Welcome to our selection of the best dark roast coffee bean brands! You've come to the right place if you're a fan of rich, bold flavours and a strong caffeine kick.
I have tasted and tested countless beans to bring you the very best.
These dark roast beans have been carefully roasted to bring out their full, rich, bold dark flavours. Each sip will transport you to coffee heaven if you love that dark roast style!
Note: Use the below SKIP LINKS to navigate to the section majority of the 2000 readers focus on.
So why wait?
Indulge in a bag of one of these delicious brands' beans today and discover your new favourite coffee. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you.
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In addition, I wrote about single origin coffee vs blend a couple of days back, see that article to decide which you'd prefer since dark roast could be either single origin or blends.
With that said, let's see what the best dark roast coffee beans in the UK can offer you.
Where To Buy Dark Roast Coffee Beans (Our Top 3 Picks)
For coffee lovers, a lot goes into finding the perfect packet of dark roasted beans for their daily brew.
The best dark-roasted coffee beans have a smoky flavour and a deep, full-bodied sweetness that is hard to forget.
And when it comes to dark roasted beans, it is vital to find a roaster that you can trust because it's surprisingly easy to overdo the process.
A few extra seconds can lead to an ashy aftertaste instead of the usual deluxe and bold-layered flavour of dark roasted coffee.
So, below are the top 3 brands I have personally used that roasts the best dark roast beans.
Each brand offer FREE shipping, FAST delivery, with great customer service and amazing refund policy.
Get a £5 discount when you order from Balance Coffee using the recommended table below.
| Product | Benefits | where to buy |
|---|---|---|
DarkFire Energy |
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Save £5 Now |
LifeBoost Dark Roast |
|
Shop Now |
Brazil - Nossa Senhora De Fatima |
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Shop Now |
1. Darkfire Energy By Balance Coffee UK
Once you start making your coffee using the freshly roasted dark beans from Balance Coffee UK, there is no going back.
A proper medium-dark roast, the Dark Fire Energy comes packed with notes of rich, dark chocolate and cranberry. It is sourced from Mexico and is bold yet fruit-focused.
Despite being on the darker side of the roast spectrum compared to most of their range, this blend has a sweet, punchy mouthfeel that stays with you long after you finish your cup.
Another notable fact about this blend is that it is the product of Balance Coffee UK, a brand known for producing healthy speciality coffee that has also earned many awards.
The Darkfire Energy is a clear winner in the competition for the best dark roast coffee beans UK, it is expertly roasted and optimised for your health. Each batch of coffee is tested for mould, mycotoxins, and pesticides.
This keeps your coffee free from the nasties so you can enjoy the health benefits of over more than 1000 antioxidants.
What's better than a healthy coffee blend with the perfect medium-dark roast level and incredibly delicious flavour? Nothing!
Click here to try our Darkfire Energy blend.
Still trying to decide whether this is the best for you? See below what our happy customers are saying.
Michael K Said: Loving DarkFire in my Aeropress every morning. Timely subscription and cheaper than buying from a coffee shop. Full marks from me.
Janet Said: I tried all the main coffees and DarkFire is my favourite because I like my coffee a bit punchier! I love buying healthy coffee too.
But wait, that's not all, you are also protected by our money back guarantee. so, what does that mean for you?
It means you can buy our DarkFire Energy and return it if you don't like it and we would refund your money at no extra cost to you.
Use the "Shop Darkfire Energy and Save £5" button below to receive up to 20% discount as a first timer to brew a delicious energy cup of coffee. don't miss out!
2. LifeBoost Dark Roast
If you love your dark roasted coffee without the bitter aftertaste, this one's for you.
The aroma and taste of this coffee is perfect to awaken your senses on a chilly morning in the UK.
They are, hands down, the best dark roast coffee grounds on the UK market and have been roasted to perfection.
It's no wonder they have made it to the second slot on our list!
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3. Organic Dark Brazil Nossa Senhora de Fatima
In addition to being one of the best dark roast coffees UK, this blend is also one of the most affordable.
Sourced from the lush hills of Fatima in Brazil, the coffee features a unique, dry yet sweet body.
On the topic of the tasting notes, your taste buds will feel refreshed with hints of exotic wood flavours.
Some customers even call this the 'Brazilian cup of magic', and we couldn't agree more.
All these qualities make it number three on our list of the best dark roast coffee beans UK.
Check out product specifications
What Is Dark Roast Coffee?
