stores.

If you want the most caffeine possible, read on to learn about Death Wish Coffee. 

3. Death Wish Coffee, Organic and Fair Trade Dark Roast Whole Bean Coffee – Most Caffeine 

Roast	Dark roast
Flavor profile	Dark chocolate and black cherry
Available In	1 lb and 2 lb bags
Price	$$
Origin	Multiple origins
Organic	USDA Organic

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The Death Wish Coffee, Organic and Fair Trade Dark Roast Whole Bean Coffee has almost double the caffeine of a regular dark roast and has unique tasting notes of chocolate and cherry. 

With around 160–170 mg of caffeine per cup, this coffee is best for those who prefer that extra jolt of energy. 

This Death Wish coffee is a dark roast, which pairs well with cappuccinos and other espresso-based coffee drinks. 

I enjoy the chocolate and cherry tastes, smooth texture, and great aromas this coffee offers. 

However, some reviewers find it too strong for their liking. That said, it is made for those who want a strong cup of joe. 

This Death Wish Coffee comes in two sizes– a one-pound and a two-pound bag. 

You save a little more with the 2-lb bag, but both cost more than average. 

That said, this coffee is USDA-Certifed Organic, Fair Trade Certified, and comes from a small business, so I think the extra cost is justified and makes sense. 

Looking for the best organic coffee for your cappuccinos? The Volcanica Sulawesi, Celebes Kalossi coffee is my top choice.  

4. Volcanica Sulawesi, Celebes Kalossi – Best Organic

Roast	Medium roast
Flavor profile	Maple syrup, cherry, full-bodied
Available In	16 oz bag
Price	$$$
Origin	Single origin, Sulawesi Island
Organic	Organically grown

The Volcanica Sulawesi, Celebes Kalossi whole bean coffee is the best organic coffee beans for cappuccinos due to its organic growing processes, Rainforest Alliance, and Fair-Trade certifications.

It is a medium roast coffee with pleasant tasting notes of maple syrup and cherry.

The coffee has a full-bodied flavor and intense taste, characteristic of all Volcanica roasts. Plus, it offers a mild acidity and an interesting, spicy aroma.

But despite its low acidity, some reviewers find it too acidic. However, this is something I haven’t noticed. Perhaps these reviewers used stale or too much coffee when they brewed it. 

The Volcanica Sulawesi Celebes Kalossi whole-bean coffee cost more than other options on this list.

However, its unique flavors justify its higher price. Volcanica cultivates the beans solely at high elevations in volcanic regions, specifically on Sulawesi Island’s volcano.

In high-altitude volcanic regions, coffee plants can absorb more minerals and nutrients, giving it distinctive flavors. 

These whole beans come in a 16-ounce bag. After you open the bag, Volcanica recommends moving them to an airtight, opaque container and storing them at room temperature to maintain freshness. 

The Volcanica Sulawesi, Celebes Kalossi whole beans are organically grown and have Rainforest Alliance and Fair-Trade certifications. 

This means the coffee is ethically sourced, farmed, and processed and doesn’t contain any harmful pesticides or chemicals. 

Looking for a more widespread brand of coffee beans for your cappuccinos? You can’t go wrong with the bold flavors of the Starbucks Espresso Roast whole beans.

5. Starbucks Espresso Roast- Best Starbucks

Roast	Dark/espresso
Flavor profile	Rich molasses and caramel
Available In	28 oz bag
Price	$$
Origin	Mutli-origin, Asia Pacific and Latin America
Organic	N/A

The Starbucks Espresso Roast coffee is best for those who enjoy the taste of Starbucks coffee in their cappuccinos and other espresso-based beverages.

This dark roast is stronger with gentle hints of molasses and caramel. As you should expect with a dark roast, it is robust and pairs well with cappuccinos. 

However, there are some reviewers who think it is too weak. While I disagree, I acknowledge that there are stronger coffee beans on the market.

The Starbucks Espresso roast is priced competitively compared to other espresso coffees, although it is slightly more expensive than the average brand.

This Starbucks Espresso roast is whole-bean coffee, which you will need to grind to a fine size for your espresso machine.

Alternatively, you can take it to any Starbucks location for free grinding, or you can just buy a pre-ground version.

