Office Coffee Roasting 101: Light Roast vs. Medium Roast vs. Dark Roast

We love coffee. You love coffee. Is there anything more important? Nope. Coffee fuels the workplace, keeps meetings (somewhat) engaging, and turns sleepy Monday mornings into productive power hours.

But when it comes to choosing the perfect roast for your office coffee machine, the debate gets real. Which is stronger—light or dark roast coffee? Is there a real difference between light and dark roast coffee, or is it all just a matter of taste?

Let’s settle the debate once and for all and find out which roast is best for your corporate coffee service.

The Science Behind the Brew

Coffee starts its life as a green bean (technically a cherry pit), and roasting transforms it into the aromatic, caffeinated delight we know and love. Roasters apply heat to bring out the bean’s natural flavors, but how long they roast determines the final taste and profile.

Light Roast vs. Medium Roast vs. Dark Roast:

• Light roast is roasted for a shorter time, stopping after the first “crack.” These beans retain more of their original, complex flavors and higher acidity.
• Medium roast is roasted slightly longer, balancing the brighter flavors of a light roast with the deeper notes of a dark roast. It’s the middle ground and often the most popular choice.
• Dark roast is roasted longer, typically past the second “crack.” These beans develop bold, deep flavors with caramelized sugars and more oils on the surface.

Every roaster has their own interpretation of what constitutes a light or dark roast, so one company’s medium might be another’s dark.

Dark Roast: The Bold Classic

The Flavor Profile

Historically, dark roast dominated the coffee world. Before high-tech shipping and storage, darker roasting helped mask unwanted flavors from inconsistent bean quality. Today, dark roasts remain a popular choice for those who love a rich, full-bodied cup of coffee.

Typical flavors include chocolate, caramel, nutty, smoky, and bitter notes.

Is Dark Roast Stronger

Flavor-wise, yes. Dark roasts tend to taste stronger because they have deeper, more developed flavors. However, if you’re talking caffeine content, light roast actually has slightly more.

How to Spot a Dark Roast

• Dark brown, often oily beans
• Low acidity, smooth finish
• Heavy-bodied mouthfeel

Dark roast coffee beans are perfect for espresso lovers, latte drinkers, and those who want a classic, comforting coffee experience.

Light Roast: The Bright Contender

The Flavor Profile

Light roasts preserve more of the bean’s natural flavors, highlighting the unique characteristics of where it was grown. If you love bright, fruity, and complex flavors, a light roast is for you.

Typical flavors include citrus, floral, fruity, tea-like, and tangy notes.

Is Light Roast Stronger

In caffeine content, technically, yes. Since caffeine is slightly burned off during roasting, light roast coffee retains more caffeine per bean than its darker counterpart. However, since dark roast beans are less dense, more of them fit into a scoop, often balancing out the caffeine difference in practice.

How to Spot a Light Roast

• Light brown, dry beans (no oil)
• High acidity, crisp finish
• Lighter-bodied mouthfeel

Perfect for black coffee drinkers, those who love fruity and complex flavors, and anyone looking for a subtle caffeine edge.

Medium Roast: The Best of Both Worlds

The Flavor Profile

Medium roast is often considered the perfect middle ground between light and dark roasts. It offers a balance of acidity and body, preserving the unique flavors of the coffee bean while also developing deeper caramelized notes. This roast tends to be the most approachable and widely preferred.

Typical flavors include caramel, toasted nuts, chocolate, and a mild fruitiness.

Is Medium Roast Stronger

In terms of caffeine, medium roast sits right between light and dark. It maintains a good amount of caffeine while bringing in some of the richer flavors of a darker roast. It’s the ideal choice for those who don’t want too much acidity but still want a smooth, flavorful cup.

How to Spot a Medium Roast

• Medium brown beans with little to no oil
• Balanced acidity and sweetness
• Smooth, medium-bodied mouthfeel

Fun Fact: We partnered with Big Shoulders, recognized as the #1 Independent Coffee Shop in the US by USA Today, to develop The Crafty Blend for the Chicago and Bay area. This exclusive blend features beans sourced from Latin America, roasted to perfection to highlight rich notes of dark chocolate, dark fruit, and nuts. 

MythCrushers: Busting Coffee Myths

• Darker roasts do not have more caffeine. Lighter roasts actually retain slightly more caffeine, but the difference is minimal.
• Dark roasts aren’t always bitter. Well-roasted dark beans have deep, sweet flavors of chocolate and caramel. Bitterness comes from over-roasting or poor-quality beans.
• Light roasts aren’t overly acidic. A good light roast should be balanced—not sour or harsh.

Which Roast Is Best for Your Office

The best roast for your office depends on personal preference. Some employees want a smooth, bold dark roast, while others prefer a bright, fruity light roast. For those who like something in the middle, medium roast is the way to go. That’s why variety is key.

Crafty partners with local roasters to offer a diverse selection of light, medium, and dark roasts for your office coffee service. Whether you have an in-office café, automatic coffee maker, or a good old-fashioned drip machine, we’ll help you find the best brews to keep your team happy and caffeinated.

Pro tip: Before adding cream and sugar, take a sip of your coffee black. You might be surprised at how naturally sweet a light or medium roast can be.

Conclusion

At the end of the day, there’s no single “best” roast—just the best roast for you.

• Dark roast delivers a deep, full-bodied experience with bold flavors.
• Medium roast balances acidity and body, offering a smooth, approachable option.
• Light roast highlights bright, fruity notes with a little more caffeine.

If your office thrives on variety, why not offer all three? Having a mix of roasts ensures that every coffee drinker gets their perfect cup, whether they’re looking for a strong, smoky brew, a balanced and smooth sip, or a bright, nuanced experience.

So, light roast vs. medium roast vs. dark roast—who wins? You decide. We’re just here to make sure you never run out of great coffee.

Cheers to good coffee and productive workdays!