Blonde Roast Coffee: Definition, Caffeine, Taste, and Best Brands
Updated - Team Colipse
Blonde roast coffee refers to the lightest roast of coffee., roasted just before the first crack. The beans are dense and pale golden with no surface oil, best brewed in pour-over or espresso to highlight floral, fruity notes. Blonde roast coffee is lighter in color, higher in acidity, antioxidants, and sometimes caffeine, while dark roast is bolder, smoother, and less acidic. An 8 oz serving of blonde roast coffee typically contains around 95 mg of caffeine. Blonde roast coffee is best chosen by flavor preference, freshness, and reputable sourcing, with options available from specialty shops, online retailers, and direct roasters like Colipse Coffee. When comparing roasts, Blonde roast is lighter and sweeter, distinct from white coffee, and more acidic with a lighter body and slightly higher caffeine than medium roast.
What is Blonde Roast Coffee?
Blonde roast coffee is the lightest roast of coffee beans, roasted just before the first crack. Blonde roast coffee undergoes minimal roasting and caramelization. It has the lightest color of all roasted coffee beans, with a pale, golden brown sheen with no oil on the bean surface. The beans stay denser and harder than darker roasts because shorter roasting retains moisture. On the Agtron scale, blonde roast coffee measures between 95 and 85 and is classified as very light roast by the Specialty Coffee Association.
Blonde roast coffee brews best in manual pour-over devices like the Hario V60, Chemex, or AeroPress, and in espresso to highlight its floral and fruity notes. Once brewed, blonde roast coffee looks light brown with a golden hue and a thinner body compared to darker roasts. A 16 fl oz plain blonde roast coffee contains 5 calories with minimal fat, protein, and carbohydrates.
Blonde roast coffee blends mostly use Arabica beans grown in high-altitude regions like Ethiopia, Kenya, or Tanzania because minimal roasting preserves their flavor. A prime example of Blonde Roast coffee is Starbucks Veranda Blend, which features toasted malt and milk chocolate notes.
What Does Blonde Roast Coffee Mean?
Blonde roast coffee means coffee beans roasted for a shorter time at lower temperatures, creating a lighter color and higher acidity. The term "blonde roast" was coined by Starbucks in 2012 to promote lighter roast coffee and rebrand "Cinnamon Roast" to prevent confusion about cinnamon flavor. The terms "blonde roast coffee," "blonde coffee," and "blondie coffee" do not mean the same. "Blonde roast coffee" means a light roast, "blonde coffee" describes a brew made from that roast, and "blondie coffee" often refers to a sweet, flavored drink or dessert-style beverage.
Despite broad use, "blonde roast" differs across roasters because of inconsistent terminology. A blonde roast from one roaster can taste, smell, and look very different from another. For example, Joey Perazella of Perkatory Coffee Roasters states their blonde roast beans are the same as cinnamon roasts. Jon Burman of Burman Coffee Traders uses blonde roast as a broad term that includes Light City, Half City, and New England roasts. Colipse Blonde roast espresso is the lightest blend and uses wet-processed beans grown at 1,400–2,100 masl from Central America and East Africa.
How is Blonde Roast Coffee Made?
Blonde roast coffee is made by roasting beans slowly at lower temperatures between 355°F to 400°F (179°C to 204°C) for 7-9 minutes. The roast stops at first crack when sharp, popcorn-like popping sounds signal the beans have reached the desired point and are ready for removal from heat. Because the roast ends earlier, blonde roast beans lack surface oil since the temperature does not reach the level needed to release it. The roasting time for blonde roast coffee is shorter than medium or dark roasts and keeps beans lighter with more original flavor.
What is the Difference between Blonde Roast and Dark Roast?
The primary difference between blonde and dark roast coffee is the roasting process, affecting color, flavor, and brewing. Blonde roast coffee has a light color and mild flavor, while dark roast has a dark color and bold flavor. A 2018 study published in Nutrients by Sukyoung Choi found that lighter roasts keep more chlorogenic acids and other antioxidants that reduce inflammation. Darker roasts lose many of these but develop melanoidins during the Maillard reaction, which give the beans their dark color and smoky taste.
