Starbucks Featured Dark Roast: Sizes, Prices, Calories, Ingredients, Recipe, and Nutrition
If you love coffee with bold flavors and rich aromas, Starbucks Featured Dark Roast is a must-try. Known for its deep, slightly smoky taste, this dark roast offers a strong, bold experience beyond just caffeine. In this article, we’ll explore what makes Starbucks Featured Dark Roast special, including its taste profile, nutritional details, customization options, and home brewing tips.
What is Starbucks Featured Dark Roast?
Starbucks Featured Dark Roast coffee is one of the boldest options available at Starbucks, created for those who enjoy deep, intense flavors. Unlike regular menu staples, the Featured Dark Roast changes periodically, with options such as:
- Italian Roast – Rich and caramelized, with a smoky finish.
- French Roast – The darkest of the dark, with an intense, smoky edge.
- Komodo Dragon Blend – Earthy and herbal, with spicy undertones.
Each featured roast maintains a full-bodied profile, appealing to dark roast coffee lovers year-round.
How Does Starbucks Select and Roast Its Beans?
Starbucks sources 100% Arabica beans from various regions, including Latin America, Africa, and Asia-Pacific. The roasting process for dark roast beans involves a longer roasting time at higher temperatures, which enhances the bold and smoky flavors while reducing acidity.
Source: Starbucks Official Website & Coffee Roasting Guides
Why Coffee Lovers Prefer Dark Roast Coffee
Dark roast coffee is a top choice for many coffee enthusiasts because of its rich taste and smooth texture. Here’s why:
- Bold, Full-Bodied Flavor – Deep, intense taste with a smooth, thick texture.
- Lower Acidity – Easier on the stomach than lighter roasts.
- Smoky, Toasted Notes – The extended roasting process enhances deep, roasted flavors.
- Strong Aroma – Fills the air with a rich, inviting coffee scent.
- Low in Calories – Just 5 calories per cup, making it a healthy choice.
- Customizable – Enjoy it black or add milk, cream, or syrups for a personalized touch.
- High Caffeine Content – Provides a strong energy boost, perfect for morning or midday pick-me-ups.
Starbucks Featured Dark Roast delivers all these qualities while offering different dark roast options throughout the year, ensuring a bold and premium coffee experience.
Flavor of Starbucks Featured Dark Roast
While the specific taste varies by roast, common notes include:
- Dark Chocolate: A rich, slightly bitter undertone.
- Caramelized Sugar: Subtle sweetness from the roasting process.
- Smoky or Toasty Finish: Adds depth and complexity to each sip.
This makes the Featured Dark Roast a premium coffee choice for those who appreciate boldness.
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Sizes, Prices And Calories (U.S. Locations)
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. Check the Starbucks Website or app for updated pricing.
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.
Nutrition Information
Nutritional values remain consistent across sizes, with only slight variations in sodium content:
| 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.↩
(Caffeine levels vary depending on brewing method and bean selection.)
How to Customize Your Starbucks Featured Dark Roast
Starbucks dark roast coffee is great on its own, but it can be personalized in several ways:
- Add milk or cream: Choose whole, non-fat, almond, oat, or soy milk for a creamier texture.
- Sweeten it up: Add a pump of vanilla, caramel, or hazelnut syrup for extra flavor.
- Enjoy it iced: Perfect for warmer days while maintaining the bold flavor.
- Make it a dark roast latte: Add steamed milk and a bit of foam for a smoother, richer drink.
- Extra espresso shot: Boost caffeine and intensity with an additional espresso shot.
How to Brew Starbucks Dark Roast Coffee at Home
Want to enjoy Starbucks dark roast at home? Here’s a simple recipe:
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons of ground dark roast coffee
- 6 ounces of water
- Milk or cream (optional)
- Sweetener (optional)
Instructions:
- Measure Coffee: Use 2 tablespoons of coffee per 6 ounces of water for a strong brew.
- Heat Water: Aim for around 200°F for optimal extraction.
- Brew Method: Use a drip machine, French press, or pour-over for best results.
- Customize: Add milk or sweetener if desired.
Tip: A French press enhances body and richness, while a pour-over brings out flavor clarity.
How Does Starbucks Dark Roast Compare to Other Brands?
Feature | Starbucks Dark Roast | Dunkin’ Dark Roast | Peet’s Major Dickason’s Blend |
Roast Level | Dark | Medium-Dark | Dark |
Flavor Notes | Smoky, caramelized, chocolatey | Smooth, nutty, slightly sweet | Bold, earthy, complex |
Caffeine (16 oz) | 315-390mg | ~260mg | ~330mg |
Price (16 oz) | $3.25 | $2.49 | $3.50 |
Comparison based on official nutritional data and customer reviews.
Is Starbucks Featured Dark Roast Seasonal?
While the specific featured roast may change, Starbucks always offers a dark roast selection year-round. Options like Italian Roast, French Roast, and Sumatra rotate periodically, ensuring variety.
Final Thoughts: Is Starbucks Featured Dark Roast Worth Trying?
If you appreciate rich, full-bodied coffee, Starbucks Featured Dark Roast is an excellent choice. With its bold flavors, low calorie count, and versatility, it satisfies coffee lovers looking for a strong, smooth experience. Whether you grab a cup at Starbucks or brew it at home, this dark roast offers a satisfying, premium coffee experience.
Who Might Not Enjoy It?
- Those who prefer mild or less bitter coffee may find it too strong.
- If you like fruity or floral notes, a light or medium roast may be a better choice.
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.
Sophie Bennett
I’m Sophie Bennett, a food and coffee enthusiast passionate about exploring Starbucks' menu. With experience in blogging and digital content creation, I provide up-to-date insights on menu prices, new drinks, and expert recommendations. Stay tuned for the latest Starbucks updates!