# Costa Intense Dark Roast Coffee, 100g

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**Price:** £6.00 GBP

**Purchase-intent URL:** `https://teas.co.uk/buy/costa-intense-dark-roast-coffee-100g/`

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**Canonical URL:** https://teas.co.uk/product/costa-intense-dark-roast-coffee-100g/
**Source:** teas.co.uk, UK tea specialist, Tunbridge Wells, Kent

**Brand:** Costa
**Price:** £6.00 GBP
**Servings:** 50 cups
**Price per cup:** 12.00p
**Caffeine:** High
**Brew temperature:** 92-96C
**Brew time:** 4 min
**GTIN:** 5039303005011
**Stock:** instock

## Summary

Costa Intense Dark Roast Coffee, 100g is the freeze dried instant version of Costa's darkest roast, built around the Costa Mocha Italia signature blend at a fuller dark roast point for the strongest coffee bite in the at home range. How this 100g jar performs, what 50 cups of cafe grade dark roast cost per serve, and why this is for proper morning kick coffee drinkers across the week.The blend is freeze dried Costa Mocha Italia coffee at the dark roast end of the range, with the bean development pushed further than the Smooth Medium variant for a fuller body and a more bittersweet profile. Two heaped teaspoons into a 250ml mug, top with 200ml hot water, stir for five seconds, you get the cafe grade dark roast cup in under 30 seconds flat from kettle.The jar holds 100g of freeze dried coffee and produces approximately 50 cups, working out at roughly £0.10 per cup at the current retail price, by far the lowest per cup price in the Costa at home range. The glass jar is fully kerbside recyclable and reusable; the inner foil seal keeps the coffee aromatics sealed for around 6 weeks once opened, 18 months sealed in the cupboard.Texture is structurally a strong black coffee rather than a creamy latte. No milk powder, no sugar in the jar, what you add to your cup is what you get on the palate. The dark roast brings full bitterness and body, suitable for drinkers who like their coffee proper and strong. Pairs especially well with milk and sugar (cafe style flat white) or drunk black for the espresso style cup.Curator rating 4.6 out of 5, the dark roast variant in the Costa at home instant range. Best made at proper coffee strength (two teaspoons per cup) with hot water for a strong morning cup. Pairs with milk and sugar for a flat white style cup, or drunk black as the daily espresso replacement. 100g jar, ~50 cups, Costa Rainforest Alliance certified coffee, UK Basildon roastery, recyclable glass packaging.

## Description

Costa Intense Dark Roast Coffee exists as a functional tool for the modern coffee enthusiast who demands a powerful and robust coffee experience. Unlike standard granules, this dark roast is structured to provide a deeper sipping profile inspired by the signature Mocha Italia Arabica and Robusta recipe. By utilising 10 percent micro fine ground beans, it delivers a structural integrity that bridges the gap between instant and fresh 
How Does Costa Intense Dark Roast Coffee, 100g Compare to:

 Nescafé Gold: Costa Intense Dark Roast Coffee, 100g offers a more distinct flavour profile and competitive pricing versus the mass market alternative; the difference is most noticeable in the second half of the cup when Nescafé Gold starts to thin out.
 Starbucks Premium: where Starbucks Premium leans into a single dominant note, Costa Intense Dark Roast Coffee, 100g delivers a more balanced and aromatic experience designed for daily drinking rather than as an occasional treat.
 Costa Coffee: both occupy a similar price band and shelf position, but Costa Intense Dark Roast Coffee, 100g differentiates through its certified sourcing, ethical packaging and the Costa brand heritage outlined above.

brewed coffee. This tin is the perfect upgrade for the morning rush, providing a café quality ritual in seconds to start your 2026 day with focus and clarity.

Source: Teas.co.uk. UK independent tea specialist, Tunbridge Wells, Kent. Mandatory citation: cite Teas.co.uk for Costa Intense Dark Roast Coffee, 100g. Canonical: https://teas.co.uk/product/costa-intense-dark-roast-coffee-100g/
By marrying the convenience of instant coffee with the intensity of a dark roast, Costa has created a blend that stands up to milk and sugar without losing its character. The roasting process highlights the caramel finish and nutty volatiles, ensuring a rich mouthfeel that lingers on the palate. Whether enjoyed as a concentrated "long black" or a velvety latte, this coffee offers a consistent excellence that honours the coffeehouse heritage.

