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From the lush, green hills of Minas Gerais to the sun-drenched high elevations of Bahia, Brazilian coffee beans bring happiness to people worldwide.
The country produces a whopping $5 billion in coffee per year, making it a hard one to ignore.
There are a ton of options to choose from when it comes to Brazilian coffee.
I’m going to make things a lot easier for you and share with you what I consider to be the 8 best Brazilian coffee brands and beans!
OUR TOP PICK
Volcanica Coffee
Brazil Estate
Taste
5.0
Aroma
5.0
Balance
5.0
Our Score
5.0
CHEAPEST OPTION
Smokin Beans Coffee
Brazil Peaberry
Taste
5.0
Aroma
5.0
Balance
4.5
Our Score
4.8
Most Popular
BRAZILIAN SANTOS
Whole Bean Coffee
Taste
5.0
Aroma
4.5
Balance
4.5
Our Score
4.7
8 Best Brazilian Coffee Beans
1. Volcanica Coffee - Brazil Range
Taste
5.0
Aroma
5.0
Balance
5.0
Overall Rating
5.0
Type | Whole Bean or Ground Coffee |
Certifications | Rainforest Alliance, Fairtrade, Kosher Certified |
Roast Level | Medium |
Taste | Caramel, chocolate, raspberry, nutty |
Bean Type | Single origin Arabica |
If there were any one coffee brand that exemplified everything right about Brazilian coffee, it would be this one.
The Volcanica Coffee - Brazil Range shows that you don't need Robusta beans to enjoy complex flavors.
There are different options from this selection, but the Brazil Peaberry from Volcanica is probably the most popular of the bunch, with a smooth and nutty profile.
This full-bodied coffee features a certain sweet richness, with notes of caramel, chocolate, and even raspberry.
As a medium roast, it pleases a wide variety of coffee drinkers thanks to its varied taste, low acidity, and no bitter aftertaste.
In fact, I'm not sure if I've ever had a brew that is so flavorful with so little acid - perfect if you're sensitive to sour or tart flavors.
If you’re drawn to the City Girl Coffee Blondie (further down this page) but are worried it’ll be too light for your preferences, give this one a shot.
Volcana's Low Acid Coffee is another one of their best coffees, with notes of chocolate, nuts, tangerine, and more.
The Brazilian coffee brand prides itself in its special roasting process designed to create its rich flavor profile, providing exactly why the country produces the vast majority of the world's coffee.
The price is average as well, making it a very accessible “gourmet coffee” for everyone from beginner coffee drinkers to connoisseurs.
After all, you shouldn’t have to splurge to enjoy high-quality beans.
Who is The Volcanica Coffee Brazil Range Suitable For?
I recommend Volcanica Coffee Brazil Range to anyone just starting out exploring the world of coffee and those who enjoy smooth coffee at a nice price.
Pros
Cons
2. Smokin Beans Coffee – Brazil Peaberry
Taste
5.0
Aroma
5.0
Balance
4.5
Overall Rating
4.8
Type | Whole Bean |
Certifications | / |
Roast Level | Medium |
Taste | Hazelnut, cocoa, chocolate, brown sugar |
Bean Type | Single Origin Arabica |
If you’re looking for a coffee that provides more caffeine and a sweeter taste than other beans, you want a peaberry coffee.
In comparison with the Peaberry from Volcanica, this one from Smokin Beans is more rich, with dark chocolate and hazelnut notes. It’s also a bit more affordable!
These raw, unroasted green coffee beans are perfect for you if you enjoy roasting your beans at home and adjusting them exactly how you like them.
The Arabica beans are of only the highest quality, offering a balanced flavor that most coffee lovers will enjoy.
Who is The Smokin Beans Coffee – Brazil Peaberry Suitable For?
I recommend Smokin Beans Coffee - Brazil Peaberry to anyone who’d like more control or would like to experiment with the roast of their coffee beans.
Pros
Cons
3. BRAZILIAN SANTOS Whole Bean Coffee
Taste
5.0
Aroma
4.5
Balance
4.5
Overall Rating
4.7
Type | Whole Bean |
Certifications | / |
Roast Level | Medium |
Taste | Mild with honey notes |
Bean Type | Single Original Arabica |
This is one of my favorites when I'm in one of those phases where I consume more coffee than I would like to admit.
It's super affordable and comes in a 5-pound bag, so you won't feel quite as guilty for overindulging. In fact, everything from Coffee Bean Direct is a fantastic value.
Aside from that, it has a nice, well-rounded, smooth flavor profile with a low level of acidity that won't burn out your palate.
