Did you know that Costa Rica is the only country where lousy coffee is illegal? A 1989 law forbids farmers from planting anything else other than 100% Arabica coffee. Buying coffee from this region assures you that you are getting the best coffee in the market. The climate in the area is the best for growing Arabica coffee, which is among the hardest to grow.
We’ve tested 19 models and selected 10 of the best Costa Rican coffees available in land-based as well as virtual stores. The Dark Costa Rican Tarrazu by Coffee Bean Direct took our Editor’s Choice nomination. On our list, you’ll find medium-roasted coffees for balanced flavor, aroma, and bitterness and dark-roasted options for a bolder cup of coffee. You can also find single-origin and blends with different bean varietals.
More features: whole bean; slow-roasted; roasted fresh
Dark Costa Rican Tarrazu by Coffee Bean Direct is a product from a reputable company. It is rich in flavor and brings the citrus, dark chocolate, and honey into every cup you make using these beans.
The use of coffee is 100% Arabica combined with the dark roast results in a strong-bodied flavor making it better than the light and medium roast variations. The bag’s net weight is 80 oz. and contains whole beans that stay fresh for longer. The manufacturer ensures that the beans are packaged shortly after roasting for them to maintain the crisp flavor and aroma for an extended period.
The coffee beans are slow-roasted to release more flavor and bolder taste that most coffee lovers are looking for. Information on the best preparation technique for the beans in this bag is unavailable, making it hard for one to know if the capacity to brew the coffee or not.
What we liked: This bag contains 100% Arabica coffee that is slow-roasted for a rich flavor and bold aroma. Also, it has a citrus, chocolate, and honey flavors, which are a huge plus.
What could be better: Dark Costa Rican coffee tends to be more acidic than most, and this is one feature of the Dark Costa Rican Tarrazu by Coffee Bean Direct that we do not like.
More features: gourmet coffee
The Cafe 1820 Costa Rican Ground Coffee is one of the four in this line that you can opt for. Ground, bean, light roast ground, and reserve ground are the variations available in the marketplace. If you are in searching for the best ground Costa Rican coffee, then this brand should be among your top picks.
The bag weighs a sum of 2.2 lbs. and it contains 100% Arabica ground coffee. This profile flavor information is critical, and lack of it makes it hard for one to settle for this ground as their first choice. If you are hell-bent of buying this product, it is best to ask the manufacturer or seller for this detail. Alternatively, you can read through reviews by previous users to know more about the flavor notes present in this brand.
The roast they use for this ground is dark. It helps reveal the deep coffee flavors, and it is full-bodied. This brand is ideal for gourmet coffee brewing, but the techniques that one can use are unavailable.
What we liked: Cafe 1820 Costa Rican Ground Coffee is dark roast coffee and a product of 100% Arabica beans. It is also easy to prepare a cup using this brand.
What could be better: The manufacturer should avail all vital information regarding this brand, such as flavor and the best prep method.
More features: single serve k-cup pods; responsibly sourced; kosher
Any coffee brands with rich flavors are popular among the target market. Green Mountain Coffee Roasters Costa Rica Paraiso is one of the best Costa Rican coffees in the market with a great flavor profile that gives it an edge over the other brands selling beans from this region.
This medium roast coffee brings the lush beaches and rainforests of Costa Rica right to your doorstep thanks to the vibrant flavors. A combination of smooth cocoa, caramel balance with graham cracker, honey, and white fruit are the rich flavors that this brand brings to you.
The producing company sources the coffee beans responsibly, guaranteeing the sustainability of the industry for many years to come. Additionally, this product conforms to the Jewish dietary regulations making it an ideal choice for many people.
This brand is best for pod coffee machines. It has a total of seventy-two pods that weigh 3.3 lbs. The pods are compatible with a decent number of coffee makers, including all the Keurig K-Cup coffee makers.
What we liked: this brand has an array of attractive features. It is a medium roast brand that is Kosher friendly and easy to prepare.
What could be better: finding defective cups in the package is one of the major complaints about this brand.
More features: whole bean; single-origin; sustainably sourced; packaged in the USA; fully washed processed; caffeinated; sun-dried
Tarrazu, Costa Rica, is famous for the coffee they produce, among other things. The Fresh Roasted Coffee LLC is from this region, and the beans in the packet are 100% Arabica coffee.
