7 Best Ethiopian Coffee Brands of 2024 (Top Picks)

If you are a coffee enthusiast and have been exploring coffee for many years, you must have heard the story of Kaldi.

Yes, that Kaldi was from Ethiopia.

Ethiopian coffee is known for its flavor profile, growing conditions, processing methods, and cultural significance.

In this article, I will be listing the best Ethiopian coffee brands that will help you brew authentic Ethiopian coffee.

Let’s start.

Things to take care of while buying Ethiopian coffee

1) Bean Variety

Ethiopian coffee is known for its diverse range of heirloom varieties, each with its own unique flavor profile.

Be sure to inquire about the specific bean variety used in the coffee you're purchasing, as different varieties can produce vastly different taste experiences.

2) Origin and Region

Ethiopia is home to several distinct coffee-growing regions, each with its own microclimate and terroir that influence the flavor of the coffee beans.

Consider the origin and region of the coffee you're buying, as this can give you insights into the flavor characteristics you can expect.

3) Processing Method

Ethiopian coffee is processed using either the natural (dry) or washed (wet) method, each of which imparts different flavor profiles to the beans.

Natural processing tends to result in fruity and wine-like flavors, while washed processing produces cleaner and brighter flavors.

Know which processing method was used and whether it aligns with your flavor preferences.

4) Roast Level

Ethiopian coffee beans are often roasted to various levels, ranging from light to dark.

The roast level can significantly impact the flavor profile of the coffee, Lighter roasts preserve the bean's origin characteristics and darker roasts imparting more roasted and caramelized flavors.

Choose a roast level that complements the inherent flavors of Ethiopian coffee and suits your taste preferences.

5) Freshness

Opt for freshly roasted coffee beans whenever possible to ensure maximum flavor and aroma. Check the roast date on the packaging and aim to purchase beans that have been roasted recently.

Coffee beans are at their peak flavor within a few weeks of roasting, so try to consume them within this timeframe for the best taste experience.

6) Certifications

Consider purchasing Ethiopian coffee that is certified organic, fair trade, or Rainforest Alliance certified if you value sustainable and ethical practices in coffee production.

These certifications ensure that the coffee has been grown and processed in a manner that prioritizes environmental sustainability and fair treatment of workers.

7 Best Ethiopian Coffee Brands

1) Ethiopian Yirgacheffe by Fresh Roast Coffee

This is Kirkland Signature's Ethiopian coffee beans which are sourced from top coffee-growing regions of Ethiopia.

So you will get coffee beans from a region renowned for its unique climate and terroir, which contribute to the distinct flavor profile of Ethiopian coffee.

Additionally, the USDA Organic certification guarantees that the coffee has been produced using organic farming methods which aligns with principles of environmental sustainability and avoiding harmful chemicals.

Given that Ethiopian coffee consists of Arabica beans, known for their superior quality and nuanced flavor profile, you can expect a smooth and complex taste experience.

With Kirkland Signature's Ethiopian coffee being a light roast, the beans are roasted to highlight their delicate flavors and acidity, resulting in a flavorful and aromatic brew.

Lastly, the 2-pound bag offers convenience and value, providing a generous quantity of coffee for multiple cups or sharing with others.

2) Hayman 100% Ethiopia Yirgacheffe Coffee Beans

What sets Hayman's Ethiopian coffee is its commitment to freshness and quality.

The coffee is medium roasted in small batches on the same day it is shipped which ensures maximum flavor and aroma retention.

The roasting date is clearly printed on the packaging which provides proof that you are savoring the freshest coffee possible.

One of the things that I love about this brand is its packaging. This coffee is packaged in a beautiful box, it adds a touch of luxury to any gift basket.

3) Ethiopian Coffee Beans By Cubico Coffee

The coffee beans used in this product are sourced from the sloping hills of the Yirgachaffe Valley in the renowned coffee region of Sidamo, Ethiopia.

These beans are freshly roasted in small batches, with each bag signed and dated by the roasters to guarantee freshness and traceability.

This care to detail ensures that every cup of Cubico Coffee delivers a delightful and aromatic experience that captures the essence of Ethiopian coffee at its finest.

The cupping notes of Cubico's Ethiopia Yirgacheffe ground coffee paint a picture of its exquisite flavor profile.

With a smooth and creamy body, this coffee offers a complex citrusy sensation, with pronounced lime notes that tantalize the palate.

The floral flavors add an elegant touch, while the sweet chocolate finish provides a satisfying conclusion to each sip.

4) Trader Joe's Shade Grown Beans

These coffee beans come with a medium roast profile and rich flavor characteristics.

This product is crafted for discerning coffee enthusiasts. Its sweet floral aroma that emanates from the freshly ground beans sets the stage for a sensory journey that unfolds with each sip.

The beans used in this product are sourced from premium Arabica beans.

These beans are carefully selected and roasted to perfection to ensure a consistently delicious coffee experience with every brew.

These beans are packaged in a convenient bag format, it's easy to store and preserve the freshness of the beans until they are ready to be ground and brewed.

5) Whole Coffee Beans by Equal Exchange

The beans used in this product are premium Arabica beans. They are grown in regions known for producing exceptional coffee, these beans are carefully selected to ensure a superior coffee experience.

These beans come with the notes of ginger, spice, and blueberry, each sip offers a multi-dimensional taste experience that evolves on the palate.

