10 Best French Roast Coffees [Coffee Roaster-Reviewed]
When it comes to choosing the perfect French roast coffee, navigating the aisles can feel like being lost in a smoky haze. With countless brands and varieties vying for your attention, it's easy to get lured in by bold promises and dark roasts. But before you grab the first bag that catches your eye, remember: the ideal French roast should deliver a bold yet balanced flavor profile, without venturing into burnt territory.
To help you navigate the world of French roast, we've enlisted the expertise of Vincent Wong, a coffee roaster and coffee shop owner. Vincent will share his insights on what makes a great French roast. We'll also provide a curated list of best-selling recommendations from sites like Amazon across different formats – whole bean, ground, and even single-serve pods – to suit your brewing preferences.
Quick List - Top French Roast Coffee
Vincent Wong is the owner and head roaster for Tales Coffee. He has owned a coffee shop for seven years and has a YouTube channel discussing different extraction methods to help people understand and discover new coffee-related theories.
mybest US' editing team consists of experienced members who have backgrounds in writing, editing, translation, and more. We are dedicated to researching what makes a product or service the best to users in the US in order to create top-quality articles. From skincare, to kitchen appliances, and to DIY supplies, our mission is to find the best ones for you.
The expert oversees the Buying Guide only, and does not determine the products and services featured.
Table of Contents
- What Is French Roast Coffee?
- 10 Best French Roast Coffees
- No. 1Starbucks | French Roast Whole Bean
- No. 2JBR Inc. | San Francisco Bay Coffee｜French Roast Whole Bean
- No. 3Peet's Coffee and Tea | Organic French Roast Ground
- No. 4Amazon | Solimo French Roast Coffee Pods
- No. 5Kraft Heinz Food Company | Maxwell House｜French Roast Ground
- 5 more products
- Essential Coffee Brewing Equipment
What Is French Roast Coffee?
French roast coffee is generally a coffee that has been roasted past a second crack. This is a dark coffee with lots of oils. The desire for French roast coffee is mainly because of its richer oils and darker coffee flavors.
The term "French roast" was created in the 19th century and referred to a style of coffee roasting in Europe that produced extremely dark coffee. Nowadays, French roast coffee refers to a very dark roast that has a robust, smoky, and slightly sweet taste.
To achieve a French roast, the coffee beans are roasted until they reach an internal temperature of 464 degrees Fahrenheit. French roasted beans have a dark brown color. They appear shiny and oily, too.
How to Drink French Roast Coffee?
Honestly, how you enjoy coffee is up to you, French roast coffees tend to be darker, which can lead to a smokier and more bitter flavor profile.
French roast also holds its own well in lattes, mochas, and other coffee drinks. The bold flavor can stand up to other flavors and syrups, making it a good choice for those who enjoy coffee drinks with a bit more complexity.
How to Choose a French Roast Coffee - Buying Guide
What type of coffee provides you with the best experience? What affects flavor? This guide will share the tips you need to know when choosing the best French roast coffee for you.
Find a Flavor Profile that Matches Your Tastes
French Roast coffee reaches a dark roast level that emphasizes boldness over origin characteristics. Similar to a well-done steak, where the cooking process overshadows the cut of meat, French Roast coffee's intense roast tends to mute the subtle flavor variations between coffee bean origins. However, choosing between bean varieties can help you find your flavor preference.
Arabica Beans for a Clean Taste; Robusta Beans for a Rich Flavor
Arabica coffees are cleaner and thinner in texture since they have fewer oils compared to Robustas, leaving you with a clean and crisp finish.
French Roast coffee is known for its bold and intense flavor profile. But within this dark roast category, the type of bean you choose can influence the taste in surprising ways.
Arabica Beans: Arabica beans are the most popular coffee bean variety, prized for their smooth, complex flavors. While the roast intensity will mute these characteristics somewhat, you'll still experience a cleaner, more approachable cup compared to Robusta.
