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10 Best French Roast Coffees in 2023 (Coffee Educator-Reviewed)

Searching for a dark roast with a bold kick? Consider trying out French roast coffee! Different from what the name suggests, French roast coffee doesn't mean it came from France. It's actually a style of coffee that is roasted for a long time and at a high temperature to create a rich and intense flavor with smoky undertones. Its strong taste also stands up well to sugar, milk, or creamer. 


Our favorite French roast coffee was Starbucks' French Roast. It's a blend of Arabica coffee from Latin America and Asia-Pacific and boasts a strong, rich flavor. For more options, continue reading our list of favorites! We've also made buying guide at the end, reviewed by a barista and coffee educator, that will help you navigate through all the tough choices and make the best decision.

Last updated 06/15/2023
Justin McMillan
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Coffee Educator
Justin McMillan

My name is Justin McMillan, and I am a barista trainer, latte artist, and coffee enthusiast. I assist common individuals in becoming excellent baristas as part of my job. I prefer to focus on the needs and desires of each individual to help them reach their personal goals.

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Table of Contents

Why Should I Try French Roast Coffee?

Why Should I Try French Roast Coffee?

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! 


If you like a bold cup of coffee, try French roast! Due to its robust and rich taste, this type of coffee also holds up to milk and sugar well. 

How to Choose a French Roast Coffee - Buying Guide

What type of coffee provides you with the best experience? What tasting notes do you like? Continue scrolling for tips on how to choose the best French roast coffee for you! 

① See Which Type of Coffee Meets Your Needs

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. 

For the Freshest Taste, Choose Whole Bean Coffee

For the Freshest Taste, Choose Whole Bean Coffee

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 Offers Great Flavor but Might Get Stale

Ground Coffee Offers Great Flavor but Might Get Stale

Ground coffee saves you from grinding coffee beans, but you do compromise a bit on the taste and aroma 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. 

Choose K-Cups or Instant Coffee for a Quick Cup

Choose K-Cups or Instant Coffee for a Quick Cup

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. 

② Decide Between Caffeinated or Decaffeinated Coffee

Decide Between Caffeinated or Decaffeinated Coffee

Coffee usually contains caffeine, a natural stimulant that helps you stay focused, boost your energy, and lift your mood. However, if you're sensitive to caffeine, there are also decaf French roast options! 


Some people mistakenly think that decaf coffees don't taste as robust as caffeinated ones, but this is not true. If processed using the right method, decaf coffees can also give you a bold and full-bodied flavor


Specifically, we suggest choosing coffee decaffeinated using the Swiss water process for the best flavor. This process only uses water to remove up to 99.9 percent of the caffeine in your coffee. There are no chemicals involved in the process, so the flavor of the coffee remains natural without any off-putting aftertaste. 

③ Consider the Flavor Profile of the Coffee

Two main factors affect the flavor profile of the coffee, including the type of the beans and their origin. Read on to know more details! 

Understand the Differences Between Arabica and Robusta Beans

Understand the Differences Between Arabica and Robusta Beans

There are two main types of coffee beans: Arabica and Robusta. Many coffee drinkers prefer Arabica beans due to their complex and pleasant flavor. Usually, they boast a smooth and slightly sweet taste with notes of chocolate, caramel, and nuts. Some Arabica beans have a fruity character, too! 


Robusta beans are affordable, but they have a strong, hardy taste with rubbery or grainy notes. They are notoriously bitter as well. But compared to Arabica beans, Robusta beans have 83 percent more caffeine. So if you need a strong cup of coffee to wake you up, Robusta coffee might be a great choice. 


If you find Robusta coffee too bitter or too dark to drink, add some sweetener, milk, or cream to counteract the bitterness and strength of the coffee. You can also choose a blend of Robusta and Arabica beans for a more mellow flavor. 

Know Where the Coffee Beans Come From

Know Where the Coffee Beans Come From

Coffee is produced in all regions of the world, and the climate, altitude, and soil condition of the region can really influence the flavor and quality of the coffee. Nowadays, the most popular coffee producers are located in Central and South America, Africa, and Southeast Asia


South America has good conditions for growing coffee, including high mountains, nutrient-rich volcanic soils, and humid climates. Coffees from South America exhibit a medium-bodied and slightly sweet flavor. They usually have nutty, caramel, or chocolatey notes. 


Coffee beans sourced from Central America are also famous thanks to their well-balanced, clean, and smooth flavor. Some common tones of Central American coffees include fruits, bittersweet chocolate, and nuts. 


