Best Medium Roast Coffee: Brands, Flavors and Facts
Updated - Team Colipse
The best medium roast coffee brand offers a balance of freshness, flavor, availability, and price with a smooth, well-rounded taste and consistent quality. However, there is no single 'best' medium roast coffee that suits all palates, brewing methods, drink types, or budgets. Choosing the best medium roast is a personal decision shaped by your preferred flavor notes, how you brew your coffee, whether you drink it black or with milk, and how much you’re willing to spend.
Medium roast coffee has a balanced flavor. It is smooth, less acidic than light roasts, milder than dark roasts, and not overly bitter. Flavor notes vary by bean origin. Medium roast refers to roast level, not bean origin. For example, Guatemalan coffees are often medium-roasted to enhance smoothness, but origin and roast style are not the same. The facts about medium roast coffee include its health benefits backed by studies, widespread popularity, versatile brewing compatibility. Nearly half of Americans prefer medium roast coffee. The most popular U.S. brewing methods for it are drip coffee makers, single-cup brewers, and cold brew.
What is Medium Roast Coffee?
Medium roast coffee is a popular roast level with a medium brown color and a balanced flavor profile. Medium roast coffee is made by reaching 405°F to 425°F, producing a smooth taste that highlights both the bean’s flavor and roast characteristics. This roast level differs from light and dark roasts by delivering balanced flavor, complex aroma, and deep body without the acidity of light roasts or the bitterness of dark roasts. Medium roast coffee can be black coffee if brewed without milk, cream, or sweeteners.
Medium roast coffee describes a roast level, not a bean origin like “Colombian” or a marketing blend like “Breakfast Blend.” The term “medium” refers to a midpoint on the roast spectrum, ranging from medium light—closer to the brightness of light roasts—to medium dark, which leans toward the fuller body of dark roasts. Not all medium roasts are the same. Different roasters use unique techniques and timing, affecting flavor and body. For example, Starbucks’ medium is more roast-heavy and darker than what many specialty roasters consider a true medium roast.
What Does Medium Roast Coffee Mean?
Medium roast coffee means a roast level with a medium brown color and a non-oily surface. The meaning of medium roast coffee must be clarified: a coffee's origin does not determine its roast. For example, Guatemalan coffees are often medium-roasted to enhance smoothness, but origin and roast style are not the same. The term "medium roast" often includes historical labels like "American Roast" or "City Roast," which refer to its widespread appeal and establishment as a versatile standard. It identifies as an approachable middle ground in coffee culture, suitable for drip coffee, pour over, cold brew, and espresso.
What is the Difference between Medium and Dark Roast Coffee?
The main differences between medium and dark roast coffee are flavor, acidity, color, and roast time, which affect health benefits, caffeine levels, and overall taste profile. Medium roasts offer balanced acidity with more origin flavor. It features flavor notes of chocolate, caramel, nuts, citrus, and floral tones. Dark roasts are bolder, less acidic, and have a smoky, deeper flavor from extended roasting. They typically feature notes of dark chocolate, smoke, spice, toasted nuts, and molasses, and appear oilier with a darker color.
The difference between medium roast coffee and dark roast extend beyond flavor to health impact. Medium roasts contain more chlorogenic acids, antioxidants that may reduce inflammation and blood sugar, according to a 2016 study published in the Journal Molecular Nutrition & Food Research by Elin Rakvaag from University of Copenhagen. The study suggests that these compounds help reduce oxidative stress and regulate blood sugar, suggesting medium roasts may provide stronger anti-inflammatory and metabolic benefits.
Dark roasted coffee beans have much higher melanoidin levels compared to medium roasts. A 2023 study by Javier Gallardo-Ignacio and colleagues in Molecules from Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana-Iztapalapa found that dark roasts contain 97 mg/g of melanoidins, while medium roasts have only 29 mg/g. Melanoidins are compounds that enhance antioxidant capacity and contribute to the distinct flavor of dark coffee. A 2024 study by Zachary R Lindsey and colleagues in Scientific Reports found that dark roasts usually have lower caffeine levels compared to light and medium roasts when brewed the same way.
How Much Caffeine is in Medium Roast Coffee?