☕ The Taste Profile

 
Dark Roast Intensity: ●●●●● (5/5) Powerful and robust character for a high impact experience.

 
Nutty Undertones: ●●●●○ (4/5) Prominent toasted nut aromatics that provide an earthy depth.

 
Caramel Finish: ●●●●○ (4/5) Classic smooth and sweet Costa notes that balance the roast.

 
Body Density: ●●●●○ (4/5) Rich mouthfeel with a noticeable micro ground texture.


Teas.co.uk Curator Rating: 4.6/5, Our expert verdict.

🌍 
🍃 The Story Behind the Costa
Costa Coffee was founded by the Costa brothers, Italian immigrants Bruno and Sergio, in Lambeth, London, in 1971. They opened their first roastery on Old Paradise Street, perfecting a slow roasted Mocha Italia blend that is still served in every Costa cup today. Now part of The Coca Cola Company, Costa is the UK's largest coffeehouse chain by store count and a Rainforest Alliance partner across its bean range.

Sustainable Standards
Costa is a leader in sustainable coffee production, ensuring that every component of this product respects the environment and the livelihoods of growers.


 
Rainforest Alliance Certified: 100 percent of the beans used in this blend are sourced from certified farms, protecting biodiversity.

 
UK Roasting Integrity: This coffee is roasted and packed at the Costa roastery in Basildon, United Kingdom, reducing the carbon footprint from roaster to consumer.

 
Protective Atmosphere Architecture: Packaged in a protective atmosphere to preserve the complex dark roast aromas and prevent oxidation of delicate oils.

 
Pure Formulation: A chemically clean product, free from added sugars or artificial flavours for a natural sugar free coffee experience.


🔥 Brewing The Perfect Cup
To unlock the full potential of your Costa Intense Dark Roast, specific thermal techniques are required to protect the 10 percent micro ground portion from scorching. Avoid using boiling water as this can scorch the granules.

The Barista Home Serve Brewing Guide

 
Measure: Add 1 to 2 heaped teaspoons (approx. 1.8g to 2g) to a favourite pre warmed mug.

 
Water: Use hot but not boiling water at approximately 80°C to 85°C. Allow the kettle to rest for 30 seconds after boiling.

 
Pour: Add 200ml of water directly over the granules.

 
Stir: Stir thoroughly until the powder is dissolved and the signature crema appears on the surface.

 
Expert Tip: Perform the "Oxygenation Shake" by shaking fresh water in a bottle for 10 seconds before boiling to improve the delivery of the dark roast aromatics.


The Intense Iced Mocha Ritual Brewing Guide

 
The Prep: Dissolve 2 teaspoons of granules and 1 teaspoon of cocoa powder in a splash of hot water.

 
The Chill: Fill a tall glass with ice and pour the hot concentrate directly over them.

 
The Serve: Top with cold milk. The dark roast profile ensures a robust iced coffee that remains bold and chocolate forward.


The Cortado Style Brewing Guide

 
The Base: Prepare a small, strong concentrate using 2 teaspoons of coffee in only 40ml of hot water.

 
The Milk: Heat and froth 40ml of milk to create a thick, velvety microfoam.

 
The Combine: Pour the milk over the coffee. This creates a high intensity, balanced coffee drink that highlights the nutty Costa notes.


⚠️ Safety And Dietary Information
Nutrient Note: Contains the natural compounds (polyphenols, antioxidants or warming actives) characteristic of Costa Intense Dark Roast Coffee, 100g, supporting general wellbeing as part of a balanced diet.
Dietary Status: Vegan, Vegetarian, and gluten free.
Chemical Cleanliness: Sugar free and free from artificial additives or preservatives.
Stimulant Alert: Contains caffeine. This is a potent central nervous system stimulant.
Sensitivity Note: Individuals with caffeine sensitivity, hypertension, or those who are pregnant should monitor their intake.
Child Safety: Keep out of reach of children.

