Blonde Roast vs Medium Roast

If you want to start off your day with a drink that can keep you awake for the rest of the day then coffee is the best option. Many famous brands are offering different types of coffee which makes it difficult for the consumer to choose a suitable one for them according to their taste. 

To keep yourself active it becomes important for you to have some amount of caffeine in your coffee. Nowadays coffee is coming in different roasts and you can choose one according to your need. Now, the question is which roast is better for you. Blonde roast or medium roast? Which would be suitable for you? Keeping in mind your preferences, which one should you select? Which one can be more suitable for you in terms of both health and taste? All these questions are going to be answered in this article. At the end of this article, you would be able to select a suitable roast for you. 

What is a medium roast?

Medium roast coffee is a coffee roasted less than dark roast but more than light roast. It has a medium roasting period making it a moderate roast among all. If you are the type of person that does not like to have very hard on your coffee in the morning then this medium roast coffee is the best choice for you. This coffee roast is not going to hit you hard. Similarly, it would be light as it feels like water. Medium roast coffee is a brown-colored roasted coffee. The medium roast rarely has an oily surface. It mostly has a dry surface with a brown surface. 

Medium roast

The rounded flavor of medium roast has medium acidity in it as compared to the light roast or the dark roast. The medium roast coffee has a moderate taste; it does not taste as light as the light roast and not as hard as the dark roast. Roasting at a medium level in medium roast allows you to experience unique flavors in it that preserve in its beans due to a decent roasting time as compared to the light roast and the dark roast. A medium roast is a moderate roast with balanced roasting in it. That is why, it mostly comes with a dark caramel flavor that is not much sweeter or bitter. It has less bitterness than the dark roast but more bitterness compared to the light roast. 

What is a blonde roast?

Blonde roast is a type of roast that is roasted less than the medium roast and the dark roast. It has less roasting time than the medium and the dark roast. That is why it is also called a light roast or a mild roast. Due to this reason, it has less roasting time. It has a light brown color as compared to the medium roast or the dark roast. It has a delicate taste and it is acidic. It is less bitter as compared to the medium roast and the dark roast. Due to its light brown appearance, it is called a blonde roast. Due to its less roasting time, the blonde roast has a delicate taste. Overall, it has a lighter experience and it feels lighter in your body with each sip. The light-browned colored blonde roast usually has a citrusy flavor. 

Blonde roast

Moreover, the caffeine in coffee roasts does not depend upon its roasting time. That is why, the amount of caffeine in a light roast is the same as a dark roast. Not exactly but on average we can say that the lighter roast has the same caffeine content as compared to the dark roast. The overall flavor is not nutty or intense; it feels very light in your mouth, maintaining a good balance between its uniqueness in flavor and taste. The golden brown color of the blonde roast has a subtle aroma. 

What is the difference between a blonde roast and a medium roast?

FeaturesBlonde roastMedium roast
Roasting processShorterLonger 
Brewing process4 to 6 minutes7 to 9 minutes
TasteMild and smoothBalanced and complex
NamingDue to its light brown colorDue to its medium brown color
OriginStarbucks has made it popularNot Defined
AcidityHigh Low 
MouthfeelLight Comparatively heavy
BitternessLow Comparatively high
SurfaceNot oilyVery rarely oily surface
Ingredients100 percent ground Arabica coffee beans (Starbucks)100 percent ground Arabica coffee beans (Starbucks)
Taste profileAcidic, creamy, and citrusy Creamy and complex
BodyLight brownMedium brown
Caffeine contentAlmost sameAlmost same
AvailabilityEasy Easy 
RoastLight Medium 
AccessibilityEasily accessible Easily accessible 
Preparation time4 to 6 minutes 7 to 9 minutes
Coffee to water ratio15 grams of coffee to 245 ml of water19 grams of coffee to 245 ml of water

1. Roasting process

The first thing that makes blonde roasts different from the medium roast is their roasting process. Both have a different roasting process that needs to be followed to get a real blonde or medium roast. The roasting time and the temperature are different in both processes. The roasting time of blonde roast is less and the temperature to get blonde roast is 350 to 400 Fahrenheit. Similarly, the roasting time of medium roast is long as compared to the blonde roast, and the optimal temperature to get medium roast is 400 to 450 Fahrenheit. 

