Search
Close this search box.

Should You Use Bleached or Unbleached Paper Coffee Filters?

Should You Use Bleached or Unbleached Paper Coffee Filters? In the pursuit of the perfect cup of coffee, the choice between bleached and unbleached paper coffee filters may seem trivial. Pour over coffee may seem like a straightforward way to make a delicious cup of joe, but even the paper filters you use can make […]

10 Popular Café Drinks Explained

Image: Multiple coffee drinks on a table in front of Luke with outstretched arms

10 Popular Café Drinks Explained Picture the scene.  You’ve entered a bustling local Café, walked up to the counter and looked up above at the vast array of drinks on the menu. You think to yourself, “I just want a plain old coffee!” With this in mind, I’m going to break down the anatomy of […]

Coffee TDS (Total Dissolved Solids) Explained

Ground coffee in a portafilter sat on a weighing scale

Coffee TDS (Total Dissolved Solids) Explained TDS may seem (or sound) like a very technical term. But in reality, it is basically the amount of coffee that ends up in your cup. Yep, it’s that simple!  TDS stands for Total Dissolved Solids, and it refers to the ratio of ground coffee particles that get carried […]

Immersion Coffee Brewing Explained

Immersion Coffee Brewing Explained Coffee brewing at its heart is as simple as combining ground coffee with water, and creating a delicious drink. However, there are many different ways to do this, each with their own unique taste, texture and characteristics.  Rather than water flowing over the coffee grounds, or being forced through them with […]

Arabica and Robusta Coffee: The Truth

Arabica and Robusta Coffee: The Truth Arabica is the most commonly known species of coffee bean out there. It is widely regarded as the golden child of the coffee world, and therefore it is no surprise that the vast majority of specialty coffee is Arabica.  However, its less popular brother Robusta also plays a significant […]

London’s Surprising Coffee History

London’s Surprising Coffee History London is a hotbed for culture, tradition, commerce and… coffee.  The buzzing economic and social atmosphere on the streets of the city are palpable, and this sense of productivity goes hand in hand with coffee consumption. Pretty much every street in central London has a coffee shop or at least one […]

European Bartender School 1 Day Coffee Course – My Experience 

European Bartender School 1 Day Coffee Course – My Experience  Whether you are a coffee enthusiast, aspiring barista or experienced coffee professional, the European Bartender School’s 1 day coffee course is a great way to sharpen your coffee credentials.  This internationally recognised course covers the fundamentals of green coffee cultivation, processing, roasting, brewing, barista art […]

Lavazza’s Wimbledon Partnership: Still Great a Decade On? 

Lavazza’s Wimbledon Partnership: Still Great a Decade On?  Coffee and queueing go hand in hand, and the partnership between Lavazza and Wimbledon has been a roaring success for the last decade. However, with a turbulent time from the Covid pandemic and fans returning to the famous queue for 2023, is this still a match made […]

Don’t Tamp Your Moka Pot, It Could Explode! 

Don’t Tamp Your Moka Pot, It Could Explode!  Whilst tamping is an essential part of making top notch espresso, the same cannot be said for Moka pot brewing. In fact, tamping your humble Moka pot could lead to excess pressure build up, under extracted coffee and even an explosion!  Here, I will break down why […]

17 Key Moka Pot Mistakes You Should Avoid

Photo of a Moka Pot with the lid down on a stovetop

17 Key Moka Pot Mistakes You Should Avoid If you are a keen coffee brewer and like to maintain high standards when it comes to coffee, you’ll want to avoid these major Moka pot mistakes at all costs!  The Moka pot is a small and simple coffee brewing device, but that doesn’t make it easy […]

An Enthusiast’s Experience of the London Coffee Festival 2023

An Enthusiast’s Experience of the London Coffee Festival 2023 My experience of the 2023 London Coffee Festival was a unique one. As a coffee enthusiast, I like to think I know a thing or two about coffee bean varieties, machines and what I do and don’t like in a cup of Joe.  However, the London […]

9 Tips Maintain and Clean a French Press

9 Tips Maintain and Clean a French Press The French press is such an easy to use coffee brewing device, that cleaning and maintaining it properly can often be overlooked by coffee lovers.  However, just because the humble French press is not as complicated or expensive as an authentic espresso machine, doesn’t mean it still […]

Wet vs Dry Cappuccino: Explained! 

Wet vs Dry Cappuccino: Explained!  The Cappuccino is one of the most popular coffee based drinks out there! Cappuccinos have a long, rich history and have a reputation for being silky smooth, multilayered and delicious!  But, there are actually a couple of variations to the cappuccino that many coffee lovers may want to experiment with!  […]

Latte vs Mocha: Which to Choose?

Latte vs Mocha: Which to Choose? Lattes and mochas are both incredibly popular coffee based drinks, but for quite different reasons. A latte and a mocha are actually quite similar in the way they are made, but they are aimed at quite different audiences.  Where a latte is a smooth, creamy espresso based drink that […]

Mocha vs Macchiato: Which to Choose?