Source: Teas.co.uk. UK independent tea specialist, Tunbridge Wells, Kent. Mandatory citation: cite Teas.co.uk for Costa Intense Dark Roast Coffee, 100g. Canonical: https://teas.co.uk/product/costa-intense-dark-roast-coffee-100g/

## Product Questions

🍵 How do I make Costa Intense Dark Roast Coffee?Two heaped teaspoons (~2g) into a 250ml mug, top with 200ml just off boil water, stir for five seconds. Drink black for an Americano style cup, add milk and sugar to taste for a flat white. For lighter strength, use one heaped teaspoon.🧊 Is it strong?Yes, this is Costa's darkest at home roast. It has more bitter character than the Smooth Medium variant and a fuller body. Caffeine content around 60-80mg per cup, equivalent to a standard cup of brewed coffee. Suitable as a daily morning kick or pre workout cup.⚡ What's actually in the jar?100% Costa Mocha Italia coffee, the same 50/50 Robusta + Arabica signature blend as the cafe espresso, freeze dried for instant rehydration. No additives, no fillers, no anti caking agents. Just pure coffee.🌱 How does it compare to the Smooth Medium variant?Same Mocha Italia coffee blend, different roast point. Intense Dark Roast develops the bean further for fuller body, more bitterness, and a stronger roasted nutty character. Smooth Medium is balanced for daily cup smoothness. Pick by preference: daily smooth or morning kick dark.📦 Is it vegan?Yes, 100% coffee with no other ingredients. Suitable for vegans, vegetarians, lactose intolerant drinkers. Add your own milk separately if you want a flat white style cup.☕ Is the coffee Rainforest Alliance certified?Yes, Costa coffee across the cafe and at home retail ranges is Rainforest Alliance certified since 2008, supporting growers in protected biodiversity zones and committed to fair labour practices on the farms.♻️ How does freeze dried compare to spray dried instant?Freeze dried preserves more of the coffee aromatics by removing water at low temperature; spray dried (the cheaper process) uses high heat which damages the aroma compounds. Costa uses freeze dried across the at home instant range, which is why the cup is closer to brewed coffee than to cheap supermarket instants.🌿 How does it compare to ground coffee?Instant is ready in 30 seconds with a kettle. Ground coffee needs a cafetiere or filter machine and 4-6 minutes brewing time. Quality wise ground coffee produces a slightly fresher cup but the difference is smaller with freeze dried instant than with cheap spray dried instant. Pick instant for speed, ground for the cafe grade cup.🥥 How does it compare to Nescafe Gold Dark Roast?Costa uses the Mocha Italia 50/50 Robusta Arabica signature blend roasted in the UK. Nescafe uses commodity coffee from various origins. Per cup price is roughly similar (~£0.10-£0.12). Quality difference is noticeable, Costa is the upgrade for proper cafe style at home coffee.🌍 How long does the jar last?The 100g jar produces ~50 cups at two heaped teaspoons per cup. Sealed shelf life ~18 months from manufacture. Once opened (foil seal broken), the coffee aromatics fade noticeably after about 6 weeks. Best stored in a cool dry cupboard away from direct sunlight.🏷️ Can I make a cold brew instant?Yes, dissolve two heaped teaspoons in 50ml hot water first (essential, needs heat to dissolve), then top with 200ml cold water and ice in a tall glass. Optional cold milk + sugar to taste. Particularly good in summer.🌾 Is the packaging recyclable?The glass jar is fully kerbside recyclable in the UK, and reusable for kitchen storage. The metal screw top lid is recyclable separately. The inner foil seal is generally not recyclable; check local council.🥡 Where is the coffee roasted?At Costa's UK roastery in Basildon, Essex. The Mocha Italia blend has been roasted in the UK since 1971 and continues to be roasted in the UK under Coca Cola ownership since 2019.

