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French Roast CoffeesHelping You Find the Best
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French Roast CoffeesHelping You Find the Best
  • 10 Best French Roast Coffees   [Coffee Roaster-Reviewed] 1
  • 10 Best French Roast Coffees   [Coffee Roaster-Reviewed] 2
  • 10 Best French Roast Coffees   [Coffee Roaster-Reviewed] 3
  • 10 Best French Roast Coffees   [Coffee Roaster-Reviewed] 4
  • 10 Best French Roast Coffees   [Coffee Roaster-Reviewed] 5

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.

Last updated 05/17/2024

Quick List - Top French Roast Coffee

1

Starbucks

French Roast Whole Bean
French Roast Whole Bean

Smoky and Smooth Ethically-Sourced Coffee

2

JBR Inc.

San Francisco Bay CoffeeFrench Roast Whole Bean
French Roast Whole Bean

Excellent Freshness, Flavor, and Aroma

3

Peet's Coffee and Tea

Organic French Roast Ground
Organic French Roast Ground

USDA-Organic French Roast Coffee

4

Amazon

Solimo French Roast Coffee Pods
Solimo French Roast Coffee Pods

Conveniently Packed Bold and Smoky Flavor

5

Kraft Heinz Food Company

Maxwell HouseFrench Roast Ground
French Roast Ground

Quality Coffee Trusted for Generations

Vincent Wong
Expert
Head Roaster and Coffee Shop Owner
Vincent Wong

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.

Vincent Wong's Profile
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Guide
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mybest US Editors

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.

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Table of Contents

What Is French Roast Coffee?

Expert
Expert

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.

What Is 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.

How to Drink French Roast Coffee?

Expert
Expert

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.

How to Drink French Roast Coffee?
If you like a bold cup of coffee, try French roast. If you enjoy a strong, black coffee, then you may find this roast worth the taste. Due to its robust and rich taste, this type of coffee also holds up to milk and sugar well. 

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.

1

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

Expert
Expert

Arabica coffees are cleaner and thinner in texture since they have fewer oils compared to Robustas, leaving you with a clean and crisp finish.

Arabica Beans for a Clean Taste; Robusta Beans for a Rich Flavor

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

Expert
Expert

With Robusta being a more bitter and dark profile, the clean tastes of an Arabica can certainly balance it.

Choose an Arabica and Robusta Blend for a Balanced Flavor

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.

2

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

Expert
Expert

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.

Whole Beans for the Full Experience and a Bold Flavor

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

Expert
Expert

Ground coffee actually absorbs water faster, so the flavors brew out faster

Ground Coffee for Aroma and Convenience

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. 

Vincent Wong
Head Roaster and Coffee Shop Owner
Vincent Wong

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

Expert
Expert

It’s all about convenience. Dark roast coffees have a more bitter flavor profile, so the taste doesn't necessarily suffer when brewed quickly.

Instant or K-Cups for a Quick Morning

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. 

Vincent Wong
Head Roaster and Coffee Shop Owner
Vincent Wong

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!

3

On a Budget? Check Affordable Brands Like Eight O'Clock, Folgers, or Maxwell House

Expert
Expert
If you wanted Arabica, it’s somewhat wasted for French roasts since the complexity is missing, which is why many French roasts use lower-grade beans, making the cost lower.
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.

Was the Buying Guide helpful?

10 Best French Roast Coffees

If you're looking for some options, take a look at some best-selling products that we researched. We've ranked them based on reviews and our guide for picking French roast coffee.
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Products
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Key features
Details
Type
Bean Type
Amount
Price per Cup
Certified Organic
1

Starbucks

French Roast Whole Bean

Starbucks  French Roast Whole Bean 1

Smoky and Smooth Ethically-Sourced Coffee

Whole Bean, Ground , Instant, K-Cup

Arabica

28 oz.

$0.26

2

JBR Inc.

San Francisco Bay CoffeeFrench Roast Whole Bean

JBR Inc. French Roast Whole Bean 1

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

Peet's Coffee and Tea Organic French Roast Ground 1

USDA-Organic French Roast Coffee

Whole Bean, Ground

Arabica

18 oz.

$0.28

4

Amazon

Solimo French Roast Coffee Pods

Amazon Solimo French Roast Coffee Pods 1

Conveniently Packed Bold and Smoky Flavor

K-Cup

Arabica

unknown

$0.48

5

Kraft Heinz Food Company

Maxwell HouseFrench Roast Ground

Kraft Heinz Food Company French Roast Ground 1

Quality Coffee Trusted for Generations

Ground, K-Cup

Blend

25.6 oz.

