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Do you prefer dark roast coffee, light roast, or medium roasted coffee? If you love to be part of the roasting process, you can roast the coffee beans at home

You will need a coffee roasting machine and green coffee beans. If you have no idea how to go about roasting and you want to try it out, we’ll guide you through the process. 

However, if you do not want to go through the process, we got your back. Our list has 15 of the best dark roast coffee to try. Our simple but comprehensive buying guide is suitable for everyone. 

Bestseller No. 1
Maxwell House Intense Bold Dark Roast Ground Coffee (26.7 oz Canister)
  • MAXWELL HOUSE COFFEE: One 26.7 oz canister of Maxwell House Intense Bold Dark Roast Ground Coffee
  • DARK ROAST COFFEE: Maxwell House Intense Bold Dark Roast Ground Coffee has a consistently great taste
  • GREAT TASTE: Deep extra dark roast ground coffee
  • 100% COFFEE: Made with 100% real coffee beans
  • CUSTOMIZE YOUR COFFEE: Great served black or with cream and sugar, or try it with Maxwell House International Cafe as creamer
Bestseller No. 2
Starbucks Ground Coffee—Dark Roast Coffee—Caffè Verona—100% Arabica—1 bag (28 oz)
  • PREMIUM GROUND COFFEE—Starbucks delivers exceptional coffee cup after cup with this 28-ounce bag of Caffè Verona dark roast ground coffee
  • STARBUCKS CAFFÈ VERONA BLEND—A well-balanced and rich dark roast coffee, Starbucks Caffè Verona blend is a storied dark roast with notes of dark cocoa and caramelized sugar
  • FRESH TASTE—Starbucks adheres to the highest quality standards—shipping you the same carefully roasted 100% arabica coffee beans we brew in our cafés
  • MAKE IT YOUR OWN—An everyday cup no matter how you brew it, Starbucks coffee is carefully ground to be ideal for a variety of brewing methods, including drip brewer, coffee press, pour-over and moka pot
  • ETHICALLY SOURCED—Starbucks is committed to 100% ethical coffee sourcing in partnership with Conservation International
Bestseller No. 3
Peet's Coffee, Dark Roast Ground Coffee - Major Dickason's Blend 18 Ounce Bag
  • Contains one (1) 18 Ounce Bag of Peet's Major Dickason's Blend Ground 100% Arabica Coffee
  • Flavor and Roast: Dark Roast. Flavorful, robust, full-bodied. Developed by Mr. Peet and his most discerning customer, Major Dickason’s Blend epitomizes the rich, flavorful taste of Peet’s
  • Brewing Methods: Our ground coffee is perfectly suited to make drip or a pour over in your Chemex. For other brewing methods - espresso, cold brew, or French press - consider our whole bean coffees and grinding at home
  • Sourcing With Impact: The coffee you buy can impact the welfare of the people and planet. Peet’s is actively engaged in driving positive impact in communities where our coffees are grown
  • Rich. Complex. Incomparable. Masters of our craft for over 50 years, we hand roast the very best coffees in the world.

Last update on 2023-03-09 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

So, let’s get started!

What is Dark Roast Coffee

dark roast coffee

In case you’re new to coffee, there are 3 types of coffee roasting. There’s a light roast, dark roast, and medium roast. They differ in taste and flavor. 

As a coffee lover, you’re the one to determine the roast type that works for you. Before you start roasting, the coffee beans have a green color. Hence, referred to as green coffee beans. 

You cannot brew coffee with green coffee beans as they are tasteless. However, the green color begins to fade as you roast the coffee beans in a coffee roasting machine, like the Nuvo Eco Ceramic Handy coffee bean roaster.

Nuvo Eco Ceramic Handy Coffee Bean Roaster

Last update on 2023-03-31 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Dark roast coffee beans are dark/ black in color. The coffee beans are oily and have a high temperature of about 465 Fahrenheit. 

The benefit of drinking coffee from the dark roast coffee beans is low acidity. The coffee beans have deep and sweet taste notes. 

How To Roast Coffee To Dark Roast

As mentioned earlier, you need a coffee roaster to roast coffee beans at home. You can get one from a coffee store. 

However, you can also save yourself some dollars by using a popcorn popper. Yes! You read it right. A popcorn popper can also roast the green coffee beans. 

Here’s the step-by-step process!

What you need:

  1. Green coffee beans from your favorite brand.
  2. Weighing scale
  3. Coffee roaster
  4. Timer

How to roast

In this guide, we’ll use 220g of green coffee beans. Measure the green coffee beans, then add them to a coffee roaster. The coffee beans release the moisture inside and begin to dry. 

