After 8 hours of research evaluating 42 products, we picked Death Wish Coffee K-Cups as our top choice.

Now that you’re a proud owner of a Keurig coffee maker, the only thing missing is your supply of dark roast k-cup. But one look at the range and variety of options is enough to make even veteran coffee drinkers overwhelmed.

Whether you’re looking for a new brand to try or the best dark roast coffees, we rounded up some of the most highly-recommended coffee k cups. From the flavor and value, down to the type of coffee beans used and pack size, you’ll have all the info you’ll need to find your perfect match. So sit back and sip your cup of joe while scrolling down this coffee rabbit hole.

Our editors independently research, test, and recommend the best products; you can learn more about our review process here. We may receive commissions on purchases made from our chosen links.

#1 Best Good-for-the-planet K-Cups

Death Wish Coffee K-Cups

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Super strong and yet flavorful
The aroma hits you as you open the bag
Smooth with a lot of depth

Pros Cons

Refund offered if you don't love it, packaging makes for consistently fresh pods, and expect strong, powerful coffee every single time.

Unfortunately, all of those pros come at a price. This coffee is pretty expensive.

Product Ratings

Taste

9.7/10

Not only are these Death Wish Coffee K-Cups expertly marketed, they’re fully recyclable, making them good for the planet too. They’re also certified USDA organic from fair trade coffee farms. That makes a big difference for some people.

If you’re not someone who cares too much about recyclable K-cups and the like, you’ll probably be swayed by the way these taste. Each cup is deliciously rich and full of flavor, though there is a little bitterness. That’s likely due to the use of Robusta beans rather than Arabica, but that’s also where the jolt comes from.

Value

9.8/10

Now, these are packaged a little differently – and the result appears to be fresher, more consistent coffee. But all of this combined means these are some of the most expensive k-cups you’re going to get. (You’ll get them anyway.)

Overall Editor Score

9.8/10

Beans: Robusta
Roast: Dark
Body: Bold
Pack sizes: 10, 20, 50
Price: Decidedly expensive at $1.20 per cup

#2 Best Dark Roast K-Cup

Barista Prima Coffeehouse Italian Roast

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Wonderfully bold, no matter what cup size you choose
Superb flavor and aroma
Good price

Pros Cons

Really dark with hints of smokiness, a good aroma that smells like coffee should, and very few cases of "exploding pods".

A little too strong for some coffee drinkers.

Product Ratings

Taste

9.7/10

This is a dark roast coffee with a very bold body. While the origin of the beans is unknown, that might not matter; this is one of those coffees that rigid “I won’t drink coffee from a Keurig” people will enjoy.

The flavor is decidedly smoky, roasted, and it’s intensely deep and rich. You should expect some bitterness, but that’s the nature of the beast. And, the aroma coming from the machine as it brews is usually enough to tempt anyone in the office to make their own.

(Interestingly, the decaf k-cups taste just as deep and rich. You should give them a try when these give you jitters.)

Value

9.3/10

Unfortunately, these Barista Prima Coffeehouse Italian Roast K-cups are a little more expensive than some coffee drinkers would like, but all in this is a solid bet and a great reason to get out of bed in the morning.

Overall Editor Score

9.5/10

Beans: Undisclosed
Roast: Dark
Body: Very bold
Pack sizes: 96
Price: Usually around 65 cents a pod

#3 Best K-Cup for "Real" Coffee Lovers

Peet’s Coffee Major Dickason’s Blend

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Full-bodied and smooth
Good value (if not exactly cheap)
Never bitter, delicious coffee

Pros Cons

Bold but not bitter, very consistent flavor, and available for Subscribe & Save.

A few cases of "exploding" pods.

Product Ratings

Taste

9.6/10

This coffee is truly an anomaly. This Peet’s Coffee Major Dickason’s Blend is truly bold and rich. Really, this is coffee you can enjoy like no other. We’re not confused about that at all. But, we’re a little stunned that it doesn’t carry the same bitterness as other coffees of this calibre.

We’re also a little amazed that you can get something so close to a balanced cup from a K-cup. Nevertheless, you can. And we’re excited about that, but it could just be our coffee-hungry tastebuds because there are those that find this coffee too strong.

Value

9.6/10

Now, we’re a little disappointed that the largest pack size is 32, though that’s balanced slightly by the ability to add this to a Subscribe & Save order. And, we’d love it if the price came down a little. But otherwise, this really is a winner that just about everyone should have on hand.

