Many coffee drinkers prefer bold, dark roasts to kick start their days, and Keurig users have a variety of options for the best dark roast k-cups.
I was provided with a complimentary Cross Country Cafe products to facilitate this review. The opinions in this post are 100% mine. You can read my full disclosure policy here.
This past Christmas, a Facebook memory popped up to remind me that I got my first Keurig under the tree 10 years ago. 10 years!
I’ve been a loyal k-cup drinker ever since. But my tastes have changed a bit, and while I used to be more of a medium roast gal, I now lean into the dark roasts.
Can You Get Used to Black Coffee?
More recently, I’m trying to clean up my addiction to flavored coffee creamer, so I’ve been drinking my coffee black most of the time.
A little tip if you think there’s no way you can drink black coffee, because SAME: you can learn to like it. Really!
I really didn’t think I could make the switch, and unbelievably with these smooth dark roasts below, there is no bitterness and I’m enjoying black coffee like I never thought I could. Having high-quality coffee makes ALL the difference.
Of course, I was still enjoying these dark roasts when I used creamer, so however you take your coffee, if you love a bold cup of java, these are the k-cups to try.
Best Dark Roast K Cups
Here are my top 10 picks for the best dark roast k-cups from Cross Country Cafe. Not only have I personally tasted all of these to confirm that they are the best dark roast k-cups available, but I’ve talked with the owner at Cross Country Cafe to find out what blends other dark roast lovers are buying.
What sells the best time and time again because people love these reliably robust varieties? I’ve got them for you here.
Best Dark Roast K-Cup Coffee
If you like your coffee dark, robust, and smooth, this list of the 10 best dark roast k-cups will help you find your new favorite morning cup. Green Mountain Double Diamond K-Cup coffee is a reliable dark, bold brew. This blend actually has more coffee inside the k-cup than other varieties, making it the perfect choice for those that prefer a strong cup of coffee. Peet's Major Dickason's is named after a loyal Peet's customer (if you don't have one near you, you might not be aware that Peet's coffee shops are located in a handful of states throughout the USA). This blend is also their all-time best seller. It's full bodied, rich, and smooth. Like the Double Diamond variety, Green Mountain Dark Magic K-cups include more coffee inside the k-cup than other cups. This is one of my go-tos for a reliable dark, rich, roast that is not bitter. Cafe Bustelo Espresso Roast K-Cups is one of my new favorites. I find myself reaching for these poppin' yellow k-cups regularly. A Cuban blend that is actually a mix of dark and medium beans, it hits that perfect balance of rich, bold flavor and aroma, with a smooth taste - no bitterness! Original Donut Shop K-Cups can be considered a medium roast, but I really think they belong more in the dark roast category. Made with the highest quality Arabica beans , these extra-bold k-cups contain more coffee than typical pods. That means more caffeine per cup, so bring it on each day around my 3pm slump! Looking for a dark roast that is toasty but doesn't taste burnt? This is the one! Diedrich French Roast Coffee is made from a blend of Arabica beans to create a bold cup of coffee with just a hit of molasses flavor. Yum! This is another coffee you might not be familiar with if you don't live near a Tim Hortons. These popular coffee shops are located in about a dozen states in the USA, and the Tim Hortons Dark Roast is a favorite bold blend that you can now enjoy at home with these k-cups! Green Mountain Sumatra Reserve K-cups are Fair Trade certified and organic. This is another one of my favorites for it's deep, rich flavor. Folgers is the coffee my parents drank when I was growing up, long before Keurigs were a thing. If you're thinking something from Folgers can't possibly wow your dark-roast tastes, think again. Folgers Black Silk K-cups are smooth, robust, and not at all bitter. I absolutely love this variety! Why pay for a Starbucks at the drive through when you can make your own at home? Starbucks Caffe Verona is one of the original Starbucks blends, and this dark, robust roast is the one I use to make iced coffee. 10 Best Dark Roast K-Cups
Where To Get K-Cups
Cross Country Cafe is my go-to for stocking up on k-cups. One of the best parts of using a Keurig is the opportunity to try different blends, and I love that Cross Country Cafe has such a huge selection.
Mix and match some of the suggestions for the best dark roast k-cups above, or shop here for other great options:
- Browse more dark roast options here.
- Check out this week’s deals – new sales start every Wednesday!
- Remember that all orders of $59 or more will ship for free, so stock up to get the best deals.

Christine says
Thank you for these suggestions! I have been on the quest for a nice strong robust cup of coffee using a K-cup macnine. Until now every kind I’ve trie have tasted watered down and terribly weak. So I will go to the store with this post in hand and look for one on your list. Its going to be hard to narrow it down but ill try!
Lindsay Frank says
Let me know if you found one you love. I think my favorite on this list has become the Verona from Starbucks.
Paul Sielski says
I drink about 2/3 of the pods you listed. Sumatra blend (Starbucks) is my favorite. Cafe Bustello is good also. Can you send me a list of dark coffee assortments to order if you have one. Thanks
Lindsay Frank says
I like the Cafe Bustello, too! If you click on each pic, it will take you to the website where I order. Do you want one box with an assortment of dark roasts? This variety pack includes a few really good roasts that I like: https://shrsl.com/2a3n0
Michael J Peterman says
If you havent tried them already, newmans own organic is a really good dark roast. Looking forward to trying cafe bustelo! Thanks
Lindsay Frank says
Yes! I like that one too! Cafe Bustelo is one of my favorites from this list. Cheers to great cups of coffee!