You will notice the color change. As the coffee beans continue to roast, they produce a cracking sound. The first cracking is for a light roast.  

If you prefer light roast coffee, you can end the process right there with the first crack. However, if you love a deep taste note, you will have to wait for the second cracking sound.

With the second cracking, the coffee beans will have changed color to a dark roast. Immediately you hear the second crack, pour the coffee beans into a cooling container. 

Otherwise, the coffee beans will continue the process of roasting. Make sure you cool the beans to stop the roasting. You will notice the coffee beans have an oily surface and a dark color. 

So, that is how easy it is to roast green coffee beans at home. However, you can also buy the already roasted coffee beans. 

Let’s find out more about the available brands to try.

Top 15 Dark Roast Coffee Beans 

Caffeine is a preferred stimulant globally. The global statistics of coffee consumption as of 2020/2021 was approximately 166.63 million of 60kg of coffee.

In America alone, 150 million people are already consuming coffee. In specific, 65% of adults drink coffee for breakfast. With such high statistics, you can tell that coffee is a must-have beverage for most people. 

You can brew coffee at home, from a coffee cafe, or make a perfect cup of joe in the office. But how will you know the best dark roast coffee to pick?

Don’t worry anymore because we have compiled 15 dark roast coffee to try. You can pick a favorite and have the brand ship it to you.

So, let’s get down to business.

1. SF Bay Coffee French Roast Whole Bean

Last update on 2023-03-31 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Brewing coffee using coffee beans maintains the freshness of the coffee. Besides the coffee beans, you can also get coffee capsules for your single-serve coffee machine. 

The dark roast coffee beans have toasted cinnamon and chocolate taste notes. SF Bay coffee beans are 100% arabica. If you’re looking for a smoky and intense coffee flavor, consider the coffee beans from San Francisco Bay. 

There’s a temperature change between 12-20 minutes to ensure the coffee beans are well roasted. After roasting, there’s the cupping stage to taste the coffee. 

Pros
  • SF Bay french roast coffee beans are Kosher certified.
  • It’s available in ground, coffee beans, and single-serve.
  • Suitable for your preferred brewing method.
Cons
  • The coffee beans are caffeinated.

2. Kicking Horse Coffee, Kick Ass, Dark Roast Coffee

Sale Kicking Horse Coffee, Kick Ass, Dark Roast, Ground, 10 Oz - Certified Organic, Fairtrade, Kosher Coffee (packaging may vary)

Last update on 2023-03-31 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Kicking Horse ground coffee is ideal for pour-over, drip, and cold brew coffee brewing. The origin of the coffee beans is from Indonesia and South America. 

Kicking Horse Coffee is 100% Arabica. It is also Fairtrade and Kosher certified. In addition, Kicking Horse coffee is USDA organic, meaning that farmers and roasters do not use chemicals when farming and roasting the coffee beans.

The tasting notes for the Kick Ass coffee are smoky sweet vanilla and dark chocolate.

Pros
  • The coffee beans are affordable.
  • Kicking Horse coffee is organic. There’s no chemical use from farming to roasting and processing.
Cons
  • The kick Ass dark roast coffee is caffeinated. Hence, if you take decaf, you have to consider another option. 

3. DEATH WISH COFFEE Ground Coffee

Last update on 2023-03-31 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Another option for dark roast coffee is the Death Wish company. They offer the best dark roast coffee but with high caffeine content. 

In fact, the brand produces the strongest coffee globally. If you love a bold cup of joe, Death Wish ground coffee is what you need. The brand roasts the coffee beans in small batches to enhance the quality and consistency of the coffee beans.

Death Wish Coffee is a blend of Arabica and Robusta coffee, and each pack contains 160z of ground coffee. The brand’s coffee is USDA organic and Fair Trade certified. Each pack contains 16oz of ground coffee.

Pros
  • Death Wish coffee is ideal for a coffee lover who loves a bold cup of joe. 
  • Small batch roasting ensures consistency in every package.
  • The brand refunds customers who do not appreciate the taste of the Death Wish coffee.
  • It has Cherry and chocolate taste notes.
Cons
  • Very bold coffee may not be everyone’s favorite. Hence, it’s a drawback for someone who would love to taste coffee from Death Wish.

4. Peet’s Coffee, Major Dickason’s Blend

Peet's Coffee, Dark Roast K-Cup Pods for Keurig Brewers - Major Dickason's Blend 75 Count (1 Box of 75 K-Cup Pods) Packaging May Vary

Last update on 2023-03-31 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

If you have a Keurig single-serve coffee maker, you can try Peet’s Major Dickason coffee. Each pack contains 75 K-cup pods compatible with all Keurig coffee makers.