An 8 oz cup of medium roast coffee contains about 90–95 mg of caffeine brewed by drip method, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). A 12 oz cup of medium roast coffee has about 135 mg, and a 16 oz cup holds roughly 180 mg, though caffeine levels vary by brew method, bean type, and brand. For example, a 2020 study published in Foods by Fuller and Rao showed that medium roast Arabica brewed as cold brew had 1.036 g/L of caffeine, while the same coffee brewed hot by French press had 0.572 g/L. This means the caffeine in a cup of medium roast coffee (8 oz) is about 245.5 mg when cold brewed and 135.5 mg when hot brewed. One medium roast cold brew cup delivers over 60% of the FDA’s 400 mg daily caffeine limit and two cups may exceed it.
The following table helps answer how much caffeine is in 1 cup of medium roast coffee by listing estimates from popular brands, which mostly range between 100 mg and 150 mg per 8 oz serving, with outliers like Death Wish Coffee exceeding 300 mg.
| Coffee Brand | Caffeine Content (mg per 8 oz) |
|---|---|
| Barissimo iced coffee, medium roast coffee | Not specified (typical 90–150 mg) |
| Black Rifle Coffee Medium Roast | 130–150 mg |
| Dunkin’ Donuts Medium Roast Coffee | 120 mg |
| Starbucks Medium Roast Iced Coffee | 82 mg |
| Community Coffee Medium Roast | ~135 mg |
| Death Wish Coffee Medium Roast | 300–350 mg |
| Folgers Medium Roast Coffee | 145 mg |
| Great Value Medium Roast Coffee | 130–140 mg |
| Kirkland Medium Roast Coffee | 130–140 mg |
| Maxwell House Medium Roast Coffee | 130–150 mg |
| Trader Joe’s Medium Roast Coffee | 120–140 mg |
| Caribou Coffee Medium Roast | 100 mg |
What are the Best Medium Roast Coffee Beans?
The best medium roast coffee beans balances freshness, flavor, availability, and price. It delivers a smooth, well-rounded taste with consistent quality and broad accessibility. Choosing the right medium roast depends on the format, whether whole bean, ground, pods, or instant, and your preferred brewing method, such as espresso, French press, or cold brew. The following list shows top 9 medium roasts for different brewing methods, budgets, and popular coffee drinks.
- Colipse Colombian Excelso Coffee
- Blue Bottle Beta Blend
- Caribou Blend Medium Roast
- Black Rifle Coffee Just Black Roast
- Kona Gold Medium/Dark Roast
- McCafe Premium Roast Ground Coffee
- Gevalia Colombia Medium Roast K-Cup® Coffee
- Coffee Kult Kenya Coffee
- Café Britt Costa Rican Montecielo Coffee
1. Colipse Colombian Excelso Coffee
Colipse Colombian Excelso is a medium roast from Colombia made with specialty-grade Caturra and Red Catuai Arabica beans that are wet processed and sundried. This is the best tasting medium roast ground coffee for drip brewing because it is freshly roasted and shipped the same day. The coffee beans are handpicked, fully traceable to the Fairtrade Organic certified Café del Macizo cooperative, meet specialty standards, and come in coarse, medium, and fine grinds with package sizes from 12 oz to 5 lb, including free shipping and volume discounts. This Colombian medium roast coffee is ideal for auto drip makers like KitchenAid, Kenwood, or DeLonghi and easy to brew for iced coffee, café au lait, or a simple coffee tonic.
Taste: Colipse Colombian Excelso medium roast ground coffee features a rounded body with bright acidity and mild sweetness. It delivers flavors of dark chocolate, mango, and peach. The coffee provides a smooth mouthfeel and a clean finish, leaving a refreshing aftertaste akin to fruit chocolate. It pairs well with pastries, dark chocolate, and fresh fruit. Although our medium roast is best for auto drip, it’s also available in whole bean for those who grind fresh at home for coffee machines like Jura, Breville, or Philips.
About Medium Roast Coffee Brand: Colipse Coffee is an independent online store based in Albuquerque, New Mexico since 2024, selling specialty-grade medium roast coffee.
Availability: Colipse Colombian Excelso medium roast ground coffee is available online in the U.S. through the Colipse website. It is freshly roasted to order and offered in 12 oz, 16 oz, 32 oz, and 5 lb sizes in both whole bean and ground form. Prices start at $23.50 per 12 oz with free U.S. shipping and up to 40% off for larger bags. It is vailable as a subscription, delivered automatically every 1, 2, 3, or even 5 weeks, so you never run out of fresh coffee.
