Want to find the best French Vanilla coffee? Discover our top picks and a guide for choosing the right one for your flavored cup of joe.
Short on time? Our top choice is the Lifeboost French Vanilla Coffee!
French vanilla is a tasty alternative to drinking regular old black coffee.
I’ve had my fair share of French vanilla coffee over the years. And I have a few thoughts on what might be the best French vanilla coffee.
In this article, let’s go over a few of my all-time favorites and figure out what makes them so good.
Then, we’ll talk about how you can go about picking out a French vanilla coffee to fit your needs.
Let’s dive in!
9 Tastiest French Vanilla Coffees For You
- Lifeboost French Vanilla Coffee (Best Overall)
- Volcanica French Vanilla Flavored Coffee (Best Medium Roast)
- Lifeboost French Vanilla Decaf Coffee (Best Single-Origin Decaf)
- Volcanica French Vanilla Flavored Decaf Coffee (Best Medium Roast Decaf)
- Double Donut Coffee French Vanilla Bean Coffee K-Cups (Best K-Cups)
- Volcanica Jamaican Rum French Vanilla Flavored Coffee (Most Unique Flavor)
- Roast Ridge French Vanilla Coffee (Most Intense Flavor)
- Tim Hortons French Vanilla Flavored Coffee (Best For A Budget)
- Dunkin’ French Vanilla Ground Coffee (Most Iconic)
Lifeboost French Vanilla Coffee
Lifeboost is a great roaster that finds its way into my lists more often than not. And that’s for a good reason.
These French vanilla coffee beans are single-origin Nicaraguan. That means that it has a specific and focused flavor profile that’s better than a blended coffee.
And the medium roast keeps the coffee smooth and clean. It’s balanced and perfect for brewing a subtly French vanilla cuppa every day.
Lifeboost coffee is Fair Trade and USDA Organic certified. You can rest assured that the production standards for this coffee were high.
And I must mention the French vanilla itself. The added flavor isn’t overpowering, which is a huge plus. This is a great option for someone who doesn’t want an overpowering flavored coffee.
The only downside is that you have to pay a premium for quality. This coffee is on the pricier side.
Pros
- It’s a single-origin Nicaraguan coffee, which means it has a specific and focused flavor profile
- The medium roast keeps the coffee smooth, clean, and balanced, which is perfect for a daily brewing of French vanilla coffee
- Lifeboost gets Fair Trade and USDA Organic certified, which means that the production standards were high
- The vanilla flavor is subtle, which makes it a great option for someone who doesn’t want an overpowering flavored coffee
Cons
- You pay a premium for quality, this coffee is on the pricier side
Volcanica French Vanilla Flavored Coffee
Volcanica is another roaster that finds its way into my recommendations regularly. And the French vanilla addition to the lineup is another winner.
The washed processing of this coffee keeps the flavors bright and lively in the cup. You don’t have to sacrifice any quality in favor of the added French vanilla flavor.
And the medium roast is simply the best choice for French vanilla coffee. It’s balanced and great for adding cream and sugar.
And it’s Kosher certified. That means that no chemicals were used throughout the growing, roasting, or packaging processes.
Plus, Volcanica uses nitrogen-flushed bags. Nitrogen-flushed bags keep your coffee fresher for longer. You can stock up on a few bags in advance without worrying about aging.
The only problem is that this is a blended coffee. Blended coffees are not as specific and focused in their flavors as single-origin coffees.
Pros
- The washed process keeps the coffee bright and lively in the cup, you won’t sacrifice any flavor with this coffee
- The medium roast nicely balances the French vanilla and coffee flavors, which means it’s great for adding cream and sugar
- It’s Kosher certified, so no chemicals were used throughout the growing, roasting, and packaging processes
- Volcanica uses nitrogen-flushed bags that keep your coffee fresh for a long time
Cons
- It’s a blended coffee, so you won’t get as specific or focused a flavor profile as you would with a single-origin coffee
Lifeboost French Vanilla Decaf Coffee
Lifeboost has a decaf version of its French vanilla coffee, and it’s also worth mentioning here because it’s that good.
Lifeboost uses the Swiss Water process for decaffeination. The Swiss Water process uses only water and no chemicals to decaffeinate the beans. That means no chemical tastes get into your brew.
And the medium roast for the decaf beans is a great way to balance out the coffee flavor with the added French vanilla flavors. It brews incredibly, no matter what your preferred method is.
And it’s still Fair Trade, and USDA Organic certified. You can be certain this coffee was held to high standards.
On top of all of that, it’s still 100% single-origin Arabica coffee beans. Single-origin beans have more specific flavors, and the Arabica coffee bean is the highest quality.
The only downside is that the Swiss Water process is expensive. That means you pay a higher price for the decaf beans.
