What Is the Coffee Cup Score and Why It Matters
If you’ve ever stood in front of a wall of coffee bags, unsure whether to go with a light, medium, or dark roast, you’re not alone. Roast level is one of the most important factors that influences how your coffee tastes — and knowing the difference can completely transform your morning brew.
In this guide, we’ll break down what each roast level means, how it affects flavor, and how to choose the one that matches your personal coffee style.
When coffee is harvested, the beans are actually seeds from inside bright red coffee cherries. Once the outer fruit is removed and the beans are dried, they’re still green, odorless, and almost tasteless.
Roasting is the process that brings out the aromas and flavors we associate with coffee. During roasting, heat causes chemical changes inside the beans, producing complex compounds that create flavor, aroma, acidity, and body.
The longer and hotter the roast, the darker the bean becomes — and the more the original flavor of the bean gives way to the flavor of the roast itself.
Light roasts preserve the natural characteristics of the bean, meaning you’ll taste more of the origin, altitude, and processing method.
Medium roast is the most popular roast level in many parts of the world because of its balance — not too acidic, not too heavy.
Dark roast flavors come more from the roast itself than the bean. Expect caramelized sugars, dark chocolate, and roasted nuts — but less complexity from origin.
| Feature | Light Roast | Medium Roast | Dark Roast |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flavor | Fruity, acidic, floral | Sweet, balanced, nutty | Bold, bitter-sweet |
| Body | Light | Medium | Full |
| Acidity | High | Medium | Low |
| Roast Flavor | Minimal | Moderate | Pronounced |
| Caffeine | Slightly higher | Moderate | Slightly lower |
| Best Brewing | Pour-over, Aeropress | Drip, French press | Espresso, cold brew |
Many roasters and cafés offer tasting flights or sample packs that include light, medium, and dark roasts of the same origin — a great way to compare roast levels side by side.
Choosing the perfect roast isn’t about what’s “best” — it’s about what you enjoy most. Try exploring different roast levels across various origins to discover what delights your taste buds.
Once you find your favorite, you’ll never look at a bag of coffee the same way again.
Gabriel Rodrigues is a coffee enthusiast, cultural researcher, and writer who specializes in exploring the intersection of history, society, and gastronomy. Passionate about uncovering the stories behind each cup, he delves into how coffee has shaped civilizations throughout time. When he’s not writing, you’ll find him visiting independent cafés and chatting with baristas around the world.