Dark roasted coffee refers to coffee beans that stay on the roasting machine for longer and at a higher temperature than lightly roasted beans.
When the coffee beans are roasted at an internal temperature of 465–480°F (240–249°C), they are considered 'dark'.
The telltale signs of dark roasted coffee are a glossy and oily surface coupled with a robust, whole body. Also, it usually has a bold and smoky taste, and the flavours of the coffee's origin are usually roasted off.
It has a bolder and richer aroma and taste than lightly roasted beans. Some typical tasting notes of dark coffee include deep chocolate, earth, spice, and wood.
However, contrary to what most people believe, dark-roasted coffee does not have a higher caffeine content than its light-roasted counterpart.
Generally, dark roast coffee has slightly less caffeine content.
Getting your hands on the best dark-roast coffee beans UK is the first step on your journey to delicious, dark-roasted coffee.
10 Coffee Brands With The Best Dark Roast Coffee Beans UK
We will save you considerable time and the pain of consuming tasteless coffee beans with our list of the best dark roast coffee beans UK.
So without wasting any more time, let's jump straight into it.
1. Rotate Espresso by Balance Coffee UK
Although the competition for this list was tough, Rotate Espresso by Balance Coffee UK emerged as a clear winner.
What stands out about this coffee is that in line with Balance Coffee's mission of healthy coffee, this blend is free of the nasties commonly found in commercial-grade coffee.
All of the blends by this brand, including the Rotate Espresso, are tested for mould, mycotoxins, and pesticides and roasted as per order.
This ensures you get your bag of dark roasted beans as fresh, delicious, and healthy as it gets!
Recommended For You: Best Decaf Coffee Beans Brands UK (Comprehensive List)
The coffee is also 100% Arabica and speciality-grade, which means that this dark roasted blend's quality is SPOT ON!
There is a lot to be said about how Balance works as well. In line with its commitment to quality, it only sources speciality coffee which accounts for the top 5% of total coffee consumed globally.
To implement this, Balance Coffee pays the price at origin that is 25% higher than the market rate to ensure the quality of coffee whilst helping to create a sustainable supply.
In the end, you'll have a toasty mug of coffee packed with flavour, perfectly roasted, and most of all, optimised for health!
Click on the "Shop Rotate Espresso and Save £5" button below to receive up to 20% discount as a first timer to brew a delicious energy cup of coffee. don't miss out!
2. The LifeBoost Dark Roast
If you like your morning cup of joe to have a kick to it, but without being too heavy for your tastebuds, then the LifeBoost Dark Roast is perfect for you.
Many customers claim these are the best dark roast coffee beans UK because they leave you energised without an afternoon crash.
This dark coffee is roasted at a high altitude, bringing out the bold flavour and complex notes everyone loves!
It also has fantastic health benefits as it's packed with antioxidants and is gluten-free, non-GMO, and kosher-certified! It's also vegan-friendly.
The only downside to this is that it is a little on the pricier edge.
Check out product specifications
3. Organic Dark Brazil Nossa Senhora de Fatima
Organic coffee has many benefits, and you should always try to dial in on those benefits.
More importantly, organic coffee limits exposure to harmful agents like mould, mycotoxins, and pesticides, which pose health risks.
However, these organic, dark-roasted coffee beans are produced without these harmful chemicals.
The Nossa Senhora de Fatima is one of the best dark roast coffee blends UK that not only gives you a punch of flavour but is also healthy.
Recommended For You: Best Low Caffeine Coffee Beans UK (Golden List)
This stunning dark roast is sourced from the lush hillsides of Fatima in Brazil and has an exotic and refreshing finish.
Lastly, it features a rounded-off aftertaste and low acidity, making it a top contender for the best single origin dark roast coffee.
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4. Volcanica Dark Roast Sumatra Mandheling
Volcanica Espresso has a different fan base, and it is not hard to see why. This dark roast coffee brand started by testing its roasting process and seemed to like it.
Some more market research revealed that others also felt the same way. Fast forward to today, and they are supplying some of the best dark roast coffee beans UK.
The Volcanica Espresso Dark Roast is an artisanal dark roast made from 100% Arabica coffee.
The coffee beans are roasted in small batches to keep their dark roast fresh and then directly shipped to consumers.
This also ensures that every mug of coffee you brew with this blend at home or the office is fresh, tasty, and packed with an enjoyable kick.
