Peet’s French Roast Coffee

What Is Peet’s French Roast Coffee?

Peet’s French Roast is a signature dark roast blend crafted for those who enjoy robust, smoky coffee. It is roasted longer than medium blends, producing a deep, intense flavor.

Defining traits:

• Dark roast with bold, smoky notes.
• Crafted for drip, French press, and espresso brewing.
• Available in whole bean, ground, and K‑Cup formats.
• Popular among drinkers who prefer strong flavor over subtle acidity.
• Part of Peet’s heritage lineup since the company’s early years.

This roast exemplifies Peet’s tradition of bold coffee, appealing to those who want intensity in every sip.

Flavor Profile and Roast Characteristics

French Roast emphasizes smoky, bittersweet flavors with hints of dark chocolate and burnt sugar. The extended roasting process reduces acidity and highlights caramelized notes.

Flavor highlights:

• Dark chocolate – Smooth, bitter undertones.
• Burnt sugar – Sweetness balanced by roast depth.
• Smoky finish – Signature French Roast character.
• Low acidity – Gentle on the palate.
• Full body – Rich mouthfeel.

This makes French Roast ideal for those who enjoy bold coffee without sharp acidity.

Caffeine Content Per Espresso Shot

A single shot of espresso made with Peet’s French Roast (1.5 fl oz) contains about 65–70 mg of caffeine, which is a concentrated amount compared to regular brewed coffee.

Caffeine by shot size:

• Single shot (1.5 fl oz) – 65–70 mg.
• Double shot (3 fl oz) – 130–140 mg.
• Triple shot (4.5 fl oz) – 195–210 mg.
• Decaf shot – 2–4 mg.

Though French Roast tastes stronger, its caffeine per shot is similar to other Peet’s espresso blends.

Caffeine Content Per Standard Cup

A brewed cup of Peet’s French Roast varies by size and method. A 16‑oz medium cup contains about 267 mg of caffeine, while smaller servings deliver proportionally less.

Caffeine by cup size:

• 8 oz cup – 133 mg.
• 12 oz cup – 200 mg.
• 16 oz cup – 267 mg.
• 20 oz cup – 330–350 mg.

This places French Roast in the high caffeine category, comparable to other Peet’s brewed coffees.

Factors That Influence Caffeine Levels in French Roast

Caffeine levels in Peet’s French Roast are shaped by more than just the roast itself. While French Roast is known for its bold, smoky flavor, the actual caffeine content depends on several brewing and bean‑related variables.

Key factors:

• Roast level – Dark roasts taste stronger but may have slightly less caffeine per bean.
• Grind size – Finer grinds extract more caffeine.
• Brewing method – Espresso vs. drip vs. French press.
• Serving size – Larger cups naturally contain more caffeine.
• Bean type – Arabica beans (used by Peet’s) have less caffeine than Robusta.

These factors explain why caffeine can vary from cup to cup.

Health Considerations: Safe Daily Intake

Health authorities including the FDA and Mayo Clinic recommend that most healthy adults limit their caffeine consumption to no more than 400 mg per day. This guideline helps balance the benefits of caffeine with the risks of overconsumption.

Guidelines:

• Adults: ≤400 mg/day.
• Pregnant women: ≤200 mg/day.
• Teens/children: Much lower tolerance.
• Signs of excess: Jitters, insomnia, rapid heartbeat.
• Moderation: Spread intake throughout the day.

A 16‑oz French Roast cup (~267 mg) fits within safe limits but should be balanced with other caffeine sources.

Brewing Tips for Balanced Flavor and Energy

Brewing Peet’s French Roast correctly is essential to highlight its bold, smoky flavor while keeping bitterness under control. Because French Roast is one of the darkest roasts, it requires careful attention to grind size, water temperature, and brew time.

Tips:

• Grind fresh beans – Medium grind for drip, coarse for French press.
• Water temperature – 195–205°F for optimal extraction.
• Ratio – 2 tbsp coffee per 6 oz water.
• Experiment with methods – French press enhances body; drip highlights smoothness.
• Balance strength – Add milk for creaminess without reducing caffeine.

Proper brewing maximizes flavor while keeping caffeine consistent.