Skip to main content

Light roast vs. dark roast: The great coffee debate

How much caffeine is in your favorite cup of coffee?

Pour-over coffee roast
fornStudio / Shutterstock

Every coffee lover knows that not all coffee is created equally. If you’ve found yourself wondering how much caffeine is in a cup of coffee, you’re not alone. However, this commonly asked question does not have a simple answer, as the caffeine in coffee differs depending on the type of roast. 

Think you’re a coffee connoisseur? Let’s dive into a comparison of light roast vs. dark roast coffee to test your knowledge. Below, you’ll learn more about the caffeine content in each coffee roast and explore a comparison of flavor notes. Whether you prefer the bold, rich aroma of a dark roast coffee or the light notes of a light roast, this guide will make it easier to narrow down your coffee order.

Recommended Videos

What is stronger: Light or dark roast coffee?

Two cups of coffee being made at a shop
Chevanon Photography / Pexels

The strength of coffee roasts is often confused with caffeine content, which are both unrelated. In terms of strength, light roast coffee offers a more delicate taste and appears lighter in color. This coffee roast is considered milder in taste compared to dark roast coffee. You might find light roast coffee called “breakfast blend,” as it offers a light, delicate flavor.

On the other hand, dark roast coffee offers a stronger, bolder taste. Since dark roast coffee beans take longer to roast, the result is a more robust coffee. Coffee lovers who enjoy a rich, bold taste often prefer dark roast coffee over light roast coffee.

Light roast vs. dark roast caffeine content

Cup of black coffee
Samer Dabou / Pexels

Ultimately, the choice between light and dark roast coffee in terms of taste comes down to your personal preference. However, don’t let the names of these coffee roasts fool you. A dark roast coffee that is bold in taste and appearance does not necessarily contain more caffeine. Light roast coffee often contains more caffeine than dark coffee roasts.

Dark roast coffee beans require a longer roasting process, which can mean some caffeine content is lost in the process. Due to the high temperatures, dark roasts generally have less caffeine per serving than light roasts. However, it’s important to remember that this can vary from cup to cup, depending on the measurement/weight of coffee beans used in the roast.

Which is sweeter: Light or dark roast?

Cup of coffee with beans on table
Mike Kenneally / Unsplash

Most coffee lovers agree that light roast coffee tastes slightly sweeter than dark roast coffee, though individual tastes may vary. The sweeter taste of light roast coffee is due to the natural sugars in the beans and the shortened roasting process. As a result, light roast coffee offers a brighter, more delicate, and more acidic taste.

Dark roast coffee needs more time to roast, which leads to the caramelization of the beans. In turn, this can remove some of the beans’ natural sweetness, leading the final brew to be darker, bolder, and more bitter. The type of coffee beans used, method of brewing, and weight of beans can also impact the sweetness of a coffee roast. Many cold coffees, such as iced coffee or cold brew, may have a stronger, more bitter taste.

Does light roast taste better?

Which coffee roast tastes better is up to personal taste preferences. Of course, how you choose to take your coffee (cream, sugar, etc.) will also impact its taste and enjoyability. Although light roast contains slightly more caffeine than roast coffee, the difference is negligible. Some coffee drinkers have a strong preference for roast, while others enjoy both coffee roasts.

Medium roast coffee is an excellent option for coffee drinkers who find light roast too light, yet dark roast too bitter. This coffee roast will be slightly lighter in color than a dark roast yet darker in appearance than light roast coffee. The flavor of a medium roast coffee blend is smooth and well-rounded, making it a classic favorite among all coffee lovers. 

Due to the versatility of medium roast coffee, it is often used for methods beyond traditional drip (hot) coffee. Medium roast coffee blends can be used in pour-over methods and for cold coffee beverages.

Which is the healthiest coffee: Light or dark roast?

Two hands together holding a bunch of whole coffee beans.
Kelly Sikkema / Unsplash

Neither light roast coffee nor dark roast coffee offers health advantages over the other. Both coffee roasts offer general health benefits that apply to any roast of coffee. When consumed appropriately, coffee could help you extend your lifespan, increase your energy levels, or even help you reduce your risk of certain chronic diseases, such as heart disease.

If you seek to take advantage of the health benefits of caffeine, you might prefer to drink light roast coffee due to its slightly higher caffeine content. For those who have medical conditions that advise against excessive caffeine consumption, a dark roast coffee or decaf blend is likely preferred.

