6 Best Mexico Coffee Brands - Try New Coffee (2024)

Too many options? Check out Wild Foods Chiapas Coffee!

Skip to the list!

Mexico has been in the coffee game since the late 1700s. Initially, Spaniards brought coffee to Mexico from Cuba and the Dominican Republic. Coffee production remained insignificant in these early days until Italian and German immigrants residing in Guatemala relocated to Mexico. With them, they brought the commercialization of coffee cultivation. By the 1790s, the first plantations began to arise in the state of Veracruz. Veracruz remains a large coffee producing region today, although the regions of Chiapas and Oaxaca have surpassed the output of any other region.

Today, Mexico coffee production is among the top 10 in the world. As of2018, Mexico was the 9th largest producer of coffee in the world. Coffee is one of Mexico’s most lucrative exports, making it an extremely important part of their economy. Hundreds of thousands of small farms depend on coffee production as a means of income. The states of Chiapas, Veracruz, Oaxaca, and Puebla remain important coffee-growing regions. Many farmers in Mexico, especially smallholders, focus on organic and sustainable farming practices, contributing to the production of specialty and certified coffees.

Mexican coffee culture is deeply ingrained in society, and coffee plays a central role in Mexican culinary traditions. Coffee is enjoyed throughout the day, and the country boasts a vibrant café culture. In recent years, coffee tourism has also gained popularity, with visitors having the opportunity to visit coffee farms, learn about coffee production processes, and taste the rich flavors of Mexican coffee.

While facing challenges such as climate change, market fluctuations, and competition from other coffee-producing countries, Mexico's coffee industry continues to adapt and thrive, maintaining its reputation as a producer of high-quality and distinct coffees.

The majority of Mexican coffee is organic, which is quite desirable in today’s market. Several Mexico coffee origins enjoy respectable reputations. We’ll take a closer look at a few of these!

Coffee from Mexico is often thought to be more on the mellow side. Because of this, Mexican coffee beans are often used in blends and for flavored coffee products.

But don’t get the wrong idea, Mexico has plenty of variety to offer. It would be a crying shame to use some of the more highly reputed Mexican beans for flavored coffee. We say this because higher quality Mexican coffee has a very desirable signature taste profile.

The best Mexican coffees are often compared to Guatemalan beans… which is quite the compliment. This is likely due to the close proximity of the major Mexican growing regions to the Guatemalan border.

Although there is variance among different growing regions, you can expect a good Mexican coffee to be something like this;

Mexico coffee brands seem to have a preference for more darkly roasted products. Perhaps this is just what the people want? Mexican beans seem to be able to retain their origin flavor quite well even when darkly roasted.

We’ve included a good variety of roast levels in our list, as each has something different to offer!

Skip to the list!

Chiapas Coffee

Perhaps the most well known coffee growing region of Mexico. Chiapas sits on the southernmost end of Mexico, bordering Guatemala.

Chiapas coffee is known for its light bodied, rich taste, and crisp acidity. You’ll usually find prominent nutty notes in these beans.

There are numerous Chiapas coffee options out there, we’ve included several in our list!

Oaxaca Coffee

Also in the southern end of Mexico, Oaxaca is situated to the west of Chiapas. Mountainous slopes that are covered by vast forests offer wonderful conditions for the growth of coffee. A long coastal stretch at the southern end of Oaxaca also provides a nice warm breeze.

We’ve included an Oaxaca coffee in our list!

Veracruz Coffee

Following the trend, Veracruz sits in the southern portion of Mexico. Veracruz sits just north of Chiapas and Oaxaca, sharing borders with both regions. The northern coastline of Veracruz faces the gulf of Mexico, as opposed to the Pacific ocean.

As we mentioned early, coffee plantations initially began to arise in the state of Veracruz back in the 1790s. Although Chiapas and Oaxaca now produce a larger volume, plenty of coffee is still produced in Veracruz.

We’ve included a Veracruz coffee in our list!

The end.

What’s your favorite Mexican coffee?

Do you have any recommendations for us?

Let us know, we’re always happy to try something new!