Key Takeaways

The longer a coffee bean is roasted, the bolder the flavour becomes (like dark roast coffee), moving away from the bright, balanced notes of a medium roast coffee.
Although dark roast coffee tastes more intense, a medium roast coffee contains slightly more caffeine because less is burned off during the shorter roasting time.
When deciding between medium vs dark roast coffee, choose medium for balanced acidity and origin flavour, or dark for a smoky, low-acid, and heavy-bodied drink.

Whether you enjoy a cup of coffee early in the morning or as an afternoon pick-me-up, finding the perfect flavour often comes down to the roast level. With so many options available, understanding the differences between medium vs dark roast coffee is essential. The roasting process is the single most important factor determining the coffee's final flavour, body, and acidity.

The Coffee Roasting Process

Roasting coffee beans is the art and science of applying high heat to raw, green beans to unlock their distinctive aromas and flavours. The longer the bean stays in the roaster and the higher the final temperature, the darker the roast becomes.

Medium Roast Coffee: The Sweet Spot

Medium roast coffee beans are roasted longer than light roasts, hitting temperatures between 205°C and 220°C. They’re often removed just after the first "crack."

Appearance: Medium brown color with a non-oily, dry surface. (Visually similar to milk chocolate).
Flavour Profile: Sweet, balanced, and smooth, retaining much of the bean's original flavour characteristics (nutty, fruity, or chocolatey).
Acidity & Body: Provides a medium level of acidity (less sharp than light roasts) and a balanced, medium body that cuts through milk without being overpowering.

Dark Roast Coffee: Intense and Bold

Dark roast coffee is roasted to the highest temperatures, typically between 225°C and 245°C well past the second "crack."

Appearance: Very dark brown color with a noticeable sheen of natural oils on the surface. (Visually similar to dark chocolate).
Flavour Profile: The flavour is dominated by the roast itself, often described as smoky, charred, or bittersweet, with hints of cocoa or spice. The original bean characteristics are mostly masked.
Acidity & Body: Features a heavy, full body and very low acidity, making it taste robust and powerful.

Dark Roast Coffee vs. Medium Roast: Key Differences

The core differences between dark roast coffee vs medium roast come down to flavour origin and chemical changes that happen during the extended roasting time.

Feature	Medium Roast Coffee	Dark Roast Coffee	Key Insight
Roasting Temperature	205°C - 220°C	225°C - 245°C	Dark coffee spends more time past the second crack.
Caffeine Content	Slightly Higher	Slightly Lower	Caffeine burns off over time, so the darker roast has marginally less.
Acidity	Medium (Bright/Winey)	Low (Smooth/Mellow)	Longer roasting breaks down the chlorogenic acids, reducing acidity.
Flavour Origin	Balanced flavour of the bean and the roast.	Flavour is dominated by the roast (smoky, bold).	The longer the coffee and roast time, the less you taste the origin.
Recommended Brew	Drip, Pour Over, Espresso	Espresso, French Press, Cold Brew	Darker roasts suit methods that extract oils well.

Finding Your Ideal Coffee Roast

Choosing between a medium roast coffee and a dark roast coffee depends on what you value most in your cup:

Choose Medium Roast If: You prefer a balanced cup that allows you to taste the unique, natural characteristics of the bean's origin while still offering a rich, smooth profile.
Choose Dark Roast If: You prefer a bold, powerful flavour that is less acidic and dominates the drink, perfect for methods like espresso where a heavy body is desired.

As expert pioneers in the coffee market, our commitment to consistently high-quality roasting coffee beans means you will find boldness and quality in every bag.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a medium roast coffee?

A medium roast coffee is the "sweet spot" of the coffee world, roasted to a medium brown colour with a dry surface that offers a balanced flavour. It maintains much of the bean's original sweetness and acidity while still developing a satisfying body.

What is a dark roast coffee?

A dark roast coffee is roasted to a high temperature, resulting in a very dark, oily bean with a bold, smoky, and intense flavour that is dominated by the roast itself. This roast level is popular for its heavy body and very low acidity.

Which is better, medium or dark roast coffee?

Neither is universally "better.” The choice depends on your preference for coffee and roast flavour profile. Choose medium roast coffee for balance and acidity. Choose dark roast coffee for boldness and a heavy, smooth mouthfeel.

Is a dark roast stronger than a medium roast?

A dark roast coffee tastes bolder and more intense due to the roast flavour, but a medium roast coffee is actually slightly stronger in caffeine content. This is because caffeine burns off the longer the bean stays in the high heat of the roaster.

What are the cons of dark roast coffee?

The downside of dark roast coffee is that the intense, smoky flavour often masks the delicate, natural notes of the bean. Also, the oil on the surface can quickly go rancid and may clog up some automatic espresso machines over time.

Additional Reading

Keen to learn more about coffee roasting? We have a range of articles looking at how to roast coffee:

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About the Author

Nicolas Di Stefano, a third-generation Master Roaster and Director of Di Stefano Coffee, continues his family’s proud legacy of exceptional coffee craftsmanship. Blending traditional Italian roasting methods with a modern dedication to quality, Nicolas ensures every cup embodies the rich flavour and consistency Australians have come to love.