Overall Editor Score

9.6/10

Beans: Globally sourced from the best plantations
Roast: Dark
Body: Bold
Pack sizes: 32
Price: Somewhere around 70 cents per pod

#4 Best Medium Dark Roast K-Cup

San Franciso Bay Coffee Fog Chaser Medium Dark Roast Compostable Coffee Pods

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Full-bodied medium dark blend makes for a great wake me up drink in the morning
Eco-friendly and compostable packaging
Serves cups with ground coffee and are always packaged fresh

Pros Cons

San Francisco Bay hits the sweet spot that combines taste, affordability, and eco-sustainability.

A few cases of “exploding” pods.

Product Ratings

Taste

9.5/10

This medium dark roast K-cup is part of Amazon’s choice of highly rated and well-priced products. If you always catch yourself undecided between a medium or dark roast, then San Francisco’s Fog Chaser just might be your middle ground!

This Kcup has tasting notes of creamy milk chocolate, mandarin orange, as well as toffee. The blend is full-bodied without being overly bitter, and has a smooth finish.

Value

9.5/10

How much you save depends on the size of the pack and the flavors that you’re buying. The average cost per cup is around 50 cents.

Overall Editor Score

9.5/10

Beans: Arabica
Roast: Medium-Dark
Body: Medium-Dark
Pack sizes: 12, 36, 50, 80, 120
Price: Usually around 50 cents per cup

#5 Best Dark Roast K-Cup On A Budget

Victor Allen’s Coffee Dark Roast Single Serve Coffee Pods

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Gluten-free and made from non-GMO ingredients
Multi-blend of Arabica beans from all over the world
Rich, full-bodied flavor that can compete against Starbucks

Pros Cons

This delicious K-cup is a game-changer for Starbucks aficionados. Its elevated Italian roast blend is bolder and stronger even at a budget-friendly price.

Some batches come with bad seals but their customer service refunds these poor-quality pods right away.

Product Ratings

Taste

9.5/10

Italian roast made Starbucks popular, but it can’t compete with Victor Allen’s Coffee Dark Roast. You’ll be guaranteed of freshness because all their Arabica beans are sourced and roasted in the USA.

Value

9.5/10

The 200-count pack is a deal-saver for coffee lovers looking to stock up on one of the best dark roast k-cups.

Overall Editor Score

9.5/10

Beans: 100% Arabica

Roast: Dark Roast

Body: Bold

Pack sizes: 42, 80, 200

Price: About 36 cents for a pod

#6 Best Dark Italian Roast K-Cup

Eight O’Clock Coffee Dark Italian Roast

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Bold taste with hints of chocolate
Strong yet doesn’t upset the stomach
Full-bodied and only slightly bitter

Pros Cons

Coffee lovers aren’t strangers to stomach problems, but Eight O'Clock Coffee Dark Italian may just be the key for lesser trips to the bathroom. Its balanced flavor is strong with hints of sweetness.

Some K-cups come without packaging and expiration date details

Product Ratings

Taste

9.5/10

Smooth taste, not bitter or burnt. Dark, bold, and full of flavor, this product is the quintessential Italian roast made affordable.

Value

9.0/10

For an Italian roast of this level, the Eight O’Clock Coffee Dark Italian Single Serve is cost-effective especially if you get the 96 cups package.

Overall Editor Score

9.3/10

Beans: 100% Arabica

Roast: Dark Roast

Body: Bold

Pack sizes: 12, 24, 48, 72, 96

Price: Up to 66 cents per cup

#7 Best French Roast K-Cup

Tully’s Coffee French Roast, Single-Serve Keurig K-Cup Pods

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Full-bodied with a bittersweet finish
Aromatic and gourmet coffee
Available in decaf variants

Pros Cons

Slow-roasted French blend that emits a smoky yet balanced bold flavor. Its subtle hints of plum jam, dark chocolate, and anise elevate its use of Arabica coffee.

The new packaging of the pods is poorly constructed, resulting in bad batches.

Product Ratings

Taste

9.5/10

The potent richness of its French roast blend leads to a savory smokiness, ending with a delectable caramel finish. This flavor profile produces a heavy aromatic scent you’ll love.

Value

9.0/10

For a fine tasting French roast, Tully’s 51 cent price and up to 96 count packs are well worth the money.

