What is White Coffee?
Updated - Team Colipse
White coffee beans are roasted at a lower temperature (325 degrees Fahrenheit) and for less time than regular coffee. This results in a lighter, nuttier flavor that is less acidic and bitter. It tastes delicate, raw, and vegetative, with notes of peanuts, grass, hay, and wood. The white roast coffee beans are pale yellow, almost creamy, with no surface oils. It is denser and harder than darker roasted beans. An 8-ounce serving of white coffee has about 95 mg of caffeine (70 mg to 140 mg range). White coffee beans are best used pre-ground to avoid damage to home grinders. It can be made using an espresso machine, Moka Pot, or AeroPress.
What is White Coffee?
White coffee refers to coffee beans roasted at a lower temperature at approximately 325 degrees Fahrenheit and for less time than regular coffee. White coffee roasting stops well before the first crack begins. White coffee beans remain denser and harder than darker roasted beans, and don't undergo the same Maillard reaction or full caramelization. This results in pale yellow, almost creamy beans color with no surface oils. White coffee is not truly white. It has a lighter, nuttier flavor and is less acidic and bitter than regular coffee.
White coffee is a popular choice for white espresso and as a base for milk-based coffees due to their sweet flavor notes. The brewed white coffee has a much lighter color, often described as light yellow or beige. It has been compared to a very light tea or even chicken broth. White coffee beans are lightly roasted, resulting in a high Agtron score (95-100), which measures the degree of roast by analyzing light reflection. Keep in mind that "white coffee" can sometimes refer to regular coffee with milk or cream added. However, "white roast coffee" specifically means coffee made from roasted white coffee beans.
What Does White Coffee Mean?
White coffee typically means coffee beans roasted at a lower temperature than normal roasts. However, the meaning of "white coffee" changes depending on the country. In the United States, white coffee means coffee roasted to a very light level, where the beans just begin to turn from green to yellow. Yemen has a similar centuries-old tradition where lightly roasted beans are brewed and spiced with hawaij, a blend of cardamom, ginger, and cinnamon.
Indonesia has a similar version of white coffee beans called kopi putih, or biji kopi putih. In contrast, Malaysian white coffee, or Ipoh white coffee, means coffee drink rather than the roast. Malaysian white coffee is made with beans roasted in margarine and served with condensed milk. Interestingly, Lebanese white coffee isn't coffee at all. It's a hot, caffeine-free drink made with water, rose or orange blossom water, and a sweetener.
How is White Coffee Roasted?
White coffee is made by roasting beans at a lower temperature around 325°F or 162°C. This temperature range is much lower than standard light roasts, which usually end around 355°F to 401°F (179°C to 205°C). White coffee is roasted for less time 5 to 7 minutes. This prevents the beans from reaching the browning or Maillard reaction stage that produces the characteristic flavors of standard roasted coffee. Due to the low-temperature roasting, white coffee beans remain hard and dense, much like green coffee beans. The short, low-heat roast keeps more of the bean's natural flavors. White coffee tastes nutty, earthy, and bright, with higher acidity than darker roasts.
White coffee roasting uses the same green coffee beans as regular coffee. It involves four stages with varying durations and temperatures. These stages influence the bean's color, moisture level, and overall character, as shown in this table.
| White Coffee Roasting Process | ||
| Stage | Duration and Temperature | Description and Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Drying Stage | 2-3 min at 162°C (325°F) | Beans lose initial moisture, turning from green to pale yellow. Becomes dry, dense, and ready for heating. |
| Browning Stage | 2-3 min at 162°C (325°F) | Limited Maillard reaction; slight color change. Beans turn pale yellow-beige; minimal flavor development. |
| Development Stage | 1-2 min at 162°C (325°F) | Brief development, no first crack. Beans remain hard, dense, with high acidity and caffeine content. |
| Cooling Stage | 4-5 min at Ambient Temperature | Rapid cooling stops roasting. Beans maintain pale color, nutty flavor, and high caffeine content. |
What Does White Coffee Taste Like?