Pros: Roasted fresh to order, free shipping, multiple grind sizes for various brewing methods, free delivery for U.S. orders.
Cons: Slightly more expensive then other store-bought medium roast coffee brands.
Recommendation: Colipse Colombian Excelso is the best medium roast specialty coffee for those seeking a true Colombian cup that’s fresh and roasted on demand.
| Colipse Colombian Excelso Ground Coffee | Description |
|---|---|
| Coffee Quality | Specialty grade |
| Roast Profile | Medium |
| Flavor Notes | Dark chocolate, mango, peach |
| Processing Method | Fully Washed |
| Bean Origin | Café del Macizo Cooperative, Tolima, Colombia |
| Average Price in USD | $23.50 USD |
| Where to Buy | Colipse Coffee Website |
2. Blue Bottle Beta Blend
Beta Blend by Blue Bottle Coffee is a medium roast whole bean coffee made from 50% Mexican and 50% washed Ethiopian beans. It stands out for its smooth finish and ranks among the best medium roasts. Beta Blend works well in espresso machines, French presses, and bean-to-cup makers. It offers a clear aroma, moderate acidity, and a balanced body with a smooth transition and lingering finish. Beta Blend is available on the Blue Bottle Coffee website and Amazon. It ships to the U.S. and Canada, with bag sizes and grind options starting at about $22.50. It offers consistent roasting and premium taste but lacks roast date transparency.
3. Caribou Blend Medium Roast
Caribou Coffee Caribou Blend is a medium roast made from 100% Arabica beans sourced from Brazil, Costa Rica, Colombia, Guatemala, Sumatra, and Indonesia. It is the best medium roast for versatile home brewing because it’s available in seven grind sizes for moka pot, French press, filter, percolator, and more. Caribou Blend features a clear aroma, balanced acidity, and a smooth body that transitions from the first sip to a clean, light finish. It is available on the Caribou Coffee website, in Caribou coffee shops, and through Amazon and Walmart, starting at 12 oz in whole bean and ground options. Prices begin around $15.99 per 12 oz bag.
4. Black Rifle Coffee Just Black Roast
Black Rifle Coffee Company offers several medium roasts, but Just Black Roast is one of the most popular on Amazon, with over 18,000 reviews and a 4.6 out of 5 average rating. This popular coffee brand is known for its veteran support and first responder advocacy. It delivers a bold, smooth flavor with notes of dark cocoa and a hint of spice, balanced by a clean finish. This coffee suits classic brewing methods like drip machines, AeroPress, and pour-over. It is perfect for those who enjoy strong, smooth black coffee without bitterness, but it’s only sold in whole bean or medium ground, so it is less ideal for cold brew or French press, which need a coarse grind. The Just Black Roast is available on Black Rifle Coffee Company’s website and Amazon in standard 12 oz bags. Prices start at $15.19 but may vary by store, location, or bag size.
5. Kona Gold Medium/Dark Roast
Kona Gold Coffee Medium-Dark Roast by Kona Gold Trading Company is a single origin 100% Kona coffee from Kailua Kona, Hawaii, made from Arabica beans and roasted to a medium-dark Full City level. It is the top premium medium-dark roast Kona coffee because it comes from a limited annual harvest and uses Extra Fancy grade beans, the highest quality classification in Kona coffee. It features an inviting aroma, balanced acidity, and a full body that culminates in a smooth finish with a lingering aftertaste. The product is available on the Kona Gold website in 4 oz, 8 oz, 16 oz, and 5 lb bags. This is the best medium roast coffee gift for those who want something smooth, rich, and special, but it’s expensive at $18.00 for a 4 oz bag.
6. McCafe Premium Roast Ground Coffee
McCafe Premium Roast is a ground coffee made from 100% Arabica beans, medium roasted, and packaged in a 30 oz canister. It is the top-rated medium roast on Amazon, with over 28,000 reviews and a 4.7 average score. It is a solid, reliable choice for everyday brewing with auto drip machines like Cuisinart, Mr. Coffee, Ninja, or Hamilton Beach. However, the lack of a visible roast date makes it difficult to verify freshness. Additionally, it is only sold in a medium grind, which limits its use for espresso, Moka pots, French presses, or cold brew. This is the best medium roast supermarket coffee available at Walmart, Target, and Amazon, typically priced around $14.00 for a 30 oz canister.