2. Brewing process

Another difference between mild roast and blonde roast is their brewing process. Both have different brewing methods that need to be followed if you want to get real blonde or medium roast. To get a good blonde roast it is suggested to use 15 grams of coffee to 245 ml of water. Similarly, filtered or spring water is suggested to be used. To get a good medium roast it is suggested to 19 grams of coffee to 245 ml of water. It is important to maintain the ratio between coffee and water to get a good brew.

3. Taste

The taste of both blonde roast and medium roast is different. The medium roast usually tastes more bitter than the blonde roast because of its roasting time. It gives medium roast a caramel nutty taste but a good balance of bitterness and sweetness is maintained. Similarly, blonde roast feels lighter in your body. It usually has a little citrusy taste to it.  

4. Naming

The naming of both blonde and medium roasts is different. Medium roast is named medium roast because its roasting time is more than the blonde roast but less than the dark roast. It has a dark brown color. The roasting time of the blonde roast is less which is why it results in the formation of a light brown roast that is why it is named the blonde roast because of its light brown color.

5. Origin

The origin of both blonde and medium roasts is yet unknown. But Starbucks has made the blonde roast more famous than the medium roast. They just got famous because of their intensity. People that love lighter roast started using blonde roast. Similarly, people that like a moderate roast adopted a medium roast.

6. Acidity

The acidity of both blonde and medium roast is different. The acidity level of the blonde roast is more than the medium roast. The roasting time of blonde is less than the medium roast but the caffeine amount is the same which is why it turns out to be more acidic as compared to the medium roast. 

7. Mouthfeel

The mouthfeel of the blonde roast is lighter as compared to the medium roast. It has a citrusy light taste in it that is not on the bitter side. It also has a creamy touch to it. Similarly, the medium roast is harder than the blonde roast due to its roast time. It is more on the bitter side. It also has a creamy texture in it. 

8. Bitterness

The bitterness of both blonde and medium roast is different. The roasting time of medium roast is more than the blonde which is why it turns out to be harder and more bitter than the blonde roast. Similarly, the blonde roast has a shorter roasting time which is why it is much on the lighter side but it also has a creamy texture in it.

9. Surface ingredients

The surface ingredients of both blonde and medium roasts are different. The blonde roast has  very rarely an oily surface on it because it spends less time roasting. Similarly, the medium roast is also less oily but it is more than the blonde roast because it has more roasting time.

10. Taste profile

The taste profile of medium and blonde roast also differ. The taste profile of blonde roast is highly acidic, creamy, and citrusy. It is more on the lighter side. Similarly, the medium roast has a less acidic taste but is more bitter than the blonde roast. It also has a creamy texture in it. Its taste is unique and more complex than the blonde roast. 

11. Body

Another thing that differentiates between medium and blonde roast is their body. The body of medium roast and blonde roast is overall the same. The only difference is their color. The blonde roast has a light brown surface while the medium roast has a darker brown surface than the blonde roast. 

12. Caffeine content

An interesting fact to know about the coffee roast is that the caffeine amount in each type of roast is the same whether it is a blonde, medium, or dark roast. The caffeine content used in each type of the roast is same. The only difference is their taste and roasting time. 

Related: Nespresso caffeine content

13. Availability

Both blonde and medium roasts are available online and in physical stores. Many companies nowadays are making these roasts from which you can easily select. Starbucks has made blonde roast very popular and they have become a higher-selling product for the companies which is why its availability can differ.

14. Accessibility

The accessibility of blonde and medium roast is the same. It is not such a factor that differs between both. They both can be bought from any virtual or physical store. Due to their high consumption rate, they are never out of stock.

15. Preparation time

The preparation time of medium and blonde roast is different as they both have different roasting times. The preparation time of the blonde roast is 4 to 7 minutes on average. Similarly, the preparation of medium roast requires 8 to 9 minutes.

16. Coffee to water ratio

The coffee-to-water ratio is important in both roasts. The coffee-to-water ratio in the case of blonde roast is 15 grams of coffee to 245 ml of water. Similarly, the coffee-to-water ratio in the case of medium roast is 19 grams of coffee to 245 ml of water.

How can you make blonde roast coffee?

