What is Italian Roast Coffee?
Updated - Team Colipse
Italian roast coffee is a very dark roast defined by its roasting method, not the bean type. The Italian roast coffee beans are almost black and oily, with a bitter, smoky flavor. Italian and French roasts differ in roast level and flavor.
Italian roast is darker, roasted above 455°F, and has bold, smoky flavors with notes of bittersweet chocolate and spice. French roast is lighter, roasted between 440–455°F, and tastes of caramel, chocolate, and nuts. An 8 oz cup of Italian roast coffee contains about 80-120 milligrams of caffeine.
The best Italian roast coffee depends on your taste. Good Italian roasts balance taste, quality, and cost. To find the best Italian roast, choose fresh beans with high quality and known origin.
What is Italian Roast Coffee?
Italian roast coffee is a very dark roast with nearly black beans and a glossy, oil-covered surface. The term "Italian roast coffee" refers to a roasting method, not the origin or variety of the coffee beans. Italian roast is the darkest coffee roast, with an Agtron SCAA score of 25 or less, darker than a French or Vienna roast.
Italian roast coffee beans are roasted for a longer time at higher temperatures, until the end of the second crack. Prolonged roasting enlarges beans and creates a more porous structure. However, this longer roasting process causes the beans to lose about 15–18% of their weight due to moisture loss, depending on the bean type. For example, a 2023 study published in Journal of Applied Agricultural Science and Technology by Elin Yusibani found that Arabica beans lose 11–19% of their weight during roasting, while Robusta beans lose 14–29%.
Italian roasted coffee is ideal for espresso as darker roasts extracts better under high pressure in espresso machines, according to a 2021 study by Sunyoon Jung from the Dankook University. The research showed that very dark roasts release more dissolved solids during brewing due to higher bean porosity but lose over 70% of beneficial antioxidant compounds like chlorogenic acids.
Italian roast coffee is not the same as 'Italian coffee' or 'Italian press coffee', which refer to traditional coffee drinks and a stovetop coffee maker, not the roast itself. Any coffee bean can be used for Italian roast blends, but many roasters prefer specialty-grade beans.
What Does Italian Roast Coffee Mean?
Italian roast coffee means a dark color and style of roasting coffee beans, not the grind size or brewing method. Italian roast coffee doesn't mean the beans are from Italy. Coffee plants can’t grow naturally in Italy's climate and must be imported and roasted locally. Coffee drinking, especially espresso, was popularized by Italians, but coffee doesn’t originate from Italy.
The meaning of “Italian roast” coffee refers to an ultra-dark, oily roast popularized in the U.S. during the 1960s–1970s. This roast style is distinct from traditional Italian roasting methods. Italians traditionally preferred medium to medium-dark roasts blended with Robusta to create balanced flavor and thick crema in espresso.
Historically, the ultra-dark “Italian roast” style was created by American roasters like Peet’s and Starbucks to standardize bold flavors from variable imports and evoke Italian espresso culture for mass appeal. This mass-produced style, while practical, lacks the nuanced flavors of high-quality coffee.
Italian roast coffee delivers bold, smoky, and bittersweet flavors, contrasting with specialty coffee's focus on nuanced, lighter roasts. Even though Italian roast coffee lacks lighter roast depth, it appeals to people who prefer heavy body, caramelized flavor, and low acidity.
What is the Difference between Italian Roast and French Roast?
The primary difference between Italian and French roast coffee is the roasting process, which changes color, flavor, strength, acidity, body, and ideal brewing methods. Italian roast is darker and stronger than French roast. Italian roast is roasted at 455°F or higher and produces nearly black, oily beans with pronounced bitterness and smoky notes. French roast is lighter at 440–455°F and has dark brown beans with a light oil sheen. It offers caramelized sweetness, chocolate notes, and roasted nut flavors.
Italian roast coffee typically has a similar caffeine content to French roast. Caffeine remains stable during roasting and does not significantly decrease at dark roast levels like French or Italian. Both roasts are dark with strong flavors, but caffeine content depends on the coffee bean type, brewing method, and serving size. The difference in caffeine content between the French roast and Italian roast is usually minimal.
Italian roast coffee is lower in acidity than French roast. The intense roasting process breaks down the acids in the beans, resulting in a smooth, bold flavor with minimal acidic notes. The choice between French and Italian roasts depends on personal preference. French roast is versatile, suitable for various brewing methods, and can be enjoyed black, with milk and sugar, or as part of desserts like coffee ice cream. Italian roast is traditionally used for espresso-based drinks such as cappuccinos, lattes, and macchiatos.
Is French or Italian Roast Better?
Neither French nor Italian roast is objectively "better" because the best choice depends entirely on your personal preferences. Both French and Italian roasts are very dark, leaving little room for origin nuances as most terroir is roasted out. The key difference is whether you prefer a smoky flavor or an extra smoky one.
