Guatemalan coffee holds a special place in the world of specialty beans, renowned for its complex flavor profiles that often balance rich chocolate notes with bright, wine-like acidity. The country’s unique microclimates and volcanic soil, particularly in famous regions like Antigua and Huehuetenango, create the perfect conditions for growing exceptional Arabica beans. Whether you prefer a light, medium, or dark roast, the diversity within this single origin is truly remarkable.
Our team has spent months tasting and analyzing dozens of offerings to bring you a curated list of the very best. We focused on factors like bean quality, roast consistency, flavor clarity, and the ethical practices of the roasters. From single-estate treasures to rigorously tested mold-free options, this roundup is designed to help you find your perfect cup of Guatemalan coffee.
The Best Guatemalan Coffee Beans of 2025
- VOLCANICA Guatemala Antigua Dark Roast
- Guatemala Peaberry Coffee, Antigua Medium Roast
- Java Planet Low Acid Organic Guatemalan Coffee
- Dam Good Coffee Guatemalan Dark Roast
- Two Volcanoes Gourmet Guatemala Whole Bean
- Cubico Coffee Premium Guatemala Antigua
- Copper Moon Guatemalan Antigua Blend Light Roast
- Volcanica Guatemala Antigua Coffee
- Stone Street Guatemalan Reserve Whole Bean
VOLCANICA Guatemala Antigua Dark Roast
For those who appreciate a bold and intense cup, Volcanica’s Reserve dark roast is a standout choice. Sourced from the celebrated Antigua region, these whole beans are roasted to develop deep, complex flavors. You can expect a profile rich with notes of deep caramel, a pleasant earthiness, and a smooth, smoky finish that is characteristic of a well-executed dark roast.
This coffee also prioritizes your peace of mind. The beans undergo rigorous phytosanitary testing before export and are analyzed in a lab upon arrival for mycotoxins and mold. The high-temperature roasting process further guarantees a fresh, safe, and pure coffee experience, free from impurities.
Guatemala Peaberry Coffee, Antigua Medium Roast
Peaberry beans are a natural anomaly, where a single, round bean forms inside the coffee cherry instead of the usual two flat-sided beans. Many coffee experts believe this results in a denser, more concentrated flavor. This particular Antigua Peaberry offers a heavy body and a lively cup with subtle spicy and smoky overtones, culminating in a superb, sweet finish.
Roasted to a perfect medium level, the true character of this unique bean is allowed to shine. Like its Volcanica counterpart, this coffee is subject to the same strict testing protocols for mold and quality, ensuring a clean and safe product that highlights the distinct qualities of the Peaberry.
Java Planet Low Acid Organic Guatemalan Coffee
If you love coffee but your stomach doesn’t always agree, Java Planet provides an excellent solution. This single-origin coffee from the Huehuetenango region is specifically known for its low acidity, making it a smooth and stomach-friendly option. Grown organically under a canopy of guava, plantain, and banana trees, the beans develop unique fruit undertones alongside classic caramel and chocolate notes.
The commitment to quality and health is clear. The beans are 100% organic, certified Smithsonian Bird Friendly, and independently tested for mold and heavy metals. You get a clean, full-flavored coffee that is also good for the environment and your well-being.
Dam Good Coffee Guatemalan Dark Roast
This offering from Dam Good Coffee brings together several key qualities for the conscious consumer. It is Fair Trade certified, ensuring farmers receive fair compensation, and it is also Certified Organic. As a single-country origin coffee from Guatemala, it provides an authentic taste of the region’s terroir in a rich, dark roast format.
The profile is characterized by a rich body and smooth, spicy chocolaty undertones. Its robust nature makes it an ideal candidate for Bulletproof-style coffee or for anyone who prefers a strong, substantial cup that stands up well to cream or milk.
Two Volcanoes Gourmet Guatemala Whole Bean
Two Volcanoes Coffee offers a rare, single-estate experience, with beans grown at the base of two volcanoes in Guatemala. This specific terroir, enriched by mineral-rich volcanic soil, imparts a unique and delicious flavor that is distinct from blended coffees. The medium roast is key here, as it retains the beans’ natural earthy flavors better than a dark roast would.
The company’s commitment to quality is evident in its small-batch roasting process. This labor-intensive method ensures an even roast across every bean, allowing for superior quality control and drawing out the best possible flavor and aroma from this special origin.
Cubico Coffee Premium Guatemala Antigua
Cubico Coffee focuses on delivering an authentic Guatemalan experience by sourcing its beans directly from farms in the Antigua region. These gourmet whole beans are roasted to perfection to highlight the deep, rich flavors and aromatic qualities inherent to the beans. The result is a luxurious and satisfying cup that reflects its Central American origin.
This coffee is also a great choice for those seeking organic options. The beans are grown in the fertile soils of Antigua without the use of chemicals or pesticides, ensuring a pure and natural product from farm to your cup.
Copper Moon Guatemalan Antigua Blend Light Roast
For lovers of light roast coffee, Copper Moon’s Guatemalan Antigua Blend is an excellent find. Light roasting allows the bean’s inherent brightness and complexity to take center stage. This coffee boasts a rich, full body complemented by a crisp, balanced acidity, revealing a nuanced profile with hints of cocoa, ripe berries, and citrus.
