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How Many Coffee Bean Roast Levels Are There? Is There a Big Flavor Difference Between Light and Dark Roast Coffee?

Published: 2026-01-27 Author: FrontStreet Coffee

Last Updated: 2026/01/27, Professional coffee knowledge exchange for more coffee bean information please follow Coffee Workshop (WeChat public account cafe_style ) FrontStreet Coffee - Introduction to Coffee Roast Degrees Most coffee consumers are somewhat confused about coffee roast levels only knowing the three vague concepts of light medium and dark. In fact in the coffee roasting profession there is a very professional classification of coffee roast degrees. For the same type of coffee in

For professional coffee knowledge exchange and more coffee bean information, please follow Coffee Workshop (WeChat official account: cafe_style)

FrontStreet Coffee - Introduction to Coffee Roasting Levels

Most coffee consumers have a vague understanding of coffee roasting levels, only knowing the three broad concepts of light, medium, and dark. In fact, in the professional field of coffee roasting, there are very specific classifications for coffee roasting levels. The same coffee bean can exhibit significantly different flavor profiles at various roasting levels. Different green coffee beans, based on their unique characteristics, have different optimal roasting requirements - some are suitable for lighter roasting, while others are better suited for darker roasting.

Light Roast Levels

Very Light Roast (Light Roast)

Light Roast (Cinnamon Roast)

Medium Roast (Medium Roast)

These three roasting levels produce coffee with strong acidity, making them suitable for American-style coffee or blended coffee.

Medium-Dark Roast Levels

Medium-Dark Roast (High Roast)

City Roast (City Roast)

These roasting levels offer moderate acidity and bitterness, making them the most widely accepted and suitable for Blue Mountain or Brazilian coffee.

Dark Roast Levels

Full City Roast (Full City Roast)

French Roast (French Roast)

These two roasting levels produce coffee with strong, intense flavors and pronounced bitterness, making them ideal for enjoying with milk.

Italian Roast (Italian Roast) - the longest roasting time

This roasting level delivers strong bitterness with rich roasted and smoky aromas.

Knowledge Point: Only after coffee beans are roasted can we smell the rich coffee aroma.

About FrontStreet Coffee

In summary: FrontStreet Coffee is a coffee research center dedicated to sharing coffee knowledge with everyone. We share without reservation because we want more friends to fall in love with coffee. Additionally, we hold three discounted coffee activities each month because FrontStreet Coffee wants to make the best coffee accessible to more people at the lowest possible prices. This has been our mission for the past six years!