French Roast Coffee: Definition, Taste, and Best Brands
Updated - Team Colipse
French roast coffee is a dark roast with a deep brown, oily surface. The term "French roast" coffee means roasting style, not the bean species, grind size, or brewing method. French roast beans are heated to 440–455°F (227–235°C) for 12–15 minutes until the second crack, turning dark and near-charcoal in color. French roast coffee is bold and intense, with a deeply caramelized flavor. It has strong roasted, smoky, chocolate, and ashy notes. The coffee is low in acidity due to its dark roast level.
An 8 oz of French roast coffee contains roughly 95 mg of caffeine. The coffee works well for espresso because high-temperature roasting increases bean porosity and permeability. The best French roast coffee beans deliver a bold, smoky flavor when roasted locally and used within 1–2 weeks. To make French roast coffee, use a French press for bold flavor, an espresso machine for intensity, or cold brew for balance. French roast is not the only dark roast coffee. Other dark roasts include Italian roast, Spanish roast, Espresso roast, and Continental roast.
What is French Roast Coffee?
French roast coffee refers to a dark roasted coffee with a deep brown color and an oily bean surface. French roast is a coffee roasting method where beans are heated until they reach a dark, near-charcoal hue. French roast measures between 35 and 25 on the Agtron scale. This roast is not technically burnt, but it is darker than a Viennese roast and lighter than an Italian roast.
French roast coffee is defined by how it is roasted, not by where the beans come from. The beans are roasted for a longer time at higher temperatures, until the middle of second crack. This intense roasting process releases oils by breaking cell walls and makes beans look shiny and glossy. The beans become brittle, lose density, and fracture easily. At this roast level, most of the origin characteristics are lost.
French roast coffee beans are the seeds of the Coffea arabica or Coffea canephora plant. Any coffee bean can be used to create a French roast coffee blend, but many roasters prefer high-quality Arabica beans. French roast coffee beans have a bold, smoky flavor and rank among the darkest coffee roasts. The following table outlines the key physical, chemical, nutritional, and sensory characteristics of French roast coffee.
| French Roast Coffee Characteristics | Description |
|---|---|
| Roast Level (Agtron Score) | 35-25 |
| Bean Color (L* value) | 20 (on a 0–100 scale) |
| Surface Texture (Oily Coating) | Surface oil coverage is estimated at approximately 80%. |
| Oil Content (% by weight) | Approximately 18% |
| Bean Size (Length) | 11 mm |
| Bean Weight | 0.12 g |
| Bean Shape | Elliptical |
| Bean Density | The typical range is 0.330 to 0.357 g/cm³ |
| Moisture Content | Between 1-3% |
| Bean Hardness | French roast coffee beans are generally less dense than lighter roasts because they are more brittle. |
| Bean Porosity | French roast coffee beans have a higher porosity than green beans, around 26.30%. |
| Caloric Value | French roast coffee beans have 300-400 calories per 100 grams. Brewed French roast coffee only has 2 calories per 8 fl oz because the solids and oils are left behind when brewing. |
| Protein Content | French roast coffee beans contain roughly 11% crude protein. Brewed French roast coffee has about 0.3 grams of protein per 8 fl oz serving. |
| Carbohydrate Content | French roast coffee beans have about 60g carbs per 100g. Brewed French roast coffee has almost no carbs because they stay in the grounds. |
| Fat Content | Two tablespoons of whole French roast coffee beans contain a very small amount of fat, close to 0.2 grams. Brewed French roast coffee is very low in fat, approximately 0.1 grams per 8 fl oz cup. |
| Fiber Content | French roast coffee beans do contain fiber. Brewed French roast coffee ends up containing very little fiber because the majority of the fiber remains in the coffee grounds. |
| Caffeine Content | Around 95 mg of caffeine per 8-ounce (237 ml) serving |
| Chlorogenic Acid Content | French roast coffee has less chlorogenic acid (CGA). Dark roasting lowers CGA to 6-10% of green bean levels. Heat during roasting breaks down the CGA. |
| Antioxidant Capacity | The antioxidant content of French roast coffee beans is generally lower compared to lighter roasts. |
| Flavor Profile | Dark, smoky taste. Low acid. Tastes like dark chocolate, caramelized sugar, and a bit charred. |
What is the Difference between French Roast and Dark Roast?