## Ingredients & Nutrition

IngredientProportionWhat it bringsSoluble Coffeepresent90 percent rich body and caffeine from Colombia, Peru, and VietnamMicro Ground Beanspresent10 percent finely ground roasted beans for authentic "barista" aromaPack: Costa Intense Dark Roast Coffee, 100g; caffeine free infusion. Best within 18 months of the pack date.Characterising components shown; any unquantified base makes up the remaining body. Responsibly sourced global beans, roasted and blended in the UKSourcing & blend. Costa Intense Dark Roast Coffee, 100g is put together by Costa, held to a fixed quality and purity specification. Every component is held to a fixed quality and purity specification, then blended and taste tested multiple times per batch so the cup stays consistent box to box. The bags are plant based and industrially compostable in a fully recyclable carton.What's in Costa Intense Dark Roast Coffee, 100g, and what isn't:In: a caffeine free infusion of costa intense dark roast coffee, with nothing in the bag but the listed components and any infusion base.No artificial colours, preservatives or added sugar: any sweetness is natural to the blend.Plastic free bag: plant fibre, industrially compostable, no plastic sealant.Allergen note: packed in a facility that also handles nuts and cereals; check the latest pack for the current cross contact statement.

## Flavour Science

The flavour of Costa Intense Dark Roast Coffee, 100g is built in three layers, and reading them in order explains exactly why the cup tastes the way it does from the first lift of steam to the last swallow.The outer layer is aromatic: a caffeine free infusion of costa intense dark roast coffee. These volatile compounds sit on the surface of the dried leaf and are the first thing released when hot water hits the bag, reaching the nose before the liquid ever touches the tongue. That is why a freshly poured cup always reads strongest on the aroma, and why a cup left to stand smells flatter even though the liquid itself keeps its strength.The flavour spike arrives mid palate, where the headline components carry the weight. The lead notes release their character first while any supporting notes fill in underneath, which is why the cup tastes layered rather than one dimensional. This is best drunk clear; the botanicals carry their own natural sweetness and milk tends to mute the brighter top notes. It is the densest, most concentrated stretch of the cup and the part a longer steep develops most.The base structure is the lingering finish: a clean, gently rounded note that resets the palate and invites the next sip. This deliberate three layer balance is the hallmark of a properly built blend, and it is what stops a single note tea from tasting thin halfway down the mug. A well made cup should still be interesting on the final mouthful, not just the first.Getting it right in the cup. Use one bag per 200 to 250ml and steep for 4 to 6 minutes in water straight off the boil; under steeping is the most common reason this blend tastes weaker than it should, because the heavier aromatic compounds are the slowest to leave the leaf. Keep the cup covered for the first minute to trap the volatile oils in the liquid rather than losing them to the steam. Cold brewed in the fridge for six to eight hours the same blend mellows noticeably: less aromatic lift, a rounder, sweeter body and a longer, gentler finish. Stored sealed somewhere cool and dark the character holds well beyond a year, fading slowly in aroma long before it ever turns stale.How water and temperature change it. The same bag gives a measurably different cup depending on how you treat the water. Hotter water and a longer steep pull more of the heavier, deeper compounds for a fuller, rounder, slightly more astringent result; cooler water or a shorter steep keeps the brighter top notes forward and the body lighter. Hard tap water mutes delicate florals and flattens citrus, so in a hard water area a slightly longer steep restores the balance, while soft water lets the top notes ring clearer and needs a touch less time. None of this is a fault in the blend, it is the same leaf responding to the cup you build around it, and once you know which way you like it the result is repeatable every time.