The difference between dark roast and blonde roast coffee was also clear in acidity and caffeine. A 2020 study in Foods by Niny Z. Rao showed that darker roasts lose citric and malic acids, creating smoother but less tangy flavors, while lighter roasts retain more fruity brightness. A 2021 study published in Molecules by Shady Awwad found that caffeine increased as beans moved from light to medium roast, but then dropped again when roasted to a dark level. The following image compares blonde roast and dark roast coffee beans.
Is Blonde Roast Coffee Healthier?
Neither blonde roast nor dark roast coffee is strictly healthier. A 2020 study published in the Journal of Environmental Science and Health by Alica Bobková from The Slovak University of Agriculture found that light roasts have the highest levels of antioxidants and dark roasts were found to have the lowest. In contrast, a 2014 randomized controlled trial publushed in Molecular Nutrition & Food Research by Malte Rubach found that dark-roast coffee produced less gastric acid than medium roast, showing darker roasts are gentler for people with acid reflux. For people seeking health benefits from antioxidants and bright flavor, blonde roast coffee is the better choice. For those managing acid reflux, heartburn, GERD, or stomach sensitivity, darker roasts are recommended.
Is Blonde Roast Coffee Less Acidic?
No, blonde roast coffee is not less acidic. In fact, blonde roast has higher acidity than darker roasts due to shorter roasting times that retain acidic compounds. Quick roasting leads to overly acidic beans as CO2 and acids remain trapped before the first crack. While all coffees are acidic on the pH scale, blonde roasts tend to have a more sour taste due to these higher acid levels.
Is Blonde Roast Coffee Stronger?
When people ask if blonde roast is stronger, they are either comparing caffeine levels or flavor intensity. Blonde roast is not stronger in flavor than darker roasts. It has a lighter, more acidic taste with pronounced citrus and floral notes. Darker roasts develop bolder, smokier flavors due to longer roasting. Regarding caffeine, blonde roasts are tiny bit stronger per scoop than darker roasts because the beans are denser and retain more caffeine. Flavor intensity, however, increases with roast level but does not correlate with caffeine content or roast lightness.
How Much Caffeine is in Blonde Roast Coffee?
An 8-ounce (237 ml) serving of brewed blonde roast coffee typically contains around 95 mg of caffeine, but this can range from 70 mg to 140 mg, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. However, caffeine content in blonde roast coffee can vary based on factors like the serving size, brewing method, coffee-to-water ratio, and desired strength. For example, an 8-ounce Starbucks Veranda blend blonde roast contains 180 mg of caffeine, while their Dark Roast has 130 mg.
Does blonde roast have more caffeine? Yes, blonde roast coffee contains slightly more caffeine when measured by volume due to its higher density. A 2024 study published in Scientific Reports titled "Caffeine content in filter coffee brews as a function of degree of roast and extraction yield" showed dark roast coffee contains less caffeine than light or medium roasts under identical brewing conditions.
Roasting changes caffeine levels in blonde roast coffee through bean density, not caffeine breakdown. Because blonde roast beans are roasted shorter, they are denser. However, caffeine in blonde roast coffee depends on the bean type. Arabica beans contain less caffeine than Robusta beans and are used in blonde roasts, while Robusta beans are common fillers in dark roasts. If a dark or medium roast uses Robusta beans with nearly twice the caffeine of Arabica, it can have more caffeine than a blonde roast made from Arabica.
What Does Blonde Roast Coffee Taste Like?
Blonde roast coffee offers a mild, smooth taste with sharp acidity and light, delicate, and complex flavors. The first impression in blonde roast brewed coffee feature bright, citrusy notes like lemon or orange and berry-like nuances such as blueberry or strawberry. It has a light body, a crisp mouthfeel, and a clean, lemony aftertaste. As you sip, the flavor layers build in complexity, leaving a refined, lingering finish. Blonde roast coffee has a milder, more acidic taste compared to the bold and bitter flavor of dark roast coffee.
