Coffee Roast Levels Explained: Light, Medium, and Dark

Roast level is one of the first things you'll see on a bag of coffee, and it has a huge impact on taste. Here's a simple guide to what each level means in the cup.

Light roast

Roasted for the shortest time, light roasts keep the most of the bean's original character. Expect bright acidity, fruity or floral notes, a lighter body, and a tan color with a dry surface. Great for showcasing single-origin coffees.

Medium roast

The most popular, all-purpose level. Medium roasts balance origin flavors with sweet, roasted notes — caramel, chocolate, nuts — with moderate acidity and a rounder body. A brown color, still without much surface oil.

Dark roast

Roasted longest, dark roasts taste bold, smoky, and roasty, with low acidity and a heavy body. Origin character fades and roast character takes over. Beans look dark brown to nearly black with an oily sheen. Classic for espresso and bold everyday cups.

Which is best?

There's no "best" — only what you enjoy. Like brightness and complexity? Go lighter. Want bold and smoky? Go darker. Want balance? Medium is a safe bet. The only real rule is to buy it fresh.

Find your roast

Explore lights, mediums, and darks in our freshly roasted lineup.