Like all Starbucks coffee, the company sources these beans from countries in the “Coffee Belt.” Starbucks only works with farms that follow responsible and ethical cultivation practices.

The Starbucks Espresso Roast coffee, like other Starbucks coffees, is exclusively sold in 28 oz bags.

As someone who regularly drinks coffee and espresso, I understand that it can be difficult to consume that much before it starts to lose its freshness.

However, you can vacuum-seal and freeze some to make it last longer. 

Looking for a more affordable coffee for cappuccinos? In that case, read on to learn about the Eight O’Clock Coffee Dark Italian Espresso, Dark Roast Whole Bean 100 % Arabica Coffee.

6. Eight O’Clock Coffee Dark Italian Espresso, Dark Roast Whole Bean 100 % Arabica Coffee  – Best Budget

Roast	Dark
Flavor profile	Bold and chocolaty
Available In	32 oz bag
Price	$
Origin	Multiple origins
Organic	N/A

The Eight O-Clock Dark Italian Espresso coffee is affordable and made using ethical farming and sourcing practices, ensuring no negative impact on the environment or the local community.

Eight O-Clock roasts this coffee here in the U.S. (in Maryland) to a dark level, which is ideal for cappuccinos and other espresso-based coffee drinks.

This coffee has a strong flavor and chocolate tasting notes that complement milk or creamer well. If you don’t like cream, and also tastes great black.

The coffee is whole-bean, so you’ll need to grind it yourself to a fine size for your espresso machine. This requires more effort, but it leads to a fresher cup of espresso.

In comparison to other whole-bean espresso coffees, the Eight O’Clock Coffee Dark Italian Espresso, Dark Roast is quite affordable.

In addition to purchasing it at your nearby grocery store, it is also available for purchase from various online retailers.

However, one drawback is that it is only available in a 32 oz bag.

This amount of coffee is hard before it becomes stale, even for large families with several coffee drinkers. 

However, its large size makes it a practical choice for cafeterias. Otherwise, you can vacuum seal and freeze a large portion of it to use later. 

Looking for a great medium roast to use for cappuccinos? The Lavazza Crema E Aroma Whole Bean Coffee Blend is my top choice. 

7. Lavazza Crema E Aroma Whole Bean Coffee Blend – Best Medium Roast

Roast	Medium roast
Flavor profile	Chocolate
Available In	2.2 lb bag
Price	$$
Origin	Multiple origins, Central America, South America, and Africa
Organic	N/A

The Lavazza Crema E Aroma Whole Bean Coffee Blend is the best medium roast for cappuccinos because of its delicious chocolate tasting notes and crema. 

It is a medium roast coffee, which makes it a good choice for those who want a milder cappuccino or other espresso beverage. 

Lavazza roasts this coffee in Italy with beans it sources from several coffee-growing regions in Central America, South America, and Africa. 

It has a smooth texture, chocolate tasting notes, and a rich, frothy crema when you brew it correctly. 

The Lavazza Crema E Aroma Whole Bean Coffee Blend is more expensive than average, even considering its large, 2.2 lb size. 

However, as I wrote earlier, you can vacuum-seal and freeze a portion of the beans to make them last longer. 

Looking for a stronger bag of coffee beans for making cappuccinos? The Olde Brooklyn Italian Dark Roast Whole Bean coffee is my top choice. 

8. Olde Brooklyn Italian Dark Roast Whole Beans – Strongest Coffee

Roast	Dark roast
Flavor profile	Sweet and smokey
Available In	5 lb bag
Price	$$
Origin	Multiple origins, Columbia, Brazil, and Guatemala
Organic	N/A

My recommendation for the strongest coffee for cappuccinos is the Olde Brooklyn Italian Dark Roast Whole Beans. It is known for its extra strength and its taste and aroma that can compete with several gourmet cappuccinos.

This dark roast coffee has a strong flavor, pleasant aroma, subtle tasting notes, and a rich taste that pairs well with various brewing methods. However, I think it tastes best in cappuccinos. 

The Olde Brooklyn Italian coffee is flavorful when consumed black or with a small amount of cream.

You can also enjoy it with more cream and sweeteners, but in that case, I recommend just using a less strong coffee.

