Best Dark Roasted Coffee Beans of 2026

Ashley Abels Avatar
Ashley Abels
Last Updated: Jan 19, 2026

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Dark roasted coffee beans are a popular choice for those who prefer a strong, bold flavor in their coffee. These beans are roasted for a longer period of time than lighter roasts, resulting in a rich, full-bodied taste with notes of chocolate and caramel. They are often used to make espresso or as a base for specialty drinks like cappuccinos and lattes. Dark roasted coffee beans are also a great option for those who prefer their coffee with milk or cream, as their strong flavor can cut through the added dairy. Whether enjoyed black or with added ingredients, dark roasted coffee beans provide a satisfying and robust coffee experience.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Peet's Major Dickason's Blend Dark Roast Coffee Cover #TOP 1
Peet's Major Dickason's Blend Dark Roast Coffee
ftb score rating icon 9.9
Starbucks Dark Roast Whole Bean Coffee Cover #TOP 2
Starbucks Dark Roast Whole Bean Coffee
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Lavazza Espresso Barista Gran Crema Whole Bean Coffee Blend Cover #TOP 3
Lavazza Espresso Barista Gran Crema Whole Bean Coffee Blend
ftb score rating icon 9.6

Top 10 Dark Roasted Coffee Beans

#TOP 1

Peet's Major Dickason's Blend Dark Roast Coffee

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Major Dickason's
Peet's Major Dickason's Blend Dark Roast Coffee Cover
Peet's Coffee, Dark Roast Whole Bean Coffee - Major Dickason's Blend 18 Ounce Bag

Peet's Major Dickason's Blend Dark Roast Coffee is a flavorful, robust, and full-bodied coffee made from the best origin coffees from the world's premier growing regions. Developed by Mr. Peet and his most discerning customer, Major Dickason's Blend epitomizes the rich, flavorful taste of Peet's. This coffee is perfect for those who love deeply roasted and satisfying coffee. Peet's is actively engaged in driving positive impact in communities where their coffees are grown, and they print the roast date on each and every bag for maximal transparency.

What We Like
Rich, bold flavor
Smooth finish
Low acidity
Fresh, aromatic beans
Great value

Starbucks Dark Roast Whole Bean Coffee

Espresso Roast
Starbucks Dark Roast Whole Bean Coffee Cover
Starbucks Whole Bean Coffee, Dark Roast Coffee, Espresso Roast, 100% Arabica, 1 bag (18 oz)

Enjoy premium quality coffee at home with Starbucks Dark Roast Whole Bean Coffee. This 18-ounce bag of Espresso Roast dark roast whole bean coffee has notes of rich molasses and caramel that's perfect for making classic espresso drinks. Starbucks adheres to the highest quality standards, ensuring that you receive the same carefully roasted 100% arabica coffee beans they brew in their cafés. It can be ground and used for a variety of brewing methods, including drip brewer, coffee press, pour-over and moka pot. Plus, Starbucks is committed to 100% ethical coffee sourcing in partnership with Conservation International.

What We Like
Rich and deep flavor
Consistent quality and freshness
Smooth taste, low acidity
Uniform, appealing bean appearance
Better price than stores

Lavazza Espresso Barista Gran Crema Whole Bean Coffee Blend

041953024996
Black
Lavazza Espresso Barista Gran Crema Whole Bean Coffee Blend Cover
Lavazza Espresso Barista Gran Crema Whole Bean Coffee Blend, Medium Espresso Roast, Oz Bag (Packaging May Vary) - 2.2 LB, 35.2 Ounce

Lavazza Espresso Barista Gran Crema Whole Bean Coffee Blend is a medium espresso roast with a full-bodied taste. This blend, made from a combination of Arabica and Robusta beans, offers a rich and aromatic experience with notes of honey and roasted coffee. It is best suited for use in an espresso machine. With its dark roast and intensity level of 7/10, this coffee provides a strong and flavorful cup that will satisfy any coffee lover. The Lavazza Gran Crema Coffee is perfect for those who enjoy a robust and full-bodied espresso experience.

What We Like
Rich, velvety crema
Smooth, balanced flavor
Fresh, aromatic beans
Versatile brewing methods
Great value

Kicking Horse Coffee Decaf Swiss Water Process Dark Roast Whole Bean 10 Oz

Kicking Horse
2100972
Decaf - Dark Roast
Kicking Horse Coffee Decaf Swiss Water Process Dark Roast Whole Bean 10 Oz Cover
Kicking Horse Coffee, Decaf, Swiss Water Process, Dark Roast, Whole Bean, 10 Oz - Certified Organic, Fairtrade, Kosher Coffee

Kicking Horse Coffee's decaf, Swiss water process, dark roast, whole bean coffee is perfect for those who want to enjoy coffee without the caffeine. With tasting notes of roasted hazelnuts and a chocolaty balanced body, this coffee is recommended for French press, drip machine, pour over, espresso, and cold brew. Grown responsibly in Central and South America, this organic, Fairtrade, kosher, shade-grown, Arabica coffee is good for coffee drinkers, farmers, and the planet. Roasted in the Canadian Rocky Mountains.