The main difference between French roast and dark roast is the roast level, but they also vary in flavor, acidity, caffeine, appearance, and brewing method. All French roasts are dark roasts, but not all dark roasts qualify as French roasts.
Dark roast coffee is roasted to the second crack and has a smooth, cocoa-nut flavor with moderate acidity and slightly more caffeine. French Roast goes beyond the beginning of the second crack and produces shiny, oily beans with smoky, burnt caramel flavor, low acidity, and slightly less caffeine, as shown in the image below.
Dark roast coffee beans appear matte or slightly oily, while French roast beans are glossy and oil-coated. Dark roasts works well with drip, cold brew, or espresso, whereas French roasted beans suits French press, moka pot, or bold drip, especially with milk or sugar. French roast and dark roast coffee do not taste the same, although both are dark. Dark roast offers balance and smoothness, while French roast delivers bold intensity and smoky dominance.
The following table compares dark roast and French roast coffee across roast level, flavor, acidity, caffeine content, appearance, and best brewing methods.
| Attribute | Dark Roast | French Roast |
|---|---|---|
| Roast Level | Roasted to the second crack (425°F - 455°F) | Roasted deep into the second crack (440°F – 455°F) |
| Roast Classification | Dark roast | Subset of dark roast; the darkest level before Italian roast |
| Flavor Profile | Smooth, cocoa–nut flavor; balanced; moderately bitter | Smoky, burnt caramel; bold; intense; strongly bitter |
| Acidity | Moderate acidity | Low acidity (lower than dark roast) |
| Caffeine Content | Slightly more caffeine | Slightly less caffeine (due to longer roast time) |
| Bean Appearance | Matte to slightly oily | Glossy, shiny, fully oil-coated |
| Texture / Oil Level (0–10 scale) | 3–5/10 oiliness | 8–10/10 oiliness |
| Flavor Intensity (0–10 scale) | 6–7/10 | 9–10/10 |
| Best Brewing Methods | Drip coffee, espresso, cold brew | French press, moka pot, bold drip; great with milk/sugar |
| Overall Taste Character | Balanced and smooth | Bold, smoky, dominant roast flavor |
What Does French Roast Coffee Mean?
The term "French roast" coffee means roasting style, not the bean species, grind size, or brewing method. French roast coffee means the beans were roasted very dark, about halfway through the second crack. French roast doesn't mean the coffee beans came from France. While the term "French roast" originated in Europe during the 1800s, the term now means the roasting method, not the location.
The meaning of French roast coffee appears under several names because coffee roasters use regional or brand-specific terms to describe similar dark roast levels. Names like French Roast, Very Dark Roast, Black Roast, or Continental Roast often overlap in roast darkness. "Dark roast" is the most correct general term but is not only for French roast. This overlap creates multiple labels for the same roast profile.
What is the Origin of French Roast Coffee?
The origin of the term “French Roast” is unclear. This roasting style emerged from 19th-century European coffee culture. The term French roast was not mentioned in early records. In 19th-century France, dark roasts were called “café noir” or “café brûlé” and labeled by roast level, not as “French Roast.” The French rarely used the English phrase. “French Roast” was a later American marketing term to describe the darkest roast on a scale.
The U.S. coined the term French roast and second-wave roasters like Peet’s and Starbucks popularized it, though it was inspired by southern European tastes. Very dark roasting was common across southern and western Europe, including Spain and Portugal, not just France. Spain and Portugal developed some of the darkest styles, like torrefacto. France belonged to a wider dark roast tradition rather than creating it.
How is French Roast Coffee Made?
French roast coffee is made by roasting beans at higher temperatures between 440°F to 455°F (227°C to 235°C) for a longer period of 12 to 15 minutes. French roast is roasted midway through the second crack, when bean cell walls break and release oils to the surface. Roasters use the second crack to identify dark roast, and French roast is a dark roast. In contrast, medium roast coffee is roasted at 410°F to 428°F (210°C to 220°C) for a shorter time, retaining more of the beans' original flavors and balanced acidity. Roasting beans beyond 455°F results in Italian roast, the darkest of all roasts.
