What's the difference between dark, medium and light roast levels?Updated 12 hours ago
Coffee Roast Levels
Light Roast
Appearance: Light brown; dry surface; no oils.
Flavor & Acidity: Crisp, bright acidity with vibrant, fruity, sometimes floral or tea-like notes. Preserves origin-specific flavors.
Caffeine: Slightly higher by volume due to denser bean density
Ideal for: Highlighting terroir and varietal nuances—perfect for single-origin, pour-over, or filter lovers.
Medium Roast
Appearance: Medium brown; generally dry or low sheen.
Flavor & Acidity: Balanced—rounded sweetness, caramel or nutty notes, with moderate acidity and medium body. Origin flavors are still present but more rounded
Caffeine: Similar to light roast by weight; differences are minimal.
Ideal for: Broad appeal—smooth, balanced cups for everyday brewing and espresso blends.
Dark Roast
Appearance: Dark brown to near-black; oily surface develops.
Flavor & Acidity: Low acidity, robust body with smoky, bittersweet flavors like dark chocolate or caramelized sugar. Origin notes are largely overpowered by roast character.
Caffeine: Slightly lower by volume due to expansion—but negligible difference.
Ideal for: Bold preferences, espresso, classic café-style drinks, and fans of darker flavor profiles.