Starbucks Featured Dark Roast Sizes, Prices, Calories, Ingredients, Recipe and Nutrition 2024
If you love coffee with bold flavors and rich aromas, Starbucks Featured Dark Roast is for you. It has a deep, slightly smoky taste that’s sure to satisfy. Dark roast coffee isn’t just about caffeine. It offers a strong, bold flavor. It’s perfect for anyone who loves coffee. In this article, we’ll explore what makes Starbucks’ Featured Dark Roast special. We’ll cover its taste, nutritional details, and ways to customize it.
What is Starbucks Featured Dark Roast?
Let’s start with the basics. The Featured Dark Roast is one of Starbucks boldest options. It’s made for those who enjoy the deep, intense flavor of dark roasts. Starbucks changes its featured dark roasts regularly to keep things fresh. You might find yourself enjoying Italian Roast, French Roast, or Komodo Dragon as part of their rotating selection. Each one has its own unique taste. But they all share the rich, full-bodied intensity that dark roast fans love.
Why Dark Roast? A Rich Flavor Adventure
Dark roast coffee is roasted longer than light or medium roasts. This process brings out strong, deep flavors in the beans. As the coffee beans roast, their natural oils rise to the surface. This gives the coffee a bold, rich flavor with a slightly smoky taste. Here’s what to expect:
- Strong, Full-Bodied Flavor: Dark roasts have a stronger coffee flavor than light or medium roasts. They also have less acidity and a thicker texture.
- Hints of Smokiness: You might notice a smoky taste. This comes from the longer roasting process.
- Low Acidity: Dark roasts are smoother than lighter roasts. They are also less acidic, making them gentler on your stomach.
- A Bold Aroma: Dark roasts have a strong, inviting aroma that can fill up a room with that classic coffee smell we all love.
What Does Featured Dark Roast Taste Like?
Now, let’s talk about the taste. Starbucks Featured Dark Roast isn’t the same for everyone. It’s intense and rich. Depending on the roast, you might taste hints of dark chocolate, caramel, or a touch of smokiness. Here’s a breakdown of some popular flavors you might notice:
- Dark Chocolate: Many dark roasts have a rich, chocolatey note. This gives you a warm, sweet aftertaste.
- Caramelized Sugar: The roasting process often brings out a hint of caramel or sweetness.
- Toasty or Smoky Finish: Dark roast fans often enjoy the smoky or toasty flavors. These add depth to every sip.
In short, Featured Dark Roast is a flavor journey. It’s perfect for those who enjoy coffee with depth.
Sizes, Prices And Calories
Curious about sizes, calories, and pricing for Starbucks Featured Dark Roast? Here’s a quick overview:
| Sizes | Prices | Calories |
|---|---|---|
| Short (8 oz) | $2.85 | 5 |
| Tall (12 oz) | $2.95 | 5 |
| Grande (16 oz) | $3.25 | 5 |
| Venti (20 oz) | $3.45 | 5 |
Note: Prices may vary slightly depending on the location
Like most black coffees, a plain cup of Featured Dark Roast is very low in calories. A 12 oz cup has only 5 calories. And if you go iced, you get a little more volume without any added calories. Plus, it’s pretty affordable compared to some of Starbucks fancier drinks.
Ingredients
The Cinnamon Dolce Latte is made with the following ingredients:
- Espresso
- Cinnamon Dolce Syrup
- Steamed Milk
- Whipped Cream
- Cinnamon Dolce Topping
Nutrition Information
The Featured Dark Roast calories and nutrition depend on its size and milk choice. Here’s the nutrition breakdown for Short (8 oz), Tall (12 oz), Grande (16 oz) and Venti (20 oz):
| Nutrition | Short (8 oz) | Tall (12 oz) | Grande (16 oz) | Venti (20 oz) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Calories | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Fat | 0 g | 0 g | 0 g | 0 g |
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0 mg | 0 mg | 0 mg |
| Sodium | 5 mg | 10 mg | 10 mg | 10 mg |
| Carbohydrates | 0 g | 0 g | 0 g | 0 g |
| Protein | 0 g | 0 g | 1 g | 1 g |
| Caffeine | 155 mg - 195 mg** | 235 mg - 290 mg** | 315 mg - 390 mg** | 390 mg - 490 mg** |
** Caffeine is an approximate value.↩
Dark roast coffee is an excellent low-calorie option. It’s ideal for those who enjoy strong coffee without any additions.
