Medium roast coffee combines the sweetness developed during roasting with the character of its origin. Expect notes of chocolate, caramel and nuts, sometimes with a hint of fruit. Our range includes single origin coffees from Brazil, Colombia, Guatemala, India and Uganda, alongside blends and decaf options. We roast 2-4 times a week. Orders usually ship within 24 hours, and in 95% of cases, the coffee reaches our customers within a day.
What is medium roast coffee?
Medium roast coffee is roasted longer than light roast coffee, usually stopping before a pronounced second crack. There is no strict cutoff, as roast levels have no single, universally accepted definition. The beans are medium brown and usually have no visible oil on the surface. Acidity often tastes softer than in light roasts, while chocolate and caramel notes become more noticeable. Body also depends on the particular coffee and how you brew it. Origin still comes through clearly, so a coffee from Brazil tastes different from one grown in Tanzania.
To learn more about how roasting changes flavour, read our guide to coffee roast profiles.
Light, medium or dark roast: what's the difference?
| Roast level | Flavour | Acidity and body | Brewing methods |
|---|---|---|---|
| Light | Fruit, flowers, tea | Usually pronounced acidity, often a lighter body | Pour-over, Chemex, AeroPress, filter coffee machine |
| Medium | Chocolate, caramel, nuts, sometimes fruit | Usually softer acidity, body depends on the coffee and brewing method | Espresso, coffee machines, moka pots |
| Dark | Dark chocolate, roasted notes, spices | Usually low perceived acidity, body depends on the coffee and brewing method | Espresso, moka pots |
Which brewing methods suit medium roast coffee?
Medium roast coffee works well in espresso machines, automatic coffee machines and moka pots. Coffees with chocolate and caramel notes pair nicely with milk, making them worth trying in a cappuccino or latte. We also brew some coffees in this category using pour-over methods, including Malawi Ngapani Estate and Uganda Bulambuli. We can grind your coffee to suit your preferred brewing method.
If you're looking for medium roast coffee beans for an automatic coffee machine, start with Brazil Mogiana or Peru Chanchamayo. Both have chocolate and nutty notes that work well in your everyday espresso.
How to choose medium roast coffee by flavour
| What you're looking for | Coffees and tasting notes |
|---|---|
| Chocolate, caramel, nuts | Brazil Mogiana: caramel, milk chocolate, roasted nuts. Peru Chanchamayo: sweet chocolate, roasted almonds. Colombia Antioquia Medellin: nuts, milk chocolate, cranberry. |
| Chocolate with fruit | Guatemala Huehuetenango: milk chocolate, maple syrup, plum. Papua Wahgi Valley: sweet chocolate, dates, fig. |
| Fruity and vibrant | Malawi Ngapani Estate: guava, grape, bergamot. Tanzania Ngila Estate AA: redcurrant, black tea, jasmine. Uganda Bulambuli: black tea, apricot, honey. |
| Cocoa and spices | India Monsooned Malabar: cocoa, spices, roasted nuts. |
| Decaf | Colombia Excelso Medellin Decaf Swiss Water: nuts, milk chocolate, cocoa. Mexico El Tucan Decaf: milk chocolate, banana cake, yellow apple. |
| Blends with robusta | Sicily Espresso 50/50: dark chocolate, vanilla, walnut. Old Kołobrzeg: a blend of arabica and robusta. |
Tasting notes describe natural flavour impressions, not added flavourings.
Frequently asked questions about medium roasts
Is medium roast suitable for espresso machines?
Yes. Medium roast coffee works well in both traditional espresso machines and automatic coffee machines. Depending on the beans, it can produce espresso with gentle acidity that pairs nicely with milk.
Is medium roast coffee acidic?
Medium roasts usually have softer acidity than light roasts. However, origin, processing and brewing method all make a difference. Brazilian coffees often have a gentler flavour profile than fruitier coffees from Tanzania, although this is not always the case. If you prefer as little acidity as possible, explore our low-acidity coffee category.
Does medium roast have more caffeine than dark roast?
The difference caused by roasting alone is small. Caffeine content depends more on the coffee species and how much coffee you use. Robusta generally contains more caffeine than arabica, so adding robusta to a blend can increase its caffeine content compared with coffee made entirely from arabica.
Can I order medium roast coffee ground?
Yes. When ordering, choose the grind size that matches your brewing method. For home brewing, though, we recommend buying whole beans and grinding them just before making coffee. If you're ordering medium roast coffee for a moka pot, select the grind setting designed for that method. Moka pots generally need a slightly coarser grind than traditional espresso machines.
Medium roast for cafés and offices
We supply coffee to cafés, restaurants and offices. For larger quantities, explore our 1 kg coffee category. To discuss wholesale terms, visit our B2B partnership page, email b2b@colbergcoffee.pl or call +48 883 239 480.