7. Gevalia Colombia Medium Roast K-Cup® Coffee
Colombia Medium Roast K-Cup® Coffee Pods from GEVALIA are a medium roast coffee made with 100% Arabica beans. These are the best-tasting medium roast coffee pods for Keurig brewers because GEVALIA slow-roasts and snap-cools them to lock in a fresh, rich flavor profile. It delivers a clear, smooth consistency from the first sip to the last and leaves a lasting impression, but it lacks a visible roast date, so freshness may vary. This coffee uses 100% Colombian Arabica from high-altitude regions for a smooth, balanced cup. It is a dependable single-serve option. GEVALIA medium roast coffee pods are compatible with Keurig Coffee Brewers, including models like Keurig K-Elite, K-Classic, and K-Supreme. The coffee is available on GEVALIA’s website and several online stores like Amazon and Walmart.
8. Coffee Kult Kenya Coffee
Kenya AA Top Coffee by Koffee Kult is a premium medium roast from Kenya made with SL28, SL34, Ruiru 11, and Batian beans roasted locally in Hollywood, Florida. It ranks among the best premium medium roasts from Kenya for pour overs like Chemex, Hario V60, and Kalita Wave because it’s roasted fresh to order. The beans are sourced from high altitudes at 1,600–1,800 masl, fully washed, and dried on raised beds. This coffee is available in whole bean and medium ground forms and works with most bean-to-cup coffee machines like Gaggia, SMEG, and Jura, but not in coarse ground, so it is less ideal for cold brew or French press. The best way to order is through the website to get freshly roasted beans, but the 12 oz bag starts at $26.00 plus shipping fees.
9. Café Britt Costa Rican Montecielo Coffee
Costa Rican Montecielo Coffee by Café Britt is a medium roast from Tarrazú, made from strictly hard beans certified USDA Organic, Kosher, and Gluten-Free. It ranks as the top Costa Rican medium roast from Tarrazú thanks to the region’s high altitude and regulated growing conditions. The beans grow at altitudes of 1,200 to 1,400 meters, are harvested from November to April, and follow distinct rainy and dry seasons. This single origin medium roast is ideal for espresso. It delivers complex flavor, a consistent roast profile, clear aroma, smooth texture, and a balanced, short finish. The coffee is available on the Café Britt website and few online specialty coffee stores, with a 340g (12 oz) bag priced at $20.95 USD.
How to Choose the Best Medium Roast Coffee Beans?
To choose the best medium roast coffee beans, consider factors such as flavor, quality, and your overall brewing experience.
- Select Bean Type: Arabica medium roast coffee offers smooth flavors with gentle acidity. It grows in high-altitude, cool climates like Guatemala, Honduras, and Ethiopia, and is ideal for a clean, balanced cup with floral, fruity, or chocolatey notes. Robusta medium roast coffee, from Coffea canephora beans, grows in warm, low-altitude regions like Vietnam, India, and Uganda. It has more caffeine than Arabica and offers a budget-friendly option for a strong energy boost.
- Choose Origin Type: Single origin medium roast coffee comes from one specific location such as a farm, cooperative, or region and offers unique flavors shaped by the local climate and soil. Examples include Sumatra for earthy richness, Kenya for bright acidity, and Brazil for a nutty, chocolatey balance. It is great for those who enjoy unique, traceable flavors, though consistency may vary. Blended medium roast coffee such as Donut Shop or Breakfast blends combines beans from different origins for a balanced, reliable taste. Blends make great everyday coffee with a smooth, consistent profile, but they typically offer less complexity than single origin options.
- Check Certifications: Medium roast organic coffee is made from beans grown without synthetic pesticides, herbicides, or fertilizers and is often certified by bodies like USDA Organic. For consumers this means cleaner coffee and for farmers it supports sustainable practices. Many brands offer certified organic options but some farmers grow coffee organically without official certification due to cost and these are often referred to as organic by default.
