What Makes Costa Coffee Different from Other Chains

If you've ever sipped a cup of coffee from a global chain and wondered why it tastes burnt or overly sharp, you're not alone. Many coffee drinkers seek a richer, smoother cup without the harsh aftertaste—but it's hard to know which chains deliver that consistently. For those curious about what really sets some coffee chains apart in terms of roast, blend, and preparation, Costa offers a revealing case study.

The key difference? Costa coffee beans are slow-roasted at low temperatures for 22 minutes—double the typical roast time—which enhances natural aromas, produces a smoother cup, and avoids the common burnt notes of fast, high-heat roasting.

Why Costa’s 22-Minute Slow Roast Matters

Costa’s signature coffee quality comes from a precise roasting method: all beans are roasted slowly at low temperatures for exactly 22 minutes. This extended roast allows the beans to develop more of their natural aromatic compounds while creating a mellower, rounder flavor profile. Most importantly, it minimizes the acrid, charred taste associated with shorter, high-temperature roasts. The result is a smoother, more balanced espresso base without sacrificing depth.

Costa’s Unique Espresso Blend Formula

Costa has crafted its own proprietary espresso blend by combining Arabica and Robusta beans in a 6:1 ratio. This carefully calibrated mix delivers a strong, full-bodied shot with enhanced crema and body—traits often missing in 100% Arabica espressos. The small percentage of Robusta contributes to a thicker texture and bolder taste, making the blend especially suitable for traditional milk-based drinks popular in Europe.

Barista Training & In-Store Craftsmanship

Every Costa location employs trained baristas who receive specialized instruction in Italian espresso techniques. Unlike many chains relying on automated machines, Costa insists on manually crafted drinks. Each cup is prepared on-site by staff using traditional Italian methods, ensuring consistency and a hands-on approach to quality. That means every espresso, cappuccino, and latte is made with attention to technique—temperature, tamp pressure, and pour speed—just like in a Milanese café.

Investment in Roasting Infrastructure

Costa has committed over £1 million to state-of-the-art roasting equipment at its Lambeth Roastery. This investment supports the production of high-quality coffee at scale. Additionally, the company employs its own in-house roasting master, certified under Italian coffee industry standards. With weekly production topping 35 tons of coffee—and capacity soon to rise to 65 tons per week after further equipment upgrades—Costa maintains tight control over its roast profiles and supply chain.

Sourcing & Ethical Coffee Choices

The coffee beans used across all Costa shops are imported from nine major producing countries across South America, East Africa, Asia, and the Far East. These beans are blended in fixed proportions to achieve Costa’s signature taste. Furthermore, customers can opt for any Costa coffee as part of the Fairtrade program. Through a partnership with Cafédirect, Fairtrade-certified Earl Grey tea from Teadirect is also available, aligning with consumer demand for ethically sourced beverages.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does Costa roast its coffee beans for?

Costa roasts its coffee beans for 22 minutes at low temperatures. This slow-roasting process is designed to enhance the natural aromas of the beans and produce a smoother, less bitter cup compared to standard high-heat, short-duration roasts.

What’s the blend ratio in Costa’s espresso?

Costa’s proprietary espresso blend uses a 6:1 ratio of Arabica to Robusta beans. This combination delivers a rich, full-bodied espresso with more crema and body than 100% Arabica blends, and the Robusta adds strength and texture ideal for milk drinks.

Are Costa baristas trained differently?

Yes. All Costa baristas receive professional, Italian-style training specific to Costa’s methods. They manually prepare espresso-based drinks on-site rather than using fully automated machines, ensuring each cup follows traditional techniques like proper tamping and controlled pouring.

How much does Costa invest in roasting?

Costa has invested over £1 million in roasting equipment at its Lambeth Roastery. The company also employs a certified Italian roasting master and produces up to 65 tons of coffee per week with plans to scale further.

Does Costa offer Fairtrade options?

Yes, any Costa coffee can be ordered as part of the Fairtrade program. The company also partners with Cafédirect to offer Fairtrade Earl Grey tea, giving customers ethical sourcing choices across beverages.

Recommended FrontStreet Blends for Costa-Style Coffee

For coffee shops aiming to replicate Costa’s rich, smooth profile, FrontStreet Coffee’s Commercial Blend and Classic Blend are excellent choices. The Commercial Blend is a well-balanced dark roast with notes of dark chocolate and caramel—ideal for espresso drinks and milk-based coffees. The Classic Blend offers a bold yet smooth foundation with hints of nuts and dark cherry, perfect for traditional cappuccinos and lattes. Both blends are designed for consistency and durability in high-volume settings. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.