So you want to dip your toes into the world of Cuban coffee but you’re not sure what the best Cuban coffee brands are or which ones you will like.
Getting out of your comfort zone to try a new coffee always feels like a big risk. The fear of not liking something can hold us back from trying something new, and potentially even more delicious.
I totally get it, when I was a barista working at my local coffee shop I would always try to convince my regular customers to switch up their orders from time to time.
Once they finally agreed they were always pleasantly surprised and would always want my advice when ordering again after that.
So, if you haven’t tried Cuban coffee yet then you are seriously missing my friend.
Cuban coffee is renowned for its dark roast and full-bodied, rich flavor. If you’re looking to upgrade from your store-bought breakfast blend then Cuban coffee will be the perfect addition to your morning routine.
Let’s take a close look and see the 8 best Cuban coffee brands on the market…
Cafe Bustelo
Best Overall
The best Cuban coffee on the market has to go to Café Bustelo. With its smooth aroma and crisp, dark notes this classic coffee will pair well with your favorite sweetener or milk.
Cafe Bustelo will be a cup of comfort with its rich espresso-like flavor and trusty packaging that hasn’t changed in decades.
Table of Contents
The 8 Best Cuban Coffee Brands
Check out my definitive list of Cuban coffee brands so you can pick the right Cuban coffee to suit your needs…
1. Cafe Bustelo
Cafe Bustelo was founded in the late 1920s by a wanderlust traveler who experimented with a secret blend of beans, then quickly it skyrocketed to one of the most famous Cuban coffee brands on the market!
Traditionally those coffee beans were ground super fine, mixed with sugar, and used to make espresso with sweetened foam.
In fact, this traditional method is still served at restaurants all over Cuba today. The dark, velvety coffee mixed with sweet, whipped foam makes for an amazing treat for your tastebuds.
Of course, you can make the quick version at home with your standard coffee machine and your favorite creamer of choice.
Cafe Bustelo is a great option if you like the caffeine kick in espresso but also love sipping a large cup of coffee.
If you’re running late for work in the morning (again), then this dark roast will wake you up with just a few sips and get you energized in no time.
Cafe Bustelo has a wide range of coffee options including:
- Whole bean
- Ground (Vacuum-sealed)
- Espresso Capsules
- K-Cups
- Instant grounds
- Ready to drink
- Decaf
As mentioned earlier, we feel that Cafe Bustelo is the best Cuban coffee out there!
PROS:
- Comes in a variety of options
- Affordable
- Distinctive Cuban flavor
CONS:
- Slightly flat aftertaste
- No option to freshly grind
2. Cafe Pilon Gourmet Espresso
Thanks to the large influence of Cuban culture, Cafe Pilon is the most commonly used Cuban coffee in restaurants all over Florida.
Those who have traveled from Cuba to the US reach for Cafe Pilon when they need their coffee fix.
These high-quality beans create a thick, golden ristretto foam on top of your coffee and have a rich flavor that is loved by all.
Cafe Pilon has been in business for over 100 years, and with good reason. This coffee continues to be a traditional staple for local Cubans, as well as those who move abroad and miss the taste of their homeland.
Even if you don’t have the chance to spend spring break in Cuba like all your friends, this coffee can at least give you a taste of it.
This super smooth blend has low acidity and can hold up super well with any added milk, plant-milk, sugar, or syrups.
As all vegans know, plant milk curdles instantly when placed in acidic coffee but thankfully that won’t happen here.
Cafe Pilon is one of the best Cuban coffee brands out there and a great choice for those who like full-bodied coffees. The chocolatey notes balance out the bitterness, and the foam on top gives it a nice, creamy finish.
PROS:
- Creamy and robust profile
- Gourmet Arabica blend
CONS:
- Only whole bean and brick options
- Somewhat bitter
3. Mayorga Café Cubano Roast
The creators of Mayorga coffee are passionate about keeping their beans organic, rainforest friendly and non-GMO.
Their beans are grown in the shade then hand-picked when the time is just right, this allows for the deep, earthy flavor to stay intact.
After being picked and washed, the signature Latin slow roasting method is used to darken the beans into their rich, brown color. The final product is a dark blend with notes of vanilla and a sweet, syrupy smokiness.
With over 500 five star reviews online this coffee is a foolproof option for those looking to try something new.
Mayorga Cuban coffee is the perfect option for those who like an earthy, berry flavor with a bright clean finish.
It has low acidity and no bitter aftertaste, so this is a safe option for everyone.
PROS:
- Freshly ground upon order
- A wide selection of grind options
CONS:
- Slightly pricier
4. Cafe La Llave Espresso
A family-run company for nearly 150 years, Cafe La Llave espresso has been expertly crafted for an unbeatable taste.
What started as harvesting coffee beans on a mountain in Southern Cuba, quickly turned into a booming business that expanded to Los Angeles.
This brand of coffee promises a uniquely intense cup of traditional Cuban coffee.
This coffee serves as the perfect foundation for any creation, whether it’s a latte, cappuccino, or of course a traditional Cuban cortado.
It’s incredibly aromatic and flavorful, and best of all one of the most budget-friendly options available on our best Cuban coffee list.
