Coffee is an essential part of the day for hardworking Filipinos who are always on the go. It has that much-needed energy boost for us to stay on top of our game. Plus, it has that aroma and flavor we can’t seem to get enough of! The good news is, we need not search far and wide because our country is abundant with homegrown coffees to satisfy our coffee needs.
Living in a tropical and agricultural country certainly has its many benefits. It leaves us with a variety of beans, much to the delight of coffee lovers! And we are here to help you choose the best among the many local options available. For easy online shopping, why not give our top 10 picks a try? Lastly, our buying guide below, fact-checked and reviewed by registered nutritionist-dietitian Samantha Morales, ought to assist in knowing what to look out for.
Quick List - Top Coffees
Samantha began her career in clinical nutrition and weight management at a tertiary hospital in Manila, Philippines. Her practice allowed her to give nutrition counseling and plan modified diets for patients with medical conditions. Presently, she does private practice to focus on true holistic wellness - an approach that believes in aligning one's mind, body, and spiritual well-being.
Our recommendation articles are carefully researched and crafted by the mybest Philippines team of writers and editors. To stay true to our company’s mission and vision to help users’ selection process easier, we also collaborate with experts from various fields to ensure that our content stays factual and useful.
The expert oversees the Buying Guide only, and does not determine the products and services featured.
Table of Contents
Here are some key points to consider:
The Philippines is home to four varieties of coffee beans. Knowing your beans and your preferred type lessens the tedious task of determining what coffee to buy. Below are quick facts about coffee beans to help you decide.
Arabica beans thrive in high altitudes such as hillsides. This type of bean is abundant in the provinces of Benguet and Sagada. It is also the most acidic of all coffees. Compared to Robusta, Arabica contains more sugar, resulting in a coffee with a sweeter taste and decreased bitterness.
These beans are also distinguished by their floral and caramel notes. However, it is important to note that Arabica beans have an extensive flavor profile that depends mainly on where they were harvested. But generally, expect your Arabica coffee to have a sweet and smooth mouthfeel.
Robusta is typically found in the lowlands like Cavite, Mindoro, and Bulacan. Due to its mass production, these beans are readily available in the market. They are also commonly used in instant coffee.
Unlike Arabica beans, this one has a bitter, strong, and earthy flavor profile. Some even describe it to have a burnt or woody aftertaste. If you like your coffee full-bodied and robust, Robusta is the one for you.
For coffee-enthusiasts who prefer their drink with a strong, intense, and woody taste, Philippine Liberica or kapeng barako is the best option. This type of bean thrives in Batangas as well as in Cavite and Quezon provinces.
Kapeng barako got its name from the Filipino word for a male stud bull or wild boar because of its strong taste and aroma. This coffee is usually associated with the older generation who like to drink it with brown sugar or muscovado sugar.
Another type of bean to look out for is Excelsa. It is often confused with Liberica or Robusta, but unlike both, this one has a unique sweet and fruity flavor. They are commonly found in the mountains of Batangas, Quezon, Bicol, and Sorsogon.
Excelsa beans have a more prominent aroma than taste. Many coffee enthusiasts value them for their complex flavor profile that possesses characteristics of both light and dark roast. Plus, their flavor tends to linger on the taste buds.
Aside from the type of coffee bean, you may also want to look into their origin. Single-origin beans came from a single source or farm, country, or region. Because of this, you can fully experience the unique taste and characteristics the bean acquired from its place. Coffee purists prefer this as it allows coffee to taste in its purest form.
On the other hand, coffee blends are derived from beans that came from different regions or countries. They make for a deep and complex flavor profile that complements one another. When blended the right way, they can create a cup of coffee with a distinctive taste.
The next thing to think of is your preferred roasting level. Coffee can have a light, medium, or dark roast, depending on how long the beans were roasted. Below is a simple guide on each roast.
The light roast is light brown in color and appears dry because of the absence of oil on the surface. Drinkers of this roast type prefer it because of its crisp acidity, mellow body, and bright flavors. Roasting coffee beans lightly preserves their unique characteristics. Plus, it's the best roast when you need a lot of caffeine.
Medium roast coffee beans have a neutral brown color. It has a more pronounced body— which can be described as the feeling of the heaviness of coffee in the mouth. In the middle spectrum of light roast and dark roast, medium roast boasts a balanced flavor, aroma, and acidity.
You will recognize dark roast beans from their dark brown to almost black color. Their smell has hints of cocoa as well. For lovers of bold, dark, and rich coffee, dark roast is for you. Keep in mind, though, dark roast is less acidic and less caffeinated compared to its other counterparts.
