Light Roast vs Dark Roast Coffee: Flavor, Caffeine & Which to Choose
The light-roast-vs-dark-roast debate is one of the most persistent in coffee — and one of the most misunderstood. Most people assume dark roast means stronger coffee and more caffeine. Both claims are wrong. This guide explains what the roast level actually changes, what stays the same, and how to choose the right roast for espresso, drip coffee, cold brew, and everything in between. What Roasting Does to a Coffee Bean Green coffee beans are dense, grassy, and undrinkable. Roasting transforms them through a process called the Maillard reaction — the same browning chemistry that happens when you sear a steak or toast bread. Sugars and amino acids react under heat to create hundreds of flavor compounds. ...