Peet’s coffee is 100% Arabica and is Kosher certified. The coffee beans are roasted in small batches to ensure consistency in every pod.

Pros
  • The coffee pods are recyclable. Hence, it saves you disposal, and it’s environmentally friendly. 
  • The coffee beans are hand-roasted.
  • The flavor of the coffee is complex, bold, and full-bodied. 
  • Peet’s coffee pods are compatible with all Keurig brewers.
Cons
  • Peet’s Major Dickason’s coffee is not organic.

5. Koffee Kult Coffee Beans – Dark Roasted

Last update on 2023-04-01 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

The whole beans from Koffee Kult are 100% Arabica. After roasting, the coffee beans are shipped to the consumers. That way, you have fresh coffee for brewing.

Once you’re out of stock, you can place your order online, and the brand delivers your coffee preference to your doorstep. The strong aroma of the coffee brewing wakes you up in the morning. 

Pros
  • Koffee Kult coffee beans are certified by Fair Trade.
  • The coffee beans have smooth and heavy body taste notes with a long finish.
  • You have three size options to select from. 
  • The organic coffee beans from Colombia, Sumatra, and Brazil are not bitter.
  • It has a strong aroma when whole, ground, and brewing. 
Cons
  • The coffee beans are caffeinated. 

6. Fresh Roasted Coffee, Organic Black Knight

Last update on 2023-03-31 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

With dark roast coffee beans, you need to be careful how you store them. The organic Black Knight coffee beans have caramelized finish and tropical taste notes.

The available sizes are 12 OZ, 2 LB, and 5 LB bags. Each packaging bag has a seal to prevent air from coming into contact with the coffee beans. Organic Black Knight coffee beans are 100% Arabica.

Pros
  • The coffee beans are sourced, roasted, and packaged in the USA.
  • The coffee roasters are environmentally friendly.
  • The coffee beans are Kosher, USDA organic, and Fair Trade certified. 
Cons
  • Organic Knight dark roast coffee beans are not for decaf coffee lovers. 

7. Copper Moon Sumatra Blend, Dark Roast Coffee, Whole Bean

Last update on 2023-03-31 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

The whole beans from Copper Moon are roasted in batches to achieve consistent quality and taste of coffee. The caffeinated coffee beans are from 5 continents.

Cooper Moon dark roast coffee is 100% Arabica. The taste notes for the coffee beans are herbal flavor and earthy aroma. The origin of the Sumatra Premium blend is in Indonesia. 

Pros
  • Kosher certified whole coffee beans and allergen-free.
  • The coffee beans are hand-crafted.
  • If you prefer grinding fresh coffee beans at home, the Sumatra Premium blend is what you need.
Cons
  • No cons

8. Perfect Samplers Dark Roast Coffee Pod Variety Pack

Last update on 2023-04-01 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

To conveniently store K-cup pods, you need a pod holder. It helps you save storage space and have a tidy coffee table. The perfect samplers pack has 40 unique pods.

The dark roast coffee in the coffee pods is a blend from the top brands like Copper Moon and Double Donut. If you love dark roast coffee with a bold taste, Perfect Samplers coffee pods are what you need.

Pros
  • It makes a perfect gift for your friends and relatives.
  • It is compatible with all Keurig coffee machines.
  • The dark roast coffee pods are inspected before packaging. 
  • You have a variety of coffee pods to select from and brew. 
Cons
  • If you’re not a heavy coffee drinker, 40 K-cup pods may be more than enough for you.

9. Puroast Low Acid Ground Coffee

Last update on 2023-03-31 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Puroast French roast coffee offers you ground coffee, whole beans, and single-serve pods. The ground coffee has low acid, making it ideal for a coffee lover with acid reflux and gastrointestinal issues. 

To maintain the freshness of the coffee beans, the brand recommends storing the coffee beans in an air-tight bag in a dark area. The dark, French roast coffee is certified by Kosher.

Pros
  • The brand guarantees you quality in every cup.
  • Puroast low acid makes it ideal for coffee lovers with minor health issues like heartburn.
Cons
  • The brand does not offer decaf coffee.

10. Stumptown Coffee Roasters

Last update on 2023-03-31 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Stumptown whole coffee beans are 100% Arabica. It has tasting notes of bittersweet chocolate and cloves. 

The brand roasts the coffee beans from dark roast to medium and light roast. Stumptown coffee bag will show the roasted on and best by dates on the packaging bag. 