The rich volcanic soil and high mountain ranges in African countries like Ethiopia and Kenya are ideal for growing coffee as well. African coffees vary widely from region to region but are usually bright with fruity, citrus, or floral tones


Southeast Asian countries with a tropical climate and deep fertile soil, like Vietnam and Indonesia, also grow great-tasting beans. These coffees feature a full-bodied taste with notes of spices or dark chocolate

Single-Origin Coffees or Blends? Your Choice!

Single-Origin Coffees or Blends? Your Choice!

Single-origin coffees are sourced from one region and highlight the unique flavor profile of the beans. Compared to coffee blends, they often have a richer and more robust taste


On the other hand, blends combine coffees from more than two origins for a well-balanced yet sophisticated flavor profile. For example, a French roast coffee made with beans from South and Central American regions can have a full-bodied flavor with notes of spices and cocoa. 


If you don't know specifically what kind of flavor you like or just want to try out different things, go for a coffee blend! But if you want to taste the original flavors of the beans, choose a single-origin coffee.

④ Consider Ethically Sourced Coffee

Consider Ethically Sourced Coffee

Most coffee farmers struggle to earn an adequate income to support their families. To help ensure that they're paid a fair wage and treated equally, many companies are committed to fair trade practices. Many also organize their own programs or initiatives to improve the working conditions of coffee farmers. 


On top of that, a lot of manufacturers are taking initiatives to reduce their product's carbon footprint and address urgent sustainability issues. If you want to know if the brand you're buying from is positively impacting communities and the environment, check their website and see if they're organizing or supporting any social programs. 

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10 Best French Roast Coffees

If you're looking for some options, take a look at our list of favorites! We've ranked them based on important factors such as the type of coffee, its flavor, and origin.
Products
Image
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Key features
1

Starbucks

French Roast

Starbucks  French Roast 1枚目

Smoky and Smooth Ethically-Sourced Coffee

2

Peet's Coffee

Organic French Roast

Peet's Coffee Organic French Roast 1枚目

Robust Flavor Without Any Bitterness

3

San Francisco Bay

French Roast

San Francisco Bay French Roast  1枚目

Excellent Freshness, Flavor, and Aroma

4

Gevalia

French Roast

Gevalia  French Roast 1枚目

Smooth Finish With Hints of Dried Fruit

5

Allegro Coffee

Decaf Organic French Roast

Allegro Coffee Decaf Organic French Roast 1枚目

A Flavorful Organic and Fair-Trade Decaf Coffee

6

Olde Brooklyn Coffee

French Roast Whole Bean

Olde Brooklyn Coffee  French Roast Whole Bean  1枚目

Five Pounds of Small-Batch Roasted Coffee

7

Tully's Coffee

French Roast Decaf

Tully's Coffee French Roast Decaf 1枚目

Slow-Roasted for a Full-Bodied and Complex Flavor

8

Café Du Monde

French Roast Coffee

Café Du Monde  French Roast Coffee  1枚目

100% Arabica Beans for a Smooth, Rich Taste

9

McCafé

French Roast K-Cups

McCafé  French Roast K-Cups  1枚目

Great Enjoyed With Sugar and Creamer

10

Nescafé Taster's Choice

French Roast Instant Coffee

Nescafé Taster's Choice French Roast Instant Coffee 1枚目

A Convenient Choice for Busy People

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No.1

Starbucks French Roast

French Roast Image 1
Source:amazon.com
Reference price
$10.20

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 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. 


Some reviewers mention that the coffee they received is not that fresh and doesn't produce a strong aroma. Even so, this ground coffee blend is many reviewers' favorite, thanks to its bold, rich, and smoky flavor. For others, this coffee has a smooth flavor without a bitter aftertaste

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No.2

Peet's CoffeeOrganic French Roast

Organic French Roast Image 1
Source:amazon.com
Reference price
$11.49

Robust Flavor Without Any Bitterness

This Organic French Roast by Peet's Coffee is made of 100 percent Arabica beans from Latin America. It features a smoky and robust flavor with sweet notes of caramel. Whole bean coffee keeps the flavor and aroma locked in until you grind it. So with this type of coffee, you will get a robust and aromatic flavor profile! 


Overall, buyers compliment the taste of this whole bean coffee, saying it's full-bodied, smoky, and strong. They say that it's different from other dark French roasts that tend to be intensely bitter; this one is quite smooth but still holds up well to milk or cream

No.3

San Francisco BayFrench Roast

French Roast  Image 1
Source:amazon.com
French Roast  Image 2
Source:amazon.com
Reference price
$17.99

Excellent Freshness, Flavor, and Aroma

Made of 100 percent Arabica beans originated from Central and South America, this whole bean coffee is responsibly 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. 