What Does French Roast Coffee Taste Like?
French roast coffee tastes bold and intense, with a deeply caramelized flavor profile in aroma and cup. The flavor profile is dominated by intense roasted notes, with smoky-deep, chocolaty and ashy elements. The first impression delivers intensity, a full body, and a creamy mouthfeel, particularly delicious with a splash of whole milk.
As you sip, the intensity of the French roast mellows slightly, revealing bittersweet dark chocolate and woody undertones. It replaces coffee acidity with nutty or earthy flavors and a slight char. The finish often reveals subtle smoke or tobacco-like tones, leaving a lingering, robust aftertaste. Its slight oily sheen during brewing creates a rich, smooth texture that contrasts with lighter and darker roasts.
The complex flavor profile of French roast coffee can be broken down into primary, secondary, and tertiary flavors, as shown in the following table.
| Primary Flavors | Secondary Flavors | Tertiary Flavors |
|---|---|---|
| Roasted | Smoky, Ashy | Charred, Burnt |
| Nutty / Cocoa | Dark Chocolate, Caramelized | Molasses, Toasted Nuts |
| Sweet | Brown Sugar, Maple Syrup | Hints of Toffee |
| Spices | Clove, Nutmeg | Subtle Tobacco |
| Earthy | Woody, Musty | Deep Tobacco, Charcoal |
Is French Roast Coffee Bitter?
Yes, French roast coffee is typically bitter due to its dark roasting process, which produces smoky, burnt flavors with notes of charcoal and dark chocolate. Bitterness in coffee describes a sharp, strong taste often caused by deep roasting, heavy extraction, or brewing habits like using too much coffee for the water. French roast has a naturally sharp, strong taste because of how long the beans are heated.
A 2020 study published in Beverages by Morten Münchow from University of Copenhagen found that longer roast development times increase bitterness due to darker roasting phases. The researchers identified caffeoylquinic acid lactones and phenylindanes as key bitter compounds formed from chlorogenic acid breakdown and linked smoky flavors to volatile phenols and furans in French roast coffee.
French roast is noticeably more bitter than medium roast. French roast produces a bold, woody flavor, while medium roast balances acidity, sweetness, and mild bitterness for a smoother profile. To reduce the bitterness of French roast coffee, brew with slightly cooler water (195°F–200°F), shorten brew time, and use coarser grinds. Choose filtered water and avoid over-extraction by maintaining a 1:15 coffee-to-water ratio. Adding a pinch of salt can also neutralize excessive bitterness.
Is French Roast Coffee Acidic?
No, French roast coffee is low in acidity due to its dark roast level. Darker roasts reduce the concentration of volatile organic acids in coffee, according to a 2022 study titled "Impact of The Roast Level on Chemical Composition of Coffee from Colombia" by Ilze Laukalēja. During roasting, citric and malic acids break down or evaporate, which raises pH and reduces acidity. French roast, as one of the darkest roasts, contains fewer acids and tastes smoother than lighter roasts.
Is French roast coffee less acidic than lighter or medium roasts? Yes, the extended dark roasting process lowers acidity by breaking down chlorogenic acids and increases bitterness by forming new compounds. A 2024 study published in Chemosensors by Masaaki Habara found that darker roast coffees have lower perceived acidity and higher bitterness than lighter roasts. Using electronic tongue data, French roast measured significantly lower in acidity intensity compared to light roast. French roast measured two to three units less acidic than light roast.
Is French Roast Coffee Strong?
Yes, French roast coffee has a strong flavor and intense profile, though its caffeine content varies. The long roasting time makes a heavy, strong, and full-bodied taste, good for people who like strong coffee. Despite its rich taste, French Roast generally contains less caffeine than lighter roasts.
French roast coffee contains roughly 95 mg of caffeine per 8-ounce (237 ml) serving, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The caffeine content can range from 70 mg to 180 mg depending on the coffee bean type, brewing method, and desired strength. French roast coffee blends with Robusta and Arabica beans contain more caffeine than blends made with 100% Arabica beans.