Overall Editor Score

9.3/10

Beans: 100% Arabica

Roast: Dark Roast

Body: Extra Bold

Pack sizes: 12, 24, 32, 72, 96

Price: Over 51 cents per pod

#8 Best Intense Dark Roast K-Cup

Roastmaster Reserve Dark Roast Coffee

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Made from Kenyan coffee beans
Exotic potent flavor
Distinct aroma with earthy tones

Pros Cons

If you’re looking for a strong dark roast, the Roastmaster Reserve Dark Roast Coffee’s exotic potent flavor will kick you into gear.

Roastmaster keeps a limited batch, so you might run out of stocks quickly.

Product Ratings

Taste

9.5/10

Its Kenyan coffee beans are blended with Tanzania honey peaberry to achieve its bright citrusy flavor. But don’t let the fruity flavor fool you — it has 13 grams of coffee per pod.

Value

9.0/10

The highest a pack you can go is 48 cups, just enough for its 62 cents a cup price tag. It’s great value for your money if you’re looking to try something new.

Overall Editor Score

9.3/10

Beans: Single-origin Kenyan coffee beans

Roast: Dark Roast

Body: Bold

Pack sizes: 24, 40, 48, 50

Price: At over 62 cents per cup

#9 Best Tasting Dark Roast K-Cup

Green Mountain Coffee Roasters Dark Magic, Single-Serve Keurig K-Cup Pods

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Bold taste with hints of sweetness
Great value for money
Strong cup of coffee that's mild on the stomach

Pros Cons

If a strong roast coffee is what you’re after, the Green Mountain Coffee Roasters Dark Magic won’t disappoint. Its bold flavor is balanced with a touch of sweet yet smoky chocolate.

Product Ratings

Taste

9.5/10

Green Mountain Coffee Roasters’ dark roast k flavor is enhanced by its subtle sweetness and smoky tones, achieved by blending coffee beans from all over the world. It has a distinct smoky tone that makes way to a rich texture.

Value

9.0/10

Available in multiple count packs that can go as high as 96. For its taste and bargain value, a 12-count pack of 6 can satisfy your coffee cravings without punching a hole in your wallet.

Overall Editor Score

9.3/10

Beans: 100% Arabica

Roast: Very Dark

Body: Medium to bold

Pack sizes: 12, 24, 32, 72, 96

Price: Around 42 cents per cup

#10 Best Known Dark Roast K-Cup

Starbucks Dark Roast K-Cup Coffee Pods

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Bold and robust taste with hints of caramelized sugar
Coffee shop quality at your home
Flavor with depth and no bitterness

Pros Cons

Having Starbucks Dark Roast K-Cup Coffee Pods at home will save you a trip to your local branch. It’s convenient, cost-efficient, and overall lovely to indulge in at your leisure

If you’re looking to level up your taste in coffee, regressing to Starbucks isn’t the way to go.

Product Ratings

Taste

9.4/10

The rich and deep taste of Italian roast brings out the depth of Starbucks’ signature flavor. Hints of caramelized sugar will delight your taste buds to no end.

Value

8.8/10

Even at its price, it’s still relatively cheaper compared to a cup of store-bought Starbucks coffee. The taste justifies the expense.

Overall Editor Score

8.8/10

Beans: 100% Arabica

Roast: Dark Roast

Body: Bold

Pack sizes: 60

Price: At around 51 cents per cup

#11 Best Blended Dark Roast K-Cup

Folgers Black Silk Dark Roast Coffee

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Dark and smooth thanks to the Arabica and Robusta blend
Eco-friendly brand with sustainable approach
Not bitter and mild to the stomach

Pros Cons

Stomach pains come with loving coffee, but not with Folgers Black Silk Dark Roast Coffee. Its low acid content allows coffee lovers with sensitive stomachs to enjoy dark roast cups without repercussions.

This blended coffee lacks the full-bodied flavor most of its competition has.

Product Ratings

Taste

9.0/10

The combination of Arabica and Robusta beans makes for a dark roast blend that tastes bold yet smooth. It may not have a full-bodied flavor, but its aromatic feature and low acid flavor will keep you thirsty for more.

Value

9.0/10

With packs that can go up to 192 at around 39 cents a pod, Folger’s is a cost-efficient choice.