The manufacturer sources the coffee with extreme care and integrity to ensure that consumers of this product get the best. High specialty coffees are picked to support the fundamental value of sustainability critical in this industry.
Fresh coffee beans are roasted using advanced technology to guarantee the quality of the product. The cutting-edge tech helps reduce carbon emissions by 80% and also ensures that the flavor of the coffee is top-notch while the roasting precision remains at an all-time high.
The medium roast beans are packaged in the USA after the roasting procedure and shipped to other regions. This is because the manufacturer wants the customers to enjoy the full benefits of purchasing this product. It is best for espresso, French press, and an automatic drip.
Single-serve coffee pods hold the coffee and are filled with nitrogen insufflation to keep the coffee fresh for a longer time.
What we liked: We like that this brand sun dries the beans and uses the latest technology in the production process, enhancing the quality of the brand.
What could be better: The beans develop a rancid smell over time.
More features: kosher; gluten-free; gourmet; whole bean
Café Britt Costa Rican Dark Roast Coffee is among the affordable brands selling 100% Arabica coffee. When shopping on a budget, this brand may be the best choice for you.
The highland beans they use for this product are roasted dark until the oil rises to the surface, enhancing the quality and flavor of the coffee. The exotic touch of gourmet coffee from Costa Rica and a tantalizing aroma are some of the top reasons why you should consider buying this brand.
This package weighs a total of 12 oz. and contains beans rich in flavor and full-bodied. Chocolate is the flavor that you get to enjoy with every pot you brew when you opt for this brand.
Info on the best brewing method for this brand is not available. Asking the customer support team of the manufacturing company or authorized dealer will save you t headache of trying to figure it out. The package contains whole beans that assure you of a fresh cup every time you brew a cup. The contents are also Kosher approved and gluten-free.
What we liked: this product is gluten-free and kosher approved with a chocolate flavor ideal for people with dietary restrictions.
What could be better: the producer should avail all necessary information for this brand.
More features: fair trade; fresh roasted; gourmet; wet-processed
A well-balanced flavor is among the things that most coffee lovers appreciate. This Costa Rica Coffee Tarrazu Original by Volcanica Coffee has a flavor profile to die for. The crisp, toasty Tarrazu and apple are the flavors present in this bag.
This product is on the list of the best Costa Rican Tarrazu coffees that you are likely to find in many stores. It is a medium roast variation best for espresso. The bag size is 16 oz. making this a suitable choice for people who take coffee at regular intervals. The size is also best for large families as it contains more servings that small sized bags.
This coffee is grown in on volcanic soils at high altitudes allowing the cherries to ripen slowly, and this gives rise to a hearty flavor. This product is Fair Trade Certified, Shade Grown, and Rain Forest Alliance Certified. These certifications indicate that this product is of good quality, and the workers processing it are taken care of.
What we liked: This product contains 100% Arabica coffee, and it is certified by some of the leading control bodies in the food and beverage industry.
What could be better: The ground is too fine, and it may clog the coffee machine filter.
More features: single-origin; fair trade; roasted and packaged in the USA; brand supporting a good cause
This Seriously Good Coffee 100% Costa Rican product is another inexpensive option. It combines the rich flavors of chocolate, caramel, and citrus, making you relish every single pot you brew. It is a medium roast coffee hence not too strong like the dark roast and not as mild as the light roast variation.
This product is roasted in the USA, and the packaging is also done in this jurisdiction. This assures you that it is a top-tier product as food processing regulations in this country are strict. The beans are sourced from Costa Rica; hence, 100% Arabica coffee. The gourmet beans are carefully selected and roasted expertly to guarantee a smooth flavor and bold taste to satisfy the needs of coffee lovers.
Part of the proceeds from selling this product goes back to Coast Rican Children’s homes to help the kids lead a dignified life. If you choose to buy this brand, you will not just be contributing to the economy but also helping children gain access to basic needs such as food and shelter.
What we liked: We like that the manufacturers of this brand contribute to the wellbeing of children in Costa Rica. Additionally, the medium roast coffee has a bold taste and creamy flavors.
What could be better: The fruity notes in the flavor are weak.