Cafe La Llave will be loved by anyone who loves adding extras to their coffee.
The ultra dark notes have a touch of caramel in the background, but taste best when added with creamer, brown sugar, syrups or milk.
PROS:
- Very aromatic
- Bold flavor profile
CONS:
- Not sold directly
- Dry aftertaste
5. Naviera Dark Roasted Coffee
Famous for its woody, chicory flavor this dark roast by Naveria will perk you up on even the sleepiest of mornings.
The Naviera brand is another family-run business who stands by their simplistic approach.
They keep their regular online customers happy with pre-ground coffee, minimalist packaging, and never changing their recipe.
Thus ultra-dark roast is loved by all generations for its reliable Cuban-style flavor. The Naveria family advise the best way to enjoy their dark roast blend is to top it with foamy milk.
If you love bright, citrusy coffee then the Naviera dark roast will be the best option for you.
While it’s a dark coffee with woody, citrus notes brighten it up to make it easier to make room for a second cup later.
PROS:
- Expertly crafted beans
- Pairs perfectly with sugar & syrups
CONS:
- Overpriced for its size
- Some notes fall flat
6. Chock Full O’Nuts Cuban Roast
People’s obsession over Chock Full o’Nuts started in 1955 when it was rated the number one coffee in New York City.
An amazing leap since the company was started just 20 years earlier during The Great Depression as a way to get by.
Their classic Cuban dark roast is silky, strong, and has a unique kick that will keep you coming back for more. Sold in a tin canister this is the perfect option for traveling on a road trip or long-term storage.
Not only does Chock Full o’Nuts offer their traditional Cuban dark roast but they have a whole modernized series as well including Half Caf, Dark Satin, Donut Shop, New York roast, and more.
If you’re a beginner and looking to try Cuban coffee in baby steps, then Chock Full o’Nuts will be your go-to option.
It’s been produced in the US for decades so although it’s kept the authentic Cuban flavor, they’ve also incorporated nutty, chocolatey notes to make it more American-friendly.
PROS:
- Award-winning flavor
- Comes in a resealable canister
CONS:
- Only comes in one size
7. Serrano Cuban Coffee
If you’re looking for a lighter alternative to the traditional dark Cuban roasts then Serrano Cuban coffee is the perfect option for you.
This rare and limited coffee is only produced in small batches in order to maintain the rain forest balance on the small island of Cuba.
The higher quality means it’s a pricier option but one look at all the rave customer reviews and you’ll understand why it’s made our best Cuban coffee list.
This tropical medium roast has fruity, bright notes and a hint of citrus. While the overall coffee still provides the deep Cuban taste we’ve come to know and love, it’ll be a milder and lighter option.
If you’re looking for well-rounded coffee option with dark cherry notes and a unique aroma, then Serrano will be the best option for you.
PROS:
- Lighter medium roast option
- Ethically sourced coffee beans
CONS:
- Higher Priced
8. Montecristo Cuban Coffee
A flavorful blend of tobacco, smokiness and caramel notes make Montecristo Cuban coffee truly one of a kind.
Grown on a mountain plantation in the southeastern region of Cuba, these Arabica beans are completely organic and fully envelope the authentic flavors of Cuba.
Taking their inspiration from traditional Cuban cigars, Montecristo coffee set up their company with ethics and sustainability in mind.
That’s why you’ll find that all their coffee is organic, ethically sourced, and packed in biodegradable bags.
This coffee is sure to be a crowd pleaser at any event and have all your guests asking where you purchased such a unique coffee blend.
Montecristo is a great option for the lovers of all things smoky and woody.
The aroma will remind you of summer campfires, I suggest adding a splash of creamer to take it to that next level of deliciousness.
PROS:
- Unique flavor profile
- Made in small batches
CONS:
- Slow Shipping Time If Buying Direct
Buyers Guide: Selecting the Best Cuban Coffee Brand
Now that you have an idea of just how many delicious Cuban coffee options there are out there, it’s time to choose which one is the best Cuban coffee brand to suit your needs.
Types of Roast
Traditional Cuban coffee is a deep, velvety roast and is often prepared as a cafe Cubano, or Cuban espresso.
This style requires adding sugar to the espresso grinds, this balances out the dark flavor and adds sweetness.
While many people crave the dark, bitter Cuban style some have requested that a slightly lighter roast be available for those whose palettes aren’t quite adjusted.
For that reason, you’ll find a variety of roast options on our list, from a bright, medium blend to a dark, traditional roast.
Texture
This dark roast has a slightly more viscous, full-bodied texture compared to traditional filtered coffee.
This makes it the perfect option for steamy cappuccinos or creamy iced coffees, while some coffee water down after some time, the Cuban blend will stay strong.
Value
There is a wide range of Cuban coffee choices, whether you’re looking to splurge on an organic, imported blend or try out a timeless class.
They have their own price points and you will often lead you to spending a little more for a higher quality product. With this being said, you can still spend a little less and get a high-quality Cuban coffee that might just suit your own personal preferences.
Ultimately, the choice is yours and finding the balance between taste and price is where the true value lies.
