For coffee connoisseurs and casual caffeinators alike, there are more roasters than ever to choose from. But two in particular are goliaths of the coffee market. The reputations of Peet’s Coffee and Starbucks precede them — and today we’re putting their beans head to head to see which company has the edge.
Two Very Different Coffee Philosophies
Starbucks is a household name even outside the coffee world. From its origins as a single store selling roasted beans in Seattle, it has grown to over 30,000 locations globally, serving millions of monthly customers. Starbucks appeals to a younger crowd with a modern aesthetic and is known for darker-than-usual roasts that produce a characteristic slightly burnt or bitter taste. Their specialty drinks go the opposite route, focusing on crowd-pleasing sugary flavors like caramel and vanilla.
Peet’s may not be as widely known internationally, but there would be no Starbucks without Peet’s. Founded in 1966 in California by Alfred Peet, it was one of the first American pioneers in craft coffee. With over 200 U.S. locations, Peet’s offers a more laid-back, warm cafe atmosphere focused on customers leisurely enjoying their drinks. Their coffee features a more typical roast level but emphasizes a bold, espresso-forward taste — though interestingly, Peet’s dark, rich coffee has lower caffeine content than Starbucks coffee.
Top 5 Peet’s Coffees
5. Peet’s House Blend
A Latin American blend and a great introduction to Peet’s. It’s a dark roast best brewed using drip and press pot methods — bright, not as full-bodied as other roasts, with a hint of spice and a crisp finish. An ideal starter coffee for those looking to branch out.
4. Peet’s French Roast
Bold and flavorful with smoky overtones, Peet’s French Roast is a great selection for those who take their coffee with cream and sugar. While some online reviewers may overstate things by calling it the best coffee available, we’d agree it’s one of the better French roasts out there.
3. Peet’s Major Dickason’s Blend
Peet’s most popular coffee. A dark roast blend with rich, smooth, and complex flavors — earthy and nutty notes particularly stand out. Its versatility is perhaps its best feature, lending itself to drip, press pot, and espresso. It’s also widely available at grocery stores like Wegmans.
2. Peet’s Guatemala San Sebastian
Peet’s sources beans from Antigua farms for many of their blends, but this single origin is a cut above. Highly aromatic with a distinct taste of bittersweet chocolate, it’s a bright, high-acidity coffee with a sweetness that has earned it a reputation as one of Peet’s best. Try it as a pour-over to experience its full flavor complement.
1. Peet’s JR Reserve Blend
Roasted on Wednesdays only to ensure maximum freshness. JR Reserve is full-bodied with prominent chocolate notes and a spiced flavor that’s hard to pin down. Many reviewers comment on its mysterious, complex spiciness. It’s expensive, but it’s a coffee that enthusiasts should absolutely try.
Top 5 Starbucks Coffees
5. Starbucks Cafe Verona
Normally considered a little light by dark roast devotees, Cafe Verona plays all the classic dark roast hits: notes of chocolate, nuts, and caramel with low acidity. A representative, if not particularly adventurous, dark roast blend.
4. Starbucks Veranda Blend
Part of Starbucks’ increasing emphasis on lighter “blonde” roasts. More caffeinated than other Starbucks coffees while remaining mild and easy to drink. The flavor is a bit buttery and sweet, much like a morning pastry. Worth trying as an entry point to Starbucks blonde roasts.
3. Starbucks Brazil Latin American Blend
This one may be difficult to find in stores but is usually available online. For a major coffee chain, Brazil Blend is surprisingly adventurous, featuring prominent notes of maple and vanilla while remaining bright and fruity. An interesting mix that still works as an everyday cup.
2. Starbucks Sumatra Dark Roast
Bold with somewhat funky, earthy notes — and for those new to Sumatras, that funkiness is a good thing. Notably less smoky than some other Sumatras, with minimal acidity. A great coffee for getting your feet wet with the style or for Sumatra veterans.
1. Starbucks Pike Place
Named after the Seattle market where the first Starbucks opened, Pike Place is both the default roast and the most iconic Starbucks coffee. Many don’t realize it’s actually a dark-roasted Latin American blend. It delivers a smooth, balanced flavor with crowd-pleasing notes of nuts and chocolate that are virtually impossible to take offense to.
The Verdict
While it comes down to personal preference, we think Peet’s probably has the edge with a great selection of single-origin coffees from exotic locations and more varied offerings. However, Starbucks’ strength lies in its unique-tasting blends that appeal to a broader audience at more affordable prices.
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