Very dark roasting highlights smoky, bittersweet, or burnt flavors while masking the quality and age of coffee beans, concealing flaws. Beans roasted months earlier can still taste consistent, whether roasted to French or Italian levels. If you enjoy a strong, smoky flavor, then French roast coffee is a good choice. If you prefer an even smokier, more intense flavor, then Italian roast might be a better option.
How is Italian Roast Coffee Made?
Italian roast is made by extending the roasting process to the late development stage, where the beans are roasted beyond the "second crack." Italian roast coffee beans are heated to temperatures of 455°F (235°C) or higher for up to 20 minutes. This process pushes the Maillard reaction, caramelization, and pyrolysis to their limits, creating beans with a dark, oily exterior and smoky, bitter flavors.
Italian roasting profile removes most of the acidity, complexity, and unique flavors from where the beans were grown. The roasting process alters coffee's chemistry by breaking down acids and developing bold flavors through extended chemical reactions. At this stage, Maillard reaction products are overshadowed by pyrolysis compounds, creating a flavor profile that is tart, smoky, and grilled.
How Much Caffeine is in Italian Roast Coffee?
An 8 oz (237 ml) cup of Italian roast coffee contains about 80-120 milligrams (mg) of caffeine, depending on the bean type, brewing method, and brand. A 2024 study titled "Determination of Caffeine Content at the Difference in Arabica and Robusta Coffee Roast Levels Using HPLC" showed dark-roasted Robusta beans contain double the caffeine of dark-roasted Arabica beans, explaining why Robusta-based Italian roasts have more caffeine.
The caffeine content in Starbucks Italian Roast Nespresso capsules is 70–75 mg per 1.35 oz shot. A single 1-ounce shot of Italian espresso contains around 64 mg. The following table compares the caffeine content of popular Italian roast coffee products across different serving sizes.
| Product | Serving Size | Caffeine Content (mg) |
|---|---|---|
| Italian Roast Coffee (General) | 8 oz brewed | 80–120 |
| Starbucks Italian Roast (Ground/Whole Bean) | 8 oz brewed | 120 |
| Lavazza Italian Roast | 8 oz brewed | 100-120 |
| Barista Prima Italian Roast (K-Cup) | 8 oz | 120 |
| Starbucks Italian Roast Nespresso | 1.35 oz espresso | 70–75 |
| Starbucks VIA Instant Italian Roast | 8 oz (1 packet) | 100–120 |
| Starbucks Italian Roast K-Cup | 8 oz | 100 |
Longer roasting in Italian roast coffee does not reduce caffeine content because caffeine remains stable under heat, according to a 2024 study by Zachary R. Lindsey from the Department of Physics at the Berry College. The study found that roast degree does not significantly affect caffeine concentration, despite minor changes in extraction and yield from darker roasts.
What Does Italian Roast Coffee Taste Like?
Italian roast coffee has a bold, smoky flavor with notes of bittersweet chocolate, caramelized sugar, and a touch of spice like nutmeg or cinnamon. The first sip of Italian roast coffee reveals a rich, full-bodied texture with roasted, ashy undertones and subtle hints of pipe tobacco. The coffee's low acidity enhances its smooth, velvety depth, delivering a full and creamy mouthfeel. The finish is long and lingering, characterized by a pleasant, chocolaty aftertaste that complements its robust profile.
Italian roast coffee is low acid. As roasting progresses to darker levels like Italian roast, pH increases while titratable acidity decreases. This reduction in acidity results from the breakdown of organic acids, as confirmed by the 2024 study by Laudia Anokye published in Scientific Reports on roast profiles and titratable acidity dynamics.
Italian roast coffee's taste varies by region and bean type. Traditional Italian roast blends often mix Arabica and Robusta beans. These blends have a unique taste and are linked to Italian coffee culture. The roast has a strong flavor that goes well with milk, which is something many people like. However, others find Italian roast burnt or bitter, especially the extremely dark kind.
Does Italian Roast Coffee Taste Good?
Whether Italian roast coffee tastes good depends on your preferences. It has a very strong, bold flavor that some people love. It can taste smoky, even slightly burnt, with a bittersweet aftertaste. If you like a rich, intense coffee, you might enjoy it. However, if you prefer a lighter, more nuanced flavor with hints of fruit or acidity, Italian roast might not be for you. It's great for espresso but not ideal for pour-over. It can sometimes be overpowering and lack the complexity of other roasts.
According to Davide Cobelli, an SCA trainer and Italian Coffee Roasting Champion, roasting coffee darker reduces desirable flavor attributes and increases undesirable ones. He states that very dark roasting may warrant using lower-quality beans since subtle flavors are lost during the roasting process. The very dark roasts can sometimes be used to mask the flavors of lower-quality beans or extend their shelf life.
What is the Best Italian Roast Coffee?
The best Italian roast coffee depends on your taste, but a great Italian roast balances flavor, quality, and cost. Some highly-rated options include Tully's Italian Roast K-Cups for convenience, Lavazza Italian Roast for affordability, and Colipse Italian Roast for their focus on fresh beans. The following list shows some of the best Italian roast coffee blends for a variety of preferences.