White coffee taste nothing like regular black coffee. It has a lighter, nuttier flavor than darker roasts and is less bitter due to the lack of caramelization from the low roasting temperature. White coffee is less acidic compared to light, medium or dark roasted coffee.
White coffee's initial taste is delicate, raw, and vegetative, with notes of peanuts, raw coffee, and grass. This is due to its underdeveloped roast profile. Further sips reveal hay-like earthiness and herbaceous undertones. White coffee finishes with subtle hints of burlap, dry peanuts, and wood. It has a thin body and a smooth but dry mouthfeel that lingers similar to light tea.
White espresso is different. It doesn't taste like regular espresso. It smells more like vanilla and butter, and the flavor is sweeter and almond-like. When added to milk in drinks like a white latte or flat white, the white coffee flavor is barely noticeable.
How Much Caffeine is in White Coffee?
An 8-ounce (237 ml) serving of brewed white roast coffee has about 95 mg of caffeine (70 mg to 140 mg range), according to the USDA. However, caffeine content in white roast coffee varies based on the coffee bean type, brewing method, and desired strength. Although some argue that white coffee has up to 50% more caffeine than black coffee, this is unverified.
White coffee is often believed to have slightly more caffeine than darker roasts due to its lower roasting temperature. However, researchers from the Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Pharmacognosy at Applied Science Private University found this difference to be insignificant. Their 2021 study published in Molecules showed that light roasts, roasted at similar temperatures to white coffee (311°F – 329°F), contain about 3.42% more caffeine per 8 oz drink than dark roasts.
Is White Coffee Stronger?
Yes, white coffee can be considered stronger than black coffee in caffeine content due to lower roasting temperatures, which preserve more caffeine. Many people think "strength" means a bold, rich flavor. In that case, white coffee is less strong. It has a lighter, nuttier taste than darker roasts.
What is the Difference between White Coffee and Black Coffee?
The main difference between white coffee and black coffee is how long and at what temperature the beans are roasted, which affects how they look, smell, and taste. White coffee is half-roasted at a lower temperature (325°F) and pulled before the "first crack", giving it a whitish color. It appears pale beige and has a milder aroma, often described as floral or grassy. The taste is milder and nuttier with hints of sweetness.
In contrast, black coffee roasts require higher temperatures (400°F to 455°F); medium roasts need up to 15 minutes, while dark Italian roasts need up to 20 minutes. This results in dark brown beans with a stronger, more robust, and sometimes smoky scent. Black coffee offers a bolder, more intense flavor that can range from chocolatey and caramel-like to smoky and bitter, depending on the roast.
The following table shows the differences between black coffee and white coffee.
| Aspect | White Coffee | Black Coffee |
|---|---|---|
| Roasting Temperature | Lower temperature | Higher temperature |
| Caffeine Levels | More caffeine | Standard caffeine content |
| Antioxidants | Retains more antioxidants | Fewer antioxidants due to higher roasting temp |
| Flavor Profile | Sweet, nutty, tea-like | Strong, smoky, and bold |
| Bean Density | Harder, denser, difficult to grind | Easier to grind |
| Brewing Appearance | Translucent liquid | Dark, opaque liquid |
| Brewing Method | Best with espresso, Moka pot, or AeroPress | All home brewing methods work well |
| Popularity Reason | More caffeine, antioxidants, and energy | Traditional flavor and aroma |
What Are the Benefits of Drinking White Coffee?
Drinking white coffee provides higher antioxidants, more caffeine, and lower acidity due to its lighter roast. White coffee retains more of the green coffee bean's qualities and beneficial compounds like chlorogenic acid because it's roasted for less time.
