Blonde roast coffee has been taking center stage in 2026 as coffee drinkers are now paying more attention to the “third-wave coffee” mindset. Today’s coffee consumers want to actually taste their coffee. One great way to do that is by drinking lighter roaster coffees which preserve the bean’s natural flavors.
According to Califia Farms‘ Chief Marketing Officer, Suzanne Saltzman Ginestro, blonde roasts are having a major moment right now, as consumers shift towards lighter, brighter coffee profiles. Here’s why coffee experts in the space believe light roast coffee is winning in 2026.
The shift to blonde roast
“The shift to blonde roast reflects the consumer’s desire to completely customize their coffee,” Saltzman Ginestro shares. “Trending customizations favor the brighter, lighter flavor spectrum from Banana Bread Lattes to Cloud Coffees appearing on cafe menus across the country. Lighter roasts, like blonde roast, let the coffee serve as a less dominant companion in these creations. We’re seeing that with our Pure Black Blonde Roast Cold Brew on social, as consumers pair it with creamers like Sweet Creme and Lavender,” she shares.
For CEO & Head Roaster at Path Coffee Roasters, the shift to blonde roast marks a difference between companies like Starbucks who have leaned into darker roasts, while third-wave roasters have moved towards lighter roasts to enhance coffee’s beautiful, natural, flavors.
“Coffee has gone from a commodity and a caffeine source to a culinary product that is spoken about more like wine than a bottle of soda. To achieve these consistent, lighter roasts, companies like Loring and IMF have developed machines that roast more gently and faster. This helps preserve quality and acidity, allowing a roaster to really dial in their profile for maximum impact,” he shares.
How the rise of blonde roast compares to previous coffee waves
“The blonde roast boom represents a more lasting shift in what consumers want their coffee to taste and feel like – largely driven by this “little treat” culture,” says Saltzman Ginestro. “That craving for a treat is a core part of a consumer’s daily ritual, sometimes multiple times a day vs. having a coffee for the caffeine alone.” The brand’s Pure Black Blonde Roast Cold Brew has seen steady customer interest recently, especially as people experiment with being “their own barista” at home. With a multi-serve format, any coffee drinker can easily use this blonde roast cold brew coffee to craft new recipes at home.
Some coffee experts also believe the rising interest in blonde roast coffee is also tied to the growth of the ready-to-drink coffee industry. “RTD is a great entry point for consumers who want to try new things but may not be in a location with a specialty coffee roaster, or are running short on time in their day-to-day. While each person’s taste buds differ, we have definitely seen that once consumers try our Cold Brews, the convenience, as well as the bold, smooth flavors, keep them coming back,” she shares.
Blonde and light roast coffees work very well in iced and cold brew-style drinkers because they keep flavors light (as opposed to going bitter). Plus, we’ve seen that today’s coffee consumers don’t just drink cold coffee in the winter. Cold coffee is now a year-round event.
