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When Café Bustelo expanded its ground-coffee lineup in May 2025, the move mattered: after nearly a century of mostly dark, espresso-style offerings, the brand added lighter roasts and flavored options that change how shoppers choose their daily cup. I sampled the full range at home to see which newcomers — and which stalwarts — are worth a place in the pantry.
My relationship with Bustelo began years ago in Miami’s Little Havana, where the brand’s bold, Latin-rooted profile first made an impression. I brewed each variety the same way I make my morning coffee and tasted everything black, noting aroma, body and finish before ranking them for flavor and versatility.
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7 — Decaffeinated
Decaffeinated Bustelo aims to offer the brand’s recognizable grind without the caffeine, but it struggled to deliver depth. The brewed cup looked paler than expected and the scent was restrained, lacking that robust toasty note long associated with Bustelo.
Taste was the biggest letdown: watery at first, with a faint metallic edge that quickly overtook any nuance. It’s drinkable when you need caffeine-free coffee, but it won’t satisfy those who want richness or structure; it performed weakest across aroma, body and finish.
6 — Dark roast
The dark roast is visually the deepest of the lineup and fills the room with a warm, woody scent as it brews. That first impression sets high expectations.
On the palate, though, the experience veers sharp. A bright, almost citric bite on the sides of the tongue gives way to persistent bitterness. Subtle spice and earthy notes are present but muted by a lingering harshness. The aroma is attractive enough that I might brew it for the scent alone, but flavor-wise it’s a tough sell.
5 — Dulce de leche
Flavored coffees can be clumsy; this one is not. The dulce de leche variant delivers gentle caramel and vanilla impressions without coming across as overtly sweet.
The cup has respectable medium-roast weight, showing a slightly smoky, almost burnt-sugar edge that keeps it from feeling like a dessert coffee. Flavors bloom in the aftertaste rather than dominating the sip, making this a subtle, approachable choice for those who like a touch of sweetness but still want a serious cup.
4 — Light roast
Don’t let the name fool you: the light roast brews darker than most light roasts and offers a lively, crisp profile. The nose suggests toast with a hint of fruit, and the first sip delivers a quick cocoa-like note.
Fruity undertones — think dark berries — become more noticeable on repeat sips, and the finish is sharply clean. It’s complex and brisk, a light roast with surprising intensity. However, its emphatic finish might be too assertive for fans of softer morning coffees.
3 — Classic espresso
The brand’s long-standing classic espresso maintains the familiar fine grind and a strong roasted aroma. Compared with some of the newer offerings it seems a bit leaner on the palate.
Flavor arrives fast and structured, with a slightly charred note and a whisper of pepper. It’s dependable and honest to its espresso-style roots, but when lined up against the medium roast and Supreme, it lacks a little breadth and lingering body.
2 — Supreme
Supreme surprised me the most. Despite being labeled a medium-dark, it’s not as heavy as some darker options; instead it opens with a warm, nutty aroma and moves into a vibrant, earthy profile.
Flavors are immediate and full-bodied, then depart cleanly, leaving a focused toastiness. The overall effect is playful and brisk — an engaging cup that’s great for a quick pick-me-up and distinctive enough to break the monotony of routine brews.
1 — Medium roast
The new medium roast is my top pick. It manages to be both balanced and interesting: the aroma evokes smoky comfort without overpowering, and the sip unfolds into dark chocolate and gentle caramel notes.
Its texture feels lighter than the light roast’s intensity, making it easy to enjoy multiple cups. The finish is clean and slightly sweet; compared with the classic espresso, this version feels more refined and, for my taste, more suitable as an everyday coffee.
Quick takeaways
| Rank | Variety | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Medium roast | Daily cup — balanced, drinkable multiple times |
| 2 | Supreme | Bright, quick cups — lively afternoon option |
| 3 | Classic espresso | Traditional espresso-style flavor |
| 4 | Light roast | Complex, crisp — for those who like fruit-forward notes |
| 5 | Dulce de leche | Subtle flavored coffee — dessert nuance without cloying |
| 6 | Dark roast | Strong aroma for atmosphere; flavor is quite bitter |
| 7 | Decaffeinated | Caffeine-free alternative; lacks depth |
How I tested
I tasted the coffees in one session, starting with the flavored dulce de leche and moving from the lightest roast to the darkest to reduce carryover. Each variety was brewed using my regular drip method and evaluated black for aroma, body, flavor clarity and finish. Between samples I cleansed the palate and rinsed equipment to keep comparisons fair.
The brand’s May 2025 additions broaden Bustelo’s appeal beyond its historic espresso-style audience. For shoppers, that means more choices: a refined medium roast for everyday drinking, a playful Supreme for variety, a nuanced flavored option, and alternatives for those who prefer lighter or darker profiles. If you’re curious about Bustelo beyond the classic tin, the medium roast and Supreme are the best places to start.