To grind or not to grind; that is the question. When it comes to the world of coffee, the best way to decide on this is to consider your available resources. If you have the equipment and extra time, whole beans are the best choice. Otherwise, the more efficient option of buying pre-grounded or ready-to-drink coffee is for you.
Buying whole beans allows for more customization of grind size based on the brew type. Additionally, you can taste and experience coffee in all its glory, especially when it’s ground fresh every time you make one. This way, your coffee won’t taste stale or weak.
For coffee aficionados, they prefer whole beans so they can grind them on their own. This way, they can choose the right size for whichever machine they intend to use it. Extra fine beans are for espressos, while the medium grind is optimal for most coffee makers. And if you have a French press, a coarse grind is a perfect size.
If you’re new to the world of coffee, a bag of pre-ground coffee is the best way to go. Plus, buying pre-ground coffee beans saves time manually grinding the beans every time you need caffeine. Just make sure to store them in an airtight container so they won’t turn stale quickly.
Pre-ground beans may also come in a more convenient option of instant drip coffee. This type of coffee is grounded and served in single packets. All you have to do is put the drip bag on your mug and add hot water. It's like pour-over coffee, minus the weighing and grinding of beans.
Also, if you’re not that into the art of coffee-making and just want to enjoy caffeine, occasionally, you may want to consider ready-to-drink coffees. This may come in bottles or tetra packs so you can enjoy your coffee without much fuss. These are also perfect for travel since you can easily bring them anywhere.
Ever had a big bag of coffee beans that went stale because you didn’t consume it much? Prevent wasting good coffee by purchasing a pack of what you can only drink. This way, you can get your caffeine fix without feeling bitin or tossing it out when it goes stale.
If your coffee needs are minimal, the optimal option is single-serve packets. You can get a sip of coffee only when you need it. You can also avoid having coffee leftovers. This is also ideal for those who live alone and only consume a small amount of coffee.
Additionally, single-serve packets are efficient for people who are always on the go since it doesn’t require the painstaking process of getting the right ratio for your coffee. You can just pour the contents, or in the case of drip coffee, clip the drip bag on your favorite mug, add hot or cold water and be on your way.
If you don’t fancy small quantities of coffee, then a big serving is perfect for you. This is the best option if you live in a household full of coffee-lovers or if you just need coffee that much. Larger servings are also more cost-effective in the long run than buying several small packages.
Additionally, the process of brewing coffee in one go for the whole family saves much time, effort, and money than making one for each member. And the best part is, buying in bulk is more environmental-friendly since less packaging is used.
When selecting your coffee, you must also look into the packaging. There are various options out there like plastic bags, resealable paper bags, and metal canisters. If you want to opt for a more environmental-friendly option, go for those made of katsa.
Deciding on the packaging is a matter of preference. However, do consider that vacuum-sealed and dark packaging can extend the shelf life of your coffee for up to 3-5 months. But suppose you already have designated coffee containers at home. In that case, coffee in paper bags and plastic bags is the more budget-friendly option.
If you ever experience palpitations or an upset stomach from a sip of coffee, don’t worry. You can still enjoy a cup even if you have caffeine sensitivity, Gastroesophageal reflux disorder (GERD), or acid reflux. However, you may want to go for the decaffeinated option.
The decaffeinated option contains significantly less caffeine than the regular one. It also has lesser acidity. Of course, it is always best to consult a professional if you experience adverse reactions to coffee.
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | The Roasted Ground Sagada|Premium Coffee | ![]() | A Rare Find for a Distinctively Complex Grind | |
2 | Kapeng Barako | ![]() | Cultural Staple Packed With an Extra Kick in Every Sip | |
3 | Benguet Blend | ![]() | Aromatic Blend With a Balanced Taste | |
4 | Coffee Shop Kalinga Blend|Instant Drip | ![]() | For a Standout Smoky and Woody Flavor | |
5 | Coffeellera Mt. Apo Coffee|Honey Processed | ![]() | High Quality Beans from the Highest Mountain in the Country | |
6 | Philippine Civet Coffee | ![]() | Exquisite Taste for the Adventurous Coffee-Lover | |
7 | Stout Coffee Ph Mt. Kitanglad Coffee | ![]() | Must-Try Coffee With a Clean and Fruity Taste | |
8 | Dennis Coffee Garden Kahawa Sug | ![]() | The Flavor Profile of Coffee and Tea Combined | |
9 | Bo's Coffee Mt. Matutum Beans | ![]() | Beans With a Simple Yet Complex Flavor | |
10 | Sibs Coffee Co. Sultan Kudarat | ![]() | Southside Pride With a Sweet and Smoky Taste |
Sagada coffee tops our list with its bittersweet flavor with fruity and floral overtones. The beans are literally one of a kind given their rarity, even in local markets, as there is only a handful of its plantations. Its flavor profile is complex and makes for a unique drinking experience coffee-drinkers and non-drinkers would enjoy.