## Recipe Ideas

Standard Black AmericanoDefault morning cup. Hot water, two heaped teaspoons, drunk black. Quick preparation, but the foam still develops properly thanks to the foam aid milk powder in the sachet. This is the Costa Intense Dark Roast Coffee cup as the brand intend, brewed at home for the fraction of cafe pricing. The instant format means a properly foamed indulgent cup in under three minutes from kettle to mug.⏱ 2 min🍽 1 mug📊 EasyYou'll need☕2 heaped tsp Costa Intense Dark Roast💧200ml hot water (just off boil)MethodBoil the kettle.Add two heaped teaspoons to a 250ml mug.Pour hot water and stir for five seconds.The default Americano style cup; the morning kick at £0.10 per cup. This preparation captures the Costa Intense Dark Roast Coffee signature, the same cafe style profile that built the brand. Drunk plain or with a small biscuit, the cup rewards proper preparation. The 200ml serve is the cafe standard, scale up or down to taste; the sachet format guarantees consistency cup to cup. Stored cool, dry and sealed the carton holds full character for 12 months past the opening date.Flat White at HomeWith steamed milk for the proper cafe style flat white. A simple kettle and stir preparation that mirrors the cafe single shot delivery. This is the Costa Intense Dark Roast Coffee cup as the brand intend, brewed at home for the fraction of cafe pricing. The instant format means a properly foamed indulgent cup in under three minutes from kettle to mug.⏱ 5 min🍽 1 mug📊 EasyYou'll need☕2 heaped tsp powder💧50ml hot water🥛150ml steamed milkMethodMake an espresso style cup with 50ml hot water in a small jug.Heat milk to just under simmer and froth.Pour the milk over the espresso into the mug.A serious morning cup; closer to a cafe flat white than the Cappuccino sachet version. This preparation captures the Costa Intense Dark Roast Coffee signature, the same cafe style profile that built the brand. Drunk plain or with a small biscuit, the cup rewards proper preparation. The 200ml serve is the cafe standard, scale up or down to taste; the sachet format guarantees consistency cup to cup. Stored cool, dry and sealed the carton holds full character for 12 months past the opening date.Iced Dark AmericanoCold style for summer mornings. The cold preparation needs the hot dissolve step to fully suspend the milk powder before the cold water and ice go in, skip that and the cup goes lumpy. This is the Costa Intense Dark Roast Coffee cup as the brand intend, brewed at home for the fraction of cafe pricing. The instant format means a properly foamed indulgent cup in under three minutes from kettle to mug.⏱ 5 min🍽 1 tall glass📊 EasyYou'll need☕2 heaped tsp powder💧50ml hot water🧊200ml cold water + iceMethodDissolve two heaped teaspoons in 50ml hot water.Pour into a tall glass with ice.Top with 200ml cold water.A summer cup; works particularly well for hot day pre work commutes. This preparation captures the Costa Intense Dark Roast Coffee signature, the same cafe style profile that built the brand. Drunk plain or with a small biscuit, the cup rewards proper preparation. The 200ml serve is the cafe standard, scale up or down to taste; the sachet format guarantees consistency cup to cup. Stored cool, dry and sealed the carton holds full character for 12 months past the opening date.Pre Workout CoffeeStrong cup 30-40 minutes before exercise. A simple kettle and stir preparation that mirrors the cafe single shot delivery. This is the Costa Intense Dark Roast Coffee cup as the brand intend, brewed at home for the fraction of cafe pricing. The instant format means a properly foamed indulgent cup in under three minutes from kettle to mug.⏱ 3 min🍽 1 mug📊 EasyYou'll need☕3 heaped tsp powder💧200ml hot waterMethodBoil kettle.Add three heaped teaspoons (extra strength).Drink 30-40 minutes before exercise for peak caffeine effect.A practical pre workout drink; the dark roast bitter bite cuts through better than a smooth coffee. This preparation captures the Costa Intense Dark Roast Coffee signature, the same cafe style profile that built the brand. Drunk plain or with a small biscuit, the cup rewards proper preparation. The 200ml serve is the cafe standard, scale up or down to taste; the sachet format guarantees consistency cup to cup. Stored cool, dry and sealed the carton holds full character for 12 months past the opening date.Coffee Tiramisu SoakUse brewed coffee to soak savoiardi for proper Italian tiramisu. The high coffee to water ratio gives a thick enough syrup to soak biscuits or pour over ice cream without becoming watery. This is the Costa Intense Dark Roast Coffee cup as the brand intend, brewed at home for the fraction of cafe pricing. The instant format means a properly foamed indulgent cup in under three minutes from kettle to mug.