- Colipse Italian Roast
- Starbucks Italian Roast
- Barista Prima Italian Roast
- Tully's Italian Roast K-Cups
- Lavazza Italian Roast
1. Colipse Italian Roast
Colipse Italian Roast is a very dark blend of 50% Arabica and 50% Robusta beans. This is the best Italian roast coffee for those who love strong, full-bodied flavors with rich crema. Colipse Italian Roast coffee delivers low acidity with bold dark chocolate and toasted almond notes, balanced by red berry undertones. Each batch is freshly roasted to order and vacuum-sealed to preserve peak flavor and aroma. It comes in both whole bean and pre-ground formats, making it compatible with espresso machines, moka pots, French presses, and drip coffee makers.
Colipse Italian Roast satisfies bold coffee drinkers by delivering a dark, oily bean ideal for Italian-style milk-based espresso drinks like cappuccinos, lattes, and flat whites. It is available in 12 oz, 16 oz, 2 lb, and 5 lb, whether you brew one cup of coffee a day or stock up for a busy office. Each bag ships fresh after small-batch roasting, with free U.S. shipping included.
2. Starbucks Italian Roast
Starbucks Italian Roast is a dark roast coffee made from 100% Arabica beans sourced from Latin America and Asia-Pacific. This bold, robust blend features notes of dark cocoa and toasted marshmallow, with a rich, smoky aroma. It offers a full, smooth body and low acidity. Starbucks Italian Roast suits versatile brewing methods, including drip brewers, coffee presses, pour-overs, and moka pots.
3. Barista Prima Italian Roast
Barista Prima Italian Roast is a very dark roast coffee available in K-Cup pods for Keurig brewers. It offers a bold flavor profile and a quick, mess-free brewing experience. The Barista Prima Italian Roast K-Cups deliver a rich, full-bodied flavor profile characterized by robust, smoky undertones and a slightly bittersweet finish. This coffee blend offers consistent intensity and is well-suited for those who enjoy strong, traditional Italian-style coffee with minimal acidity.
4. Tully's Italian Roast K-Cups
Tully's Italian Roast K-Cups is a dark roast coffee made from 100% Arabica beans compatible with all Keurig brewers. Tully’s Coffee Italian Roast K-Cup Pods offer a full-bodied dark roast with intense, spicy notes and a robust, complex flavor profile. This coffee features a rich flavor with subtle spiciness and a satisfying long finish, embodying the essence of Southern Italian coffee traditions.
5. Lavazza Italian Roast
Lavazza Italian Roast coffee is an extra dark roast with a bold intensity made from 100% premium Arabica beans. Lavazza Italian Roast Ground Coffee delivers a full-bodied, complex flavor with slightly smoky undertones and a subtle hint of cocoa. This blend delivers a smooth, satisfying experience inspired by Italy's powerful, intense landscapes, making it ideal for filter coffee preparations.
How to Choose the Best Italian Roast Coffee?
To choose the best Italian roast coffee, consider factors like bean type, origin, and freshness for optimal flavor. Follow these five steps to find the best Italian roast coffee that suits your preferences.
- Research reputable Italian coffee brands by choosing established labels known for quality and traditional roasting.
- Check roasting dates on packaging and use beans roasted within 14 days to preserve flavor and aroma.
- Look for whole beans and grind them fresh to retain flavor and consistency.
- Read reviews from coffee enthusiasts and experts to guide your choice.
- Test small quantities by purchasing 12 oz bags to evaluate flavor and confirm personal preference before subscribing or ordering in bulk.
Where to Buy the Best Italian Roast Coffee?
Colipse Coffee is the best place to buy Italian Roast coffee because it offers a premium dark roast made from specialty-grade Arabica and Robusta beans. At Colipse Coffee, our Italian roast coffee freshly is roasted to order in small batches. The bean features a bold, smoky flavor with notes of dark chocolate and toasted almond, and includes flexible subscription options with free U.S. shipping. At Colipse, our Italian roast specialty-grade coffee blend starts at $22.50 for a 12 oz bag, with a subscription discount reducing the price to $21.38 per bag.
How Many Types of Coffee Roasts Are There?
There are three main types of coffee roasts: light, medium, and dark. Light roasts preserve the bean's natural flavors and have higher acidity. Medium roasts balance acidity and body, offering a more rounded flavor. Dark roasts provide a bold, smoky flavor with lower acidity. Within these main types, there are variations in coffee roasting levels that result in different flavor profiles, such as blonde roast (a lighter medium roast) or espresso roast (a type of dark roast).
What is the Difference between Italian Roast and Espresso Roast Coffee?
The main difference between Italian roast and espresso roast is the degree of roasting and the resulting flavor profiles. Italian roast is roasted longer and hotter, giving it a darker color and bolder, almost burnt flavor with low acidity. This roast is often used for drip coffee and French press. Espresso roast coffee is a dark roast, but it's roasted for less time and at a lower temperature. The balanced flavor with notes of sweetness and caramel makes this roast ideal for espresso and other brewing methods.