Some buyers say the beans are too oily and jammed their coffee grinder. Yet, the majority praise the rich and intense flavor of this coffee. Many are also pleased with its freshness, mentioning that they're greeted with a pleasant aroma of fresh beans upon opening the bag. 

No.4

Gevalia French Roast

French Roast Image 1
Source:amazon.com
Reference price
$10.89

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

No.5

Allegro CoffeeDecaf Organic French Roast

Decaf Organic French Roast Image 1
Source:amazon.com
Reference price
$11.32

A Flavorful Organic and Fair-Trade Decaf Coffee

This ground coffee is crafted with beans from Latin America and is decaffeinated using the Swiss water process, so it still retains all the aroma and flavor of the beans. It features a smooth and smoky flavor with sweet notes and tastes great with milk or cream. What's more, this ground coffee is USDA certified organic and fair-trade. 


The majority of reviewers are impressed with its rich, smooth, slightly sweet, and strong flavor without the slightest bitterness. Many happily share that processing using the Swiss water decaffeination method gives the coffee a natural taste. 

No.6

Olde Brooklyn Coffee French Roast Whole Bean

French Roast Whole Bean  Image 1
Source:amazon.com
Reference price
$34.98

Five Pounds of Small-Batch Roasted Coffee

Olde Brooklyn Coffee's French Roast Whole Bean is small-batch and freshly roasted every week in New York for the best quality. It's a blend of beans sourced from some of the most well-known coffee producers, including Guatemala, Brazil, and Colombia, for a complex flavor. 


Some buyers mention that the flavor is a bit bitter. Yet, this whole bean coffee wows many reviewers with its full-bodied and dark taste with a rich aroma. Many further share that the beans have an oily and shiny coating, a sign showing that they're fresh! 

No.7

Tully's CoffeeFrench Roast Decaf4 pack

French Roast Decaf Image 1
Source:amazon.com
Reference price
$49.99

Slow-Roasted for a Full-Bodied and Complex Flavor

These K-cups are made of Arabica beans carefully selected from Africa, and the pods have more coffee than usual. They are slow-roasted for a full-bodied, dark flavor. This coffee has notes of anise, bittersweet chocolate, and plum jam. And since it's decaffeinated, you can enjoy it anytime without getting the jitters! 


A few reviewers complain that the K-cups keep exploding and causing a mess. Nevertheless, most reviewers rave about this decaf coffee's strong, aromatic, and smoky flavor, adding that it tastes as good as caffeinated ones. They say it doesn't taste bitter, too! 

No.8

Café Du Monde French Roast Coffee

French Roast Coffee  Image 1
Source:amazon.com
Reference price
$11.21

100% Arabica Beans for a Smooth, Rich Taste

Café Du Monde is a well-known coffee shop in New Orleans that has been in business since 1862. Their French roast coffee is crafted purely from Arabica beans and has a smooth flavor with notes of chocolate. It's great for making cold-brew coffee, too! 


A few customers notice that the coffee has a slightly bitter aftertaste. On the other hand, most reviewers are happy with its smooth, strong, and rich taste. They further note that even when sugar and cream are added, the coffee flavor still comes through. 

No.9

McCafé French Roast K-Cups

French Roast K-Cups  Image 1
Source:amazon.com
French Roast K-Cups  Image 2
Source:amazon.com
Reference price
$31.26

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

No.10

Nescafé Taster's ChoiceFrench Roast Instant Coffee12 pack

French Roast Instant Coffee Image 1
Source:amazon.com
Reference price
$10.92

A Convenient Choice for Busy People

Made from a blend of Robusta and Arabica coffee beans responsibly sourced and grown, this French roast has a strong and slightly bitter flavor. It offers a convenient way to make coffee when you're busy. All you have to do is mix one packet with eight ounces of hot water and stir until everything is combined. 


The majority find this instant coffee bold, rich, and fragrant. They mention that it dissolves easily in hot water and tastes great with milk and sweetener. Reviewers also like the individual packets, saying they're easy to grab and go.

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 Coffees

No. 1: Starbucks | French Roast

No. 2: Peet's Coffee | Organic French Roast

No. 3: San Francisco Bay | French Roast

No. 4: Gevalia | French Roast

No. 5: Allegro Coffee | Decaf Organic French Roast

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