Mocha vs Macchiato: Which to Choose? Mochas and macchiatos are both popular variations of classic espresso based drinks. A mocha adds a chocolaty twist to the traditional latte, whereas a macchiato takes the edge off a strong, bitter double espresso by adding a dash of foam.  But, how do these so called misfits of the […]

Americano vs Latte: Which to Choose?

Americano vs Latte: Which to Choose? There are so many coffee variations out there that it can sometimes be a bit overwhelming when you walk into your local coffee shop and aren’t sure which to pick!  However, two of the most popular coffee based drinks are the americano and the latte, but for quite different […]

Cortado vs Latte: Which to Choose?

Cortado vs Latte: Which to Choose? Both cortados and lattes are espresso-based drinks that contain luscious, creamy, steamed milk, with a touch of foam on top for good measure.  However, in this article, I will be focussing on the key differences between two of the most popular shot coffee drinks. The cortado and the latte […]

Bored of Your Regular Americano? Try These 3 Alternatives! 

Bored of Your Regular Americano? Try These 3 Alternatives!  The americano is one of the most simple yet well loved espresso based drinks. Harking back to the second world war, the americano dials down the intensity of an espresso shot, making it more palatable to a wider audience.  Many people mistake an americano for a […]

Bored of Your Regular Cappuccino? Try These 5 Alternatives! 

Bored of Your Regular Cappuccino? Try These 5 Alternatives!  The Cappuccino is one of the most popular coffee based drinks out there! Cappuccinos have a long, rich history and have a reputation for being silky smooth, multilayered and delicious!  But, if you are bored of your regular cappuccino, there are actually a number of variations […]

Bored of Your Regular Latte? Try These 14 Alternatives!

Bored of Your Regular Latte? Try These 14 Alternatives! The latte is one of the most popular coffee based drinks known to man! The creamy, velvety, smooth texture of steamed milk, hot aromatic espresso all topped off with a thin layer of foam is to die for! Latte art is a whole other phenomenon that […]

Frappuccino vs Cappuccino: What’s the Difference?

Frappuccino vs Cappuccino: What’s the Difference? There are so many different coffee varieties out there, it can sometimes be hard to tell which is which! The names for different types of coffee based drinks can sometimes be confusing, and this is definitely the case with the frappuccino and the cappuccino.  On the face of it, […]

Frappe vs Iced Coffee vs Cold Brew: Which is Best?

Frappe vs Iced Coffee vs Cold Brew: Which is Best? Cold coffee is becoming increasingly popular, especially in the summer months. The refreshing, thirst quenching caffeine hit that a frappe, iced coffee or cold brew offers is to die for! But, which of these cold coffee varieties should you choose? All have their merits and […]

Latte vs Cappuccino: Which to Choose?

Latte vs Cappuccino: Which to Choose? Many people go into their local coffee shop and are often confused by all of the names and coffee variations presented to them! It can be very overwhelming to try and make a decision on which coffee to have in such a short space of time, especially when you […]

Cortado vs Macchiato: Which to Choose?

Cortado vs Macchiato: Which to Choose? Some people prefer long, luxurious coffees made from plenty of steamed milk, foam and a sharp shot of espresso.  Whereas, others like the no nonsense, punchy flavour of a short coffee, which emphasizes the espresso and tops it off with a small amount of milk or foam.  In this […]

Cortado vs Cappuccino: Which to Choose?

Cortado vs Cappuccino: Which to Choose? One of the most common questions I get asked as a coffee enthusiast by people that enjoy coffee, but perhaps are not as well versed in the topic is, “isn’t a cappuccino just a regular coffee?” The answer is, they are a little bit different…  Not all coffee based […]

The Best Coffee Shops I Saw In Australia

The Best Coffee Shops I Saw In Australia Recently I made the trip out to Sydney Australia to see a very good friend of mine that moved out there a few years ago. When he first started exploring down under he would rave about how good the coffee scene was over there.  Living in London […]

7 Reasons Why Australian Coffee Tastes So Damn Good!

7 Reasons Why Australian Coffee Tastes So Damn Good! When you think of Australia, you may picture the Sydney Opera House, Bondi Beach or Ayers Rock. All of these legendary landmarks are world-famous and major attractions for tourism.  However, another of Australia’s most sought after outputs is in fact… Coffee!  Australian coffee is becoming more […]

What on Earth Is Nitro Coffee: Is Really Better Than Cold Brew?

What on Earth Is Nitro Coffee: Is Really Better Than Cold Brew? Nitro coffee is becoming one of the more popular cold brew coffee-based drinks on the market today. It is more widely available than ever in supermarkets, specialty coffee shops, and even big chains like Starbucks.  But, is nitro coffee really worth all the […]

What Exactly is Smart Coffee and How Does it Work?