If you’re used to drinking light and medium roasts, the intensity of this coffee may be overwhelming. So I recommend you start with a less intense dark roast.

This Olde Brooklyn dark roast whole-bean coffee is a blend of beans the company imports from Columbia, Brazil, and Guatemala in South America.

One downside is that it is only sold in a 5-lb bag. This is by far more coffee than you’ll be able to use before it starts to get stale. 

However, you can preserve half (or more) of the coffee beans by vacuum sealing them and storing them in your freezer to prolong their freshness, a method that I frequently use.

If you’re looking for coffee beans for cappuccinos in Australia, read on to learn about the Grinders Coffee, Espresso, Roasted Beans.

9. Grinders Coffee, Espresso, Roasted Beans 1kg – Best in Australia

Roast	Medium-dark roasted
Flavor profile	Nut, fruits, and chocolate
Available In	1 kg bag
Price	$$
Origin	Multiple origins
Organic	N/A

The Grinders Coffee, Espresso, Roasted Beans is my top choice of espresso beans for cappuccinos in Australia because it is domestically roasted and has a delicious taste with a well-balanced strength.

This coffee has unique tasting notes of nuts, fruits, and chocolate that add a smooth yet strong flavor to your cappuccino.

It is a medium-dark roast blend of Arabica and Robusto beans. This gives it a strong flavor with an intensity that is slightly less than espresso-roasted beans.

As such, it is best for cappuccino drinkers who prefer a bold flavor without overwhelming the taste. It also works well for other espresso and coffee beverages.

These Grinders Coffee whole beans are priced competitively with other coffee beans in Australia. One benefit is that they are roasted locally in Melbourne.

Furthermore, this coffee has a Rainforest Alliance Certification, which guarantees that the beans are cultivated ethically and contribute to developing the respective growing areas.

A potential drawback is that it is only available in a 1 kg bag, which may be excessive for some households and could become stale before fully consumed.

Some online purchasers think this coffee lacks flavor. But, I personally find it to have a robust and flavorful taste.

Looking for the best coffee beans for cappuccinos in the UK? Check out the Lavazza, Qualità Rossa, Coffee Beans below. 

10. Lavazza, Qualità Rossa, Coffee Beans – Best in UK

Roast	Medium roast
Flavor profile	Chocolate and dried fruits
Available In	1 kg bag
Price	$$
Origin	Multiple origins; South America, Africa and Southeast Asia
Organic	N/A

The  Lavazza, Qualità Rossa, Coffee Beans is the best coffee for cappuccinos in the UK because of its aromatic, smooth, and well-rounded flavors. 

It is best for UK residents who prefer a cappuccino on the milder side but not lacking any flavor.

It is a medium roast with tasting notes of chocolate and dried fruit, which goes well with cappuccinos and other espresso drinks. 

Compared to other whole bean coffees in the UK, this Lavazza coffee is affordable. Plus, you can find it at most grocery stores and online retailers. 

However, you might find ‌the 1 kg bag has too much coffee. But you can always vacuum seal and freeze a good portion of it to keep it fresh. 

Another downside is that some find it too weak. However, it is a medium roast. If you want something stronger, use a dark or espresso roast for your cappuccino instead. 

Coffee Beans for Cappuccinos Buying Guide

When selecting coffee for making cappuccinos, you need to consider the following factors. For more information, please refer to our read our complete coffee-buying guide.

Roast

The roast level of coffee beans is a significant consideration for cappuccinos. Numerous cappuccino lovers, myself included, have a preference for darker roasts.

Dark roasts typically have a higher intensity, bolder flavors, and greater strength that most expect from espresso-based beverages, including cappuccinos.

However, the most important to take into account is your personal preference when choosing whole bean coffee for your cappuccino.

Grind size

When making espresso for your cappuccino, you need to grind your beans to a fine grind size. Medium and coarse grounds won’t work in your espresso machine.

If you’re in the market for a new espresso machine, read our guide on the top latte machines for homes (which work just as well for cappuccinos). 

Larger grind sizes can lead to clogs and damage over time.

The grind size of coffee grounds is an important factor in the brewing process of an espresso machine. It affects the speed at which water and coffee mix and the rate at which flavor is extracted from the beans.

Learn more about this in our coffee grind size guide.

