Why Brazilian Coffee Doesn't Have a No.1 Grade

If you’ve ever seen a bag of Brazilian coffee labeled something like ‘Santos #18 No.2,’ you might have wondered: Why No.2? Why not No.1? And what does the number 18 even mean? These labels come from Brazil’s traditional coffee grading system — still widely used in global trade — based on bean size and defect rates. But there’s a reason the top grade isn’t No.1, and it reveals how Brazilian producers think about perfection, practicality, and roast quality.

Brazilian coffee beans are graded as No.1 through No.5, but No.2 is actually the highest commercial grade. That’s because Brazilian coffee authorities consider no bean truly flawless — so No.1 doesn’t exist in their official export classification. Yes, really.

What Do the Numbers on Brazilian Coffee Mean?

The numbers you see, such as #18, refer to the coffee bean’s mesh size, or screen size, measured in 64ths of an inch. An #18 bean passes through a 16/64-inch (6.35mm) sieve but is retained on an 18/64-inch (7.14mm) screen. In simpler terms, it’s roughly 18/64 of an inch in diameter, or about 7.1mm. This mesh size indicates physical dimensions, not density or quality per se — though larger beans are often (but not always) easier to roast evenly.

Why Isn’t There a Brazilian No.1 Coffee Grade?

Unlike Jamaica’s Blue Mountain, where the top grade is No.1, Brazil deliberately stops at No.2. The reasoning? Brazilian coffee graders believe that no coffee bean is entirely free from minor imperfections — so they don’t award a No.1. It’s a philosophical stance as much as a technical one: perfection is unattainable, so the best available is No.2.

Does Bean Size Matter? What About 19-Mesh Beans?

A common follow-up question is: if 18-mesh is standard, are 19-mesh beans better? Not necessarily. While larger beans like 19-mesh may roast differently, they can create inconsistencies in blends — especially when mixed with smaller beans. Many roasters use Brazilian beans as the base in espresso blends precisely because their moderate size helps with even development. Flavor-wise, research shows no direct correlation between bean size and taste profile, though uniformity aids roast control.

How Brazilian Coffee Is Actually Graded

Brazil uses two main criteria for coffee grading:

• Mesh size (screen size): such as #18, #16, or #14, indicating bean diameter.
• Defect rate: the number of flawed beans (black, sour, broken, insect-damaged, etc.) per 300 grams. The lower the defect count, the higher the grade.

Based on these, grades range from No.1 (rarely used) to No.5. No.2, with acceptable size and limited defects, is considered optimal for export and roasting consistency. That’s why you’ll almost always see Brazilian beans labelled as #18 No.2 or similar.

Why 18-Mesh Is the Standard for Brazilian Coffee

The #18 mesh is widely adopted not because it’s the biggest or smallest, but because it strikes a balance. It’s large enough for even roasting, especially in drum roasters, yet small enough to avoid excessive sorting costs. For Brazilian coffees used in blends — particularly espresso — this size offers reliability. Using beans that are too large, like 19 or 20 mesh, can lead to uneven heat absorption in a blend, especially if other beans are much smaller.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does #18 mean on Brazilian coffee?

#18 refers to the coffee bean’s mesh size — it’s 18/64 of an inch (about 7.1mm) in diameter. This is the screen size the bean is retained on during grading. It’s a standard size for Brazilian beans and works well for even roasting, especially in blends.

Why is Brazilian coffee graded No.2 and not No.1?

Brazilian coffee grading doesn’t include a No.1 grade because local standards assume no bean is completely flawless. No.2 is the highest commercial grade, reflecting acceptable size and minimal defects — a practical, not perfectionist, classification.

Are 19-mesh coffee beans better than 18-mesh?

Not necessarily. While 19-mesh beans are slightly larger, they can cause roast inconsistency in blends if mixed with smaller beans. Most roasters prefer 18-mesh for its balance of size, roast predictability, and cost efficiency.

Does bean size affect coffee flavor?

Generally, no. There’s no direct link between bean size and flavor. However, uniform size helps with even roasting, which can improve extraction and cup quality. Flavor is more determined by origin, variety, process, and roast level.

What grade is most exported Brazilian coffee?

Most exported Brazilian coffee is graded as No.2, typically with a mesh size like #18. This grade offers a good balance of size, defect rate, and roast performance, making it ideal for both single-origin and blend use.

Why do roasters use Brazilian beans as blend bases?

Brazilian beans often have moderate acidity, good body, and roast-friendly size. Their consistent 18-mesh sizing and balanced profile make them a reliable base in espresso blends, contributing chocolatey, nutty, and caramel notes without overpowering other beans.

Recommended FrontStreet Brazilian Single Origins

For exploring Brazilian coffee profiles, try FrontStreet’s Bourbon (Half-Sun-Dried Red Bourbon from Cerrado Mineiro) — medium roasted, it offers peanut butter, toast, caramel, and hazelnut notes with a round body and mild acidity. Or try Brazil Queen ManorYellow Bourbon (Yellow Bourbon from Mogiana), known for its clean fruitiness and unique sugarcane sweetness alongside chocolate and berry notes. Both beans shine as single origins or in custom blends. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.