The making of the blonde roast does not involve specific steps. You can brew it as you want. The roasting time of the roast is important otherwise you can make it in any way you want. You can choose between Blonde Espresso and cold brew. Anything would work. If you ask me, then my favorite blonde coffee roaster is from Aeropress. The Aeropress machines are easy to use. They allow you to get a real taste of the blonde roast. The unique flavors of the blonde roast and the creativity of Aeropress become a good combination. 

The making time of the blonde roast is less than the medium roast. The optimal temperature to obtain a good blonde roast is 355 to 400 Fahrenheit. The roasting time is around 4 to 7 minutes. 

How can you make medium-roast coffee?

Just like a blonde roast, the roasting of medium roast coffee also does not have specific methods. There are many different methods by which you can make medium-roast coffee. The only thing that you need to get a perfect medium roast is a coffee grinder. There are many different types of coffee grinders available in the market. It is better to select a good one. As for now, there are many types of roast available in the market. In the same manner, there are many different ways to brew these roasts. One of the most popular and suggested ways is the French Press. The French press is an interesting way with which you can make a good medium roast coffee for you.

Compatible recipes for medium and blonde roast

Many different recipes can create a perfect medium and blonde roast for you. The overall preparation is very easy and does not include any complicated steps. The only thing is that you need to keep in mind a few things while you are preparing a perfect roast for yourself. 

1. Blonde roast coffee:

The blonde roast coffee is more of a smoother side coffee that has high acidity in it. It has a light taste that feels like almost nothing in your mouth. The few things that are compatible with the blonde roast coffee are mentioned below:

Coffee cocktail

One of the most suitable recipes is the coffee cocktail. With the help of blonde roast coffee, you can make coffee-based cocktails. One of the best coffee cocktails is the coffee martini. 

Light brew coffee

Another good recipe for blonde roast coffee is light brew coffee. Blonde roast coffee is a coffee that has less roasting time. It is not as intense as other coffee roasts. You can make a light brew coffee that will feel light in your mouth.

Cold brew coffee

Another compatible recipe with blonde coffee is cold brew coffee. Now, you can make a cold brew coffee with the blonde coffee roast. The cold brew coffee has a smooth unique taste. It has a mild flavor that is never going to hit you very hard.

Light coffee desserts

Other compatible recipes with the blonde coffee roast are the light coffee desserts. Now, you can make desserts with the help of a blonde coffee roast. It is good to know you can make other things such as desserts with the help of coffee roast. You can make creamy desserts such as coffee sorbet, ice cream, and many other things.

2. Medium roast coffee:

Medium roast coffee merely has a more balanced complex taste in it which is why it is very important to create a perfect balance of everything in your medium roast. The few things that are compatible with medium-roast coffee are mentioned below:

Mocha

One compatible recipe with the medium roast is mocha. You can make mocha with the help of medium-roast coffee. The things that balance the flavor in mocha are chocolate and coffee flavors. They both create a perfect balance of sweet and bitter in the recipe. That is why it has become very popular.

Drip coffee

Another compatible recipe with medium roast coffee is drip coffee. The drip coffee is so balanced in itself that it feels perfect even without using any kind of sugar or cream. It has a very well-maintained balance of sweet and bitter in it.

Espresso-based drink

One more compatible recipe with the medium roast coffee is the espresso-based drink. It would be very interesting for you to know that medium coffee roast is now used in espresso-based drinks. Espresso-based drinks such as cappuccinos and lattes use medium roast coffee in them.

Coffee and chocolate desserts

Just like a blonde coffee roast, a medium coffee roast is also used for the making of coffee and chocolate desserts. These desserts are more on the sweeter side but it creates a unique balanced taste in your mouth. You can now make tiramisu and chocolate-covered coffee beans with the help of medium-roast coffee.

Health benefits of lighter roast?

If we talk about the acidity level, then it is confirmed that the lighter roast goes on to the harmful side because it has a high acidity rate as compared to the other coffee roasts. But still, there are some health benefits that the lighter roast can offer. 