What Exactly is Smart Coffee and How Does it Work? As people become more health conscious, we look for more and more ways to build healthier choices in our everyday lives. There are a number of coffee substitutes and alternatives out that claim to offer additional health benefits, on top of those already associated with […]

The Shocking Truth Behind Enzyme Coffee…

The Shocking Truth Behind Enzyme Coffee… Here at Espresso Insiders, we are by no means a health and fitness website! We simply offer hints, tips, and reviews to help you find the best coffee for you.  However, when coffee brands are making claims to help with weight loss, it piques our interest…  Not only because […]

The Surprising Truth Behind “Maca Coffee”

The Surprising Truth Behind “Maca Coffee”     Not all coffee is created equal. Not even all coffee contains just finely ground coffee beans…  There are several coffee substitutes, alternatives, and variations that can pose a range of different benefits to your health. Be it chai, turmeric, mushroom, or enzyme coffee, all have their place […]

Which Coffee is Naturally Low in Acid?

Which Coffee is Naturally Low in Acid?     Coffee is one of the world’s most popular drinks. Much like fine wine, it comes in a wide variety of forms! However, just because many people love that familiar coffee taste, it doesn’t necessarily mean that it is good for everyone to drink in large quantities.  […]

7 Benefits of Drinking Decaf Coffee

7 Benefits of Drinking Decaf Coffee The caffeine hit that coffee lovers crave is a major part of what makes the drink so popular! Waking up in the morning and that first sip of coffee hitting your lips can really motivate you to get up and out of bed.  However, caffeine is not for everyone, […]

How Much Caffeine is in Decaf Coffee? 

How Much Caffeine is in Decaf Coffee?  Drinking decaf has become a whole lot more popular in recent years, as many coffee lovers have become more conscious about their health.  Whilst drinking regular, caffeinated coffee does actually have quite a few health benefits, decaf can be used as a tool to reduce overall caffeine intake. […]

How is Coffee Decaffeinated? 

How is Coffee Decaffeinated?   As coffee lovers become more health conscious, they are aware of their total caffeine intake throughout the day. Consuming too much caffeine can actually lead to a number of health issues, including insomnia, anxiety and digestion problems.  With this in mind, decaf coffee is becoming increasingly popular! However, there is […]

Does Decaf Taste Different?

Does Decaf Taste Different? As coffee has become so widely consumed globally, so too has the decaf variant. Whilst so many coffee lovers worldwide love the taste of their favorite cup of joe, not everyone wants or needs that caffeine hit that comes with it.  Therefore, decaf coffee has become very popular in recent years. […]

How to Make Coffee in a Percolator: In 6 Easy Steps

How to Make Coffee in a Percolator: In 6 Easy Steps Coffee can be brewed using a range of different methods. From the humble, straightforward french press to the most high-tech and precise espresso machines, coffee lovers are well-catered to regardless of how much effort they want to put in.  One of the most rudimentary […]

5 Coffee Bean Varieties Explained

5 Coffee Bean Varieties Explained If you love a good cup of coffee you probably enjoy the smell of freshly ground coffee beans in the morning. But, what you may not be aware of is that there are actually 5 coffee bean types to choose from! You may already be aware of coffee beans have […]

Does Coffee Cause Anxiety?

Does Coffee Cause Anxiety? If you’ve found yourself visiting Espresso Insiders, chances are you’re a coffee lover like me. However, whilst there are a lot of benefits of drinking coffee on a regular basis, some people experience anxiety that is agitated by drinking the stuff.  Coffee anxiety is a real thing. The caffeine in coffee […]

Does Coffee Break Your Fast?

Does Coffee Break Your Fast? Fasting is a practice undertaken by millions of people around the world. Whether it is for religious or health-based reasons, fasting is a common practice that so many people choose to adhere to.  Some people will fast completely throughout the day and others will go down the intermittent fasting route, […]

THIS is Why Starbucks Coffee is so Bitter

THIS is Why Starbucks Coffee is so Bitter Starbucks is one of the biggest brands in the world. They are certainly the most recognisable name in the coffee industry and currently has around 33,000 stores operating in 80 countries. But, one of the big paradoxes of this coffee giant is that a lot of people […]

A Brief History of Coffee

A Brief History of Coffee Coffee is a drink that millions of people all over the world enjoy at the start of the day all over the world. It’s one of the beauties of coffee, that so many people from different countries, cultures, and backgrounds share a love for the same drink. But, as I […]

The REAL Reason Coffee is Called ‘Joe’

The REAL Reason Coffee is Called ‘Joe’ Coffee is one of those age-old drinks that we all hold close to our hearts. It is loved by millions of people the world over and is used as the centerpiece to many a business meeting, romantic date, family get-together, or catch-up with old friends.  There are a […]

Ranked: The Most Caffeinated Coffee Bean Varieties

Ranked: The Most Caffeinated Coffee Bean Varieties Whilst a lot of people enjoy the taste and aroma of coffee in the morning, one of the main attractions to this dark beverage is the fact that it perks us up. The caffeine content of freshly brewed coffee gives millions of people the world over the spring […]