Robusta Beans: Robusta beans, known for their higher caffeine content and bolder flavor, can add a distinct chocolaty kick to French Roast. While Robusta can produce a thicker mouthfeel due to its higher oil content, the darker French Roast can accentuate Robusta's naturally bitter and woody notes.
Choose an Arabica and Robusta Blend for a Balanced Flavor
With Robusta being a more bitter and dark profile, the clean tastes of an Arabica can certainly balance it.
French Roast intensity is fantastic, but some coffee drinkers crave a more balanced cup. Here's where Arabica and Robusta blends come in.
Single-origin French Roasts showcase the unique characteristics of a specific bean. However, a blend allows the roaster to combine Arabica's smooth sweetness with Robusta's bolder kick. This creates a well-rounded coffee - intense yet approachable, with less bitterness that can sometimes come from a Robusta-heavy French Roast.
Go With a Coffee that Fits Your Routine
Usually, French roast coffees come in four different forms: whole bean, ground, instant, and K-cup. They all have their strengths and weaknesses, so take them into consideration to choose a type that works the best for you.
Whole Beans for the Full Experience and a Bold Flavor
Generally buying whole beans is better for freshness and taste, but if you have a bad grinder, it actually might be better to buy it preground.
Exposure to oxygen dulls the flavor of the coffee. However, coffee bean shells help lock in flavors and aromas. Only when the beans are ground and brewed are the flavors and aromas released. Therefore, freshly ground and freshly brewed coffee usually produce a strong, rich flavor and aroma.
So if you're a coffee connoisseur and are looking for a full sensory experience, go for whole bean coffee! However, grinding whole beans require you to have a coffee grinder or go to a store to get them ground. It takes time to brew a cup of coffee from whole beans, too.
Still, whole bean coffee allows you to grind the coffee beans to the correct coarseness for your brewing device. Whole beans stay fresh for a long time as well since the inside is not exposed to oxygen.
Ground Coffee for Aroma and Convenience
Ground coffee actually absorbs water faster, so the flavors brew out faster.
Ground coffee saves you from grinding coffee beans, but you do compromise a bit on the taste of the coffee. However, it can still produce a rich and great-tasting cup of coffee if it's fresh. But how do you ensure that it's freshly ground? Simply check its "production date" or contact the manufacturer for specific information.
Storing ground coffee properly is key to preserving its freshness, too! Ground coffee can become stale quickly once exposed to moisture, air, light, and heat. So you should keep it in a dark-colored and airtight container at room temperature.
Also, pay attention to the texture of the ground coffee! Most ground coffees have a medium coarseness, which is ideal for drip machines, pour-over brewers, and standard coffeemakers. But if you're a French press user, you will need the grind to be coarse. If you use an espresso machine, you will want finely ground coffee.
What happens with ground coffee is because it’s ground it degasses faster. Those gasses have a flavor that is generally on the darker, richer side.
Instant or K-Cups for a Quick Morning
It’s all about convenience. Dark roast coffees have a more bitter flavor profile, so the taste doesn't necessarily suffer when brewed quickly.
For those who need a quick pick-me-up or are too busy to brew coffee, instant coffee might be a great choice. All you have to do is grab a mug, pour in some hot water, and stir the coffee powder until it dissolves.
Even though instant coffee is the most convenient option, you miss out on the taste and aroma provided by whole bean or ground coffee. On another note, instant coffee is usually packed in single-serving packets that are great for taking on the go.
K-cups are a convenient option, too! You need to invest in a single-serve coffee machine, like a Keurig, but there are some benefits. Usually, it only takes one to three minutes to brew coffee with a Keurig machine.
The vacuum-sealed foil pods also help keep the coffee grounds fresh until brewing. Therefore, K-cups can produce a rich and bold cup of coffee that's comparable to ground coffee.
I actually think darker coffees are better for K-Cups because you aren’t expecting huge complexities from a K-Cup coffee, so you could possibly enjoy darker roasts more!
