Medium and dark roast coffees are widely consumed since they are perfect for a wide range of coffee recipes. But what are the subtle differences between them?
The primary difference between medium roast and dark roast coffee is their roasting level. Dark coffee is roasted longer than a medium roast and has a bolder taste with less acidity. In contrast, medium roast is more flavorful and contains the natural characteristics of coffee beans.
Both types of coffee roasts have their pros and cons. So, coffee roasters prepare either medium or dark roasts intentionally based on their requirements.
Keep reading the article to explore their differences in detail.
Medium Roast vs. Dark Roast: The Head To Head Comparison
In the following sections, we will discuss the difference between these two popular roasts. But this comparison chart will instantly show you how unique each roast is.
| Medium roast | Dark roast |
| It has a smooth and medium flavor profile with a mild and nutty aroma. | It has an intense and full-bodied flavor profile with a strong and smoky aroma. |
| The roasting time is shorter than the dark roast. | The roasting time is longer than medium roast. |
| It contains a mid-level of acidity. | It has the lowest acidity among all coffee roasts. |
| The taste is well-balanced and less bitter. | The roast has a strong bitter taste. |
| It delivers a clean and crisp aftertaste. | It delivers a bold and intense aftertaste. |
| Medium roasted coffee beans look dark brown. | Dark roasted coffee beans look almost black. |
An Introduction to Medium and Dark Roast Coffee
Medium roast: Medium roast is a coffee that goes through a medium roasting level. The goal of such coffee roasting is to bring out the natural flavors and characteristics of the coffee beans.
Thus, it provides a mild acidity, smooth taste, and nutty aroma. Many coffee drinkers favor this coffee roast because of its balance of flavor, making it a versatile option.
Dark roast: Dark roast coffees have a longer period of roasting time, resulting in a dark brown color and an oily appearance. This roasting creates a rich, smoky, bold flavor with less acidity.
Coffee drinkers enjoy its stronger and bolder taste. It is also a popular roast to use in after-dinner coffee since its rich flavor balances the sweetness of the dessert.
The roasting of medium and dark roast require different duration and temperatures.
This is the secret that makes medium and dark roast coffee entirely unique. Depending on requirements, coffee roasters intentionally apply different techniques to make the roast medium or dark. Let’s check out how each of them is prepared.
Professional coffee roasters strictly monitor the roasting process of coffee beans to get the desired roast. For instance:
Medium roast coffees are prepared at the temperature of 400 to 430 degrees Fahrenheit, and the beans are roasted for 8 to 12 minutes.
Dark roast coffees are produced at 430-450 degrees Fahrenheit heat, which requires 12 to 15 minutes of roasting.
Nowadays, you can roast coffee beans at home and prepare your desired roasts. However, you must carefully monitor the beans’ color, especially the cracking noise.
If you roast coffee beans at home, notice how many cracks you have heard. When you hear the second cracking sound, your medium roast is ready. After the second cracking sound, you must roast those beans for a few seconds or even minutes to get the dark roast.
Medium and dark roast exhibit unique flavor and aroma characteristics.
Along with the outer appearance, you can easily detect whether it is a medium or dark roast coffee by its flavor and aroma. If you taste both roasts after brewing, their difference will be more apparent.
Medium roast coffee is comparatively sweeter and chocolatier. It is widely considered the standard roast since all coffee lovers prefer the flavor. It has a smooth and rounded flavor profile with a complex aroma, which also suits most coffee recipes.
In contrast, dark roast coffee tastes bittersweet or toasty with a decadent chocolaty flavor. The roast is popular for its rich chocolate and woody flavor notes. It has a strong aroma with just the right amount of bitterness, which is essential for bold coffee recipes.
The acidity level of medium and dark roast coffee is not the same.
Coffee is one of the natural ingredients that are full of acidic characteristics. However, the level of acidity in coffee can change because of processing—for example, the roasting process.
The acidity in dark roast coffee is generally lower than the acid level in medium roast coffee. The longer roasting period results in drier coffee beans and reduced acidic compounds.
According to a study, dark roast coffee is easier on the stomach than light and medium roasts because it produces an alkaline reaction in the body.
It does not mean that dark roast will always have less acid than medium roast because the brewing method can also increase or decrease the acidity in coffee.
The same thing is also true for the caffeine level in both roasts. You will discover different levels of caffeine in various brewing methods. For instance, espresso contains the highest concentration of caffeine among popular coffee brewing methods. It provides around 80 to 100mg of caffeine per 8 oz. cup.
Which is suitable for your favorite coffee recipes?
You can try dozens of coffee recipes with both medium and dark roast. However, the preference for flavor and mouthfeel depends on individuals. It is difficult to say which one you would like. So, coffee experts suggest experimenting with both to find the perfect coffee for you.
In general, medium roast is perfect for the following coffee recipes:
- Pour-over coffee
- Drip coffee
- Chemex coffee, and
- French press
In contrast, dark roast is the most suitable option for the following coffees:
- Espresso
- Cold brew
- Americano, and
- French press
The Final Verdict
Finally, it is time to choose one between medium and dark roast. So, which one should you pick? Ultimately, it is up to your personal preference.
The medium roast has a milder flavor profile, higher acidity, and a more original aroma. The medium roast should be in your hand if you are a big fan of flavorful coffee.
On the other hand, dark roast is bold, less acidic, and smoky. If you prefer stronger blends over anything, dark roast is your thing.
FAQs Section
If you prefer a stronger and bolder coffee with rich flavor and aroma, a dark roast is the best option to go.
Medium roast is the smoothest and most perfectly balanced coffee with a standard tasting experience.
The answer is – both are excellent and healthy. The medium roast has comparatively higher nutrients. On the other hand, the dark roast can boost antioxidants like glutathione.