Certifications

When selecting coffee beans for cappuccinos, it is crucial to consider certifications such as USDA-certified Organic, Fair Trade, and Rainforest Alliance, among others.

USDA-certified organic indicates the absence of artificial flavors, preservatives, colors, or other additives.

The Fair Trade mark signifies that the coffee beans are grown and harvested sustainably, providing support for the farmers and local communities involved in its cultivation.

Rainforest Alliance certification ensures the protection of surrounding rainforests in the growing regions.

When choosing coffee, it is important to consider brands that have certifications for natural and ethical sourcing. However, cheaper coffee beans may not have these certifications.

Learn more about important coffee certifications in our guide here and in the table below.

Price/Budget

When searching for coffee beans for cappuccinos, you need to strongly consider both the price and quality.

More expensive coffee beans are better quality, but that’s not always the case. 

An 8-10 oz bag of whole bean coffee is usually between $8 and $25. The final cost depends on several factors, including ‌quantity, quality, and whether it is whole-bean or pre-ground.

To make a true cappuccino, you need to make espresso with whole beans or fine ground coffee. 

However, you can add instant coffee and ready-to-drink coffee to frothed cream and milk to make a faux cappuccino. 

Single-origin vs. Multi-origin

When choosing coffee for cappuccinos, it is important to consider whether the beans are “single-origin” or “multi-origin.”

Multi-origin espresso coffee is produced by using beans that are obtained from different sources, including multiple countries or regions within a single country.

This can result in a variety of flavors, but it may also result in inconsistent flavors in your latte and a less enjoyable taste. Generally, it is usually a more cost-effective choice for coffee beans.

In contrast, single-origin espresso beans are sourced from a singular location, such as a country, region, or farm.

Single-origin beans highlight the distinct flavors found in a specific region, resulting in a more robust and consistent taste, setting them apart from other coffee beans, and often having a higher price.

There is no inherent superiority between the two options.

Single-origin beans typically exhibit a consistent flavor profile characterized by one to two tasting notes, whereas multiple-origin coffee often showcases a broader range of tasting notes.

Single Origin Coffee Benefits

Below are the advantages of single-origin coffee beans.

• Robust textures and tasting notes
• Consistent flavors
• More strength/boldness

Multi-origin Coffee Benefits

Here are the advantages of using multi-origin coffee beans/grounds.

• Usually less expensive
• Blends can yield unique flavors
• Can have tasting notes from different regions

To learn more, check out our guide on single-origin coffee vs coffee blends.

Packaging date/roasting date

When selecting coffee beans for your cappuccino, you need to get one with a recent packaging and/or roast date.

Certain brands offer either a roast date or a packaging date, which are usually very close in time, often within a few hours or the same day.

To ensure optimal flavor and freshness, you need to pick coffee beans that have been roasted or packaged recently.

When purchasing online, it may be difficult to verify the packaging or roast date. However, you can always contact the seller and ask for a fresh batch.

To learn more about this, read our article on packaging and roast dates. 

Best brands

When searching for coffee beans for making cappuccinos, I recommend reputable brands such as Starbucks, San Francisco Bay, Volcanica, Lavazza, and Death Wish.

All of these brands have a wide selection of coffee beans, roast levels, etc., that you can use to make cappuccinos. Plus, they offer both pre-ground and whole bean options.

Our Verdict

Here are my top 3 choices of coffee beans for cappuccinos. All have unique flavors, great roast levels, and the perfect intensity for cappuccinos. 

• My top choice, the San Francisco Bay Whole Bean Coffee, has a rich, complex, and full-bodied flavor that will take your cappuccino to the next level. 
• The Lavazza Espresso Italiano Whole Bean Coffee Blend, the runner-up, has rich caramel tasting notes with a unique crema that will keep you coming back for more. 
• The Death Wish Coffee, Dark Roast Whole Bean Coffee will infuse your cappuccino with almost double the caffeine, along with great flavors and texture. 

san Francisco Bay Whole Bean Coffee: Best Overall

• Roast: Espresso Roast
• Flavor Profile: Rich, complex, and full-bodied
• Available In: 2 lb bag
• Price: $$
• Origin: Single origin, Central America
• Organic: N/A

Check Current Price