The caffeine content in French roast coffee also depends on the brand and serving size. For example, Peet’s French roast contains 267 mg of caffeine per 16-ounce serving, or about 133.5 mg per 8-ounce serving. An 8-ounce Starbucks French roast blend contains 180 mg of caffeine, while their French Roast Ground Coffee K-Cup Pods have 130 mg per serving.
Is French Roast Good for Espresso?
Yes, French roast coffee works well for espresso because high-temperature roasting increases bean porosity and permeability, improving water and CO₂ flow. A 2000 study published in Journal of Food Science by Stefan Schenker showed that higher roast temperatures increase pore volume, rupture cell walls, and raise internal permeability. This process accelerates and improves pressurized espresso brewing extraction.
French roast coffee improves espresso crema by increasing foamability and thickness, according to a 1997 study by Fernando Nunes titled "Foamability, Foam Stability, and Chemical Composition of Espresso Coffee As Affected by the Degree of Roast." The study found that darker roasts extract more proteins and polysaccharides, which enhance crema volume and stability. This makes French Roast ideal for those who prefer rich, thick espresso foam.
One drawback of French roast is its oily surface, which can clog grinders and espresso machines over time, according to DeLonghi. The company warns in its official FAQ for fully automatic espresso machines to “avoid any coffee beans that are too oily, caramelised or coated as these can stick to the grinder mechanism and disrupt bean flow.” Such beans increase maintenance needs and may cause grinding inconsistencies.
What are the Best French Roast Coffee Beans?
The following are the five best French roast coffee beans.
- Colipse French Roast Coffee
- San Francisco Bay French Roast Coffee
- Starbucks French Roast Coffee
- Peet's French Roast Coffee
- Gevalia French Roast Coffee
1. Colipse French Roast Coffee
Colipse French Roast is an extra-dark, specialty-grade coffee blend. Colipse French Roast coffee combines Caturra, Typica, Bourbon, and Castillo beans sourced from high-altitude farms in Colombia, El Salvador, and Panama. This is the best tasting French roast whole bean coffee. Beans ferment aerobically in open tanks, are fully washed, and hand-sorted to achieve specialty-grade scores of 85+. This coffee has a bold, smoky, and complex flavor with rich dark chocolate, smoky toffee, subtle berry notes. Each 12-ounce bag is freshly roasted after you place your order, delivering superior flavor compared to stale, lifeless grocery store beans. Colipse is an online store that sells freshly roasted specialty coffee.
2. San Francisco Bay French Roast Coffee
San Francisco Bay French Roast coffee is a top French Roast K-Cup option available on Amazon, Costco, and Walmart. It comes from premium Arabica beans grown in Central and South America. This dark French roast has a rich, full-bodied flavor with a smoky finish. It offers a bold yet smooth taste, making it a top choice for French Roast single serve brews. A 100-count box costs around $60 USD at Walmart, with prices varying by retailer.
3. Starbucks French Roast Coffee
Starbucks French Roast Coffee is a very dark-roasted coffee. Starbucks uses high-quality 100% Arabica beans, the same ones used in their cafés. Thier French Roast coffee has a light body and low acidity with a flavor profile featuring dark caramel, sweet smoke, and intense smokiness. The price of Starbucks French Roast coffee varies. A 12-ounce bag previously cost around $10.99. It is available in ground, whole bean, and instant formats at many retailers.
4. Peet's French Roast Coffee
Peet's French Roast Coffee is similar to Starbucks french roast. It uses high-altitude Latin American Arabica beans that mature slowly for a richer flavor. It delivers a bold, smoky taste with notes of dark chocolate, smoke, and burnt sugar. Peet's French Roast Coffee ranks among the best organic French roast coffee brands. Pricing and availability vary.
5. Gevalia French Roast Coffee
Gevalia French Roast Coffee ranks among the best french roast ground coffee due to its rich, smooth flavor and boldness without bitterness. Made from 100% Arabica beans, it undergoes slow roasting and snap cooling to preserve flavor. The taste and price are good. Its complex profile features smoky undertones and dried fruit notes. Prices range from $7.39 USD to $8.99 USD, available in stores and online.