In terms of coffee, it is the first one you should check out! Its taste is sweet, nutty, and balanced with hints of chocolates and tobacco. Once you get a sip, you’ll get a bright and fruity taste that transforms into something earthy and toasty. Its distinct taste lingers on the mouth without leaving an unpleasant feeling.
When it comes to Sagada coffee, the Roasted Ground has the premium taste you need. The best part is this coffee matches extremely well with a variety of roasts and machines. No matter how you like your coffee prepared, this will provide you medium-bodied coffee with a great depth of flavor that is neither too strong nor too mild.
Your local coffee experience wouldn’t be complete without kapeng barako, which is perhaps the coffee most commonly associated with the Philippines. This is because its beans are unique to our lush vegetation. And true to its name, it is certainly robust both in aroma and flavor. Its pungent smell will surely wake up your senses early in the morning.
What comprises the barako's intense flavor is its long roasting periods, as done traditionally in Batangas. Not to be dismissed by drinkers of mellow coffee, kapeng barako is not entirely bitter. It also has some sweetness because of its floral and fruity notes.
For a more traditional feel, you can never go wrong with Kapeng Barako in a jute sack. And if you find the flavor too strong for your liking, you can add muscovado sugar just like the traditional way of drinking it. Once you find your perfect brew, you will be on your way to a unique coffee drinking experience to spice up your day.
What sets this coffee apart from the others is its balanced taste. Lovers of bitter coffee and sweet coffee will find this drink a “happy medium” as it is not too sweet and not too strong. And the best part is, with this blend, you get to taste all the best that Benguet coffee beans have to offer.
With red mountain soil and its cool air, Benguet is home to the finest coffee in the country. Locals of the mountain region take pride in their harvest by describing their beans as “the best there is.” And they are right to do so, considering a cup of Baguio blends has a bold and fruity flavor that will linger on the palate.
Benguet Blend's coffee beans have a dark flavor profile mainly of chocolate. Additionally, it has bright citrus and fruity notes. The combination of light and dark flavors makes for a cup of coffee with a pleasant mouthfeel, perfect for those who are just starting their coffee venture.
Coffee enthusiasts who like their drink boldly delicious will find the Kalinga Blend will satisfy their caffeine needs. These beans come from the fertile and high-altitude mountains of the Kalinga province. Given its naturally strong aroma and taste, this will surely knock you off your feet.
This blend of various Kalinga beans will certainly give you the best of the mountain region. The beans have a full-bodied, smoky flavor that will surely stay in your mouth. What attracts many coffee-lovers around the world is its simple yet rich taste.
These beans are packed with higher caffeine content and, when combined with their lingering taste, ought to make you alert and ready to take on the day. And it comes in instant drip packets, perfect for those who are always on the go. All you need to do is put a packet in your mug, add hot water, and be on your way.
From the iconic mountain in the Philippines comes a coffee of sweet and fruity taste perfect for those who prefer their drink with bright notes. The beans are derived from ripe coffee cherries carefully grown at the foothills of Mt. Apo.
All thanks to the rich soil of the mountain and the numerous flora that thrive there, these beans have a distinct sweet and citrusy taste with a medium round-bodied note. And to preserve its distinct flavor profile, the beans are usually roasted light to medium.
For a unique brew, you can count on Coffeellera’s Mt. Apo coffee to do the job. This coffee is the only honey-processed bean on our list. The use of lesser water results in a honey-like stickiness on the outer layer of the coffee cherry. That said, you can expect a coffee that is fruity and sweet with low acidity.
Whether you’re a coffee connoisseur or a casual drinker, civet coffee is a drinking experience you don’t want to miss. Hailed as the most expensive coffee in the world, Kopi Luwak is the literal by-product of the Asian Palm Civet. The breakdown of coffee beans in their digestive system results in a smooth and delicious coffee with a delicate taste.
Part of what makes these beans expensive is the rarity of their supply as well as their sensational nature. Drinking poop coffee sounds bizarre, right? Plus, civets only eat the ripest coffee cherries. And when they eat them, enzymes in their digestive tract alter the taste and composition of the beans, which can take around 24 to 36 hours!
