The 18 Best Mexican Coffee Brands of 2023

For lovers of organic and dark-roast coffee, Mexico is your go-to choice. It’s a must-try for quality beans!

When you think of coffee, you might first picture Italian brands or famous beans from Brazil and Colombia. However, you’re missing out if you haven’t explored what Mexican coffee beans bring to the table.

Dive into the world of top Mexican coffee brands! Discover what sets Mexican coffee apart – its unique flavors, enticing aromas, and the traditional cafe de olla.

Quick Answer: Best Mexican Coffee Brands

Brief History of Mexican Coffee

Mexico’s journey with coffee began in the late 1700s when the Spanish brought Dominican and Cuban coffee beans to its lands. However, it wasn’t until Italian and German settlers from Guatemala and Central America arrived that Mexico’s coffee industry truly blossomed, starting large-scale farming.

Mexican coffee soared in popularity after arriving in the Chiapas region in the late 1800s. For a long time, Chiapas was the heart of Mexico’s coffee scene. But by the 1980s, coffee farming had expanded to 12 Mexican states. 

One coffee crisis after another

Mexico’s coffee scene has seen many highs and lows over the years.

In 1973, Mexico launched the National Coffee Institute (INMECAFE) to help coffee farmers with money and advice. This boost helped smaller farms thrive alongside big estates during the 70s and 80s. However, when Mexico’s economy faced troubles in 1989, the government had to stop its support for INMECAFE.

When the International Coffee Agreement, which aimed to keep coffee prices fair, fell through, small coffee farmers were left vulnerable to greedy brokers. Thankfully, coffee cooperatives came to the rescue. Over the years, they’ve been the champions for these small-scale Mexican coffee growers, protecting them from being underpaid, battling climate change, and facing other challenges.

In 2012, Mexico faced a huge problem with coffee rust, a damaging fungus. This led to coffee production cutting in half over three years. While the worst of the epidemic is over, the fungus still lingers.

Mexican Coffee Production

Mexico shines as a leading coffee producer, consistently landing in the global top 10. Each year, it yields roughly 234,000 metric tons of mainly Arabica coffee, beloved for its smooth flavor.

Their coffee industry focuses on organic beans, making them a top 3 organic coffee producer, alongside Peru and Honduras.

Mexican Coffee Taste 

Mexican coffee beans are often mild and light, perfect for blending and flavoring. They share similarities with Guatemalan coffee, thanks to the alike climates and Mexico importing Guatemalan coffee plants. These beans are a great choice for those who enjoy a gentle brew.

Mexican specialty coffee stands out with its special taste. These beans bring a bright, sharp tang and a light feel. They’re usually sweeter than typical Mexican brews, mixing in hints of flowers, fruits, and touches of chocolate and spice. While dark roasts are popular, don’t worry—you can also discover light and medium options to suit your taste.

Mexico Coffee Growing Regions

Mexico shines with three top coffee regions: Chiapas, Oaxaca, and Veracruz. The best Mexican coffee often comes from these areas, offering unique and rich flavors.

Chiapas

Chiapas, nestled by Guatemala’s southern edge, is where 40% of Mexico’s coffee comes from. Its high lands are perfect for Arabica beans. Coffee from Chiapas often tastes like chocolate, nuts, and even hints of citrus or lemon, all wrapped up in a rich, full flavor that lingers. Perfect for coffee lovers seeking depth.

Oaxaca

Nestled above Chiapas, Oaxaca is a gem for coffee lovers who favor time-honored farming techniques over new tech. Their sought-after beans burst with sweetness, reminiscent of yellow fruits and caramel, complemented by a creamy texture, floral whispers, and a zesty orange tang.

Veracruz

Nestled in the north, Veracruz holds the title as Mexico’s earliest coffee heartland. It’s a pioneer, not just in history, but in technology too, steering the charge towards creating tougher, disease-fighting beans. Coffee from Veracruz? Think light, zesty, and a dance of sweet and tangy on your tongue. Each sip whispers of caramel, bursts of red and blue fruits, and a sweet hint of cane sugar. A true symphony of flavors awaits!