Pros
  • Stumptown packaging bag helps to maintain the freshness of the coffee beans for a period of 90 days.  
  • The coffee beans are freshly roasted.
  • Upon opening, Stumptown Coffee Roasters recommends that you use the coffee beans for upto 2 weeks. 
Cons
  • The coffee beans are caffeinated.

11. Kicking Horse Coffee, Grizzly Claw, Dark Roast, Ground Coffee

Last update on 2023-04-01 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

The origin of the Kicking Horse coffee is in Central and South America. The ground coffee is certified by Kosher, Fair Trade, and USDA organic. 

To brew using the ground coffee from Kicking horse, you need a drip, pour-over, or cold brew method. The coffee beans are roasted in Canada. 

Pros
  • Available in whole beans and ground. 
  • The coffee beans are affordable to buy.
  • It has rich, dark chocolate and hazelnut taste notes. 
Cons
  • Kicking Horse Coffee does not offer K-cup pods for single-serve brewers.

12. Starbucks Ground Coffee

Last update on 2023-04-01 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

For a decaf coffee lover, Starbucks dark roast coffee is your solution. The decaf cafe Verona has tasting notes of roasty sweet and dark cocoa. 

Starbucks dark roast coffee is 100% Arabica. It comes as a 6-pack, each with 12 ounces of ground coffee. The coffee beans are sourced from Latin America and Asia-Pacific. 

Pros
  • Subscribed coffee lovers enjoy 15% off their favorite Starbucks coffee.
  • You can brew Starbucks dark roast coffee at any time you want to. 
Cons
  • The price of the Starbucks dark roast coffee is relatively high. 

13. Organic Coffee Co. DECAF Hurricane Espresso Whole Bean Coffee

Last update on 2023-04-01 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

The method of decaffeinating the coffee beans is the water process. You can use the coffee beans with a drip coffee maker, pour-over, french press, Moka pot, espresso coffee maker, and AeroPress

Dark roast coffee from Organic Coffee Co is USDA organic and Kosher certified. The family-owned company guarantees you satisfaction in every cup.

Pros
  • The water process of decaffeinating the coffee beans results in a full-bodied coffee.
  • You can use the coffee beans with your preferred brewing method.
  • The coffee beans are tested and tasted at each stage to offer a quality sip for decaf coffee lovers.
Cons
  • The coffee beans have a higher price. 

14. Starbucks K-Cup Coffee Pods

Last update on 2023-04-01 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Do you want to have Starbucks coffee at home? With the Starbucks dark roast coffee single-serve coffee pods, you can brew cafe-quality coffee in your kitchen. 

The K-cup pods are compatible with the Keurig coffee makers. Each capsule has Italian roast dark coffee, which is 100% Arabica. Each pack has 60 K-cup capsules. 

Pros
  • Brewing coffee using K-cups is fast and easy.
  • The tasting notes for the K-cups are sweet and roasty.
  • Starbucks dark roast coffee K-cups are recyclable.
Cons
  • Single-serve pods are not suitable when serving coffee to multiple people. 

15. Amazon Brand – 100 Ct. Happy Belly Dark Roast Coffee Pods

Last update on 2023-03-31 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

The Happy Belly dark roast coffee pods are compatible with Keurig 1.0 and 2.0 K-cup brewers. Each pack has 100 K-cups filled with French roast dark coffee. 

If you love a bold cup of coffee, the Happy Belly coffee pods are all you need. The K-cups have a bold, smoky taste note which you can enjoy anytime you need to caffeinate

Pros
  • The brand guarantees you quality. They will refund you if you do not like their products.
  • You can make a cafe-quality cup of joe at home using the Happy Belly k-cups.
  • The pods are easy to use when brewing coffee.
Cons
  • It is not compatible with all Keurig brewers. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Some of the common questions about dark roast coffee are:

Why should you brew dark roast coffee?

If you love coffee with low acidity, consider giving a shot of a dark roast coffee. 

What should you consider before you buy dark roast coffee?

As you plan to buy the best dark roast coffee, there are several factors you need to have in mind. The first consideration is the brand, caffeine content, ground or whole bean or single-serve, and the price. 

Also, make sure you check the flavor and the tasting notes. Don’t forget to check the roasting dates as well. It helps to estimate the freshness of the coffee beans as dark roast coffee goes stale quickly. 

Final Verdict

And there you have it. You can select from our list of top dark roast coffee and brew cafe-quality coffee at home. 

Dark roast coffee has a bold flavor. Do not over-extract coffee to avoid having bitter coffee. 

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