Pros
- The Swiss water process is ideal for retaining a good coffee flavor while also creating a decaffeinated coffee
- The medium roast balances the flavors of French vanilla and coffee, which means it’s great coffee no matter how you like to brew
- It’s still Fair Trade, and USDA Organic certified, so you can be certain the production standards were high
- It’s single-origin 100% Arabica coffee beans, which means the flavor profile and bean quality is super high and really tasty
Cons
- The Swiss water process is expensive, so you end up paying more for high-quality decaf coffee beans
Volcanica French Vanilla Flavored Decaf Coffee
Volcanica also has a great decaf option for its French vanilla coffee. And it also deserves a place on this list.
Volcanica uses the Swiss Water process for decaffeination. That means you’re getting a decaf free from chemicals and with no chemical aftertaste in your brews.
They use nitrogen-flushed bags for decaf coffee. Nitrogen-flushing means your coffee will stay fresh for longer, and you can buy a few bags at a time.
The medium roast has a great balance between bright and intense. It’s a perfect canvas for adding a subtle French vanilla flavor.
And the washed processing keeps all the flavors crisp and clean in the cup, no matter how you brew.
The only thing to note is that this is a blended coffee. Blended coffees don’t have as specific a flavor profile as single-origin coffees.
Pros
- Volcanica uses the Swiss Water process, which means you get a decaf coffee without a chemical aftertaste
- The nitrogen-flushed coffee bags ensure your coffee stays fresh for a long time, which means you can stock up on a few bags in advance
- The medium roast is perfect for balancing the French vanilla flavors with the delicate decaf coffee flavors
- The washed processing of the coffee keeps the flavors bright and crisp, which is perfect for adding French vanilla flavoring
Cons
- It’s a blended coffee, so you don’t get as specific a flavor profile as you would with a single-origin coffee
Double Donut Coffee French Vanilla Bean K-Cups
Double Donut Coffee has a wonderful French vanilla K-Cup you should give some serious thought to trying.
It’s another medium roast that keeps the French vanilla coffee smooth and balanced. You’ll get great consistency out of every last coffee pod.
And the flavoring itself is at a great level. Not too overpowering but not too subtle either. You’ll find a nicely balanced flavored coffee.
The pods are recyclable. That helps lower the environmental impact of drinking single-serve coffee pods.
Plus, this coffee is made with 100% Arabica coffee beans. Arabica beans are better and tastier than Robusta beans or any Arabica/Robust blend.
The only downside is that this is a blended coffee. You’re not getting a flavor profile as focused as you would with a single-origin flavored K-Cup.
Pros
- The medium roast of these K-Cups keeps the coffee smooth and delicious, so you’ll get consistent results out of every pod
- The French vanilla flavoring is subtle, so you’ll get a balanced flavored coffee experience regardless of your Keurig
- The pods are recyclable, which lowers the environmental impact of using single-serve coffee pods
- It’s made with 100% Arabica beans, which are tastier and of higher quality than any Robusta beans or Arabica/Robusta blend
Cons
- It’s a blended coffee, so you don’t get as specific and focused a flavor profile as you would in a single-origin coffee
Volcanica Jamaican Rum French Vanilla Flavored Coffee
Volcanica has a unique take on the classic French vanilla in this coffee by adding Jamaican Rum to the mix.
And trust me, it’s a winner.
The Jamaican Rum adds a refreshing twist to the classic. It’s great if you’re looking for something a bit different this time around.
The washed processing of the coffee gives a great balance to the blend of flavors, no matter your preferred brewing style.
And the medium roast gives great clarity to the coffee flavors, so they don’t get lost behind the added flavorings.
Volcanica uses high-quality nitrogen-flushed bags. That means that your coffee won’t start aging until you open a bag. So feel free to stock up on a handful of bags at once.
The only downside is that Volcanica uses a blended coffee for the Jamaican Rum French Vanilla. That means the coffee flavors might get a little muddled in your cup.
Pros
- The Jamaican Rum adds a twist to the classic French vanilla, which is great if you want something a little bit different
- The washed process ensures this coffee will be crisp and bright regardless of your brewing style or process
- The medium roast nicely balances the intense coffee flavors with the more delicate Jamaican Rum and French vanilla
- Volcanica uses high-quality nitrogen-flushed coffee bags to make sure your coffee stays fresh for a long time
Cons
- It’s still a blended coffee, so you don’t get focused flavor profiles as you would with a single-origin coffee
Roast Ridge French Vanilla Coffee
I came across Roast Ridge while researching this article, and it didn’t disappoint.
This has a more pronounced French vanilla flavor. I actually quite like it. It’s great for someone looking for a more powerful French vanilla flavor instead of a subtle and more balanced one.
The medium roast of the coffee actually keeps the French vanilla from being too overpowering. It means the coffee and flavorings work well together.
Roast Ridge also roasts in small batches. That means you’re more likely to get as fresh a roast as possible from bag to bag.
And Roast Ridge uses only high-elevation coffee beans. Those are more flavorful and of higher quality than lower-elevation coffees.
The only downside is that the French vanilla can get too strong after a few cups.