$0.13

6

Amazon

Happy BellyFrench Roast Coffee Pods

Amazon French Roast Coffee Pods 1

Bold Flavor at an Unbeatable Value

Ground, K-Cup

Arabica

unknown

$0.43

7

McCafé

French Roast K-Cups

McCafé  French Roast K-Cups  1

Great Enjoyed With Sugar and Creamer

Ground, K-Cup

Arabica

unknown

$0.34

8

Gevalia

French Roast Ground

Gevalia  French Roast Ground 1

Smooth Finish With Hints of Dried Fruit

Ground

Arabica

20 oz.

$0.22

9

Victor Allen's

French Roast Single Serve Coffee Pods

Victor Allen's French Roast Single Serve Coffee Pods 1

Coffee Suitable for a Variety of Dietary Needs

K-Cup

Arabica

unknown

$0.39

10

Eight O'Clock Coffee

French Roast Whole Bean

Eight O'Clock Coffee French Roast Whole Bean 1

Smoky and Smooth Coffee Crafted with Care

Whole Bean, Ground, K-Cup

Arabica

32 oz.

$0.24

If you don't see the product you're looking for, you can request that it be listed.
No.1

Starbucks
French Roast Whole Bean

French Roast Whole Bean 1
Source:amazon.com
Lowest price
$20.24
Mid
Lowest price
$20.24
Mid

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 groundinstant packets, and in K-Cups. This coffee is many reviewers' favorite thanks to its bold, rich, and smoky flavor. 

TypeWhole Bean, Ground , Instant, K-Cup
Bean TypeArabica
Amount28 oz.
Price per Cup$0.26
Certified Organic
View all
Was this Ranking helpful?
No.2

JBR Inc.
San Francisco Bay CoffeeFrench Roast Whole Bean

Lowest price
$27.07
High Mid

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.

TypeWhole Bean, Ground, K-Cup
Bean TypeArabica
Amount32 oz.
Price per Cup$0.20
Certified Organic
View all
No.3

Peet's Coffee and Tea
Organic French Roast Ground

Lowest price
$15.97
Mid

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.

TypeWhole Bean, Ground
Bean TypeArabica
Amount18 oz.
Price per Cup$0.28
Certified Organic
View all
No.4

Amazon
Solimo French Roast Coffee Pods

Solimo French Roast Coffee Pods 1
Source:amazon.com
Solimo French Roast Coffee Pods 2
Source:amazon.com
Reference price
$10.86
Low Mid
Reference price
$10.86
Low Mid

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.

TypeK-Cup
Bean TypeArabica
Amountunknown
Price per Cup$0.48
Certified Organic
View all
No.5

Kraft Heinz Food Company
Maxwell HouseFrench Roast Ground

Lowest price
$13.32
Low Mid

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.

TypeGround, K-Cup
Bean TypeBlend
Amount25.6 oz.
Price per Cup$0.13
Certified Organic
View all
No.6

Amazon
Happy BellyFrench Roast Coffee Pods

French Roast Coffee Pods 1
Source:amazon.com
French Roast Coffee Pods 2
Source:amazon.com
Reference price
$10.26
Low Mid
Reference price
$10.26
Low Mid

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.

TypeGround, K-Cup
Bean TypeArabica
Amountunknown
Price per Cup$0.43
Certified Organic
View all
No.7

McCafé
French Roast K-Cups

Lowest price
$42.48
High Mid

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

TypeGround, K-Cup
Bean TypeArabica
Amountunknown
Price per Cup$0.34
Certified Organic
View all
No.8

Gevalia
French Roast Ground

Reference price
$10.89
Low Mid

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

TypeGround
Bean TypeArabica
Amount20 oz.
Price per Cup$0.22
Certified Organic
View all
No.9

Victor Allen's
French Roast Single Serve Coffee Pods

Lowest price
$37.39
High Mid

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. 

TypeK-Cup
Bean TypeArabica
Amountunknown
Price per Cup$0.39
Certified Organic
View all
No.10

Eight O'Clock Coffee
French Roast Whole Bean

Lowest price
$27.99
High Mid

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.

TypeWhole Bean, Ground, K-Cup
Bean TypeArabica
Amount32 oz.
Price per Cup$0.24
Certified Organic
View all
The descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.

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