Where Is Bustelo Coffee From

If you’ve ever enjoyed a strong, aromatic cup of coffee, you might have wondered: where is Bustelo coffee from? This rich, dark roast has a loyal following, and its origins are key to its unique character. Let’s look at the story behind this beloved brand.

Bustelo coffee comes from a tradition of Cuban-style espresso. While the company was founded in New York City, its heart and soul are firmly rooted in Latin American coffee culture. The beans are sourced from some of the best growing regions, creating that signature bold flavor profile so many people love.

This article will guide you through everything about Bustelo. You’ll learn its history, how its made, and why it stands out on the shelf.

The answer to “where is Bustelo coffee from” involves both geography and heritage. The brand was officially started in East Harlem, New York, in 1928 by a Spanish immigrant named Gregorio Bustelo. However, his inspiration came directly from the strong, sweetened espresso popular in Cuban cafes. He wanted to bring that experience to the growing Latino community in New York.

So, while the company is American, the coffee style and bean sourcing are Latin American. Today, Bustelo sources its arabica and robusta beans primarily from countries like:

Colombia
Brazil
Guatemala
Peru

The Founding Story of Gregorio Bustelo

Gregorio Bustelo arrived in New York from Spain. He noticed a lack of the strong, dark coffee that was common in Cuban and other Latin American communities. Seeing an opportunity, he began roasting and blending beans to match that preferred taste. He started by selling it locally, and word spread quickly.

His small business grew because he understood his customers. The coffee was authentic, affordable, and packed with flavor. It became a staple in Puerto Rican, Cuban, and Dominican households. The companys headquarters eventually moved to New Jersey, where it remains today under the ownership of The J.M. Smucker Company.

What “Café Bustelo” Really Means

The name itself tells a story. “Café” simply means coffee, signaling its cultural roots. “Bustelo” is the founder’s surname, giving it a personal, family-owned feel. Together, “Café Bustelo” represents a specific promise: a consistent, potent, and authentic Latin-style coffee.

This isn’t a mild or light roast. It’s meant to be powerful. It’s traditionally brewed as espresso or using a stovetop moka pot, though many now use it in drip machines too. The bright yellow can is a recognizable symbol of this promise on grocery store shelves everywhere.

The Importance of Bean Sourcing

To achieve its consistent flavor, Bustelo’s beans come from several regions. The blend usually includes both arabica and robusta beans. Arabica beans are known for their smoother, more complex flavors. Robusta beans have more caffeine and a stronger, more bitter taste that adds that characteristic “kick” and crema.

The exact blend ratios are a secret. But the sourcing from multiple countries ensures the flavor profile stays the same year-round, even if one region has a bad harvest. This reliability is a big part of the brands success.

How Bustelo Stands Out From Other Brands

Walk down the coffee aisle, and you’ll see many options. Bustelo stands out for a few key reasons:

Price: It is famously affordable, offering a high-quality, bold coffee without a premium price tag.
Flavor Profile: It is unapologetically strong and dark. There’s no mild version.
Cultural Icon: It holds a special place as a cultural touchstone for many Latino families, often associated with memory and tradition.
Versatility: It comes in many forms: whole bean, ground, espresso grind, bricks, and single-serve pods.

Brewing the Perfect Cup of Bustelo

To truly appreciate Bustelo, brewing it right makes all the difference. Here’s how to make a classic cup using different methods.

Using a Moka Pot (The Traditional Way)

The moka pot, or “cafetera,” is the classic method. It makes a strong, espresso-like coffee perfect for cortaditos or café con leche.

Unscrew the moka pot and fill the bottom chamber with cold water up to the safety valve.
Insert the filter basket and fill it with Bustelo espresso grind coffee. Do not pack it down; just level it off.
Screw the top chamber on tightly and place the pot on a stove burner set to medium heat.
Leave the lid open. When you hear a gurgling sound, the coffee is flowing into the top chamber. Remove it from heat immediately.
Pour and enjoy your strong, authentic brew.

Using an Espresso Machine

For a more modern take, an espresso machine works great with Bustelo.

Use the espresso grind. Dose about 18-20 grams of coffee into your portafilter.
Tamp it down firmly and evenly to create a “puck.”
Brew for about 25-30 seconds, aiming for a double shot (about 2 ounces) of espresso.
The result should have a nice, dark crema on top—a sign of a good extraction.

Making it in a Drip Coffee Maker

Yes, you can use Bustelo in a standard drip machine. It will make a very strong pot of coffee.

Use the standard grind, not the espresso grind, if you can find it. If not, the espresso grind is fine but may result in some sediment.
Use more coffee than you normally would. A good starting point is 2 tablespoons per 6 ounces of water.
Run the brew cycle as usual. Be prepared for a bolder, more intense cup than typical drip coffee.

Popular Bustelo Coffee Drinks to Try

Bustelo is the base for many delicious drinks. Here are a few classics.

Café con Leche

This is a staple breakfast drink. It’s simple and comforting.