What We Like
Swiss water process for a decaf coffee that tastes like regular coffee
Tasting notes of roasted hazelnuts and chocolaty balanced body
Organic, Fairtrade, kosher, shade-grown, Arabica coffee that is good for coffee drinkers, farmers, and the planet
Recommended for multiple brewing methods
Roasted in the Canadian Rocky Mountains

Blue Bottle Organic Espresso Dark Roast Coffee Beans

0810471033342
Brown
Blue Bottle Organic Espresso Dark Roast Coffee Beans Cover
Blue Bottle Whole Bean Organic Coffee, Espresso, Dark Roast, 12 Ounce bag (Pack of 1)

The Blue Bottle Espresso Dark Roast is a great choice for those who enjoy a rich and strong coffee experience. These whole beans are roasted darker to bring out a bold and sweet chocolate flavor, perfect if you like your espresso with milk. The coffee is made from organic beans sourced sustainably from Latin America and Central Africa, so you can feel good about what you're drinking. Roasted in small batches, this blend ensures freshness and a full-bodied taste, making it an excellent option for espresso lovers who want quality and flavor in every shot.

What We Like
Rich, full-bodied flavor
Bold, chocolatey taste
Organic, sustainably sourced beans
Fresh small-batch roasting

DEATH WISH COFFEE Whole Bean Coffee Dark Roast

Dark Roast
DEATH WISH COFFEE Whole Bean Coffee Dark Roast Cover
Death Wish Coffee, Organic and Fair Trade Dark Roast Whole Bean Coffee, 16 oz

DEATH WISH COFFEE Whole Bean Coffee Dark Roast is a premium quality, fair trade and organic roasted coffee that provides an extra kick of caffeine. Immerse yourself in a smooth and subtle cherry and chocolate flavor profile that is never bitter. With a bold taste, this coffee provides the perfect blend of high-quality energy and artisanal flavor with every sip. The Death Wish Promise is that if you don't love it, they'll refund your order. Try it risk-free and experience the best coffee you'll ever taste.

What We Like
Premium quality, fair trade and organic roasted coffee
Extra kick of caffeine
Smooth and subtle cherry and chocolate flavor profile that is never bitter
#TOP 7

Copper Moon Sumatra Dark Roast Coffee

260144
Copper Moon Sumatra Dark Roast Coffee Cover
Copper Moon Dark Roast Whole Bean Coffee, Sumatra Blend, 2 Lb

Copper Moon Whole Bean Coffee, Dark Roast, Sumatra Blend, 2 Lb is a bold blend sourced from the remote reaches of Indonesia. It has a uniquely smooth smoky character and herbal notes mixed with roasted almond and an earthy aroma. Copper Moon Coffee is Gluten Free, Non GMO, Allergen Free and Kosher. It is a great choice for coffee lovers who prefer to grind at home for peak freshness and brew with a drip style, french press, pour over or reusable Keurig K-cup. Copper Moon Coffee is sustainably sourced and handcrafted with premium specialty grade whole bean coffee from 5 continents and 17 different countries.

What We Like
Exceptional flavor and aroma
Great value for the price
Rich, bold coffee experience
High-quality whole bean freshness
Visually appealing packaging
#TOP 8

Stumptown Coffee Roasters Hair Bender Whole Bean Coffee

510052
Hair Bender
Stumptown Coffee Roasters Hair Bender Whole Bean Coffee Cover
Stumptown Coffee Roasters, Medium Roast Whole Bean Coffee - Hair Bender 12 Ounce Bag with Flavor Notes of Citrus and Dark Chocolate

Introducing Stumptown Hair Bender Whole Bean Coffee from Stumptown Coffee Roasters. This medium roast coffee is the perfect blend of coffees from Latin America, Indonesia, and Africa, resulting in a complex flavor profile with notes of sweet citrus, dark chocolate, and raisin. Whether you prefer to brew it as espresso, cold brew, or pour over, Hair Bender delivers a sweet and balanced taste that will satisfy any coffee lover. With a Direct Trade program that ensures fair prices and long-term relationships with producers, Stumptown Coffee Roasters strives to build collaborative partnerships. Experiment with different brewing methods and parameters to customize the taste of your Stumptown Hair Bender Coffee just the way you like it.