This table shows the flavor profile of blonde roast coffee, including primary flavors, secondary flavors, and tertiary flavors.
| Primary Flavors | Secondary Flavors | Tertiary Flavors |
|---|---|---|
| Fruity | Citrus (Lemon, Orange) | Bergamot |
| Floral | Jasmine, Chamomile | Earl Grey Tea |
| Sweet | Honey, Brown Sugar | Marzipan |
| Nutty | Almond, Hazelnut | Subtle Nougat |
| Bright/Acidic | Grapefruit, Lime | Subtle Winey Notes |
The specific flavors in a blonde roast coffee can vary significantly depending on the origin of the beans. For instance, Colombian beans tend to have a balanced sweetness with notes of caramel and apple, while Kenyan beans are known for their bold, citrusy flavors like grapefruit and black currant. While brewed blonde roast is known for its lightness, blonde roast espresso offers a more concentrated flavor experience. Expect a combination of chocolate, citrus, and nutty notes with a lingering sweetness. Blonde roast coffee achieves its best flavor when roasted with specialty grade coffee beans.
What are the Best Blonde Roast Coffee Brands?
The best blonde roast coffee beans are affordable, widely available, fresh, and rich in flavor with a smooth, bright acidity. The best blonde roast coffee brands roast to order, use specialty-grade Arabica beans, source ethically, and earn strong reviews for consistency and taste balance. The top choices available today are listed below.
- Colipse Blonde Espresso
- Starbucks Blonde Espresso Roast
- Lifeboost Coffee Blonde Espresso
- Tierra Farm Blonde Blend
- Starbucks Veranda Blend
1. Colipse Blonde Espresso
Colipse Blonde Espresso is a light roast coffee made from specialty-grade Arabica beans sourced from Costa Rica, Kenya, and Ethiopia. It uses a combination of washed and dry processing methods. Colipse Blonde Espresso delivers the best blonde roast whole bean coffee by being roasted fresh to order. It performs consistently in automatic espresso machines, super-automatic units, lever machines, and pour-over coffee makers. Colipse Blonde Espresso delivers bright honey, berry, and citrus notes with floral aroma and crisp body. They come in 12 oz to 5 lb bags, whole or ground in coarse, medium, or fine grinds. A 12 oz bag costs $21.50 with free U.S. shipping.
2. Starbucks Blonde Espresso Roast
Starbucks® by Nespresso® for Vertuo Blonde Espresso Roast is a blonde roast coffee made with Arabica beans from Latin America and East Africa. It is available in capsule format for Nespresso® Vertuo machines at grocery stores, Starbucks locations, and online retailers for $11.00 per 10-count box. It provides consistent quality and suits users who prefer a simple brewing method for daily espresso drinks. It has a smooth texture with sweet, vibrant notes and is ideal for milk-based drinks like lattes.
3. Lifeboost Coffee Blonde Espresso
Lifeboost Coffee Blonde Espresso is a light roast coffee made with Arabica beans from small family farms in Nicaragua’s rainforest. It is USDA-certified organic, fair trade, and tested for over 400 toxins, including mycotoxins and heavy metals. It employs spring water-washed processing and has low-acidity and specialty certifications. It is sold as whole bean or ground coffee for $29.95 per 12 oz bag on Lifeboost’s website with free shipping on subscriptions.
4. Tierra Farm Blonde Blend
Tierra Farm Tierra OG Blonde Blend Coffee is a blonde roast coffee made with high-quality Arabica beans. It undergoes a precise light roasting process and achieves a balanced, clean finish. It is certified organic and available in 12 oz bags for $14.99 on Tierra Farm’s website with free shipping on orders over $50. It suits home brewers and professionals using drip machines, pour-overs, or espresso makers due to its consistent clarity and flavor.