- Assess Freshness: Freshly roasted medium roast coffee is better than stale coffee because it retains more flavor, aroma, and natural oils. Fresh roasted beans release carbon dioxide for several days, a process called degassing, which preserves taste and indicates recent roasting. The benefits include richer flavor, stronger aroma, and a more vibrant cup, but the downside is the higher cost versus store-bought supermarket options.
- Explore Flavor Profiles and Additives: Medium roast coffee is the most common base for flavored coffee such as hazelnut, vanilla, or pumpkin spice. Flavored medium roast coffees are made by infusing roasted beans after roasting with natural or synthetic oils, flavor compounds, or extracts. This offers balance without overpowering added flavors but can mask the coffee’s original origin profile. It is ideal for those who enjoy variety or prefer a sweeter, more approachable cup.
- Determine Grind Size: Match your medium roast coffee grind size to your brewing method for best results. Use coarse grind for cold brew, French press, and percolators, and fine grind for espresso machines or moka pots. Using other grind sizes is possible but often leads to weak or bitter flavors.
- Look for Best Deals: There are many ways to explore medium roast coffee without overspending. Choose from bag sizes ranging from 12 oz to 5 lb to lower cost per ounce. Medium roast coffee subscriptions often give discounts and ensure freshness, while coffee-of-the-month clubs let you sample different medium roast options regularly.
Is Medium Roast Coffee Good?
Yes, medium roast coffee is a great choice for most people. It offers a balanced flavor profile with moderate acidity, more origin character, and higher levels of antioxidants like chlorogenic acids compared to dark roasts. Medium roast coffee is good for people who want balanced flavor, moderate acidity, and steady caffeine without harsh bitterness. It suits most healthy adults. However, those with acid reflux, heartburn, or caffeine sensitivity may need to avoid or limit it due to its acidity and stimulant effects.
What are the Best Medium Roast Coffee Brands?
The 12 best medium roast coffee brands in the United States are listed below.
- Colipse Coffee
- Black Rifle Coffee Company
- Bulletproof Coffee Medium Roast
- Community Coffee
- Copper Moon Coffee
- Death Wish Coffee
- Eight O'Clock
- Farmer Brothers
- Folgers Coffee
- Green Mountain Coffee
- Illy Coffee
- Jim's Organic Coffee
What are the Best Coffee Shops for Medium Roast Coffee?
The best coffee shops for medium roast coffee are listed below.
- Starbucks: Starbucks offers Pike Place Roast, a classic medium roast with a medium body. The blend delivers a consistent flavor profile and broad appeal. It’s widely available and balanced, though some experts consider it overly commercial.
- Peet's Coffee: Peet's Coffee offers multiple medium roasts across U.S. locations. The coffees feature deep, nuanced flavors with chocolate and spice notes. This quality focus attracts enthusiasts, though prices are often above average.
- Dunkin' Donuts: Dunkin' Donuts serves a classic medium roast with a mild flavor profile. It appeals to daily drinkers seeking a dependable, affordable option, though its simplicity may not satisfy those wanting more complex flavors.
- McCafe: McDonald’s McCafe offers a smooth medium roast at a budget price. It’s widely accessible and made for mass appeal, though it may lack the flavor depth found in premium cafes.
- Krispy Kreme: Krispy Kreme offers a medium roast designed to pair with donuts. It has a smooth, sweet profile that complements baked goods but may not satisfy those seeking bold, standalone coffee flavor.
Where to Buy the Best Medium Roast Coffee for Home Brewing?
You can buy the best medium roast coffee for home brewing from specialty roasters, like Colipse Coffee, who prioritize quality and freshness. We offer fresh roasted-to-order medium roasts with peak flavor and aroma in every cup. Our premium coffee includes blends like Breakfast Blend, Donut Shop, and Cold Brew, plus single origins like Colombia Excelso in 12 oz, 16 oz, 2 lb, and 5 lb sizes for easy quantity selection. Explore all our medium roast coffee bean options and view the latest discounts on our collection page. Our medium roast beans are on sale starting at $20.99 for a 12 oz bag, with up to 40% off larger volumes.
What Does Medium Roast Coffee Taske Like?