How to Customize Your Featured Dark Roast
The beauty of Starbucks Featured Dark Roast is that it’s perfect on its own, but it’s also highly customizable. Here are some ways you can make it your own:
Add Milk or Cream
For a creamier taste, try adding a splash of milk, half-and-half, or even almond or oat milk. It can make your coffee smoother. It adds richness without changing the bold flavor.
Sweeten It Up
If you’re in the mood for a little sweetness, try adding a pump of vanilla, caramel, or hazelnut syrup. These flavors blend well with the strong coffee. They add a sweet twist without overpowering it.
Try It Iced
An iced Featured Dark Roast is both refreshing and bold. It’s perfect for warm days when you still crave your coffee. Just ask for it iced, and you’re set with a cool, strong coffee to enjoy on the go.
Make It a Dark Roast Latte
Want something a bit more indulgent? You can turn your dark roast into a latte by adding steamed milk and a bit of foam. It’s creamy, smooth, and still has that dark roast punch.
Go for an Extra Shot of Espresso
If you’re after an even stronger caffeine kick, consider adding a shot of espresso. It’ll make your drink bolder and more intense—ideal for hardcore coffee lovers!
Brewing Starbucks Featured Dark Roast at Home: Simple Recipe
Can’t make it to Starbucks? No problem! You can buy Starbucks Featured Dark Roast beans or ground coffee and enjoy it at home. Here’s a simple recipe to help you brew the perfect cup.
Ingradients: What You Need:
- 2 tablespoons of ground dark roast coffee
- 6 ounces of water
- Milk or cream (optional)
- Sweetener (optional)
How to Brew:
- Measure the coffee: Use 2 tablespoons of dark roast coffee per 6 ounces of water for a strong cup.
- Boil the water: Heat the water to around 200°F, which is the ideal brewing temperature.
- Brew the coffee: Use your preferred method, whether it’s a drip machine, French press, or pour-over.
- Customize: Add milk, cream, or sweetener if you like.
Brewing at home gives you full control. You can adjust the strength and add-ins to suit your taste.
Why People Love Featured Dark Roast
So, what makes Featured Dark Roast so popular? Here are some reasons why it’s a favorite:
- Rich, Bold Flavor: It’s got that classic dark roast taste that coffee lovers crave.
- Low-Calorie Option: With just 5 calories, it’s a great choice for anyone watching their intake.
- Highly Customizable: Whether you like it black, creamy, or sweet, dark roast coffee is versatile.
- Strong Caffeine Boost: Dark roasts have a bit less caffeine than lighter roasts. But Starbucks blend still packs a punch.
Is Featured Dark Roast Seasonal?
Starbucks Featured Dark Roast lineup changes throughout the year. However, it’s not strictly seasonal. You’ll find options like French Roast, Italian Roast, or Sumatra. Each one has its own unique flavor. The dark roast may change. But Starbucks always offers bold, dark coffee year-round.
Final Thoughts: Is Starbucks Featured Dark Roast Worth Trying?
If you’re a fan of bold, rich coffee, then Starbucks Featured Dark Roast is a must-try. It has the classic, intense flavor without the bitterness some dark roasts can have. It’s also low in calories and high in caffeine, making it a strong and satisfying choice for coffee lovers. So, next time you are at Starbucks, why not give it a shot? Or, grab a bag of beans and brew it at home to enjoy that signature dark roast taste anytime you want.