Pros
- This coffee has an intense French vanilla flavor with a buttery finish, which is great for a more powerful flavor
- The medium roast keeps the flavors together, the coffee isn’t lost behind the French vanilla flavoring
- Roast Ridge roasts in smaller batches, which means you get as fresh a roast as possible from bag to bag
- Roast Ridge uses only high-elevation coffees, which are more flavorful than lower-elevation coffees
Cons
- The French vanilla flavoring is so strong it can get overwhelming after a few cups
Tim Horton’s French Vanilla Flavored Coffee
Time Horton’s is pretty iconic at this point.
The name means that you can easily bet on the consistency and quality from bag to bag.
Plus, this is the best budget-friendly French vanilla option. You won’t break the bank even if you’re buying a handful of bags at a time.
The medium roast of the coffee is a perfect balance of bright flavors and more intense ones. It balances out the French vanilla nicely.
The coffee itself is a blend of Central and South American coffees. That means you’ll get a nice chocolatey and citrusy flavor profile to compliment the French vanilla.
The only downside is that Tim Horton’s roasts in big batches. You might not get the freshest possible roast from bag to bag.
Pros
- Tim Hortons has been around for a long time, so you can rest assured you’ll get consistency and quality from bag to bag
- It’s the best budget-friendly French vanilla option, you won’t break the bank even if you stock up with a few bags at a time
- The medium roast is the best way to balance the French vanilla and coffee flavors, and this roast is one of the better ones
- It’s a blend of Central and South American coffees, which means you’ll get a chocolatey flavor profile behind the French vanilla
Cons
- It’s a big batch roaster, so the beans might not be as fresh as some other coffees
Dunkin’ French Vanilla Ground Coffee
Dunkin’ really needs no introduction.
It’s been around for so long that you can be sure of the quality and consistency from batch to batch.
Artificial flavoring is really the best way to ensure a balanced and non-overpowering flavored coffee.
Plus, it comes pre-ground and ready to throw into your favorite brewing method.
And the medium roast is a classic and balances the French vanilla flavorings with the coffee. It makes it a wonderful coffee for adding cream and sugar.
The one thing to consider is that Dunkin’ is a big-batch roaster. That means you might not find a super fresh roast when looking for a bag.
Pros
- Dunkin’ has been around for a long while, so you can be sure of the consistency and quality in every bag you buy
- Artificial flavoring is the best way to ensure a balanced and non-overpowering flavored coffee
- It’s pre-ground and ready to use in your coffee machine right away
- The medium roast is a classic and balances the French vanilla and coffee flavors perfectly if you want to add cream and sugar
Cons
- Dunkin’ roasts in small batches, so you might not get the freshest roast in every bag you buy
How To Buy French Vanilla Coffee
Let’s take this section to discuss how you should go about buying French vanilla coffee.
There are, after all, a ton of different options. This section should help you narrow down your choices.
How Is The Flavor?
French vanilla is actually different from regular vanilla. It’s a little more creamy and a little more intense.
When added to coffee, it creates a sweeter sensation without adding any sugar to your coffee.
But you should note that your coffee will still be on the bitter side and taste like coffee. Getting flavored coffee doesn’t mean you’re getting a non-coffee flavored drink.
There are really two ways to flavor a coffee: naturally and artificially.
Naturally flavored coffees won’t have as much intensity to them. They will be subtle and nuanced.
Artificially flavored coffees will be a little more intense and better suited for adding cream and sugar.
BOTTOM LINE
Choose a naturally flavored coffee if you generally prefer black coffee. Find an artificially flavored coffee if you want a more intense flavor instead.
Does The Roast Matter?
The roast always matters when it comes to buying coffee. And my usual spiel is that the lighter the roast, the brighter and livelier the coffee. The darker the roast, the bolder and more intense.
But we’re talking about flavored coffees.
And French vanilla-flavored coffees in particular. And for flavored coffees, I almost always recommend a medium roast.
Why medium roasts? Because they are the most balanced and best suited for adding extra flavorings on top of the coffee.
Medium roasts balance the bitter notes and the brighter ones. That makes them the best choice for flavors.
BOTTOM LINE
Medium roast is simply the best option for French vanilla coffee.
Is The Origin Important?
The origin of a coffee will have a direct impact on the flavor profile and outcome of each brew.
Each country has a unique and specific flavor profile.
But when we add extra flavorings on top of the regular coffee, that profile sometimes gets masked.
However, I always prefer single-origin coffees to blends if I plan on drinking black coffee. But I don’t mind blends if I plan to add coffee creamer, sugar, or milk.
BOTTOM LINE
Go with single-origin coffees if you want the best flavor profile. But blends are just fine if you drink coffee with cream and sugar or don’t mind a more general flavor.
My Final Verdict
I’m still choosing Lifeboost French Vanilla Coffee as my overall top choice.
It’s a single-origin Nicaraguan coffee that has a specific and focused flavor profile.
And the French vanilla flavoring is perfectly balanced and not overpowering.
It’s a clean and smooth medium roast made with 100% Arabica coffee beans.
It’s just the best option for anyone looking for a great French vanilla-flavored coffee.
