If you’re a coffee fanatic or just getting into the game, Starbucks is a name you’ll already know.
They offer a wide variety of whole bean blends that you can purchase both in-store and online. It can be difficult, however, to find one that you may like.
If you’re stuck in a rut and don’t know where to turn to for your next cup of coffee, look no further.
Our list of the top 10 best Starbucks coffee beans can help you make your choice.
French Roast Whole Bean
The French Roast Whole Bean from Starbucks is reminiscent of the classic french press method of brewing.
A slower process such as french press is the way to go with this blend. You will taste a deeper, richer flavor as well as some caramel.
Starbucks markets the French Roast Whole Bean as intense and smoky, making it great for those that prefer a huskier taste. If you prefer a lighter coffee that is not quite as intense, you may prefer a different blend.
The French Roast Whole Bean has an Asian-Pacific & Latin American origin. The roast is extremely dark, making it one of the darkest on the Starbucks menu.
Pros
- Dark and rich
- Caramel flavors
- Smoky flavor
Cons
- Not ideal for quick brewing methods
Brazil Blend
Fun fact, Starbucks has a line of beans dedicated to individual countries.
The beans come from the country that the brew is named after. Meaning the Brazil Blend is entirely sourced from Brazil.
Brazil beans are processed differently, giving them unique and possibly sweet hints. This is not lost in the Starbucks version, and they may have even taken it a step further. Their Brazil Blend has heavy nut flavors as well as vanilla and maple.
The Brazil Blend is quite versatile as well, leaving it ideal for those that prefer both light and dark blends. This blend is a great stand-out option for those that enjoy trying new things.
Pros
- Unique flavors
- Unique colors
- Ideal for light and dark blend lovers
Cons
- It may be difficult to locate due to its high popularity
Veranda Blend
The Starbucks Veranda Blend is named for the verandas overlooking the coffee trees in Latin America.
The blend itself is light and easily digestible – the flavor is quite toned down. The Veranda Blend is great for those that are not a fan of a very heavy coffee flavor.
It took Starbucks over 80 tries to get the Veranda Blend perfect. They choose their beans from Latin American due to the quality, and the Veranda Blend does not disappoint.
A light roast such as this one is extremely versatile.
Pros
- Versatile blend
- Extremely light and easy to drink
- Easy to find in store
Cons
- The lighter blend may contain more caffeine than others
Cafe Verona
The Cafe Verona blend is a dark roast that Starbucks offers.
It was originally created and sold in a single store in Seattle before Starbucks integrated it into their menu. The blend originates as an Asian-Pacific and Latin American blend, meaning the beans are sourced from multiple locations.
Having a variety of beans from different places ensures that Starbucks can create new and exciting flavors. Some of the beans are roasted darker while others remain light, giving this blend a unique taste.
The blend leans lighter even though it has darker beans as well.
This blend will give you hints of dark cocoa and caramelized sugar.
Pros
- The mix of beans creates a unique blend
- Great for those who love lighter roasts
Cons
- It may not be suitable for those that want something darker
Sumatra Dark Roast
Another dark roast option, the Sumatra Asia-Pacific based.
A very earthy taste, the Sumatra blend features herbal and natural hints. There is little to no acidity present in this blend. The flavors of this blend are extremely unique, making it quite polarizing.
The Sumatra blend also features fruitier tones that can be ideal for those that love a rich taste.
Pros
- Ideal for those that love dark roasts
- Earthy and natural
Cons
- Polarizing flavors may not be everyone’s cup of tea
Espresso Roast Whole Bean
The Espresso Roast Whole Bean doesn’t necessarily need to be used for espresso only.
These beans can be used in the same way as any other bean that Starbucks offers, regardless of the name.
The oil that gives an espresso shot its dimension is present in this blend, meaning you will experience that same texture when brewed. This roast is extremely dark and has faint hints of molasses. This Espresso Roast Whole Bean is quite versatile and pairs well with many different foods.
Pros
- Versatile bean
- Unique texture
Cons
- The dark blend may be too much for some
Italian Roast
Another dark roast, the Italian Roast boasts an intensely sweet and rich flavor.
The unique thing about the Italian Roast is that it’s darker than even the Espresso Roast but lacks the smokiness of the French Roast.
This combination makes the Italian Roast ideal for those that prefer a non-smoky coffee that is much smoother. The great thing about the Italian Roast is that it works well in nearly any way – a french press or instant. There are also sweet chocolate hints in the coffee.
Pros
- Sweet hints
- Smooth flavor
- Can be prepared in any way
Cons
- It may be too dark for some coffee lovers
Breakfast Blend
The Breakfast Blend is a great alternative for those that don’t love a heavy, strong cup of coffee.
It offers a milder taste that is suitable for those that are on the fence. It was designed specifically as a way to cater to a wide range of tastes.
The Breakfast Blend features notes of orange and brown sugar, making it the perfect pick-me-up flavor in the morning. It originates in Latin America, with beans sourced from the area.
The blend is marketed as a medium blend, making it perfect for those that don’t necessarily prefer dark or light roasts.
Pros
- Great morning coffee
- Ideal for those that prefer a mix of both light and dark roasts
Cons
- Fruity hints may not be ideal for everyone
Pike Place
The Pike Place blend is named after the first store Starbucks opened in Seattle.
The idea around the Pike Place blend is that no flavor overpowers another – the blend is entirely harmonious.
The Pike Place blend prides itself on being able to be enjoyed at any time of any day. The flavors are slightly nutty and chocolatey, making it mild enough to be drunk whenever.
Pros
- Versatile
- Chocolatey and nutty hints
Cons
- It may not be suitable for those that prefer a strong coffee
Kenya Blend
Similar to the Brazil Blend, the Kenya Blend is another country-based coffee.
The Kenya Blend features hints of fruity flavors and brown sugar. The coffee is meant to promote sweetness.
Starbucks suggests that coffee lovers should enjoy the Kenya Blend with grapefruits, muffins, and more to get the best flavors. The African origin of these beans is unique and showcases Africa’s unique flavors.
Pros
- African based
- Unique flavors
- Sweet flavors
Cons
- It may not be suitable for those that prefer stronger flavors
All In All
In the end, coffee is a very personal and unique choice. Every blend contains different flavors, roasts, and more, so reading up on each one is a great way to find something you may like.
If you’re an experienced coffee drinker and already know what you prefer, you may have found exactly what you were after with our list of the 10 Best Starbucks Coffee Beans.
If you’re new to drinking coffee and aren’t entirely sure how you feel about it, you may want to start with a lighter blend and work your way up to the big leagues.
The great thing about Starbucks coffee beans is that you can try a lot of their roasts in store first, meaning you don’t have to buy an entire bag. Testing out a few flavors in-store can help you determine which roasts and blends may work better with your tastebuds.
It’s also important to think about how you plan to brew your coffee when purchasing beans. If you want to use a french press exclusively, for example, certain beans are better suited for that.
No matter what you decide, know that you are getting great-tasting and wonderfully made cups of coffee when purchasing from Starbucks. They also offer certain seasonal and limited-time beans that may show up periodically throughout the year.
Keep your eye open for their ever-changing and growing menu to find new beans and flavors you may enjoy.
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