If you’re a coffee lover, you’ve probably faced the dilemma of choosing between light vs medium vs dark roast. It might seem like a simple choice, but the roast level dramatically impacts the flavor, aroma, and even the caffeine content of your final brew. Each of us goes through the stages to really try and understand light vs medium vs dark roast.
Roasting coffee is like cooking food; it changes its flavor to make it better. The roasting process improves the flavor of the coffee. Green coffee beans can’t be digested without going through the roast process first.
Before looking into specific roast levels, let’s explore what happens during coffee roasting. Green coffee beans are dense and grassy-smelling, very different from the aromatic beverage. As Giorgio Milos, master barista for illy says, the entire process is an artform.
The beans go from green to yellow, and then various shades of brown as things progress. Coffee roasting involves using heat, time, and air flow.
During the early stages of roasting, the internal temperature of the beans increases, this leads to what’s called “first crack.” As heat continues, moisture will vaporize and build pressure inside. This happens between 176 and 204 degrees Celsius, according to Coffee Hero.
This causes an audible cracking sound, similar to popcorn popping. The “first crack” happens at 350º degrees fahrenheit.
As the roasting continues, the beans will approach the “second crack”.
At the “second crack” the bean’s cellular structure breaks down further, releasing oils.
Light roasts are characterized by a light brown color, similar to cinnamon. Light roast beans also allow more caffeine to be in the bean.
Light roast coffees have more distinct flavors and offer high acidity. They’re also the most caffeinated roast level, as less of the caffeine has been roasted out. You will find that light roast tends to be a favorite in the specialty coffee industry.
Light roast is known for its citrus-like tastes and floral aromatics. A well-roasted, high-quality light roasted coffee has a clean acidity and a vibrant finish.
You’re experiencing a cup of light roasted coffee.
Light roasts are great to have when brewing with a pour-over. These coffee drinks tend to work great without dairy.
Medium roast coffees hit that “just right” spot between light and dark. This roast style will give more flavor depth.
Medium roasts give balance, allowing the coffee’s characteristics to stay intact. These are typically roasted slightly after the first crack.
Medium roast coffees have more body and a bit less acidity than light roasts. The aromas of roast coffee medium roast have spice notes.
You may detect some nutty undertones, depending on the coffee’s origin. Roast coffee medium offers you that traditional comfort zone.
Medium roasts are incredibly versatile. You can have medium roast with a French Press. The flavors make your mind feel at ease as you have your first cup of coffee.
Dark roast coffees have been the go-to for generations, particularly for espresso lovers.
While specialty coffee roaster are focusing on lighter roasts, dark roasts still have appeal. In the past though, they have been known for low grade coffee that the less desireable tastes go away.
That’s not the goal these days though for specialty roasters.
The characteristics are bold, rich, and often smoky, and often has an oily surface. With dark roast beans, you are no longer tasting any terroir from dark roast.
You might have to do a double take because it’s different.
Dark roasts go well with brewing through a pour-over.
It’s the classic misunderstanding that dark coffee has more caffeine. The reality is that light roast coffee by weight has a tiny bit more.
| Roast Level | Caffeine Content (per 100g of beans) |
|---|---|
| Light Roast | 60mg |
| Medium Roast | 50-55mg |
| Dark Roast | 45-50mg |
There’s not much difference.
Individual beans roasted might contain the same levels, as dark beans are less dense, that means a slight less in caffeine.
Acidity might have to do with what type of coffee is easier on your stomach. Coffee in general can have various levels of PH acidity and roasting factors in as well.
Studies show a link between coffee acidity, growing, processing, and roasting practices.
Darker roasts often are a go to choice.
Ultimately though, what it comes down to is this: darker roasts are a bit less acidic and thus are more palatable for sensitive coffee drinkers.
Beyond light, medium, and dark, roasters may have terms that describe the nuances of each. There can be many “speciality roasts” out there, for example a dark roast coffee with 2x caffeine may have different results.
There’s no one-size-fits-all. Do you have your “go-to” cup of coffee you go back to all the time?
The reality is this: The choice boils down to understanding your own taste preferences.
Do a double-take the next time you have a roast. You might come away with a different appreciation of the coffee.
Consider the various brewing methods, it could make a world of difference.
The way a brew method will play with flavor profile.
Roast is vital, however, its not the complete picture. There’s multiple other steps.
Different regions give distinct coffee characteristics. Even small farms within a country can give you distinct results.
The process method directly relates to what characteristics the coffee has. Different beans produce different results.
Just like in a world of wine grapes, coffee has differences with Arabica and Robusta and others.
Coffee will go bad. Roasted coffee will change freshness so timing is crucial.
It truly depends on what flavors appeal most to you, so it will differ for each person.
You may find your perfect choice on the lighter side. Many roast coffees taste great, so the best comes down to you.
Dark roast is generally gentler on the stomach for people with high acid sensitivities.
“Blonde” is a term used to describe light roast. Thus, it stands between all three roast levels.
Your decision of your preference with light vs medium vs dark roast is up to you.
You might feel most connected by brewing at home, with a perfect blend and way of going about things.
There is something powerful that goes beyond coffee, it can be described as connection between communities and coffee, which connects to your world in many powerful and profound ways.