How to Choose the Best French Roast Coffee?
To choose the best French roast coffee, look for freshly roasted beans with a bold, smoky flavor from local roasters within 1–2 weeks of roast. Look for beans from reputable regions like Colombia, Ethiopia, or Central America known for quality coffee. Opt for whole beans for freshness and grind them just before brewing. To choose the best French roast, follow these five steps below.
- Determine Your Preferences: Decide on the desired flavor profile, such as smoky or caramelized notes.
- Check Roast Level: Ensure it’s labeled as a dark roast or specifically French roast.
- Research Bean Origin: Select beans from regions known for high-quality coffee, like Ethiopia or Colombia.
- Read Reviews: Look for user feedback on flavor, aroma, and freshness.
- Examine Freshness: Opt for beans with recent roast dates and vacuum-sealed packaging.
Where to Buy French Roast Coffee Beans?
Colipse Coffee is the best place to buy French Roast coffee online. At Colipse Coffee, we roast in small batches for peak freshness, use premium Arabica beans, and offer grind options for every brew method. Our bold, smoky French Roast suits superautomatic, French press, and espresso machines. We price our French Roast coffee beans starting at $21.50 for a 12 oz bag, with free U.S. shipping included.
How to Make French Roast Coffee?
To make French roast coffee using a French press, follow these six steps below.
- Grind your coffee beans coarsely to avoid clogging the French press filter.
- Preheat your French press with hot water, then discard the water to keep the brewer warm.
- Add the coarsely ground coffee to the French press.
- Pour hot water (about 205°F or 96°C) evenly over the grounds, filling the press halfway to allow the coffee to bloom for 30 seconds.
- Stir the coffee gently to break the crust formed during blooming, then add the rest of the hot water and place the lid on with the plunger pulled up.
- Steep the coffee for 4 minutes, then slowly press the plunger down and pour the coffee immediately to enjoy.
How Does French Roast Coffee Compare to Other Roasts?
French roast coffee is darker than medium and light roasts, offering a bold, smoky flavor with minimal acidity. Lighter coffee roasts, such as American roast or Breakfast roasts, highlight the coffee bean's origin characteristics with bright acidity and fruity or nutty undertones. Medium roasts, such as City or Full roast, fall in between, balancing the origin flavors with caramelized sweetness from the roasting process.
What is the Difference between Italian Roast and French Roast?
The main difference between Italian and French roast coffee is the roast level. Italian roast coffee is darker and oilier, with a bold, smoky flavor and low acidity. French roast is slightly lighter but still dark, offering a balance of strong flavor with a hint of bitterness. Both are used for espresso.
What is the Difference between French Roast and Colombian Coffee?
The primary difference between French roast and Colombian coffee is roast level. French roast is a dark roast with a bold, smoky flavor due to longer roasting, while Colombian coffee refers to coffee beans from Colombia, typically medium-roasted with a bright, balanced flavor. Roast defines taste more than origin.
What is the Difference between French Roast and Espresso Roast?
The main difference between French Roast and Espresso Roast is the degree of darkness and intended brewing method. French Roast is darker, with an oily surface and smoky flavor, often brewed as drip coffee. In contrast, espresso roast coffee is slightly lighter, crafted to balance acidity and body when brewed under pressure for espresso.
What is the Difference between French Roast and House Blend Coffee?
The primary difference between French Roast and House Blend coffee is the roast level. French Roast is a dark roast with a bold, smoky flavor and low acidity, while House Blend coffee is typically a medium roast with a balanced, smooth taste. French Roast beans appear oily; House Blend beans are drier and lighter.
What are the Facts about French Roast Coffee?
The three facts about French roast coffee are listed below.
- The specialty coffee industry remains divided on French roast, as some claim it overdevelops coffee and masks origin-specific flavors.
- In January 2025, industry insiders at a Coffee Congress noted that French roast profiles remain popular as roasters innovate blends for classic and modern tastes.
- A February 2025 Reuters poll showed that rising raw bean costs are leading roasters to use French roast–like techniques to balance flavor and production costs.