Beyond its taste, this coffee is certified kosher, gluten-free, mold-free, allergen-free, and non-GMO. Sold in a convenient 2-pound bag, it offers a worry-free and memorable coffee experience, especially when ground fresh right before brewing to maximize its vibrant flavors and inviting aroma.
Volcanica Guatemala Antigua Coffee
Volcanica has a strong reputation for sourcing high-quality beans from volcanic regions around the world, and their standard Guatemala Antigua offering is a testament to that. This coffee typically showcases the classic Antigua profile that makes the region so famous, often featuring a well-balanced mix of chocolate, spice, and a crisp acidity.
As a company, Volcanica is known for its commitment to freshness, shipping coffee soon after roasting. Exploring their specific Antigua roast allows you to experience the quintessential flavors of this region through a roaster dedicated to highlighting the best attributes of volcanic soil-grown beans.
Stone Street Guatemalan Reserve Whole Bean
Stone Street Coffee is known for its small-batch roasting and focus on quality, and their Guatemalan Reserve is a part of that curated collection. This coffee is likely to offer a refined and smooth taste experience, emphasizing the high-quality beans sourced from Guatemala’s best growing regions.
Choosing a “Reserve” coffee from a roaster like Stone Street often means you are getting a selection of their finest beans. For the coffee enthusiast looking to experience a premium, carefully roasted Guatemalan coffee, this is a compelling option that promises a rich and satisfying cup.
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Guatemalan Coffee Beans
After tasting our way through dozens of bags this year, we’ve learned a thing or two about picking a truly great Guatemalan coffee. The country’s diverse microclimates and volcanic soil create a huge range of flavors, so knowing what to look for can make all the difference. Here’s our straightforward advice for finding your next favorite bag from our list of the 9 best Guatemalan coffee beans we’ve tried in 2025.
First, pay close attention to the region. Guatemala has eight main growing regions, each with a distinct personality. Antigua coffees are often the most classic, known for their balanced body and notes of chocolate and spice. If you prefer something brighter and more wine-like, a coffee from Huehuetenango, with its fruity and acidic profile, might be your match. Cobán region beans tend to be softer with floral and tropical fruit notes, while Fraijanes coffees are often bright and aromatic. Think about the flavor profiles you generally enjoy—this is the best starting point.
Next, consider the roast level. This is crucial because it can either highlight or hide a bean’s inherent qualities. We prefer a medium roast for most Guatemalan beans. This level allows the bean’s complex characteristics—like its nuanced acidity, sweetness, and unique tasting notes—to really stand out. A dark roast can sometimes overpower the very subtleties that make these coffees special, lending a more uniform, smoky flavor. However, if you exclusively use an espresso machine or simply prefer a bolder, heavier cup, a medium-dark roast from a region like Antigua can be a fantastic choice.
Finally, always check the roast date. Freshness is non-negotiable for a great cup of coffee. Look for bags that clearly state the date the beans were roasted, not just a “best by” date. Ideally, you want to buy beans that were roasted within the past 2-4 weeks. Buying from roasters who are transparent about their process and date their bags is one of the easiest ways to ensure quality. This single step guarantees you’re getting coffee at its peak flavor, ready to be brewed into an exceptional cup that truly represents the best of what Guatemala has to offer.
FAQ
What makes Guatemalan coffee so good?
Guatemala has a perfect storm of coffee-growing conditions. The combination of high altitudes, rich volcanic soil, consistent rainfall, and plenty of shade creates an environment where coffee beans develop slowly, leading to a denser, more complex, and flavorful bean. This terroir is what gives Guatemalan coffee its renowned balance and depth.
What is the difference between Guatemalan Antigua and Huehuetenango coffee?
While both are excellent, they have distinct profiles. Antigua coffees are typically more balanced and full-bodied with consistent notes of chocolate, caramel, and a touch of spice. Huehuetenango coffees, grown at even higher altitudes, are often brighter and more intensely fruity or floral, with a vibrant acidity that can remind you of wine or berries.
Is Guatemalan coffee good for espresso?
Absolutely. A medium or medium-dark roast Guatemalan bean, particularly from a region like Antigua, makes a wonderful espresso. It provides a rich, sweet base with good crema and enough complexity to stand on its own or blend beautifully in milk-based drinks like lattes and cappuccinos without getting lost.
Should I choose a single-origin or a blend?
This depends on your goal. For tasting the unique characteristics of a specific farm or region, a single-origin is the way to go. It’s a pure expression of that place’s terroir. Blends are often crafted for consistency and a specific flavor profile, like a perfectly balanced espresso. From our tasting, the 9 best Guatemalan coffee beans we’ve tried in 2025 included outstanding examples of both, so don’t be afraid to try each type.
How should I brew Guatemalan coffee?
You can’t go wrong with a pour-over method like a Hario V60 or Chemex to highlight the delicate and complex flavors, especially in a lighter roasted Huehuetenango. A French press will emphasize the body and chocolatey notes of an Antigua coffee. For a full-bodied and intense cup, an AeroPress is also a great choice. Experiment to find what you like best!
Where is the best place to buy it?
We strongly recommend buying directly from specialty roasters, either online or at a local café. These roasters prioritize bean quality, direct trade relationships with farmers, and precise roasting to bring out the best in the coffee. They also provide the crucial roast date information you need for the freshest possible beans.