More features: sustainably sourced; handcrafted; allergen-free; non-GMO
Handcrafted coffee has an array of benefits, and this Copper Moon Coffee Costa Rican Blend is one of the best in the market. The coffee beans they use herein are 100% Arabica from Costa Rica and one of the finest in the market.
The company that produces this product has a simple mission, which is to bring the most exquisite coffee with a satisfying taste to your home or business. They begin the production process by carefully selecting single-origin organic beans. They source the beans from small family-run farms to guarantee quality and also encourage sustainable family methods.
After the selection, the beans go through the roasting process in small batches to ensure that the roast is even. This, in turn, guarantees that the beans will have the best flavor and aroma when used to brew a pot.
The packaging is done shortly afterward, and the bag we review here weighs 5 lbs. This pack contains medium roast coffee with a smooth and silky flavor due to the meticulous production process.
What we liked: This product is allergen-free, organic, and Kosher certified, making it an appropriate choice for many people.
What could be better: The producer does not specify what this coffee is best for.
More features: single-origin; microlot coffee; comes in a resealable bag; the whole bean; roasted on date; roasted in small batches; naturally processed
Coffee Bros is a relatively new brand in the market, but this does not mean that their products are not some of the best in the market. The company’s primary aim is to bring an assortment of beans into the market while giving back to coffee growing regions such as Costa Rica.
This Costa Rican coffee from this company is a single origin blend. It is a blend of 100% Arabica coffee beans with cocoa, toffee, and lemon flavors. The medium roast they use for this blend gives it balanced taste and aroma, among other things.
The producers use Microlot coffee from the top-tier lots traceable to a single producer. The roasting is done in small batches, and then it is packaged immediately after the process is complete. Oxygen is completely removed from the resealable packaging to guarantee the freshness of the blend.
This Costa Rican product is best for espresso, cold brew, French press, filter, and pour-over. The variety of brewing methods compatible with this brand gives you the chance to customize your cup to your preference.
What we liked: We like that the Coffee Bros Costa Rican coffee is 100% Arabica with a mouthwatering flavor profile and best for different brewing methods.
What could be better: The Costa Rican beans cost more than other brands from different coffee growing regions.
More features: whole bean
Sweet lemon and smooth cocoa are the two flavors that you will find in this Starbucks Medium Roast Whole Bean Coffee. The sweet lemony sweetness alongside the smooth cocoa texture is among the features that have pushed the popularity of this product in the market.
Starbucks is one of the leading companies in the coffee business with branches in many cities making this product easily accessible for many. If you enjoy medium roast brews with a smooth texture and sweet flavor, this may be the coffee from you.
The coffee beans they use in the manufacture of this brand are sourced from Costa Rica; hence, 100% Arabica as no other types are permitted to grow in this region.
We are not sure what this product is best for as this information is unavailable. One ought to confirm the best preparation methods to ensure that they have the necessary equipment to brew a pot without any hassle.
What we liked: The medium roast is ideal for many households. The sweet lemon flavor and smooth cocoa texture are also among the likable things about this product.
What could be better: The cost of the 9 oz. package is higher than that of most brands in the market.
Costa Rican coffee is among the best options available in stores, and most coffee lovers prefer to buy them. The law of the country does not permit the farmers to grow any other type other than Arabica coffee, which is the best type available. The selection process may seem easy, but it is not. There are various factors to have in mind when purchasing coffee. The cost, machine available, and the type are among the top factors to have in mind. Our buying guide explores the different features of Costa Rican coffee. Read through to the end to know more about coffee from this region.
Costa Rican coffee has an edge over those from other regions for various reasons. The climatic conditions in this region, coupled with the volcanic soils, contribute to making produce from Costa Rica special. Here are some of the reasons why Cost Rican beans are so exceptional.
Costa Rica is the only country in the world where producing bad coffee is an offense punishable by the laws of the land. Farmers can only plant 100% Arabica coffee because all other types are not permissible by the law. Arabica is the hardest coffee to grow, but the beans are the best, leading to premium quality products after processing. All coffee from Costa Rica is Arabica making coffee from this region special.