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5. Estate Dark Roast Whole Bean 100% KONA Coffee
Case in point: you just had dinner at home, and you're looking for something to end the night, but you're not in the mood for anything too strong.
In that case, the Estate Dark Roast is the perfect choice for you. Low in caffeine and dark roasted to perfection, these coffee beans are not to be missed.
Being a 100% Kona blend, it is bursting with flavour and has just the right amount of bitterness.
In fact, this is also one of the best dark roast coffee whole beans out there.
One sip from a cup of joe made from these beans is enough to make you buy another packet.
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6. Don Pablo Whole Bean Dark-Roast Coffee
Not all coffee snobs are enthusiastic about the caffeine kick in their mugs of coffee. In fact, many people nowadays are on an active hunt for decaf options.
Dark roast coffee also generally is lower in caffeine content. The Dan Pablo Whole Dean Dark Roast Coffee is our pick for the best dark roast coffee beans UK that is also decaffeinated.
Since these coffee beans are water processed, they have a great, full-bodied flavour that many coffee aficionados enjoy to the fullest.
It's a medium-dark roast, so it's also perfect for everyone who is not a fan of the bitter aftertaste of a strong, dark roast.
Further, this blend is affordable and doesn't break the bank, which is the case for some other decaf blends.
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7. SF Bay Coffee French Roast
SF Bay Coffee is a known name in the coffee world and is quite famous for offering a variety of delicious coffee blends.
The beans are sourced from around the world and are roasted in their state-of-the-art facility. They also offer some of the best dark roast coffee pods, so you can enjoy coffee on the go.
Relatively, their French roast blend is fantastic and a top choice for the best dark roasted coffee in the UK.
This dark roast blend contains beans from Central and South America. Green coffee beans produce rich chocolate aromas with cinnamon overtones.
You can also use the French Roast to make a hard-hitting espresso in your Espresso machine.
It is also a great choice to make some tasty Americanos or creamy Cappuccinos!
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8. Olde Brooklyn Coffee Italian Dark Roast
Olde Brooklyn Coffee is a low-cost method to enjoy your favourite dark roast coffee without sacrificing quality.
The Italian roast beans in this blend are preserved within hours of harvest. This way, it ensures that dark roast coffee lovers are always provided with the freshest cup of coffee possible.
Furthermore, airtight packing ensures that your Italian roast coffee beans stay fresher for longer.
This blend's rich taste and aroma also make it one of the best dark roast coffee beans for espresso.
This Italian Dark Roast is perfect for coffee lovers who kickstart their day with an aromatic cup of espresso.
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9. Mayorga Organics Cafe Cubano Whole Bean Coffee
This blend is also one of the best dark roast coffee beans UK that offers excellent value for money.
You should get your hands on this blend, especially if you enjoy Cuban coffee.
A fine grind brings out the best in these whole beans, and it produces a superb espumita when creamed with sugar. but you don't have time to grind, my article on the best ground coffee for espresso should make your decision making process easy.
And if you like your coffee as fresh as it gets, it's recommended that you opt for it. It comes in the form of whole beans, which means you have control over how finely you decide to grind them.
Also, you should know that if you drink this as a stand-alone coffee, the flavour will differ from that of other dark roasts. It could be stronger.
This means it's the best choice for all those who don't like dark roasted coffee with a strong kick!
Check out product specification
10. Kicking Horse Coffee, Kick-Ass, Dark Roast, Whole Coffee Bean
There are quite a few coffee lovers who lean on this beverage to add a spark to their day. And this dark roast blend is perfect for doing just that!
These dark roast coffee beans have been expertly roasted and leave you energetic and ready to face the day.
And if the caffeine in this blend doesn't provide enough energy, try adding some brown sugar or creamers!
Kicking Horse Coffee's Kick-Ass Dark Roast provides all of the benefits of coffee without the disadvantages, making it one of the best dark roast coffee beans UK.
To sum it up, it tastes great, packs a strong caffeine punch, and helps you start your day, so you can tackle whatever life throws you!
Check out product specifications
With that, we end our expertly crafted list of the best dark roast coffee beans UK.
The Best Way To Brew Dark Roast Coffee
Once you get your hands on the best dark roast coffee beans UK, the next thing you'll want to know is how to brew it. And with so much online information, it can become tough to spot the best way to brew dark roast coffee.
But if you are looking for a clean, smooth, rich brew, then the Aeropress method is the best way to brew dark roast coffee.
You can use an Aeropress machine to make espressos, regular coffee, and cold brew with your dark roasted beans.