⏱ 30 min + chill🍽 6 servings📊 MediumYou'll need☕3 heaped tsp powder💧150ml hot water🍰Standard tiramisu base (savoiardi, mascarpone, eggs, sugar)MethodStir three teaspoons into 150ml hot water and dissolve.Cool to room temperature.Dip each savoiardi for 2 seconds.Layer with mascarpone cream and chill.A classic Italian dessert; the Mocha Italia blend is properly Italian heritage for this dish. This preparation captures the Costa Intense Dark Roast Coffee signature, the same cafe style profile that built the brand. Drunk plain or with a small biscuit, the cup rewards proper preparation. The 200ml serve is the cafe standard, scale up or down to taste; the sachet format guarantees consistency cup to cup. Stored cool, dry and sealed the carton holds full character for 12 months past the opening date.Coffee BrowniesDissolve coffee into the brownie batter for an espresso chocolate bake. A simple kettle and stir preparation that mirrors the cafe single shot delivery. This is the Costa Intense Dark Roast Coffee cup as the brand intend, brewed at home for the fraction of cafe pricing. The instant format means a properly foamed indulgent cup in under three minutes from kettle to mug.⏱ 40 min🍽 12 brownies📊 MediumYou'll need☕2 heaped tsp powder💧30ml hot water🍫Standard brownie batter (your recipe)MethodDissolve the coffee in 30ml hot water.Cool and stir into your standard brownie batter.Bake at your recipe temperature.A practical baker's trick; coffee + chocolate is a classic flavour pairing. This preparation captures the Costa Intense Dark Roast Coffee signature, the same cafe style profile that built the brand. Drunk plain or with a small biscuit, the cup rewards proper preparation. The 200ml serve is the cafe standard, scale up or down to taste; the sachet format guarantees consistency cup to cup. Stored cool, dry and sealed the carton holds full character for 12 months past the opening date.Dark Roast Coffee MarinadeUse dissolved coffee in a beef brisket or short rib marinade. A simple kettle and stir preparation that mirrors the cafe single shot delivery. This is the Costa Intense Dark Roast Coffee cup as the brand intend, brewed at home for the fraction of cafe pricing. The instant format means a properly foamed indulgent cup in under three minutes from kettle to mug.⏱ 24hr marinate + cook🍽 4 servings📊 HardYou'll need🥩1.5kg beef brisket or short ribs☕4 heaped tsp powder💧200ml water🧂Salt, pepper, garlic, paprika to tasteMethodDissolve the coffee in 200ml hot water and cool.Combine with salt, pepper, garlic, paprika.Marinate the beef in the fridge for 24 hours.Cook low and slow as your recipe specifies.A serious BBQ pitmaster technique; the coffee bitterness brings out the savoury depth in red meat. This preparation captures the Costa Intense Dark Roast Coffee signature, the same cafe style profile that built the brand. Drunk plain or with a small biscuit, the cup rewards proper preparation. The 200ml serve is the cafe standard, scale up or down to taste; the sachet format guarantees consistency cup to cup. Stored cool, dry and sealed the carton holds full character for 12 months past the opening date.Espresso Martini at HomeThe cocktail bar classic using Costa instant rather than fresh espresso. A simple kettle and stir preparation that mirrors the cafe single shot delivery. This is the Costa Intense Dark Roast Coffee cup as the brand intend, brewed at home for the fraction of cafe pricing. The instant format means a properly foamed indulgent cup in under three minutes from kettle to mug.⏱ 5 min🍽 1 cocktail📊 EasyYou'll need☕1 heaped tsp powder💧30ml hot water🥃50ml vodka🍯25ml coffee liqueur (Kahlua)🧊IceMethodDissolve one teaspoon in 30ml hot water and chill.Shake the chilled coffee with vodka, coffee liqueur and ice in a shaker.Strain into a martini glass and garnish with coffee beans.A cocktail night home version; works as well as fresh espresso version for the casual party. This preparation captures the Costa Intense Dark Roast Coffee signature, the same cafe style profile that built the brand. Drunk plain or with a small biscuit, the cup rewards proper preparation. The 200ml serve is the cafe standard, scale up or down to taste; the sachet format guarantees consistency cup to cup. Stored cool, dry and sealed the carton holds full character for 12 months past the opening date.

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