Overall Editor Score

9.0/10

Beans: Blend of Arabica and Robusta beans

Roast: Dark Roast

Body: Bold

Pack sizes: 48, 96, 72, 128, 192

Price: Up to 39 cents per cup

#12 Best Commercial Dark Coffee

Dunkin’ Dark Roast Coffee, 60 K Cups for Keurig Coffee Makers

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Classic Dunkin Donut flavor
Compatible with any Keurig K-Cup Brewer
Conveniently allows you to enjoy Dunkin Donut Coffee at home

Pros Cons

You can skip your morning coffee runs at your local Dunkin Donuts because this dark roast k cup tastes the best when brewed at home

The pods are better brewed when set to 6oz.

Product Ratings

Taste

9.5/10

Expectations are met with its signature full-bodied, rich flavor that tastes smooth and delicious with every sip.

Value

8.5/10

Each pack has 10 counts of K-cups. The average price is around $35, which is a bargain for 60 K-pods in one shipment.

Overall Editor Score

9.0/10

Beans: 100% Arabica

Roast: Dark Roast

Body: Bold

Pack sizes: 10

Price: At 60 cents apiece

#13 Best Classic Dark Roast K-Cup

The Original Donut Shop Dark, Single-Serve Keurig K-Cup Pods

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Extra bold with more coffee
Smooth flavor without bitter aftertaste
Great value for money

Pros Cons

Dark roast k cups may be strong and intense, but not all brands have the right caffeine level to make you buzz all over. This smooth tasting coffee from The Original Donut Shop is filled with more Arabica coffee for an extra song cup of joe.

It has a weaker aroma and costs more than brands in its league.

Product Ratings

Taste

9.0/10

Its uncomplicated coffee flavor glides smoothly against the tongue and doesn’t leave a bitter aftertaste. It’s deliciously dark and strong, with just the right kick to keep you perky throughout the day.

Value

8.5/10

Although it’s slightly priced higher than most, it’s Subscribe and Save scheme can help stave off some of the costs.

Overall Editor Score

8.8/10

Beans: 100% Arabica

Roast: Dark Roast

Body: Extra Bold

Pack sizes: 24, 32, 48, 72, 96

Price: 61 cents a cup

#14 Best Affordable Dark Roast K-Cup Coffee

Maud’s Dark Roast Coffee

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Low acid flavored coffee
Premium quality Arabica coffee beans sourced from California
100% recyclable dark k-cup pods

Pros Cons

You’ll be sure of quality since Maud’s only roasts small batches to ensure freshness and taste. The smell of their aromatic coffee will remind you of toasted nuts on Christmas day.

Some batches had trouble with the Keurig 2.0

Product Ratings

Taste

8.0/10

It has a light coffee flavor without any hint of bitterness. However, it might be a bit weak compared to other dark roast brands.

Value

9.5/10

If you opt for the Subscribe & Save scheme, you’ll save up to 5% on your purchase. And at only 31 cents per cup, that would make your coffee supply way cheaper than usual.

Overall Editor Score

8.8/10

Beans: 100% Arabica

Roast: Dark Roast

Body: Bold

Pack sizes: 40, 50, 80, 100, 200

Price: Cheapest at around 31 cents per pod

#15 Best Toxin-Free Dark Roast K-Cup

Bulletproof FRENCH KICK Dark Roast Coffee Pods

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Healthy and clean, toxin-free
Uses coffee beans from Guatemala and Colombia
In direct partnerships with coffee farms

Pros Cons

Make a difference while enjoying a sweet and smoky cup of Bulletproof French Kick Dark Roast coffee. Their sustainable approach in producing coffee beans help farmers earn more and preserve nature.

No caffeine kick despite its hefty price tag.

Product Ratings

Taste

8.5/10

Since its Arabica beans are sourced from Guatemala and Colombia, it tastes sweeter than what you would expect in a dark roast coffee.

Value

8.0/10

It only comes in boxes of 24 and sold at less than $1.30 for one-time purchases. It’s a bit expensive even with the Subscribe and Save option.

Overall Editor Score

8.0/10

Beans: 100% Arabica

Roast: Dark Roast

Body: Medium

Pack sizes: 24

Price: Ranges from $1.12 to $1.24 depending on the type of purchase

Dark Roast K-Cups Tips & Guide

What To Consider When Buying Dark Roast K-Cup

preparing a coffee

Just when you finish figuring out your Keurig, the question of what kind of coffee pod to get comes next. Shopping for one includes checking the origin, type, flavor, pack size, and of course, its compatibility with your coffee maker. All these may seem daunting to the regular coffee drinker, but knowing what makes up your preference will help you enjoy your morning cup more. The last thing you want is to drink dark-colored hot water that doesn’t live up to its price. We listed down a few key tips below to help you find the perfect K-cup match:

Beans

bag of coffee beans

The type of coffee bean you’re getting heavily affects the flavor. There are four main types: Arabica, Robusta, Excelsa, and Liberica. The most common type is Arabica because of its versatility and toned down the intensity. While Robusta is stronger and higher in caffeine content, making it the go-to for people who like their coffee black. If you’d like to try something even stronger, the Liberica’s smokey flavor and rarity might interest you. Lastly, the Excelsa coffee beans are typically blended with other beans to maximize its light yet dark aroma. You’ll find 100% variants of Arabica and Robusta in most coffee shops, and most blends of Excelsa with either of the two.

