What do the scores tell you?

Taste: Arabica usually wins on complexity—think fruity, floral, or sweet notes. Robusta hits you with a harsher, earthier punch. If you're a black-coffee purist, arabica may be worth the hassle. If you're adding milk or syrups, robusta's boldness can hold its own.

Cost: Robusta is almost always cheaper, sometimes by half. When you're buying coffee on the road, that difference adds up.

Convenience: Arabica is more delicate. It stales faster, picks up odors, and needs careful packing. Robusta is a tank. It shrugs off heat and humidity better, and you don't feel as guilty if a bag gets squished.

Travel durability: This is where robusta shines. Its tougher structure means it stays drinkable longer, even without a fancy airtight canister. Arabica goes flat within days if conditions are rough.

If your scores lean heavily toward taste, arabica is your pick. If cost and convenience dominate, robusta wins.