Café de Olla

When talking about Mexican coffee, you can’t skip cafe de olla. This traditional spiced coffee is a classic. Sometimes, people just call it Mexican coffee, which might mix things up if you’re trying to chat about Mexican coffee beans!

Discover the magic of this unique coffee drink! It’s crafted by blending coffee with cinnamon and piloncillo. For an extra twist, you can add orange peel, anise, and clove. What’s special? Brewing it in a traditional clay pot enriches its flavor, making every sip extraordinary.

The Best Mexican Coffee Brands

Best Mexican coffee beans: Volcanica organic Mexican coffee

Volcanica stands out by roasting top-notch coffee in every country they reach. It’s rare to find a brand that offers so many excellent coffees consistently.

The Mexican beans from Chiapas are grown without chemicals and roasted to a perfect medium level. They taste sweet and smooth, with a hint of acidity. You’ll notice flavors like hazelnut, chocolate, and a touch of earthiness. Chiapas coffee is great for beginners exploring Mexican brews because it’s widely available and has flavors that are easy to love.

Best Oaxaca coffee beans: Etnia 52 Oaxaca Mexican coffee

Oaxaca’s unique way of growing and picking coffee beans sets it apart, making it a standout choice for coffee lovers. Etnia 52 is your go-to for top-notch Oaxacan coffee, especially if you’re into very dark roasts. Imagine sipping on coffee that blends the rich tastes of chocolate and caramel with a hint of floral scents. This coffee is smooth, yet bold, with a light touch and a noticeable bitterness. It’s not for everyone, but if dark and bitter is your thing, you’re in for a treat. Plus, you get a free recipe ebook to explore more flavors!

Best Veracruz coffee beans: Etnia 52 Veracruz Mexican coffee

Just like every story has two sides, Oaxaca’s rich traditions and Veracruz’s modern techniques make a fascinating coffee duo. Why not try both and pick your favorite? With Etnia 52 serving top-notch brews from each region, tasting and comparing them is a breeze.

Dive into the world of Mexican coffee with their Veracruz blend. Imagine the taste of semi-bitter chocolate mixed with hints of almond wood. It’s bold yet smooth, and not as heavy as their Oaxaca roast. Perfect for those new to the rich flavors of dark coffee.

Best decaf Mexican coffee: Fresh Roasted Coffee LLC Mexican Swiss water decaf coffee

Fresh Roasted takes USDA-certified organic, single-origin coffee beans and gives them the VIP treatment for their Swiss water decaf. Remember, the way your decaf coffee is made is just as crucial as the quality of the beans it begins with. Keep that in mind when choosing your brew.

Many decaf coffees lose their rich taste because harsh chemicals strip them away, and those chemicals aren’t great for our planet. But there’s a shining star: the Swiss water process. It keeps the delicious flavor intact and is kind to the environment.

Their medium roast coffee is smooth and mild, with delicious hints of walnut and cocoa, ending with a crisp, nutty finish. 

Best Mexican coffee k-cups: Ekocups organic Mexican coffee pods

Ekocups are eco-friendly k-cups, packed with USDA-certified organic and Fair Trade coffee. Plus, you can recycle the cups after enjoying your brew!

Let’s dive into Ekocups’ coffee – it’s a game changer! They pack 30% more coffee into their cups, beating the usual weak k-cup brews. The coffee beans? They’re dark roasted, giving you a rich mix of earthy, nutty, and slightly spicy tastes, all with a smooth finish and a balanced body. If you’re into bold, Mexican coffee flavors, you’re going to love this.

Best light roast Mexican coffee: Groundwork organic single-origin coffee

Diving into the world of Mexican light roast coffee is a journey worth taking. This unique single-origin coffee brings a delightful balance of acidity, mixing flavors like toasted almond, milk chocolate, and cane sugar, with a surprising hint of green apple. Groundwork goes the extra mile to source its coffee beans sustainably, ensuring they support communities and farmers who align with their values. Plus, you can sip with peace of mind knowing their beans are organic, non-GMO, and Fair Trade certified.

