These Are the Best-Tasting Coffees in the World, According to 250 Chefs and Sommeliers

Every year, a panel of more than 250 chefs and sommeliers gathers in Brussels, Belgium to evaluate thousands of food and beverage products from around the world. Their mission is deceptively simple: identify bites that taste exceptional. 

This expert-driven taste test determines the recipients of the Superior Taste Awards. Organized by the International Taste Institute, the Superior Taste Awards have become one of the most respected sensory certifications in the global food and drink industry. Products are judged anonymously — no branding, packaging, or context is provided — using a rigorous methodology that scores items based on qualities including appearance, aroma, taste, texture, and overall sensation. 

Instead of ranking products in each category from best to worst, the Superior Taste Awards recognize the best of the best by giving winning items one, two, or three stars. To earn the Institute’s highest distinction, three stars, a product must achieve a score of 90% or higher, placing it in the top tier of its category.

This year’s three-star award winners include Italian espresso blends, Malaysian white coffee, and single-origin Colombian beans. The array of coffees that won Superior Taste Awards in 2026 reflects the breadth of today’s global coffee culture, and several standouts offer especially compelling stories — whether that’s through their sourcing, roasting philosophy, or flavor profile.

Lavazza La Reserva de ¡Tierra! Colombia Espresso

Lavazza’s ¡Tierra! line has focused on sustainability, social responsibility, and sourcing since it was first introduced. Its single-origin Colombia expression continues that ethos by sourcing beans from Colombia’s Meta region — as well as Antioquia and Huila — where the Lavazza Foundation supports local farming families through efforts like rebuilding coffee plantations and investing in infrastructure. 

The award-winning roast leans into the classic flavors of high-grown Colombian Arabica, with a sweet profile and notes of tropical fruit and lime zest, while maintaining a careful balance between its acidity and rich body that won over the judges.

Mister Caffè 45° Parallelo

Named for the 45th parallel that runs through Piedmont, Italy, where the roastery is based, Mister Caffè’s 45° Parallelo is crafted with a blend of coffees sourced from multiple origins: 45% Brazil, 45% Kenya, and 10% Papua New Guinea. If you’re searching for a great coffee to brew in your Moka pot, this is it. When used to craft espresso, the roaster notes that 45° Parallelo has a full body, minimal acidity, and a sweet and fruity aroma.

Oriental Kopi Classic White Coffee

Malaysia’s white coffee, originating in Ipoh, Perak, boasts a unique roasting method and serving format. Beans are lightly roasted with margarine, a key component in developing the beverage’s signature buttery flavor, but it’s the generous amount of sweetened condensed milk served in brewed Ipoh white coffee that gives it its name. 

Oriental Kopi’s Classic White Coffee was the only instant coffee to receive three stars at this year’s Superior Taste Awards. The brand describes it as aromatic and rich, and each single-serving packet includes sugar and a nondairy creamer, so you can easily re-create a taste of Ipoh’s beloved beverage.

Caffè Roen “Extra Bar”

Verona-based Caffè Roen’s “Extra Bar” blend reflects the brand’s commitment to a classic Northern Italian-style espresso roast, delivering a strong, soft, and creamy cup of espresso. Composed of 80% Arabica and 20% Robusta beans, the coffee has a moderate amount of acidity and features notes of nuts, cocoa, and dried fruit. 

Extra Bar also received a gold medal at the 2023 International Coffee Tasting, a global competition conducted by the International Institute of Coffee Tasters. Like most of the coffees on this list, you’ll need to seek out a bag of the beans via specialty coffee purveyors, but the results will be worth it.