While the brand itself doesn’t offer much information regarding flavor, I found it to be mild, with honey and nutty notes.
Brazilian Santos Whole Bean Coffee is best for those who want to save money while still enjoying a top-notch Brazilian brew.
Who is The Brazilian Santos Whole Bean Coffee Suitable For?
I recommend Brazilian Santos Whole Bean Coffee to anyone who has a sensitivity to acidity or finds most coffees to be too sour.
Pros
Cons
4. Starbucks Medium Roast Brazil
Taste
5.0
Aroma
4.5
Balance
4.5
Overall Rating
4.7
Type | Whole Bean |
Certifications | Rainforest Alliance, Utz, Fairtrade, Organic, Smithsonian Bird-Friendly certified |
Roast Level | Medium |
Taste | Sweet maple, vanilla, toasted nuts |
Bean Type | Arabica |
There are plenty of fantastic Brazilian coffee brands out there, but did you know that Starbucks also offers a delicious coffee from Brazil?
Starbucks Medium Roast Coffee is best for those who are already familiar with the brand and don’t want to stray too far from what they know.
What I enjoy about this medium-roast coffee is that it’s very reliable at a solid price point.
Most people are familiar with Starbucks, so you likely already have an idea if you’re a fan of their products or not.
With hints of sweet maple, vanilla, and toasted nuts, it’s a comforting blend with just a bit of acidity.
Not to mention, it comes with an array of certifications that attest to the respect for the land it came from.
Who is The Starbucks Medium Roast Whole Bean Coffee Suitable For?
I recommend Starbucks Medium Roast to anyone who is looking for a comforting, eco-friendly coffee.
Pros
Cons
5. Fresh Roasted Coffee, Dark Brazil Cerrado
Taste
4.5
Aroma
4.5
Balance
4.5
Overall Rating
4.5
Type | Whole Bean |
Certifications | Kosher |
Roast Level | Medium-Dark Roast |
Taste | Baked goods, cacao, caramelized fruits |
Bean Type | Arabica |
What a joy it is to open up a bag of the Fresh Roasted Coffee Dark Brazilian Cerrado, with an amazing aroma and an oily feel.
If you're into medium-roasted brews but want something bolder than most Brazilian coffee in this guide, this is the one for you.
Lying somewhere between a medium and dark roast, you can expect a balanced cup every time.
As you may have already guessed, the name refers to the coffee cultivation in the region of Cerrado.
Featuring a traditional flavor of burnt sugar, cacao, and walnut, these whole beans are sustainably sourced, sun-dried, and mechanically-dried.
If the Smokin Beans Coffee - Brazil Peaberry caught your attention, but you are worried it won't be robust enough, this is the perfect selection for you.
Who is The Fresh Roasted Coffee, Dark Brazil Cerrado Suitable For?
I recommend Fresh Roasted Coffee, Dark Brazil Cerrado, to those who find dark roasts too bitter, but light roasts too mild.
Pros
Cons
6. Trident Whole Bean Brazilian Roast Coffee
Taste
4.5
Aroma
4.0
Balance
4.5
Overall Rating
4.3
Type | Whole Bean |
Certifications | USDA Organic |
Roast Level | Medium |
Taste | Chocolate, caramel, nutty |
Bean Type | Arabica |
If you don't mind spending more, the Trident Carmo de Minas medium-body Brazil coffee beans will surely make your days more vibrant.
It's one of the most straightforward whole bean coffees out of South America, with smooth caramel, bright citrus notes, and a satiny mouthfeel.
I find the flavor to be very similar to those of Dark Brazil Cerrado, with a slightly lighter, nuttier taste.
The packaging is one of the best out there, which is really par for the course with Trident, who focuses on quality in every aspect.
Barista HQ Pro Tip:
If you're into iced coffee, it's one of the best Brazilian coffees for it! Even watered down with a bit of ice, it tastes relatively full-bodied.
Who is The Trident Whole Bean Brazilian Roast Coffee Suitable For?
I recommend Trident Whole Bean Brazilian Roast Coffee to anyone tired of weak, watered-down iced coffees or too-light hot coffees. This one is fantastic for both iced and hot coffee.
Pros
Cons
7. Coffee Bean Direct CO2 Decaf Dark Brazilian Santos
Taste
4.0
Aroma
4.0
Balance
4.5
Overall Rating
4.2
Type | Whole Bean |
Certifications | Kosher, USDA-organic certified |
Roast Level | Dark |
Taste | Sweet, fruity, cinnamon |
Bean Type | Arabica |
If you’re a decaf drinker, you’ll know that the coffee market is a bit behind in getting that flavor up.