On a Budget? Check Affordable Brands Like Eight O'Clock, Folgers, or Maxwell House
French Roast coffee is known for its bold flavor, and you can enjoy it without breaking the bank. Brands like Eight O'Clock, Folgers, and Maxwell House all offer French roast options at a budget-friendly price. Since the dark roast intensity minimizes some of the subtler bean characteristics, these brands often use Robusta beans to achieve that bold profile. Robusta beans are naturally more affordable than Arabica beans.
If you're looking for a more adventurous French roast experience, try exploring local roasters to find unique French roast blends at a variety of price points.
10 Best French Roast Coffees
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | Details | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Type | Bean Type | Amount | Price per Cup | Certified Organic | |||||
1 | Starbucks French Roast Whole Bean | | Smoky and Smooth Ethically-Sourced Coffee | Whole Bean, Ground , Instant, K-Cup | Arabica | 28 oz. | $0.26 | ||
2 | JBR Inc. San Francisco Bay Coffee｜French Roast Whole Bean | | Excellent Freshness, Flavor, and Aroma | Whole Bean, Ground, K-Cup | Arabica | 32 oz. | $0.20 | ||
3 | Peet's Coffee and Tea Organic French Roast Ground | | USDA-Organic French Roast Coffee | Whole Bean, Ground | Arabica | 18 oz. | $0.28 | ||
4 | Amazon Solimo French Roast Coffee Pods | | Conveniently Packed Bold and Smoky Flavor | K-Cup | Arabica | unknown | $0.48 | ||
5 | Kraft Heinz Food Company Maxwell House｜French Roast Ground | | Quality Coffee Trusted for Generations | Ground, K-Cup | Blend | 25.6 oz. | $0.13 | ||
6 | Amazon Happy Belly｜French Roast Coffee Pods | | Bold Flavor at an Unbeatable Value | Ground, K-Cup | Arabica | unknown | $0.43 | ||
7 | McCafé French Roast K-Cups | | Great Enjoyed With Sugar and Creamer | Ground, K-Cup | Arabica | unknown | $0.34 | ||
8 | Gevalia French Roast Ground | | Smooth Finish With Hints of Dried Fruit | Ground | Arabica | 20 oz. | $0.22 | ||
9 | Victor Allen's French Roast Single Serve Coffee Pods | | Coffee Suitable for a Variety of Dietary Needs | K-Cup | Arabica | unknown | $0.39 | ||
10 | Eight O'Clock Coffee French Roast Whole Bean | | Smoky and Smooth Coffee Crafted with Care | Whole Bean, Ground, K-Cup | Arabica | 32 oz. | $0.24 | ||
Smoky and Smooth Ethically-Sourced Coffee
Looking for a rich and robust cup of joe? Starbucks' French Roast might be able to satisfy you! It combines 100% Arabica beans from many regions, including Asian-Pacific and Latin America, to deliver an intense and full-bodied flavor with smoky hints. Plus, Starbucks is dedicated to supporting local coffee farmers, and their coffee is ethically sourced.
Fortunately, Starbucks offers this coffee in a variety of forms, so anyone can enjoy it. While buying the whole bean will yield the freshest taste, this French roast is also available as ground, instant packets, and in K-Cups. This coffee is many reviewers' favorite thanks to its bold, rich, and smoky flavor.
| Type | Whole Bean, Ground , Instant, K-Cup |
|---|---|
| Bean Type | Arabica |
| Amount | 28 oz. |
| Price per Cup | $0.26 |
| Certified Organic |
JBR Inc.San Francisco Bay Coffee ｜ French Roast Whole Bean
Excellent Freshness, Flavor, and Aroma
Made of 100 percent Arabica beans originating from Central and South America, this whole-bean coffee is sustainably sourced and packaged fresh. With this coffee, you will be able to brew a full-bodied, smoky, and robust cup of coffee with notes of cinnamon and chocolate.