These beans are packaged in a convenient bag format. This packaging ensures the preservation of the beans' freshness and flavor until they reach the cup.

For those seeking a coffee that goes beyond the ordinary, Equal Exchange's Fruity and Complex Whole Bean Coffee is an excellent choice.

With its bold flavors, complex aromas, and commitment to ethical sourcing, it promises a truly exceptional coffee experience that will delight the senses and invigorate the spirit.

6) Medium roast coffee by Marley Coffee

Crafted with care and dedication, this medium roast coffee celebrates the spirit of Ethiopia with its balanced and smooth flavor profile, accented by exotic hints of berry.

It is Fairtrade certified, ensuring that the coffee is produced in a manner that promotes fair wages and environmental sustainability.

Additionally, Marley Coffee partners with One Tree Planted, a non-profit organization dedicated to reforestation efforts worldwide.

With every purchase of One Love Whole Bean coffee, you're not just enjoying a delicious cup of coffee; you're also contributing to the restoration of our planet's forests.

To ensure the best taste experience, Marley Coffee recommends using fresh, cold water and a clean coffee maker when brewing.

The ideal ratio is 2 tablespoons of ground coffee per 6 fluid ounces of water, though adjustments can be made according to personal taste preferences.

By following these simple guidelines, you can unlock the full potential of One Love Whole Bean coffee and savor its rich and aromatic flavors with every sip.

Marley Coffee's mission goes beyond just delivering exceptional coffee; it's about honoring Bob Marley's legacy of respect for nature and humanity.

With every cup of Marley Coffee, you're not just indulging in a beverage; you're embodying the spirit of global good and contributing to a brighter future for all.

Each package contains six 10-ounce bags of whole-bean Marley Coffee, ensuring that you have an ample supply of this exceptional coffee to enjoy at home or share with loved ones.

With its flavorful taste, ethical sourcing, and commitment to positive change, One Love Whole Bean coffee is more than just a coffee—it's a movement towards a better world.

7) Ethiopian Yirgacheffe By CoffeeBean Direct

This product is crafted to delight coffee lovers with its light roast profile and rich flavor palette.

This coffee offers a smooth body with moderate acidity and a tantalizing chocolaty aroma.

With notes of cocoa powder, pecan, and brown sugar, each sip of coffee brewed using these beans transports you to a world of indulgence and satisfaction.

It's the perfect brew to kickstart your mornings on cool, crisp days, enveloping you in warmth and comfort with every sip.

Whether you prefer your coffee iced, as cold brew, brewed with a French press, AeroPress, or pour-over, their diverse range of offerings takes care of every taste and brewing preference.

From single-origin to decaffeinated, blends, and tea, their product lines include a variety of preferences. 
Whether you prefer your coffee coarse, finely ground, or whole bean, you can expect peak flavor and aroma in every cup, whether it's a latte, mocha, espresso, or drip-brew.

What is Ethiopian Coffee?

Ethiopian coffee is the coffee that is grown, harvested, and processed within the coffee-growing regions of Ethiopia.

I don’t know if you have an idea of this or not but Ethiopia is widely regarded as the birthplace of coffee.

According to a legend, coffee was discovered by an Ethiopian goat herder named Kaldi who noticed his goats becoming more energetic after eating the berries from a certain tree.

This country is home to lots of coffee varieties. Arabica is the most common coffee in this area.

Types of Ethiopian Coffee

1) Ethiopian Heirloom Varieties

Ethiopian coffee is predominantly made up of indigenous heirloom varieties, which have evolved over centuries and are adapted to the local climate and soil conditions.

2) Sidamo

Sidamo coffee is grown in the Sidamo region of Ethiopia. It is known for its rich biodiversity and ideal coffee-growing conditions.

It is often characterized by its floral aroma, bright acidity, and fruity flavors, with notes of citrus and berries.

3) Yirgacheffe

It is produced in the Yirgacheffe region of Ethiopia which is known for its high-quality Arabica beans.

This coffee is prized for its complex flavor profile, which includes floral aromas, fruity acidity, and a tea-like body. It often exhibits distinct notes of jasmine, bergamot, and tropical fruits.

4) Gedeo

Gedeo coffee is grown in the Gedeo Zone of Ethiopia.

Since this area includes the areas of Yirgacheffe and Dilla, Gedeo coffee shares many characteristics with Yirgacheffe coffee like floral aromas, bright acidity, and fruity flavors.

But yes, along with this, it also has its own unique nuances based on microclimates and processing methods.

5) Harrar

Same as the above types, this coffee has also got its name from the growing region. It is known for its dry-processing method and distinctively bold and earthy flavor profile.

This coffee often offers the winey and fruity notes, along with a heavy body and lingering finish.

It is grown at lower altitudes compared to other Ethiopian coffees.

6) Limu

Limu region is on the western side of Ethiopia. This coffee grows there and that’s why it has been named so.

It is characterized by its moderate climate and fertile soil.

It tends to have a medium body, balanced acidity, and smooth, chocolatey flavor profile with hints of spice and fruitiness.

7) Ghimbi

It is a wet-processed coffee with a balanced flavor profile. It exhibits medium acidity, a creamy body, and notes of chocolate, caramel, and stone fruit.

Wrapping Up

Here, I have got you covered with the best Ethiopian coffee brands.

These brands are known for providing authentic Ethiopian coffee beans.

While the brewing process is the same for these beans the taste and aroma you will experience will be unique in its own way.