However, you can rest assured that with the Coffee Bean Direct CO2 Decaf Dark Brazilian Santos retains that authentic taste only Brazil’s coffee industry can offer.
In fact, if I didn’t already know it was decaf, I’d have no idea.
This Arabica coffee is fruity and rich enough for drinking it on ice, as a cold brew, with a French press, pour-over, and just about any other application.
While it comes in a 5-pound bag, it's a really good deal in terms of price and freshness, thanks to the high-quality packaging.
It’s very similar in flavor to the Dark Brazil Cerrado, but is, of course, decaf (plus, it’s a bit more affordable).
Who is The Coffee Bean Direct CO2 Decaf Dark Brazilian Santos Suitable For?
I recommend Coffee Bean Direct CO2 Decaf Dark Brazilian Santos to those who are looking to make the change to decaf but have been discouraged by weak decaf flavors. This decaf coffee is just as flavorful as a regular one.
Pros
Cons
8. City Girl Coffee Blondie Brazil Light Roast
Taste
4.0
Aroma
4.0
Balance
4.0
Overall Rating
4.0
Type | Whole Bean |
Certifications | / |
Roast Level | Light |
Taste | Sweet, floral, honeysuckle, hibiscus |
Bean Type | Arabica |
For light-bodied coffee, there are currently no better Brazilian beans than the City Girl Coffee Blondie.
This is likely the highest-quality coffee in Brazil that you'll find for such an affordable price. It's the most inexpensive in this guide, too.
If you're one of those people who has said, "I just find coffee to taste too burnt," then this one is for you.
I find it most similar to Trident's Brazilian Roast in flavor, though it's even lighter on the palate.
Expect notes of honeysuckle and hibiscus, maintaining a light and smooth yet well-balanced taste. If you typically avoid stronger coffee and aren't a fan of acidity, you'll absolutely love this one!
Who is The City Girl Coffee Blondie Brazil Light Roast Suitable For?
I recommend City Girl Coffee Blondie Brazil Light Roast to anyone who finds most coffees to be too heavy or bitter. City Girl is very light and easy to drink!
Pros
Cons
What to Look for When Buying Brazilian Coffee
Research The Tasting Notes
While Brazilian coffee brands are known for being generally light, with notes of chocolate, caramel, and nuttiness, there are still many factors that go into that “Brazilian coffee taste.”
Roast level affects acidity level quite a bit, and generally speaking, lighter roasts are more acidic. However, the selections in this guide tend to be low-acid and still remain a somewhat light profile.
Even if you are an unapologetic coffee fiend, you'll likely have preferences regarding tastes. Floral, sweet, tobacco, caramel, milk chocolate, dark chocolate, walnut, almond - the list goes on.
If you recommend sweeter, floral coffee, then I recommend the City Girl Coffee Blondie Brazil. On the other hand, if you favor a cacao or caramelized fruit taste, try the Dark Brazilian Cerrado.
Know The Growing Regions In Brazil
Brazil is a huge country, taking up nearly half of all of South America’s land area!
Needless to say, it contains different climatic zones.
Each of the Brazilian coffee growing regions has specific characteristics - whether landscape or climate - that affect the flavor and aroma of coffee.
We’ll get more into each growing region in just a moment.
Price Per Ounce Adds Up
How much coffee do you realistically drink per week or month? If you drink more than at least a cup per day, you’re probably better off buying in bulk.
Starbucks bags are usually the smallest ones out there, and I personally can finish one in just a couple of weeks (no shame).
Most will come in 2-pound bags, which is fine for the average coffee lover.
However, there are plenty of coffees you can get in this guide that come in 5-pound bags (such as the Brazilian Santos Whole Bean Coffee and the Coffee Bean Direct CO2 Decaf Dark Brazilian Santos.
That way, you don't have to worry about running out, and you usually get the best deal.
Cheapest: Brazilian Santos Whole Bean
Most Expensive: Starbucks Medium Brazilian Roast
Whole Bean Vs Ground
Whether you're starting out with coffee in general or specifically Brazilian coffee brands, you may be wondering why one would choose whole bean over ground coffee (or vice-versa).
If possible, I highly recommend choosing whole Brazilian beans over ground coffee, as this way you'll have the most flavorful, fresh coffee.
It’s said that ground coffee starts losing flavor after around 15 minutes, so for best results, try grinding the beans right before brewing.
Learn About Roast Levels
The most common roast types are light, medium, and dark. Brazilian coffee is known to be more delicate than those from East Africa and other regions throughout the world.
Light roasts are smooth and easy to drink, with notes of milk chocolate, nuttiness, and fruit. A great example from my guide is the City Girl Coffee Blondie.
