You’ve probably heard someone say they’ve stopped drinking instant coffee and moved to speciality coffee.
Maybe they told you they buy fresh beans now. Maybe they grind their own coffee.
And suddenly you’re wondering:
What exactly is different about these beans? And how do you even choose one?
If terms like light roast, medium roast, or dark roast sound confusing, don’t worry. This guide will help you understand roast levels in a simple, practical way so you can start exploring speciality coffee without feeling lost.
What this guide will help you understand
In this article, we’ll cover:
- What different roast levels are
- What happens to coffee during roasting
- What “cracks” or “popping” in coffee actually mean
- How roast level changes flavour
- How to choose a roast level that works for you
What is a coffee roast level?
Coffee beans start out green. They don’t smell like coffee yet.
Roasting transforms those green seeds into the aromatic beans you recognise. As heat increases, beans change colour, lose moisture, expand, and develop flavour.
Roast levels simply describe how far that roasting process has gone.
Think of it like toasting bread. Light toast tastes very different from dark toast. Coffee works the same way.
The 5 Common Roast Levels
Light Roast
Stopped early in roasting, usually around the first crack.
What it looks like
- Light brown colour
- Dry surface
Flavour
- Bright
- Fruity
- Floral
- Higher acidity
Medium-Light Roast
Very common in Indian speciality coffee.
Flavour
- Sweet
- Balanced acidity
- Clear origin notes
Medium Roast
A balanced middle ground.
Flavour
- Caramel
- Nuts
- Mild fruitiness
Medium-Dark Roast
Deeper roasting with fuller body.
Flavour
- Chocolate-heavy
- Slight smokiness
Dark Roast
Roasted past second crack.
Flavour
- Bold
- Smoky
- Bitter chocolate
What is cracking or popping in coffee?
During roasting, beans release steam and gases, causing audible cracks.
- First Crack -> lighter roasts
- Second Crack -> darker roasts
This is one of the main markers roasters use to control flavour development.
How roast level changes flavour
A simple way to think about it:
- Lighter roasts highlight where the coffee came from
- Darker roasts highlight how the coffee was roasted
Neither is better. They are just different experiences.
What roast level should you choose?
It depends on your taste.
The best thing you can do is try multiple roast levels and see what you enjoy.
If you're unsure where to start, try a sampler pack like this:
Blue Tokai 5-in-1 Sampler Pack Review
Final Thoughts
Speciality coffee doesn’t have to be complicated.
You don’t need fancy gear or deep technical knowledge to start. Just curiosity and a willingness to taste.
Roast level is simply your first map into this world.