Medium roast coffee has a balanced flavor. It is smooth, not overly bitter, less acidic than light roasts, and milder than dark roasts, though exact flavor notes depend on the bean origin. Medium roast Ethiopian coffees typically have floral and citrus notes with bright acidity and a light body. In contrast, medium-roast Guatemalan and Colombian coffees offer chocolate, caramel, and nutty sweetness, with a rounded body and a clean finish. Kenyan medium roasts bring a lively acidity, berry fruit tones, and a juicy mouthfeel. Compared to medium-light roasts, medium roasts develop more caramelized sweetness and fuller body, while still preserving origin clarity. Medium dark roasts shift toward toasted, bittersweet, and smoky flavors with heavier mouthfeel and reduced acidity.
The following table highlights the most common flavor notes found in medium roast coffee, organized into primary, secondary, and tertiary categories based on the Specialty Coffee Association’s flavor wheel.
| Primary Flavors | Secondary Flavors | Tertiary Flavors |
|---|---|---|
| Fruity | Citrus, Berry, Dried Fruit | Orange, Lemon, Raspberry, Raisin |
| Nutty / Cocoa | Nutty, Cocoa | Hazelnut, Almond, Chocolate |
| Sweet | Brown Sugar, Sweet Aromatics | Caramel, Maple Syrup, Honey |
| Floral | Floral | Jasmine, Chamomile |
Is Medium Roast Coffee Sour?
No, a well-brewed medium roast has balanced acidity, not an unpleasant sour taste. The term "sour" may indicate a brewing defect or the coffee's inherent acidity. Medium roast coffee has higher acidity than dark roast because it breaks down fewer chlorogenic acids during shorter roasting, preserving bright, tangy, or fruity notes. It sits between the higher acidity of light roasts and the lower acidity of dark roasts. Dark roasts have less acidity due to extended roasting. Under-extraction, cool water, or short brew time can cause sourness, but this flaw is unrelated to roast level.
Is Medium Roast Coffee Strong?
The strength of medium roast coffee is subjective and influenced by factors such as caffeine content, flavor profile, and brewing methods. Medium roast coffee contains moderate caffeine. Lighter roasts retain more caffeine by weight, while darker roasts can appear more concentrated by volume. A 2024 study published in Scientific Reports by Zachary Lindsey from Berry College and Drexel University showed dark roasts brewed under the same conditions had lower caffeine than medium and light roasts, but higher levels at equal extraction yields.
Medium roast coffee’s perceived strength comes from its balanced mix of acidity, sweetness, and body, revealing more complex notes compared to dark roasts, primarily due to its chemical composition as demonstrated in a 2023 study published in Heliyon by researchers at the Federal University of Viçosa. The study found that medium roast profiles (about 210 °C for 9–11 minutes) preserved more antioxidants and compounds like 5-CQA and trigonelline. These contribute to greater flavor complexity and a stronger taste without the bitterness of dark roasts.
What are the Facts about Medium Roast Coffee?
The facts about medium roast coffee include its health benefits backed by studies, widespread popularity, versatile brewing compatibility. The main benefits of medium roast coffee include enhanced antioxidant capacity, improved metabolic function, better cardiovascular health, and more. Medium roast coffee is a popular choice in the coffee market. In fact, a 2022 U.S. survey showed that 49% of Americans prefer medium roast coffee. It ranks as the most popular option nationwide, ahead of light and dark roasts. Medium roast is the most compatible roast level across major brewing methods, including drip coffee makers, Keurig systems, and pour-overs, according to National Coffee Association reports.
What are the Health Benefits of Medium Roast Coffee?
The five primary health benefits of medium roast coffee are listed below.
- Enhances Antioxidant Capacity: Medium roast coffee preserves significant antioxidants-less than light roasts, but more than dark. A 2023 study by Pratibha V. Nerurkar and colleagues in Metabolites from University of Hawai'i at Manoa showed that roasting reduces chlorogenic acids, yet medium roasts maintain meaningful antioxidant levels. A 2023 study by Sevinc Yildirim et al. in the Journal of Food Science and Technology found that Arabica coffee’s antioxidant activity varies by roast, with medium roasts balancing preserved chlorogenic acids and melanoidins. These compounds support blood vessel health and metabolic processes.
