If you drive on Interstate 295 near the Cherry Hill exit, the smell of fresh coffee fills your car.

It's a welcoming scent that makes you feel right at home.

You see the red coffee cans in supermarkets throughout the state, but did you know this coffee was produced right here in New Jersey?

Melitta Coffee
Michele Pilenza / Townsquare Media
loading...

Open since 1964, Melitta Coffee Roasting Plant is located in Cherry Hill, New Jersey.

This family-owned business is located right off 295, so that's the reason you get that strong smell while passing through.

Beach Radio logo
Get our free mobile app

The History of Melitta Coffee

More than a hundred years ago, Melitta Bentz of Dresden Germany was looking for a way to enjoy a cleaner cup of coffee and came up with the idea of the paper filter and drip coffee.

In 1962, Melitta began selling coffee in Germany.

Shortly after this German-based company entered the U.S. market.

Melitta USA was established back in 1963 in Florida where the coffee filters are made today.

Since 1964, Melitta coffee has been roasted right here in New Jersey on Haddonfield-Berlin in Cherry Hill.

"Melitta is dedicated to providing the ultimate coffee experience with gourmet coffees, filters, and coffeemakers."

Read More: #1 Place to Get Coffee at the Jersey Shore, Voted by YOU

Melitta Coffee
Michele Pilenza / Townsquare Media
loading...

The next time you see Melitta Coffee now you know it's produced right here in New Jersey.

If you're looking for that perfect cup of coffee, there are so many great coffee shops in New Jersey, especially at the Jersey Shore.

See if your favorite is on the list!

Best coffee shops & cafes near NJ beaches

When it comes to food, New Jersey is known for many things such as pizza and pork roll. Don't count us out when it comes to coffee.

With all the hustle and bustle involved in the average New Jersey resident's day, coffee is essential. It doesn't matter whether you're living in the cities of North Jersey or the vacation spots at the shore.

In fact, as the former owner of two Jersey shore coffee houses, Coffee Dot Comedy in Sea Isle City and the Daily Grind in Ocean Grove, I know firsthand how much people at the Jersey shore love their coffee.

With respect to that, I asked my social media following where the best coffee houses at the Jersey Shore were, especially since my two places no longer exist.

Below is what they came up with. (And see this other article for their coffee shop and cafe recommendations for Central Jersey.)

Gallery Credit: Jordan Jansson

Countdown to the Top 12 Favorite Breakfast Restaurants in Ocean County, NJ