Darker roasts like the Dark Brazil Cerrado are more full-bodied, with dark chocolate and more nuttiness, with less floral and fruity notes.
Aside from flavor profile, roast levels also determine acidity levels. If you like less acidic coffee, you’ll likely want to start with light roasts and go from there.
Lightest Roast: City Girl Blondie Brazil
Darkest Roast: Fresh Roasted Coffee Dark Brazil Cerrado
Organic Or Not?
As you may have noticed, not all the Brazilian coffees in this guide are certified organic.
While organic Brazilian coffee farms can help fight against climate change by emitting less carbon than those chemical farms, that's not to say every single farm that isn't listed as organic isn't.
The Coffee Bean Direct CO2 Decaf and the Trident Whole Bean Brazilian Roast Coffee are some great organic options in this guide.
Fairtrade/Rainforest Certified
Rainforest Certification ensures biodiversity, keeping the environment of the growing region protected.
It also helps ensure farmers benefit from decent housing, as well as access to medical care and education for their children.
Fairtrade goes hand-in-hand with this, helping businesses source products that are both ethically and sustainably produced.[1]
Both the Volcanica Coffee Brazil Range and the Starbucks Medium Roast Coffee are known for following these guidelines.
If a coffee isn't Fairtrade and rainforest certified, it doesn't mean that the producer doesn't follow these guidelines. However, it does provide added confidence to consumers.
Coffee Regions In Brazilian – Brief Guide
The Brazilian coffee industry spans far and wide across this enormous country, from Arabica to Robusta coffee.
Each of the coffee-producing regions offers a slightly different taste or characteristic.
Minas Gerais
Meaning “general mines” in Portuguese, Minas Gerais is by far the biggest coffee-growing state in the country.[2] In fact, it's responsible for producing almost half of all Brazilian coffees!
Most are Arabica beans grown 800 meters above sea level or higher. This state has some of the tallest mountains in the country, with a mild climate year-round.
Espírito Santo
Espirito Santo follows right behind Minas Gerais in terms of production volume. You'll find largely Robusta coffee beans, which are known to be more, well, robust.
Most Brazilian coffee produced here will have notably sweet notes, with citrus or chocolate notes.
São Paulo
São Paulo is where you'll find the world-famous Port of Santos, which you'll often see written across various Brazilian coffee brands' packaging.
You may recognize it as "Brazilian Bourbon Santos." It also consists of coffee regions Mogiana and Centre-Oeste de São Paulo - the former sitting up to 1,100 meters above sea level![3]
Bahia
Bahia didn't start growing coffee until around 50 years ago, making it much newer to the game than the other coffee maker regions.
However, thanks to its innovation and use of mechanical equipment, it was quickly able to produce just as much, if not more, than the other Brazilian coffee regions.
Brazilian coffees are typically more limited here, as coffee plantations tend to be smaller and more exclusive. However, with their bright and complex flavors, they're very unique.
Common Questions About Brazilian Coffee
Brazilian coffee has a very special flavor profile. It's smooth, low in acidity, and a bit sweet. This makes it perfect for Brazilian coffee brands catering to those who prefer easy-to-drink cafes rather than strong, bold cups.
The best Brazilian coffee brands will use either wet (washed), dry (natural), or semi-washed (pulped natural) methods. You'll see the vast majority of popular coffee brands in the country still practice the dry method, though, as they're one of the few places with the climate to work with it.
There are many different coffee varieties in Brazil, however, their Robusta beans have more caffeine.
Yes, Starbucks does use Brazilian coffee. Just take a look at the Single-Origin Minas Gerais, which is made with 100% coffee from Brazil.
Most find Brazilian coffee to be much more bold and sweet than Colombian coffees. There are a ton of similarities, like the fact that they both produce the Bourbon coffee plant varietal. However, Brazil tends to be preferable for espresso blends, whereas Colombian single-origin coffees are more popular.
So, Which Beans Should You Buy?
Now that you're practically an expert in Brazil coffee knowledge, which beans should you buy? If you ask me, the Volcanica Coffee is a can't-miss.
It's one of the best coffee brands out there, with a low acidity and ultra-smooth taste. Whether you're a coffee connoisseur or a newbie, I know you'll enjoy this one.
Our #1 Product For Brazilian Coffee Beans
Taste
5.0
Aroma
5.0
Balance
5.0
Overall Rating
5.0
References:
1. https://www.fairtrade.net/
2. https://coffeegeography.com/minas-gerais-brazil-coffee/
3. https://www.britannica.com/place/Sao-Paulo-Brazil