Origin

origin of coffee bean

Coffee experts can tell where a coffee bean came from just by tasting it because the growing climate affects the overall flavor profile of coffee. Some of the fruitier coffee types come from Central America, while Indonesia produces earthy and full-bodied coffee with hints of spice, flowers, and chocolate. If you like pure, full-bodied flavors, single-origin beans are your best bet. But if you’re keener on enjoying complex flavors, you’ll have a lot of options in blended coffees.

Roast

coffee machine processing coffee beans

The longer the roasting time, the stronger the coffee is when brewed. This is how dark roast coffee gets its strong and bold flavor – by spending a long time in high temperatures. Similar to its name, a light roast will yield a soft and light flavor, but with more caffeine since it only reached the first crack. While medium roast is in the middle of the roast level, striking a balance between light and dark.

Pack size

boxes of dark roast k-cups

The pack size is important because you can estimate how long a box can last and how many you should stock up. If you only like an occasional cup in a week, a small pack size should be sufficient enough for your pantry. But if you’re a certified coffee snob, check out if your favorite brand has a “Subscribe & Save” scheme for a monthly supply of coffee at a discounted price. Purchase via Amazon so you can have the freedom to cancel your subscription anytime you want without the hassle.

Compatibility

k-cup compatibility guide

The Keurig 2.0 works mostly with all types of K-cups coffee makers, but sometimes it’s the K-cup that proves difficult. You can always check the K-cup compatibility online or in the product information itself, and don’t forget to test a pod first before opening the whole box. Almost all coffee brands and online vendors will help refund your batch if ever it doesn’t work out.

Benefits of Dark Roast Coffee

man sipping a cup of coffee

More and more people are looking forward to mornings, thanks to dark roast coffee. Its full-bodied flavor and lower acidity level will keep you in a good mood for the rest of the day. But more than its great taste, dark roast coffee also has a lot of health benefits that can level up your daily diet. It has just the right caffeine content that could help reduce your risk of getting Parkinson’s Disease and Alzheimer’s. And since it’s coffee, it’s packed with antioxidants that cleanse the body of toxins. Vitamin B5 is present as well, which helps convert food into energy.

Dark Roast Coffee Characteristics

light, medium, and dark roast coffee beans

The coffee roasting process has three types – light roast, medium roast, and dark roast. Dark roast coffee beans are darker in color because they take a long time in temperatures between 430-450 degrees Fahrenheit. This results in the lack of moisture that makes dark roast coffee beans lighter in comparison to other beans. Its taste is bold, rich, robust, and dark with a thicker and fuller body and deeper feel. Dark roast beans are also oilier and shinier, caused by its sugar caramelizing during the roasting process. This leads to a smokey yet sweet taste with a slightly bitter aftertaste. And since dark roast is less acidic, it isn’t sharp and tangy like light to medium roast coffee.

Despite being darker and relatively bitter than its lighter variants, dark roast coffee has less caffeine content. It’s all because of its density – the heavier the grounds are the more grams of caffeine it has. But that doesn’t mean that dark roast coffee doesn’t have the “kick” coffee is commonly known for. The difference is minimal and can be supplemented by either adding more coffee grounds or opting for a stronger type of coffee bean.

Katie Schenk

Expert Author

Katie’s Cleveland proud; but she’s also lived in Australia, Switzerland and now stays in South Africa. That’s a roundabout way of saying she can’t sit still; she’s always moving, always busy. She has a BA in International Relations from Kent State University and work towards a Masters in Human Rights. She speaks French, is learning German and used to dream in Spanish. For years, Katie worked as a producer on fashion and advertising shoots before she realized her passion was the written word. Katie’s far more interested in guy’s gear than women’s, except she has a wardrobe brimming with little black dresses. She drinks her beer out of the bottle and is raising her two boys to be better men.