Arabica requires specific climatic conditions to thrive, and Costa Rica offers just that. The volcanic soils and warm temperatures allow this type of coffee to grow well. The volcanic ash in the soil oxygenates the beans enriching them with flavor that Arabica coffees from other parts of the world lack. The natural climate also plays a vital role in making Costa Rican special.
Costa Rican coffee is handpicked to ensure that only the ripe cherries go into the basket. This harvesting technique allows the farmers to treat each coffee bean as an individual. Seeds that are not ready for picking and processing are left to reach maturity. Using ripe and ready cherries for processing gives Costa Rican coffee a distinct flavor and aroma.
There are certain features that you cannot overlook when purchasing coffee and Costa Rican coffee is no exception. Here are some of the elements to have in mind when shopping for Costa Rican coffee.
The type of coffee you buy dictates the flavor and taste of the product that you get. Costa Rican beans will not give you a hard time with this feature as they only grow one type. All Costa Rican coffee is Arabica, making the choice on which brand to buy easier. Some manufacturers mix beans from other regions to those from Costa Rica, and this alters the flavor and taste. Single sourced brands like Fresh Roasted Coffee LLC, Costa Rica Tarrazu Coffee are the best choice if you want to enjoy all the benefits of buying Costa Rican coffee.
There are different types of coffee roasts, each with a unique taste and aroma, among other things. You can choose between light, medium, dark, or extra dark roasts.
The light roast has a toasted grain taste and pronounced acidity, which is why most people shy away from this roast. Medium roast, on the other hand, has a balanced flavor, aroma, and bitterness.
The flavor profile of every brand is critical, as it helps you understand what you are getting. The roast type may guide you on the taste and aroma to expect, but it does not prepare you for the extra flavors present in the various brands in the market.
If you are a fan of fruity notes in your coffee or the chocolate taste, you must check the profile to see if the brand you are interested in offers any of them.
Before adding ant Costa Rican coffee to your cart, you must know the best ways to brew it. The lack of this information makes it hard for one to pick certain brands like the Copper Moon Coffee Costa Rican Blend that we discuss above. Knowing the best ways to brew helps one determine if the coffee maker they have will handle the task or not. You do not have to change your appliance if you find coffee beans or ground that works well with what you already have. Your preference of the brew is another element that you must factor in when reviewing this feature.
You must know the amount of coffee coming your way when placing the order. Smaller bags last a shorter period necessitating the need to order another, which is a waste of resources.
For first time purchases, you can opt for the smallest bag available until you confirm that the brand is right for you before ordering more.
There are many procedures involved in the coffee production business. Knowing the process they use is vital as they all produce products with a unique taste and aroma. Understanding how a brand is processed is critical, but not all brands provide this information. Costa Rica Coffee Tarrazu Original by Volcanica Coffee is one of the brands with this information provided. It is wet-processed; this process requires large volumes of water to produce residue-free beans. If you prefer other processing variations for whatever reason, you can contact the manufacturing company to know more about the process they use for the beans you want to buy.
When buying coffee, one has the option to pick either the whole beans variation or those that have been ground. If you opt to purchase ground Costa Rican beans, you must know the differences available for the ground you buy. The texture ranges from coarse to fine, presenting many options for you to buy. The grind size is vital since it affects preparation and also dictates the best machine to use. The product we review above is mostly the whole bean options, such as the Café Britt Costa Rican Dark Roast Coffee, but there are ground options as well. Some brands avail of the different textures in the market to ensure that all coffee lovers are catered to.
Costa Rican coffee is among the best variations available in the market for the various reasons we list above. Our editor’s choice in this article is the Dark Costa Rican Tarrazu by Coffee Bean Direct. This dark roast coffee has an assortment of flavors and is very easy to prepare.
For the best value pick, we went with the Cafe 1820 Costa Rican Ground Coffee, which has many desirable features making your purchase worthwhile. This dark roast product has a citrus, dark chocolate, and honey flavors, which improve the overall taste of the coffee.
The third place on our list take Green Mountain Costa Rica Paraiso K-cup pods. It’s a medium roast coffee with combination of smooth cocoa, caramel balance with graham cracker, honey, and white fruit. It is responsibly sourced and Kosher. The ten brands we discuss above are some of the best Costa Rican coffees available in virtual stores and brick and mortar shops.