  • It is found that the lighter the roast, the more it has chlorogenic acid content. Chlorogenic acid content protects human cells against cell damage. 
  • Another thing that turns out to be on the healthier side with a lighter roast is the antioxidant activity. The antioxidant activity increases as the coffee spends more and more time roasting. That is why, as the lighter roast has high antioxidant activity it is considered to be on the healthier side. Overall, the lighter roast is a good option for you to have if you can compromise on the acidity level.

Medium or blonde roast: Which is better?

It depends on your choice and preference. Medium and blonde roasts both have their taste. Medium roast is more on the bitter complex creamy flavor that has a perfect combination of sweet and bitter. Similarly, the blonde roast has a smooth taste. It is more on the milder side. It feels light in your mouth. It depends on you which kind of taste you like to have in your coffee. You can select whatever you want of your own choice.

If we talk about the healthier side. The acidity level of the blonde roast is high and can feel hard on your stomach. But it has considerably high antioxidant and chlorogenic acid content that can take it to the healthier side. Similarly, the medium roast has less acidic content that does not damage your stomach as blonde roast does. But it does not have high antioxidant and chlorogenic content which makes it not as healthier as the blonde roast. Now, keeping in mind all these things you can easily select which one of the roasts is a good option for you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is blonde stronger than a medium roast?

No, a medium roast is considered stronger than the blonde roast because it has more roasting time than the blonde roast. The caffeine content in both roasts is almost the same.

Are blonde and medium roast bitter?

Blonde and medium roast does not have a bitter taste. Blonde roast is lighter and feels nothing in your mouth while the medium roast is the balanced complex roast that gives a really good feel in the mouth.

Is blonde roast stronger?

No, the blonde roast is not stronger because it does not have a high roasting time. It is really light and its unique creamy flavors give a rich feel to the mouth.

Why does blonde roast taste so good?

The blonde roast has unique creamy flavors. It is more on the smoother and milder side. It has a citrusy flavor in it that makes it so good than the other roasts. 

Does blonde roast taste different?

The blonde roast taste different because it does have a high roasting time as the medium or the dark roasts have. Its unique flavors with perfectly sweet and bitter combinations make it unique.

Does the blonde roast taste bad?

No, the blonde roast does not taste bad. Although, if you like a high hit in your coffee that keeps you awake all day then blonde roast is not a suitable choice for you. But it does not taste bad.

Is blonde roast good for the stomach?

The blonde roast is not good for the stomach because it has high acidity rate than the other. A high acidity rate can affect the stomach which is why it is not good for the stomach.

Can blonde roast keep me awake?

The caffeine content in the blonde roast is the same but it is more on the lighter side because it has less roasting time than the medium or dark roast. In that case, medium or dark roasts are good options for you.

Which coffee roast is the smoothest?

The blonde roast is the smoothest roast among all because it has less roasting time. It has a lighter, smooth, and milder taste that feels good in the mouth.

Is blonde roast more bitter?

No, the blonde roast is not bitter as the medium or the dark roast. It has creamy unique flavors that can make you happy with just one sip.

Why do people love blonde roast?

Most people like a blonde roast more than others because of its flavors. Its citrusy smooth unique flavor attracts people towards itself. These things in it make it taste really good.

Does blonde roast work with iced coffee?

Yes, blonde roast coffee can work with iced coffee that is so enjoyable. Its flavors and aroma can make you feel really good.

How to store light roasts?

To get a proper experience of light roast is too good to store them correctly. You can store the light roast in an airtight container in which no air can enter or leave.

How to store dark roasts?

You can also store dark roast in an airtight container. Make sure it does not contact the air otherwise, it can harm the flavor and you will not be able to experience a good dark roast.

Which one has a more balanced flavor: medium or blonde roast?

The medium roast has a more balanced flavor than the blonde roast. It has a perfect combination of flavors that does not make it much sweeter or bitter. It can make you feel really good.

Is blonde roast stronger than regular coffee?

Blonde roast is considered to be stronger than regular coffee because it has more caffeine content. In terms of caffeine content, we can say that blonde roast is much stronger than regular coffee.

Can a blonde roast be used in espresso-based drinks?

No, the blonde roast can not be used to make espresso drinks. Although you can use a medium roast if you want, it can make espresso-based drinks.

Is blonde roast coffee healthy?

The blonde roast coffee is considered healthy if we do not consider acidity level. It has antioxidants and chlorogenic acids that are beneficial for human health.

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