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Best Cuban Coffee Brands
About different Cuban coffee brands and choosing the right one for you.
Published March 11, 2022
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Daniel Hedlund
Coffee experts@The Coffee Lab
Cuban coffee brands have quite a large following for many good reasons. If you have ever tried a cortadito or a café con leche, you will know just how tasty and delicious this sweet, dark coffee can be. If you want to start brewing and enjoying your own Cuban coffee at home, you may have some questions before you get started, such as which beans to buy and where to find the best ones. Keep reading to find out more about some of the most popular Cuban coffee brands that you can buy and brew at home for a delicious cup of coffee every day.
Selecting the Best Cuban Coffee Brand
Whether you’re looking for the best Cuban coffee near me to give it a try or want to get the best brand of Cuban coffee to make at home on a regular basis, there are several things to keep in mind before you get started. It’s important to be aware that Cuban coffee has a reputation for being very strong. Some of the main things to pay attention to when choosing the best Cuban coffee in Key West or the best Cuban coffee in Miami are texture, roast, and value.
Roast
Despite the fact that the best Cuban coffee is known for being a very strong cup, there are different roast levels available. Whether you are checking out a Café Cuba review, looking for Colada coffee or the famous Café Bustelo beans, you can find different roast levels to choose from among different brands of Cuban coffee. Because of this, it’s a good idea to spend some time researching to find a flavor that fits your taste preferences. With roasts available from light to dark, it should not be too difficult to find a Cuban coffee brand that is perfect for you.
Texture
It’s the texture of Cuban coffee that differentiates it from other coffee brands, and you will know what that means if you have ever tried a good Cuban coffee. With various different Cuban coffee drinks that are usually served as an espresso shot with some sweet ingredients added, it’s important to find a coffee that suits your preferences. For example, if you like a lot of cream and sugar with your coffee, it’s important to find a Cuban coffee brand that isn’t going to weaken when you add the extra ingredients and will still hold its strength and flavor.
Value
As with buying any brand of coffee, you will want an option that provides good value for the money that you spend. When it comes to Cuban coffee, options range from cheap and affordable to the more expensive premium beans. Spend some time researching coffee brands and comparing different options to find one that is suitable for your budget.
Best Cuban Coffee Brands to Try
Now that you know more about Cuban coffee and what to look out for when finding the right brand for you, let’s get into finding the best Cuban blend coffee for your needs. Whether you are looking for Cuban coffee near me or want an option like Bustelo Café Con Leche K cups that you can easily make at home with your Keurig brewer, there are plenty of different options to choose from. Some of the best include:
Pilon Espresso
Pilon Espresso is a Cuban coffee brand made with 100% Arabica coffee beans. If you are looking for an affordable option for making Cuban espresso at home, this might be a good choice, at an economical price, and coming in a pre-ground, extra-fine grind that works well with espresso machines. It is known for having a bitter aftertaste, but some drinkers find it a little bit disappointing as it doesn’t have the bold and smooth flavor of many other Cuban coffee brands. Still, it might be a good option for you if you want a weaker coffee option or are looking for an affordable brand. It holds up well with cream and sugar, making it a good choice if you like putting sweet additions in your coffee.
Chock full o’Nuts Cuban Roast
If you’re looking for a ground coffee, this one from Chock full o’Nuts is a convenient option. It has a lively aroma and sweet notes and is made with premium Colombian coffee beans. It is Kosher certified and comes in a stainless steel can, which makes it easier to store and lock in the freshness of the coffee beans. This brand has almost a century of experience in the coffee industry and is quite popular among coffee lovers. They introduced this Cuban roast in 2017, and it is currently the darkest roast that is available. It is the perfect coffee for people who love a bold, strong roast. However, compared to other Cuban coffee brands, it is rather expensive.
Naviera Cuban Style Coffee
Another pre-ground coffee option to consider is the Naviera Cuban Style Dark Roast. Naviera Coffee was based in Tampa, Florida for almost 100 years and also ran a gourmet coffee shop in the area. Sadly, however, the shop closed, and the operations were moved elsewhere, which made the coffee harder to find. The good news is that you can still buy it online. This dark roasted Cuban coffee has a robust, strong flavor profile with hints of chicory. Chicory is the ground root of a flowering dandelion plant and has quite a woody and earthy flavor. It might take some getting used to if you have not had it before, but many people do like it. This coffee has a lower caffeine content compared to other brands, which might be an ideal choice for you if you are sensitive to caffeine.
Pilon Cuban Whole Bean Restaurant Blend Espresso
Another option from Pilon is the Whole Bean Restaurant Blend Espresso, which is a popular choice among Cuban coffee lovers. It is dark and rich, delivering a strong kick. You can enjoy it straight or with a traditional, sweet preparation that is popular with Cuban coffee. However, it does have quite a bitter aftertaste, which is something to be aware of if that’s not your preference. It is only available in a 16oz package, and quite pricey. But it’s worth it if you want a coffee with a creamy consistency that withstands added cream and sugar very well.
Café La Llave Cuban Espresso
Café La Llave beans are a popular Cuban blend coffee that have been on the scene for four generations. The story of this brand began in southern Cuba and it continues in Los Angeles today. The beans are sold finely ground and ready to use in an espresso machine or to create the perfect Cafecito. The coffee is bold but has a chocolatey and sweet aroma that is perfect for getting your day started. The signature dark roast is very strong, which is something to be aware of if you are just getting started with Cuban coffee. It’s also one of the more affordable options to consider.
Café Bustelo Cuban Espresso Coffee
Café Bustelo beans are well-known for making Cuban espresso. The Café Bustelo price is very affordable, making the Café Bustelo dark roast one of the most popular Cuban coffee brands on the market today. You can get Café Bustelo whole bean options, pre-ground Café Bustelo beans and even Café Bustelo Colombian K cups or Café Bustelo Café Con Leche K cups to use in a Keurig brewer. There are various options available along with the espresso coffee blend. This coffee works well with different brewing methods and withstands added cream and sugar. If you prefer a medium roast, the Cuban espresso coffee from Café Bustelo might be a good choice for you since it’s not quite as robust as a typical dark roast but does have a bitter aftertaste and a rich flavor.
Mayorga Café Cubano Whole Bean Coffee
This dark roast coffee from Mayorga Organics has a rich, full-bodied flavor and a syrup-like texture. The beans are dark and rich without being too oily. It might be a shock for newcomers to Cuban coffee and may be too strong if you are not used to it, so take it slow with this one if you’re just getting started. While it can be a little pricey if you are buying the smaller packages, you can save money by purchasing in bulk if you decide that this coffee is the right option for you.
Bustelo Supreme Whole Bean Espresso Coffee
Café Bustelo Supreme is considered to be one of the best options for Cuban coffee. Not only is it quite affordable, but this rich and dark coffee bean is renowned for making the perfect café con leche and you can easily control the density of the grind to create the perfect flavor for you. While it might not be quite strong enough for those who are experienced with Cuban coffee, Bustelo supreme coffee is the perfect option for a newcomer who is just getting started with trying Cuban coffee out. The brand has been around for decades and produces coffee that works very well with added sugar and cream.
Known for being some of the strongest coffee out there, these are some of the best brands to try if you’re interested in drinking Cuban coffee.
About the author
Daniel Hedlund
Working with the Era of We initiative and loves knowledge sharing and a really good cup of coffee.
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