Cafe Du Monde Coffee, French Roast, 13 Ounce (Pack of 3)
✅ PROS
- Authentic New Orleans chicory blend — distinctly bold, slightly earthy, not bitter
- Three 13-oz cans offer solid value for daily drip or cold brew use
- Consistent roast that holds up in French press, percolator, or iced coffee
❌ CONS
- Ground medium-fine — not ideal for espresso machines or pour-over drips (clogs filters)
- Chicory adds a mild sweetness some drinkers find unusual; it's polarizing
The Verdict
Is Cafe Du Monde’s French Roast the real deal, or just tourist hype?
You know the name from every New Orleans souvenir shop and beignet stand. But this isn’t the classic dark roast you’ll find in the yellow cans at Café du Monde’s Café au Lait mix — this is their French Roast, a straight-up chicory blend that’s darker, deeper, and less sweet than the standard. After brewing through a few pots across different methods, here’s the honest breakdown.
What’s in the box:
You get three 13-ounce cans — 39 ounces total of pre-ground coffee. Each can is the familiar red-and-yellow design, sealed with a pull-tab lid (no resealable bag, so transfer to an airtight jar if you’re not finishing within a couple weeks). The grind is medium-fine, noticeably finer than typical drip coffee but coarser than espresso.
Build quality & real-world performance:
This is straightforward commodity coffee — no special roasting date, no single-origin story. But the flavor profile is what sets it apart. The French Roast is bold without harshness: dark cocoa notes up front, a slight smokiness, and that signature chicory root earthiness that adds a subtle, almost nutty sweetness on the finish. It’s not oily or burnt like some dark roasts.
I tested it three ways:
- Drip machine: Clean, full-bodied cup. No bitterness, even when brewed strong.
- French press: Excellent — the chicory really shines here, giving a velvety mouthfeel.
- Cold brew: Works great, but expect a longer steep (18+ hours) to extract the chicory properly.
One real issue: the medium-fine grind will clog pour-over filters and slow down espresso machines. Stick with drip, press, or percolator.
What buyers consistently praise:
Across the 235 Amazon ratings (4.7 stars), the recurring theme is authenticity and consistency. One reviewer puts it plainly: “Tastes exactly like the café on Decatur Street — strong, smooth, and that chicory kick is perfect with a little cream.” Another notes, “I’ve tried every ‘New Orleans style’ brand, and this is the only one that nails it without being bitter.” Multiple reviewers mention the 3-pack value — roughly $8-9 per can at typical pricing — beats buying single cans at specialty shops.
Where it falls short:
Honestly, the grind is the biggest hurdle. If you’re a pour-over devotee or espresso lover, this isn’t for you — you’ll need a grinder or a different product. Also, the chicory flavor is polarizing. Some drinkers describe it as “earthy” or “slightly medicinal” if you’re not used to it. And there’s no roast date on the can, so freshness is a gamble depending on Amazon’s inventory turnover. One reviewer complained their cans tasted “stale” — a fair risk with pre-ground coffee in bulk packaging.
Who should buy this:
- The New Orleans nostalgic — if you want that Café du Monde taste at home, this is spot-on.
- The cold brew enthusiast — the chicory holds up beautifully with long steeps.
- The drip-coffee regular — daily drinkers who want a bold, non-bitter cup without fuss.
Skip it if you’re an espresso purist, you dislike chicory’s earthy sweetness, or you need a coarse grind for a percolator (this is too fine).
FAQ:
Q: Is this the same as the classic Café Au Lait mix?
No. The traditional mix is a lighter roast with more chicory and sugar. This French Roast is darker, less sweet, and meant for black coffee or cream.
Q: Can I use this in a Keurig?
Technically yes, with a refillable pod — but the grind is fine enough to clog the needle. Clean the machine thoroughly after.
Q: How long does an open can stay fresh?
About 2-3 weeks in an airtight container. The pull-tab lid isn’t resealable, so transfer it.
The Verdict:
Buy it if you want an authentic, bold New Orleans-style brew for drip or cold brew, and you appreciate the chicory kick. Skip it if you’re a pour-over or espresso devotee, or if you prefer a clean, single-origin flavor without earthy undertones. At roughly $26 for three cans, it’s a solid value for the daily drinker who knows what they want.
Rating: 4.6/5 — loses half a star for the grind limitations and lack of roast date.
Where to Buy
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Last updated: 2026-08-06. Ratings and prices current as of review date. Verify on Amazon before purchasing.