The result of this brewing method is similar to French Press, but minus the grounds stuck on the bottom of your mug (that's good, right?).
There are many Aeropress recipes available online that you can use to brew the perfect cup of joe for yourself.
However, some people also prefer the pour-over brewing method for dark-roasted coffee. But this also means you must get your hands on the best dark roast coffee for pour over!
Things You Need To Brew Dark Roast Coffee
For starters, you'd be happy to know that dark roast coffee is the most versatile one when it comes to brewing.
It can easily withstand heat and pressure, making dark roasted beans one of the best coffee beans for espresso.
However, before you can start brewing your pack of the best dark roast coffee beans UK, there are a few things you need to keep in mind.
Trust me these tips are going to come in handy while brewing your dark roasted coffee:
Water Temperature
Brewing dark-roasted coffee requires a relatively cooler water temperature. If the water temperature gets too high, the brew can over-extract, resulting in a bitter taste. We recommend 90-93 degrees celsius for optimal dark roast brewing for espresso.
Grind Setting
If you are using the 'pour over' setting for a dark roast, you will need to opt for a grind setting coarser than usual (relatively coarser, as compared to what you would use for light or medium roasted coffee).
Brew Times
Darker roasts usually have faster brew times. It would be best if you ideally tried to aim for 23-28 seconds for espresso and 2-3 minutes for filter coffee brewing for 2.00 - 3.00 brewing time.
The lower water temperature and shorter brew time help reduce some of the bitter aspects of dark coffee. They also help make the shot sweeter and smoother, and those chocolate and molasses notes come through!
In addition to these tips, you must ensure that you have all the necessary coffee brewing equipment in your kitchen.
How To Brew Dark Roast Coffee?
And now for the fun part! Picture this - you have the best dark roast coffee beans UK tucked neatly in your kitchen cabinet and the necessary coffee equipment.
It would be best to learn how to brew your dark roast coffee. There are a few different ways you can do so, but here, we will stick to our Aeropress brewing method.
To make it easier for you, here is a step-by-step process for how you can perfectly brew your dark roast coffee using Aeropress:
Beans: Dark roasted ground coffee (18g)
Equipment: Aeropress
- Put a paper filter in the cap and gently rinse with hot water.
- Add 18g of ground coffee to the brew chamber of the machine. Ideally, you should ground it relatively fine but coarser than you would for an espresso grind.
- Add 90 g of hot water over the ground coffee (but the water should not be too hot or boiling)
- Gently stir to remove any clumps.
- Fasten the filter cap and let the mixture sit.
- Now, flip the Aeropress and gently push it into your mug. Keep pressing till you hear a hissing sound.
Try this brew method for a fantastic cup of joe!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Dark Roast Coffee the Strongest?
Some coffee users believe dark roasts are stronger and have a higher caffeine content than light roasts. The truth is that the caffeine content remains relatively constant throughout the roasting process. The difference in roasts is in the taste, not the caffeine content.
Why Do People Like Dark Roast Coffee?
Dark roast coffee beans have a complex flavour profile with overtones of dark chocolate, spice, and woodiness. They are less acidic than other roasts, making them ideal for individuals who prefer coffee without extra sugar or milk!
Is Dark Roast Coffee Healthier?
Dark roast coffee is a rich source of antioxidants in most people's diets and provides a variety of health advantages. Actually, coffee's dark, rich brown colour occurs because of these antioxidants, which can aid in the fight against free radicals. These radicals may cause cellular damage and have been linked to cancer.
Is Dark Roast Weak Coffee?
Yes, dark roast is generally weak coffee compared to other roast levels. Dark roast coffees that are measured and assessed by volume contain fewer coffee beans due to their bigger size. It results in a weaker brew and less caffeine per cup than light-roast coffee.
Pulling It Together
Dark-roasted coffee's rich and bold flavours have made it a hit with many coffee lovers. However, spotting the best dark roast coffee beans UK can be daunting because of the intense competition.
But our quick guide is the perfect way to help you spot some of the stars in the world of dark-roasted coffee in the UK. Use them to find the perfect dark coffee beans for your morning brew and add the spark back to your day!
If you're looking for delicious, hassle-free coffee to be delivered to your doorstep regularly, it's time to invest in a coffee subscription. With this, you can easily skip the 'ran out of it' coffee moments.
Also, if you're looking for fun facts and delicious coffee recipes, stay tuned to this space for more!