A 2021 study by Shady Awwad in Molecules showed that light roasts, roasted at similar temperatures to white coffee (311°F – 329°F), contain approximately 199.27% more chlorogenic acid than black coffee. This is significant because chlorogenic acid has been linked to various health benefits, including improved blood sugar control, reduced inflammation, and reduced risk of heart disease, according to a 2024 study by Vi Nguyen from the Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy at the University of South Carolina.
How to Make White Coffee?
To make white coffee, use an espresso machine, Moka Pot, or AeroPress. White coffee beans are too hard and dense for home grinders, even high-end burr grinders. Grinding them can damage the burrs, leading to uneven grinding or breaking the machine. To avoid this, use pre-ground white coffee. The following guide shows you how to make white coffee with an espresso machine, Moka pot, or AeroPress.
How to Make White Coffee in Espresso?
To make white coffee with an espresso machine, follow these steps below for a perfect white espresso shot.
- Fill the portafilter with 7-15 grams of white coffee.
- Tamp the grounds firmly.
- Pre-soak by running water for 4 seconds, then pause for 20 seconds.
- Complete the shot extraction.
- Add flavoring, milk, or water.
- Serve your white espresso shot.
How to Make White Coffee in Moka Pot?
Brewing white coffee in a Moka pot is simple. Just follow these steps below.
- Boil at least 4 ounces of filtered water on the stovetop.
- Pour 4 ounces into the bottom chamber, filling it about a quarter of the way.
- Place the filter basket and add 15 grams (or two heaping tablespoons) of white coffee grounds, leveling them out.
- Screw on the top chamber carefully, as the bottom chamber will be hot.
- Put the Moka Pot back on the burner, set the heat to medium, and let the water reach a soft boil.
- Adjust the heat until a steady stream emerges.
- Wait for the Moka Pot to hiss, signaling the coffee is ready.
- Pour your white coffee shots into your preferred mix of flavoring, milk, or water.
How to Make White Coffee in AeroPress?
To make white coffee in an AeroPress, follow these steps below.
- Boil water on the stovetop.
- Preheat the AeroPress by pouring boiling water through the cylinder.
- Insert the filter into the cap, screw it onto the brew chamber, and add 17 grams of white coffee grounds.
- Level the grounds by shaking.
- Place the AeroPress over a sturdy cup with the funnel.
- Pour 100 milliliters of 190°F water up to the circle marked 1.
- Stir for 15-20 seconds, then press the pump down slowly.
- Remove the AeroPress.
- Add the brewed coffee to milk, water, or flavorings as desired.
What Are the Best Beans to Make White Coffee?
The best beans for making white coffee are very lightly roasted Arabica beans. Lightly roasted Arabica beans retain more sugars and acids, giving white coffee its nutty flavor. Look for beans that are specifically labeled for white coffee or "extra light roast" to achieve the best results.
Where to Buy White Coffee?
You can buy white coffee online from specialty coffee stores, Amazon, or white coffee brands like Poverty Bay and Wired Willey's. Some local coffee shops and roasters also carry white coffee beans. While Colipse doesn't sell white roast coffee grounds specifically, we offer many specialty-grade coffee for sale online, roasted fresh and shipped directly to you. Check for availability at coffee shops near you or order online for convenience.
How Much is White Coffee?
The price of white roasted coffee varies, typically ranging from $4 to $8 per cup in cafes. At-home white roast coffee beans cost between $12 and $20 per pound. Prices depend on factors like brand, origin, and preparation style.
Is White Roast More Expensive?
No, white roast coffee, referring to a very light roast level, is not necessarily more expensive than other roasts. The cost of coffee depends on factors like the type of bean, origin, and processing methods. Some white roast coffees might be pricier due to specific beans or processing, but it's not always more expensive than other roast levels.
What is the Difference between White Coffee and Blonde Roast Coffee?
Blonde roast and white coffee are different. White coffee is an under-roasted bean, resulting in a lighter color and a more delicate, sweeter flavor. Our blonde roast coffee is fully roasted but lighter than regular medium or dark roasts. This results in a milder, more acidic coffee with a lighter body.