Dark roast coffee tends to be less acidic, making it a better choice for a coffee that is easier on the stomach. On the other hand, light roast coffee contains more antioxidants when compared to other coffee roasts.

Finding your perfect blend

The decision between drinking light and dark roast coffee comes down to personal preference. Light roast coffees offer a slightly larger caffeine boost and a brighter, lighter taste. Meanwhile, those who prefer a rich, bold taste may prefer dark roast coffees. 

Not sure which coffee blend you prefer? These are our favorite coffee bean brands for 2024, offering a great selection of light, medium, dark, and extra-dark coffee roasts.

Medium roast coffee

We’ve compared light and dark roast coffees, but where does that leave medium roast coffee? A medium roast coffee is a good “in-between” between dark and light roast. Featuring a medium, balanced flavor profile that is not too bold or too mild, a medium roast is the perfect choice for any coffee lover to enjoy. Medium roast coffee beans are medium-brown in color and are roasted at temperatures between 410 and 440 degrees Fahrenheit.

While dark roast tends to be used for espresso and cold brew coffee, medium roast is the most versatile of coffee blends. Ideal for many brewing styles, medium roast coffee can be brewed via a French press coffee maker, the pour-over method, or a standard drip coffee maker.

Emily Caldwell
Emily is a freelance journalist with a focus on food, travel, health, and fitness content. She loves to travel to new…
Could more coffee keep you stronger as you age? New study says yes
Maybe drinking 4 to 6 cups a day is the answer
Pouring a cup of coffee

Have you been secretly hoping there's something good from your coffee addiction? New research suggests that coffee drinkers who regularly consume 4 to 6 cups of coffee per day may be at a decreased risk of frailty. According to a new study published in the European Journal of Nutrition, consuming 4- 6+ cups of coffee daily is associated with a lower risk of frailty in older adults. This latest study finding is the first that explores how coffee intake can impact various components of frailty, based on Fried's five-component frailty phenotype, a tool used to assess frailty in older adults. The tool examines multiple symptoms of frailty, such as weight loss, weakness, exhaustion, slow gait (walking) speed, and low physical activity.

Unlike previous studies that link coffee consumption to a decreased risk of developing chronic diseases, this innovative study explores how long-term coffee-drinking habits could affect strength. The researchers used data from the Longitudinal Aging Study Amsterdam (LASA), which followed 1,161 adults aged 55 and over for seven years. Ultimately, the results of this study indicate that those with a higher habitual coffee consumption may be at an overall lower risk of frailty, which could be a direct result of the antioxidant content found in coffee. Researchers hypothesize that antioxidants may reduce inflammation and fight against muscle loss and damage.

Read more
I tried De’Longhi’s smartest espresso machine yet — and ditched my café
It's way smarter than I expected it to be
Delonghi Rivelia

When I first heard about the launch of De'Longhi's Rivelia espresso maker, I was uncertain what to expect. Coming from De'Longhi, the beloved home appliance brand and industry leader, I knew this espresso would be nothing short of exceptional (turns out I had no idea what I was in for). It's safe to say the expectations were high for De'Longhi's advanced technology. However, I wasn't quite prepared to become obsessed with this first-of-its-kind machine.

De'Longhi's Rivelia truly lives up to the attribute of "smart", exceeding expectations of what a home espresso machine can do. Here's what it's like to use the Rivelia at home, and a look at how its innovative technology adapts to your coffee preferences.
Full-touch display

Read more
I tried Dunkin’s Signature Pistachio Lattes — and loved the surprise
Waffle cone pieces are an unexpected, yet welcomed surprise
Dunkin' Signature Pistachio Lattes

Pistachio is the hot new flavor in the world of coffee, and Dunkin' is joining in on the fun. Launched yesterday, Dunkin's new menu items are here for spring, which include the Iced Pistachio Signature Latte and the Hot Pistachio Signature Latte. Since 2018, Pistachio Coffee has been a returning fan favorite at Dunkin', but this is the first time the brand has created a latte variation of Pistachio Coffee.

This new twist, available in hot or iced form, combines rich espresso with a swirl of nutty, subtly sweet pistachio flavor, topped with whipped cream, caramel drizzle, and waffle cone pieces. (Yes, you heard that correctly) Dunkin' has added waffle cone pieces to these new lattes, an unexpected addition that took me by surprise -- in the best way possible.
Dunkin' Hot Signature Pistachio Latte

Read more