Brew a strong shot of Bustelo (about 2 ounces) using a moka pot or espresso machine.
Heat an equal amount of milk (about 2 ounces) until hot but not boiling. Froth it if you like.
Pour the coffee and milk simultaneously into a cup. Add sugar to taste.

Cortadito

A cortadito is a sweetened Cuban espresso shot cut with a bit of steamed milk.

First, make a small amount of “espumita” by whipping a teaspoon of Bustelo espresso with a teaspoon of sugar and a few drops of brewed coffee until it’s frothy and brown.
Brew a single or double shot of Bustelo espresso directly into the cup with the espumita.
Top it off with a small amount of steamed milk, just to “cut” the coffee (hence “cortadito”).

Café Cubano

This is the essense of sweetened Bustelo espresso.

As you brew your Bustelo espresso from a moka pot, catch the first few drops in a cup that already contains a few teaspoons of sugar.
Whisk this mixture vigorously to create a sweet, creamy foam.
Pour the rest of the brewed espresso into the cup and stir gently. Serve in small cups.

Where to Buy Bustelo Coffee

Finding Bustelo is usually very easy. It’s widely available across the United States and beyond.

Grocery Stores: Check the international aisle or the regular coffee aisle. Major chains like Walmart, Kroger, and Safeway almost always carry it.
Online Retailers: Amazon, Walmart.com, and other online stores sell it in bulk, often at a good price.
Warehouse Clubs: Stores like Costco or Sam’s Club frequently sell large packs of the brick packs or cans.
Latin Markets: Your local bodega or Latin American grocery store will definitely have it, and often at the best price.

Storing Your Coffee for Freshness

To keep your Bustelo tasting its best, proper storage is key. Coffee is sensitive to air, moisture, heat, and light.

Keep it Sealed: If you buy the brick pack, transfer the unused coffee to an airtight container after opening. The vacuum-sealed can is good until opened.
Use a Cool, Dark Place: Don’t store coffee in the fridge or freezer. The condensation can ruin the flavor. A cupboard away from the stove or oven is perfect.
Buy What You’ll Use: Try to buy a quantity that you’ll use within 1-2 weeks of opening for the freshest taste. Ground coffee loses its peak flavor faster than whole bean.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is Bustelo coffee from Cuba?

No, Bustelo coffee is not from Cuba. The company was founded in New York, USA. However, the style of coffee—dark roasted and finely ground for espresso—is inspired by Cuban coffee traditions. The beans are sourced from various Latin American countries.

What type of roast is Bustelo?

Bustelo is a very dark roast. It’s often labeled as “Espresso Roast” or “Dark Roast.” This roasting process gives it its deep, smoky, and bold flavor with low acidity, which is characteristic of Latin-style coffees.

Does Bustelo have more caffeine?

Yes, typically Bustelo has more caffeine than a standard medium roast arabica coffee. This is because its blend includes robusta beans, which naturally contain almost twice the caffeine as arabica beans. Also, the dark roast doesn’t burn away as much caffeine as people think.

Can you drink Bustelo every day?

Absolutely. Many people drink Bustelo daily as their regular coffee. It’s strong, so you might use less or dilute it with more water or milk if your sensitive to caffeine. As with any coffee, moderation based on your own tolerance is recommended.

Why is Bustelo so cheap?

Bustelo maintains a low price through efficient, large-scale production and by using a blend of beans. While it uses high-quality beans, blending allows for cost management. Their long history and huge volume also help keep prices down, making it an incredible value for the flavor.

What’s the difference between the can and the brick?

The coffee inside is the same blend. The difference is packaging. The yellow can is vacuum-sealed. The brick pack (or “brick pack”) is a foil-lined paper package that is also vacuum-sealed but is less expensive to produce, which sometimes makes it a better value. Some people prefer the can for its resealable lid.

The Cultural Impact of Bustelo

Bustelo is more than just coffee; it’s a cultural symbol. For decades, it has been a familiar sight in Caribbean and Latin American homes. The smell of Bustelo brewing in the morning is a powerful sense memory for many. It represents hospitality, family gatherings, and a connection to heritage.

Its bright yellow can is iconic. The brand has embraced this, often featuring in art and community events. It’s a brand that has grown with its community, becoming a mainstream staple while staying true to its roots. When you understand where Bustelo coffee is from, you understand a peice of American immigrant success and the sharing of cultural traditions.

Final Thoughts on Bustelo’s Origins

So, where is Bustelo coffee from? It’s from the vision of Gregorio Bustelo in New York, inspired by the cafes of Cuba, and made with beans from across Latin America. Its story is a blend of entrepreneurship and cultural identity.

Whether you’re new to Bustelo or have been drinking it for years, appreciating its history makes each cup a little richer. Next time you see that yellow can, you’ll know your not just buying coffee—you’re buying a story over a century in the making. Give it a try brewed the traditional way; you might just find your new favorite daily coffee.