Fresh Roasted Coffee LLC organic Mexican coffee

Discover the energized twin of the top decaf coffee I mentioned before. It begins with the same premium beans, yet this time, they keep the caffeine in for that extra kick!

Their medium roast coffee is smooth and light, with sweet hints of brown sugar and pear, ending on a clean, nutty note. While there’s a slight tang, it’s not overpowering, making it enjoyable for most coffee lovers.

Fresh Roasted Coffee LLC, Organic Mexican Swiss Water Half-Caf Coffee

Not all coffee lovers enjoy a strong caffeine kick, while others aren’t fans of going completely decaf. For those seeking a gentle buzz with richer flavor than standard decaf, half-caf coffee is the perfect choice. It’s a tasty mix of both regular and decaf Fresh Roasted Coffee options I talked about earlier. 

Dancing Moon dark roast Mexican Chiapas organic coffee

Discover Dancing Moon’s unique Chiapas dark-roast coffee. It’s a smooth, medium blend that brings a delightful mix of nutty and spicy flavors to your cup. Plus, their beans are shade-grown, Fair Trade, and non-GMO.

Green Mountain Van Houtte Mexican coffee k-cup

Attention K-cup lovers! Dive into a cup filled with juicy, fruity flavors and bold, delightful aromas. While not the greenest option, the coffee quality is top-notch and utterly delicious.

Wild Coffee organic Mexican coffee 

Wild Coffee brings you special beans from the Chiapas region in Mexico, working closely with small-scale farmers. They ensure everything is Fair Trade and organic, so you sip guilt-free. Each cup bursts with a nutty taste, mixed with sweet hints of chocolate and caramel. Enjoy a world of flavor!

La Parroquia de Veracruz Mexican mountain grown gourmet coffee

Explore our latest discovery from the Veracruz region! It’s a dark roast with a twist – nutty, chocolatey flavors paired with an unexpected, refreshing brightness.

Los Portales Original Mexican coffee

Los Portales brings you coffee from Mexico’s three key regions. Their classic blend offers a gentle tang and tastes like chocolate, caramel, and toasted grains. For those who love a richer cup, their intense blend packs more flavor. Perfect for exploring the diverse tastes of coffee!

Coffee Bean Direct Mexican Altura

Coffee Bean Direct gets its beans from various regions in Mexico, mixing them into a smooth, medium-bodied coffee. You’ll taste nutty hints, especially hazelnut, and a touch of citrus. It’s lightly roasted with just the right amount of acidity.

Cafe de Olla coffee

Discover the rich flavors of traditional Mexican coffee with this blend, featuring added Mexican brown sugar, cinnamon, cocoa, and anise. Perfect for beginners, it’s a convenient way to explore these classic tastes. Or, try creating your own mix at home with even higher quality coffee!

Simpatico low acid coffee

Love gentle-on-the-stomach coffee? Simpatico’s low-acid Mexican beans are a top pick! Grown in the shady Oaxaca region and roasted by hand in small batches, they’re not just delicious but also eco-friendly.

Dean’s Beans Mexican Chiapas coffee

Dean’s Beans brings you a unique coffee from Chiapas. Imagine sipping a smooth cup with hints of cinnamon and brown sugar. This medium roast has just the right touch of acidity and body. Plus, all their beans are Fair Trade and Organically grown, making each cup guilt-free and delicious.

Allegro Coffee organic Mexican coffee

Finally, don’t miss Allegro’s light-roast Mexican beans. They boast a smooth, creamy texture and a delicious mix of cocoa, almond, and lemon flavors.  

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Verdict

If you’re into dark, organic brews, you’ll find Mexico’s coffee scene intriguing. It might not be as famous as Colombian or as storied as Ethiopian coffee, but Mexican coffee offers a distinct flavor adventure. It’s a must-try for any coffee enthusiast looking to explore different tastes.