what's the difference between light medium and dark roast coffee​

What’s the Difference Between Light, Medium and Dark Roast Coffee?

Ever wondered why your coffee tastes fruity one day and smoky the next? The secret lies in the roast level. Whether it’s light, medium, or dark roast coffee, each stage of roasting transforms the beans’ flavour, aroma, and caffeine content.

Here’s a guide to help you understand the difference between roast types — and how to choose the one that suits your taste.

Light Roast Coffee

Light roast coffee is roasted for the shortest amount of time, usually until just after the first crack (a popping sound the beans make when heated).

Characteristics:

  • Colour: Pale brown

  • Flavour: Bright, fruity, floral

  • Body: Light

  • Acidity: High

  • Caffeine: Slightly higher than darker roasts

Because the beans aren’t roasted for long, they retain more of their original flavour profile and showcase the characteristics of their origin.

Perfect for those who enjoy delicate, complex notes, like our Ethiopia Yirgacheffe G2 — with apricot and butterscotch tones — or the New World Blend Coffee, roasted to a medium-light finish.

Medium Roast Coffee

Medium roast coffee hits the sweet spot between the bright acidity of light roasts and the bold intensity of dark roasts.

Characteristics:

  • Colour: Medium brown

  • Flavour: Balanced, sweet, smooth

  • Body: Medium

  • Acidity: Mild

  • Caffeine: Moderate

Medium roasts often highlight caramel, nutty, or chocolatey flavours, making them a favourite among coffee drinkers.

If you love a balanced cup, try our House Blend Coffee or Royal Blend Coffee — both offer smooth, well-rounded profiles ideal for everyday drinking.

Dark Roast Coffee

Dark roast coffee is roasted the longest, well past the second crack, producing deep, smoky flavours and rich aromas.

Characteristics:

  • Colour: Dark brown to black

  • Flavour: Bold, smoky, bitter-sweet

  • Body: Heavy

  • Acidity: Low

  • Caffeine: Slightly lower than lighter roasts

The long roast process caramelises the sugars in the beans, creating flavours of chocolate, spice, and toast. Dark roasts are perfect for espresso lovers seeking intensity.

Try our Italian Blend Coffee or Continental Blend Coffee — both bold, full-bodied, and roasted to perfection.

Choosing the Right Roast for You

Roast Type Taste Aroma Best For
Light Fruity, floral Bright, citrusy Filter coffee, pour-over
Medium Sweet, balanced Nutty, caramel Everyday brews
Dark Smoky, strong Bold, roasted Espresso, lattes, cappuccinos

If you enjoy coffee variety, why not explore all three with a selection like our Assorted Flavoured Blend Coffee or Trial By Fire Coffee for a medium roast kick?

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