- Increases Energy Levels: Medium roast coffee provides higher caffeine content than dark roast coffee, when measured by weight. A 2025 study by Gabriela M R N Alcantara and colleagues in Food Chemistry (Center for Nuclear Energy in Agriculture, University of São Paulo) confirmed that this higher caffeine level plays a key role in stimulating the central nervous system and enhancing alertness.
- Enhances Metabolic Function: A 2025 study published in Nutrients found that Turkish coffee made with a 1:1 blend of medium and dark roasted Arabica beans significantly reduced heart rate from 78.0 to 71.5 bpm after 90 minutes and improved appetite regulation and sleep perception compared to water.
- Enhances Cardiovascular Health: A 2015 randomized controlled trial by Kerstin Kempf et al. in the European Journal of Nutrition (West-German Centre of Diabetes and Health) found overweight adults who drank 4–5 cups per day of a medium roast coffee blend experienced a significant increase in high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol levels, with no change in body weight or blood pressure.
- Enhances Mood: Medium roast coffee can positively affect mood. A 2024 study by Dr. Arthur Merigueti de Souza Costa and colleagues in Food Research International highlighted that sensory evaluations of coffee show that its volatile compounds, which are chemical substances that easily evaporate and contribute to aroma and flavor, enhance mood. The study emphasizes how different roasting levels influence the chemical makeup and sensory characteristics of coffee.
Additionally, black medium roast coffee does not break a fast due to its negligible calorie count and lack of insulin response. However, adding sugar, cream, or milk diminishes its weight management and fasting benefits.
How Popular is Medium Roast Coffee?
Medium roast coffee is very popular, with a market value of $7.5 billion in 2024. Its demand for a rich, balanced flavor is expected to drive growth to $10.2 billion by 2033. Key trends include direct-to-consumer sales, special blends, home brewing, and green initiatives for health and eco-conscious buyers. People are increasingly choosing medium roast coffee for its balanced flavor, high antioxidant levels, and the ability to enjoy café-quality coffee at home. Meanwhile, smaller brands face challenges from rising bean costs, intricate supply chains, and intense market competition.
What is the Most Popular Brewing Method for Medium Roast Coffee?
The most popular brewing methods for medium roast coffee in the U.S. are drip coffee makers, single-cup brewers, and cold brew. Drip coffee makers lead with 62–67% of adults using them at home. Single-cup brewers like Keurig follow at 27–28%, while cold brew adoption is growing at 16–18% for its smooth, low-acid profile. A 2021 study in Foods found that medium-roasted Arabica beans are the most commonly used for cold brew coffee, often steeped for up to 24 hours using a high coffee-to-water ratio. These brewing conditions are associated in other studies with high caffeine extraction.
How to Brew Medium Roast Coffee?
The best way to brew medium roast coffee is to control grind size, water temperature, coffee-to-water ratio, and extraction time, as shown in the list below.
- Dial in Your Grind: Use a medium-coarse grind for medium roast coffee. A consistent grind enhances extraction and fully develops flavors.
- Measure Your Coffee and Water: Apply a 1:15 coffee-to-water ratio to achieve balanced strength and smoothness.
- Control Your Water Temperature: Heat water to 195°F to 205°F (90°C to 96°C) for optimal extraction. Too hot causes bitterness; too cool leads to under-extraction.
- Time Your Extraction: Brew for 3 to 4 minutes to create a well-rounded taste and avoid unpleasant flavors from over-extraction.
- Blend for Depth: Mix dark with medium roast coffee for complexity, balancing bold and nuanced flavors.
How Long Does Medium Roast Coffee Last?
Medium roast coffee beans stay fresh for 2 to 3 months in airtight containers at room temperature. For best flavor, use them within 3 weeks to 3 months of roasting. Once opened, consume within 3 to 4 weeks. Ground medium roast coffee loses freshness faster and is best used within 1 to 2 weeks. Unopened beans can last 6 to 9 months, up to a year with declining flavor. Freezing extends shelf life only if beans are vacuum-sealed. Store in airtight, opaque containers away from heat, light, and moisture.
How to Keep Medium Roast Coffee Fresh?
To keep medium roast coffee fresh, store it in an airtight, opaque container in a cool, dark, dry place. Avoid refrigerators and frequent freezer use. Grind beans just before brewing. Buy only what you can use in 1 to 4 weeks. For long-term storage, freeze vacuum-sealed portions and let them reach room temperature before opening.