San Francisco Bay offers this roast from whole bean and ground to K-Cups, ensuring you can find your perfect cup of French Roast. Some reviewers noted that brewing this blend can be difficult and result in an overpowering taste. For the freshest taste, grind whole beans just before brewing and store unopened packages in a cool, dark place.
| Type | Whole Bean, Ground, K-Cup |
|---|---|
| Bean Type | Arabica |
| Amount | 32 oz. |
| Price per Cup | $0.20 |
| Certified Organic |
USDA-Organic French Roast Coffee
This organic, dark roast boasts rich notes of chocolate truffle, smoke, and caramel, thanks to its meticulous roasting process and use of 100% Arabica beans. Peet's dedication to quality extends beyond certifications – they hold themselves to even higher standards when it comes to sourcing coffee beans from Latin America grown through organic, local farming practices to ensure higher quality.
Pre-ground for convenience, Peet's French Roast is perfect for drip or pour-over brewing methods. For those using espresso machines, cold brew systems, or French presses, opting for Peet's whole bean coffees and grinding them just before brewing will yield a fresher, more flavorful cup.
| Type | Whole Bean, Ground |
|---|---|
| Bean Type | Arabica |
| Amount | 18 oz. |
| Price per Cup | $0.28 |
| Certified Organic |
AmazonSolimo French Roast Coffee Pods
Conveniently Packed Bold and Smoky Flavor
Experience the rich and intense flavor of French Roast with this pack of 24 single-serve cups from Amazon's own brand. Made from 100% Arabica coffee beans, each cup delivers a bold and smoky profile, perfect for those who prefer a dark roast. Compatible with both 1.0 and 2.0 k-cup brewers, this coffee offers convenience without compromising on quality.
Many reviewers appreciate its rich flavor and smooth, bold taste, making it a satisfying choice for coffee lovers. Some also praise its value and low acidity. Whether you're starting your day or seeking a mid-afternoon pick-me-up, these French Roast coffee pods are sure to satisfy your craving for a hot, refreshing cup of coffee.
| Type | K-Cup |
|---|---|
| Bean Type | Arabica |
| Amount | unknown |
| Price per Cup | $0.48 |
| Certified Organic |
Kraft Heinz Food CompanyMaxwell House ｜ French Roast Ground
Quality Coffee Trusted for Generations
Kickstart your mornings with Maxwell House Dark Roast French Roast Ground Coffee, delivering a bold and intense flavor that's sure to awaken your senses. This dark roast ground coffee offers the perfect balance of strength and taste, making it a favorite among coffee lovers. Trusted for generations, Maxwell House ensures a consistently great taste in every cup, ensuring you're left with a satisfying experience down to the last drop.
Whether you prefer your coffee black or with a splash of creamer, Maxwell House Dark Roast French Roast Ground Coffee caters to all tastes. Packaged in a 25.6-ounce resealable canister, this 100% pure coffee retains its flavor and freshness between uses. Maxwell House's dedication to quality shines through in their brewing process, which has been perfected over 125 years to create their signature taste. Simply follow the brewing instructions for a perfect cup every time, and savor the rich aroma and bold flavor of Maxwell House Dark Roast French Roast Ground Coffee.
| Type | Ground, K-Cup |
|---|---|
| Bean Type | Blend |
| Amount | 25.6 oz. |
| Price per Cup | $0.13 |
| Certified Organic |
AmazonHappy Belly ｜ French Roast Coffee Pods
Bold Flavor at an Unbeatable Value
Happy Belly French Roast K-Cup Pods are filled with 100% Arabica coffee sourced from select farms worldwide, ensuring a uniquely delicious taste with each sip. The intense dark roast profile boasts bold and smoky notes, creating a hot and refreshing cup of coffee that's perfect for any time of day.