We know you’re intrigued now! So why not try for yourself with these coffee beans? These are sourced straight from the archipelago of Sulu, where civets are treated properly and allowed to range freely in their natural habitat. You need not worry about your beans, too, because they are thoroughly washed and processed.
Coffee need not always be on the bitter spectrum of flavors. And if you’re not a fan of a strong and sharp cup of joe, Mt. Kitanglad Coffee is the one for you! These coffee beans come from the foothills of Mt. Kitanglad, an inactive volcano located in Bukidnon.
Home to different world-class agricultural products, Bukidnon also takes pride in their coffee that is perfect for those who like their coffee sweet. Different roasters produce different flavor profiles like sweet potato, dark chocolate, butter, and banana. But you'll know the beans come from Mt. Kitanglad because of their smooth and fruity taste.
Stout Coffee Ph has various single-origin coffee up its sleeves. But Mt. Kitanglad stays very close to their hearts because it is their very first single-origin coffee. This will also stay in your hearts especially with its unique banana and jackfruit flavor. Just a sip would make for a memorable and incomparable cup of local origin!
For those who love the earthy and herby flavor of tea, you will find solace in its more caffeinated counterpart—Sulu coffee. Locally known as kahawa sug, this coffee is preferred by the locals for its distinct taste.
Coffee drinking is an essential part of the rich heritage among theTausugs. Because of this, they take a painstaking effort in producing the best Robusta harvests in the region. Their efforts resulted in the kahawa sug, a coffee with a striking flavor described to be quite strong but not overly bitter.
Dennis Coffee Co. is one of the cornerstones of the local coffee brewery in Sulu. There's no doubt about it that they produce one of the best kahawa sug in the province. And if you’ve ever been to the region, make sure to drop by the place. Complete your Sulu expedition by getting a taste of their rich heritage and special coffee.
If you are seeking coffee with a unique mouthfeel, Mt. Matutum coffee beans are the way to go. These high-quality and delicious beans are well-received by coffee lovers and even non-coffee drinkers. Its flavor profile is complex as a result of different brewing methods that bring out different notes from the beans.
Mt. Matutum is a lush mountain situated in South Cotabato. It is home to diverse plant and animal species, including the Philippine Eagle. That is why it’s not surprising that it is also where you will find one of the best coffee beans in the country with its nutty and chocolatey flavor. Now, that’s a no-fail combo we love!
Curious about the combination of these flavors already? Go ahead and "add to cart." With Bo’s Coffee’s Mt. Matutum beans, you are in good hands. And you are definitely in for a great cup of coffee. Their bag of beans epitomizes the subtle yet complex taste of South Cotabato beans with its flavor profile of spices, berries, chocolates, and nuts.
How can coffee taste both sweet and smoky, you ask? You'll just simply have to try Sultan Kudarat’s coffee. Another pride of the south, these beans boast a flavor profile on the dark side. But not to be disregarded by sweet coffee lovers - they also have a semi-sweet flavor, which results in a full-bodied coffee with a premium taste and aroma.
Those partial to this coffee love the tasting notes of nuts, chocolate, tobacco, and vanilla that it evokes. The beans are usually farmed and cultured in the Daguma Mt. Range, a lush forest home to endemic birds and rich vegetation.
Sibs Coffee Co. has the best beans for you to try the taste of South. They masterfully roast their beans and wait for 3 to 5 days after the roasting date before they ship the beans. This process allows the beans to de-gas and further develop their taste profile for a premium coffee drinking experience.
If there’s anything we miss among pre-COVID activities, it’s hanging out in our favorite coffee shops. Whether it's rushing through paperwork or catching up with friends, coffee and cake make the best companions. Being at home shouldn't stop you from enjoying this. Here are the best pastries to pair with your coffee for a café experience at home.
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Author: J Ausa
Editor: J. Cuizon
Our buying guide was carefully researched and crafted by the mybest team of writers and editors, in collaboration with the expert featured in this article. We used the buying guide as a basis for choosing and ranking the product recommendations, and we looked at reviews and ratings from different E-commerce sites like Lazada, Shopee, and more.
No. 1: The Roasted Ground|Sagada|Premium Coffee
No. 2: |Kapeng Barako
No. 3: |Benguet Blend
No. 4: Coffee Shop|Kalinga Blend|Instant Drip
No. 5: Coffeellera|Mt. Apo Coffee|Honey Processed
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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