Q+A About Robusta Beans
As you know there's 2 Main Coffee Bean Types:
1- Arabica + 2 Robusta
Starbucks, Mcdonald's and most cafes only use Arabica
Q: Why Use a Robusta blend instead of the usual 100% Arabica?
A: Because we love a bold brew with bite. . It’s stronger, more body, and holds up beautifully in phin drip, milk based espresso, or iced coffee. Western Trends have made it seems that we should drink only Arabica . However ... Hundreds of millions of Italians, Indonesians, Vietnamese and Malaysians will disagree. Its all about your mouth, forget the trends.
Q: Is Robusta bitter or low quality?
A: Not the beans we use, or the way we roast it. Though the 2x caffeine content in Robusta beans means slightly more bitterness than Arabica (which is why insects naturally avoid it and you don't need pesticides when growing )
Cheap, mass-produced Robusta has in the past given the bean a bad name. But things are changing and higher quality Robustas are now being produced
Q: Why should I drink FOB Robusta?
A: Because you want coffee that tastes like coffee right? Not autumn leaves or peaches ...It’s got crema, it’s got punch, and it’s how coffee is done in Vietnam. Try it with ice and condensed milk and thank us later.
Q: Is it strong?
A: Very
Q: How do I brew FOB coffee?
A: However you like—but we recommend:
☑️ Phin filter (traditional Vietnamese drip)
☑️ Espresso shot ,slightly cooler than Arabica
☑️ Iced coffee with sweetened milk
and some use cold brew
Q: Is Robusta Coffee good for you?
A: Yep—but like all good things, in moderation. Robusta packs more caffeine and antioxidants than Arabica, which means:
- ⚡ Energy boost: Higher caffeine gives you longer-lasting alertness—no sleepy sips here.
- 🔥 Faster metabolism: Studies suggest caffeine can help increase fat burning and metabolic rate.
- 🛡️ Antioxidants: Robusta chlorogenic acids (a natural antioxidant) , which help fight inflammation and oxidative stress.
- 💪 Fewer chemicals: Robusta plants are naturally pest-resistant, so they’re grown with fewer pesticides than Arabica—especially when sourced from smallholder farms like ours.
- Much Lower acidity than Arabica, so it's easier on the stomach
Q: Is FOB Coffee good for cafes or just home brewers?
A: Both. We supply cafes that want standout Vietnamese-style coffee, and we ship direct to people who love brewing bold at home.
Of course all good things in moderation
Too much caffeine can cause jitters, sleeplessness and anxiety.
If you’re sensitive, try a smaller brew or mix it with milk or condensed milk for balance.
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Ideal Climate & Soil – Vietnam has perfect growing conditions for Robusta, with rich volcanic soil, high humidity, and optimal temperatures in regions like the Central Highlands (Buôn Ma Thuột, Đắk Lắk).
Now they are trying Traditional & Innovative Processing – Many farmers use unique processing methods like honey processing and natural drying, which enhance the bean’s sweetness and complexity. FOB Coffee is also happy to cooperate with Will Nguyen who is producing a specialty anaerobic robusta, which undergoes a careful 30 day production process.