Compatible with 1.0 and 2.0 K-Cup brewers, Happy Belly coffee pods provide convenience and ease of use, allowing you to enjoy a satisfying brew without any hassle. Customers appreciate the value these pods offer, noting them as the least expensive K-Cups they've found. So settle in, relax, and enjoy the warming aroma and smooth flavors of Happy Belly French Roast coffee pods, designed to bring you comfort and delight all day, every day.
| Type | Ground, K-Cup |
|---|---|
| Bean Type | Arabica |
| Amount | unknown |
| Price per Cup | $0.43 |
| Certified Organic |
Great Enjoyed With Sugar and Creamer
McCafé's French Roast K-cups contain 100 percent Arabica ground coffee grown in the mountainous areas and tout a full-bodied and rich flavor with a smooth dark cocoa finish.
For some reviewers, this coffee tastes a little too weak for a French roast. Nonetheless, many are hooked on its smooth and non-bitter flavor. Many further add that this K-cup coffee stands up well to sugar and creamer.
| Type | Ground, K-Cup |
|---|---|
| Bean Type | Arabica |
| Amount | unknown |
| Price per Cup | $0.34 |
| Certified Organic |
Smooth Finish With Hints of Dried Fruit
Gevalia is a Swedish coffee brand that has been in existence since 1853. Their French roast coffee is crafted from 100 percent Arabica coffee beans and delivers a rich and complex flavor accompanied by hints of dried fruits. The body is full and aromatic, while the finish is smooth.
A few buyers complain that this French roast is not as dark as they prefer. Even so, the review section is still overwhelmingly positive. Most reviewers compliment its bold and flavorful taste, noting that it doesn't taste bitter at all.
| Type | Ground |
|---|---|
| Bean Type | Arabica |
| Amount | 20 oz. |
| Price per Cup | $0.22 |
| Certified Organic |
Coffee Suitable for a Variety of Dietary Needs
Victor Allen's French Roast Single Serve Coffee Pods offer a smooth, smoky flavor that is intensely rich yet always smooth. Made with 100% Arabica coffee, these pods are gluten-free, Non-GMO, and certified Kosher-OU (Pareve), catering to various dietary preferences and ensuring a high-quality brew.
Brewing your perfect cup is simple with Victor Allen's Coffee Pods. Just load a single serve cup into your brewer, select the 8 fl oz setting for the best taste, and press brew. With Victor Allen's pride in precisely roasting their beans to perfection, you can expect a consistent taste every time.
| Type | K-Cup |
|---|---|
| Bean Type | Arabica |
| Amount | unknown |
| Price per Cup | $0.39 |
| Certified Organic |
Eight O'Clock CoffeeFrench Roast Whole Bean
Smoky and Smooth Coffee Crafted with Care
Carefully crafted from premium 100% Arabica beans sourced from Latin America to East Africa, this dark roast blend offers a complex flavor profile with smoky overtones. With a commitment to quality, this coffee is Kosher certified and guarantees a premium taste that coffee enthusiasts will appreciate.
Roasted at their own facility in Maryland, USA, under the watchful eye of master roasters, Eight O'Clock Coffee takes pride in every aspect of their craft. This commitment is reflected in the overwhelming positive feedback from reviewers who appreciate the taste, freshness, and smoothness of the coffee, with many noting the perfect combination of smoothness and strength in every cup.
| Type | Whole Bean, Ground, K-Cup |
|---|---|
| Bean Type | Arabica |
| Amount | 32 oz. |
| Price per Cup | $0.24 |
| Certified Organic |
Essential Coffee Brewing Equipment
To make tasty French roast coffee, you need the right equipment! Check out the articles below to learn about what tools can help you brew a good cup of coffee.
Top 5 French Roast Coffee
No. 1: Starbucks ｜French Roast Whole Bean
No. 2: JBR Inc.｜San Francisco Bay Coffee｜French Roast Whole Bean
No. 3: Peet's Coffee and Tea｜Organic French Roast Ground
No. 4: Amazon｜Solimo French Roast Coffee Pods
No. 5: Kraft Heinz Food Company｜Maxwell House｜French Roast Ground
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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