5. Starbucks Veranda Blend
Starbucks Blonde Veranda Blend is a medium roast coffee made with Arabica beans from Latin America. It is available as ground coffee or whole beans in 12 oz bags for $9.98 at major retailers like Walmart and Amazon with free shipping on orders over $35. It has a 4.6/5 rating from over 2,900 reviews, reflecting consistent quality and positive feedback. It suits home brewers and office users with 12-cup brew pots or espresso machines due to its mellow flavor and reliable performance.
How to Choose the Best Blonde Roast Coffee?
To choose the best blonde roast coffee, identify preferred flavor notes like bright, fruity, or mild. Next, consider coffee origin and roasting date for freshness and quality. Finally, select reputable brand that matches taste preferences. A more detailed list on how to find the best blonde roast coffee follows below.
- Check bean origin to understand flavor profile.
- Look at roast freshness to ensure peak flavor.
- Match grind size to your brewing method.
- Select beans with floral or citrus tasting notes.
- Choose whole beans to preserve aroma.
- Grind beans before brewing for best extraction.
- Store coffee in airtight containers to keep freshness.
Where to Buy Blonde Roast Coffee Beans?
You can buy blonde roast coffee beans at many locations. Specialty coffee shops offer a selection of blonde roasts. Online retailers like Amazon and Target offer a wide variety of brands and roasts, including blonde. For fresh blonde roast coffee, buy from private, family-owned specialty stores like Colipse Coffee. We offer blonde roast whole bean coffee in 12 oz, 16 oz, 2 lb, and 5 lb bags with free shipping and bulk discounts.
What is the Price for Blonde Roast Coffee Beans?
The price of blonde roast coffee beans can vary depending on the brand, quality, and where you buy it. As an example, Colipse sells freshly roasted coffee beans blonde roast in 12 oz bags for $22.50. We also offer a subscription service that reduces the price to $20.25 per bag.
How Popular is Blonde Roast Coffee?
Blonde roast coffee is gaining popularity because it offers a lighter, brighter flavor than medium roasts. This allows the unique flavors of the coffee beans, like citrus, floral, and berry notes, to shine through. While it tends to be more acidic, blonde roast can appeal to those who prefer a milder taste.
Blonde roast coffee appeals to both casual drinkers and connoisseurs with its milder, sweeter flavor. Starbucks popularized blonde espresso with a lighter-bodied, mellow version that challenged the idea that stronger or darker roasts are better. This move highlighted the versatility of lighter roasts.
Is Blonde Roast the Same as Blonde Espresso?
No, blonde roast and blonde espresso are not the same. Blonde roast refers to a lighter coffee bean roast level with mild flavors and higher acidity. In contrast, blonde espresso is a specific preparation using blonde roasted beans for a milder and slightly sweeter espresso shot.
How Does Blonde Roast Compare to Other Coffee Roasts?
Blonde roast coffee is lighter in color and flavor compared to other coffee roasts. City, cinnamon, and New England roasts are slightly darker but still light. Full city roast is medium-dark, with stronger flavor and lower acidity than lighter roasts. Blonde roast retains more caffeine and highlights the coffee's natural sweetness.
Is Blonde Roast the Same as White Coffee?
No, blonde roast is not the same as white coffee. Both blonde roast and white coffee are lighter than traditional roasts but differ in characteristics. Blonde roast uses slightly higher temperatures, producing a light brown color and sweeter flavor. White coffee roasts at lower temperatures, yielding a pale beige color, nuttier flavor, and a bit more caffeine. This also applies to blonde espresso and white espresso - they are not the same.
What is the Difference between Blonde Roast and Medium Roast?
The main difference between blonde roast and medium roast is the roast level and flavor profile. Blonde roast beans are roasted for a shorter time, resulting in a lighter body, higher acidity, and more caffeine. Medium roast beans are roasted longer, offering a balanced flavor, reduced acidity, and smoother finish.