What We Like
Celebrated Blend
Complex Flavor Profile
Direct Trade Program

Mayorga Dark Roast Coffee, 2 lb bag

BHBUSAZIN026801
Mayorga Dark Roast Coffee, 2 lb bag Cover
Mayorga Organic Coffee 2lb Cafe Cubano Roast - Dark Roast Whole Bean Specialty Grade Coffee, 100% Arabica, Slow Roasted, Bold and Smooth Flavor with Low Acidity - USDA Organic, Non-GMO, Kosher

Mayorga Dark Roast Coffee features a unique flavor profile with hints of vanilla and syrupy smokiness, and low acidity. The coffee is made of 100% Arabica whole beans from Peru, Honduras and/or Nicaragua, and roasted in the USA using the signature Latin slow-roasting process. Mayorga Coffee is always organic and sustainably sourced, making it a conscientious decision for daily consumption.

What We Like
Unique flavor profile
Low acidity
100% Arabica whole beans
Always organic and sustainably sourced
Latino-owned company with a focus on supporting producers in Latin America
#TOP 10

The Mentalist Ground Coffee, Medium Dark Roast, 12 Oz

CDK01-00055
The Mentalist Ground Coffee, Medium Dark Roast, 12 Oz Cover
Bulletproof The Mentalist Medium-Dark Roast Ground Coffee, 12 Ounces, Clean Coffee Tested for Toxins, Packaging May Vary

The Mentalist Ground Coffee is a medium dark roast coffee sourced from Guatemala, Colombia & El Salvador. It has distinct notes of cinnamon, plum, and orange with a cocoa hazelnut finish. The coffee is expertly-picked by hand to provide the highest quality beans and maintain maximum integrity and flavor. It is certified clean, tested for impurities to keep your coffee pure and clean, and is Rainforest Alliance Certified to support farm, forest communities and families. The ground coffee is perfect for pour-over or drip coffee makers.

What We Like
Expertly-picked by hand to provide the highest quality beans and maintain maximum integrity and flavor
Certified clean, tested for impurities to keep your coffee pure and clean
Rainforest Alliance Certified to support farm, forest communities and families
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Why is dark roast coffee better?

Dark roast coffee is considered better because it contains high levels of antioxidants. These antioxidants help fight free radicals that can cause cellular damage and are linked to cancer. The rich brown color of dark roast coffee is a result of these antioxidants.

2. What is the difference between medium and dark roast coffee beans?

The main difference between medium and dark roast coffee beans is the roasting time. Dark roast beans are roasted for a longer duration than medium roast beans. This longer roasting time gives dark roast coffee a bolder taste and reduces acidity levels compared to medium roast coffee.

3. Why is dark roast coffee easier on the stomach?

Dark roast coffee is considered easier on the stomach because it contains lower levels of stomach-acid-producing compounds. A chemical compound called NMP found in dark roast coffee reduces stomach acid compared to medium roast coffee. Additionally, dark roast coffee has lower amounts of C5HTs and chlorogenic acids, which further contribute to its stomach-friendly nature.

4. What are the cons of dark roast coffee?

One downside of dark roast coffee is that the roasting process may result in the destruction of up to 90% of chlorogenic acids, which are beneficial antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds found in coffee. These compounds are thought to contribute to many of coffee's health benefits. In this respect, light roast coffee may be a better choice.

5. Is dark roast coffee healthier?

While light roasted coffee may contain higher levels of certain antioxidants like polyphenol and chlorogenic acid, dark roast coffee has been found to have higher total antioxidant activity. The longer and hotter roasting process of dark roast coffee may damage some antioxidants, but it still offers health benefits. Ultimately, the choice between light and dark roast coffee depends on individual preferences and health considerations.

Editor's Notes

During our dark roasted coffee bean research, we found 24 dark roasted coffee bean products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 441,251 customer reviews through our big data system to write the dark roasted coffee beans list. We found that most customers choose dark roasted coffee beans with an average price of $17.82.

The dark roasted coffee beans are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of dark roasted coffee beans, including Peet's Coffee, Starbucks, Lavazza, Kicking Horse, Blue Bottle Coffee. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 384 consumers with an average rating of 4.7.

Written by
Ashley Abels Avatar

Ashley Abels is a former restaurant executive and has worked in the restaurant industry for 15 years. She is also a gourmet who loves tasting different cuisines and trying out all kinds of cooking methods. The food she writes about will make you want to try it!