Light roast, medium roast, and dark roast, what’s the difference between these? For coffee aficionados, this may be quite a simple question to answer but for those who are not then don’t be surprised if different types of coffee or beans are just called well – coffee or coffee beans. But that is what we are here for, we are here to educate and our topic for this article is the best light roast coffee available in the market for you to savor.
We’ve prepared quite a list and a comprehensive guide just so you could only taste the best light roast coffee.
Let the good times roll!
What is Light Roast Coffee?
Light roasts are naturally light brown in color, it’s got no oil on the surface, and a light body. It’s sometimes called as Light City, Cinnamon Roast, or Half City. Due to just a quick roasting process, the natural flavors and properties of the beans are retained more yielding to a different array of flavors.
356°F to 401°F is the range of the internal temp of a light roast coffee. Light roast means a coffee that has yet to be roasted beyond what you can the first crack.
Best Light Roast Coffee Reviews and Buying Guide.
There are different types of coffee beans in the market, such as Light roast coffee, Dark roast Coffee, Medium roast coffee, etc. This section list down the most exciting facts and things you should know about the best light roast coffee.
Hopefully, this section will be able to meet your preferences about light roast coffee.
Starbucks Veranda Blend Light Blonde Roast Whole Bean Coffee
First up on our best light roast coffee review is the Starbucks Veranda Blend Light Blonde Roast Whole Bean Coffee. A superb product from a well-known brand, as mentioned this roast is probably the lightest to have ever come out of the coffee giant Starbucks.
This Starbucks Veranda Blend Light Blonde Roast has a lighter mellower flavor. This blonde-roast is specially made to awaken your senses gently all while delivering an approachable and tasteful cup with few hints of roast.
Developed in farms from Latin America where the coffee beans are part of their daily lives. Starbucks has gone through a lot of processes just to perfect this one. Make sure the flavor is right and mellow enough for everyone’s liking.
It promises soft and subtle taste but not without the delicate nuances of cocoa and lightly toasted nuts. Make sure to grind whole beans before brewing to get the best flavors.
1) Starbucks Blonde Roast Whole Bean Coffee — Veranda Blend
Product Information
- Much lighter Starbucks roast
- Flavorful, subtle Veranda Blend
- Lightest roast for the brand
- Includes Six 12 oz. bags per pack
Review
Part of the ever-extending and innovating Starbucks Roast Spectrum this Veranda Blend is an entry for the coffee giant’s light roast category. It’s actually quite a departure from the brand’s traditional darker roasts but we are loving it.
This blonde roast is actually quite popular among coffee drinkers. It’s something that non-coffee drinkers would love and at the same time, coffee lovers who would usually prefer a dark roast can also appreciate it.
It’s for a leisurely afternoon with a friend as it packs a bit of punch and is very flavorful but it’s not too aggressive.
Try it now and see for yourself!
What do people say about ?
Our first entry for the best light roast coffee has decent reviews online, well more than that it’s got quite positive ones. Standing at 4.4 out of 5 stars in Amazon with 77% 5-star ratings this coffee is something you got to try.
Pros
- Creamy and smooth flavor
- Versatile taste, it’s the coffee for everyone
- Packs enough punch for a bit of energy boost
- Dark roast coffee drinkers love it too
Cons
- Not the strongest kick you’ll get from a light roast
Best Light Roast, Peet’s Coffee Costa Rica Aurora.
The second entry on our list is the Peet’s Coffee Costa Rica Aurora, Light Roast. The brand boasts a long-standing tradition, after all, their mantra is “Coffee first. Everything else second”. They have a passion for quality and only serve the best cup of coffee to their clientele. This tradition has been running for over 50 years since it was started.
This Costa Rica Aurora Light Roast coffee promises good flavor but with lesser acidity. Costa Rica coffee is well-known and always delivers, so if you’re looking for a sensational light roast then this is the right blend for you.
2) Peet’s Coffee Costa Rica Aurora, Light Roast
Product Information
- Top-quality Costa Rica and Kenyan coffee blend
- Layers of citrusy, light confection with a hint of Kenya Cassis
- Comes in a 60 CT single-serve K cup coffee pods for the Keurig Coffee Maker
Review
This light roast is superb, it delivers a strong flavor but not quite that of a medium roast, meaning you get a perfect blend just to your liking. Flavor is the name of the game for this coffee and you’ll be getting a good dose for sure.
This brand has perfectly captured what Costa Rica coffee is all bout.
What do people say about Light Roast, Peet’s coffee?
This blend has rave reviews online, standing at 4.7 out of 5 stars in amazon and a whopping 84% 5-star ratings, it’s definitely worthy of all the praise it’s been getting around.
Pros
- Good price
- Superb flavor
- True light roast taste
- Top-quality
Cons
- Can be a bit bitter than your usual light roast
Folgers Morning Café Mild Roast Coffee
Next up on our best light roast coffee review is the Folgers Morning Café Mild Roast Coffee. This morning cup is a mild roast coffee with bright flavor and a light body. It is one surefire way to get your day going.
The Folgers K-Cup Pods also promises convenience, there’s going to be no measuring no filtering involved. It’s your cup of coffee on the go as you’ll enjoy one perfectly brewed coffee in less than a minute using the Keurig brewer.
The brand boasts 150 years of coffee tradition and they are not stopping, leaving any stone unturned in their quest to bringing only the best flavor to your cup.
3) Folgers Morning Café Mild Roast Coffee, 72 K Cups for Keurig Coffee Makers
Product Information
- Mild roast coffee
- Light and bright flavors
- 100% pure coffee, Caffeinated
- Roasted in New Orleans
- Best enjoyed in a Keurig K-Cup Brewer
Review
This coffee has a perfect strength you’ll need from a cup. Its flavor is also so perfectly balanced and should be enough you give you a lift. The flavor is smooth and more than what you expect from a light roast, it’s a go-to coffee of a lot of people nowadays, should be yours too.
What do people say about it?
This product by far is the most-reviewed light roast coffee on our list. With over a thousand reviews it stands at 4.7 out of 5 stars in Amazon and 84% 5-star ratings which validates its top-quality claim.
Pros
- Best-seller
- Superb reviews online
- Great flavor
- Perfectly balanced strength and taste
Cons
- Could be a touch bitter for a few low drinkers
Peet’s Coffee Big Bang, Medium Roast Ground Coffee
The second entry from the Peet’s brand is their Coffee Big Bang, Medium Roast Ground Coffee. This coffee was the blend created to celebrate Alfred Peet the brand’s founder and the 50th anniversary of the company.
As mentioned above, this is a passionate brand and they’ve been in the industry for quite some time now. This “Big Bang” coffee is aptly named as it promises bold flavor, body, and depth, exactly what you’re going to look for a cup of coffee.
This product is crafted only with the best East African and Latin American beansincluding some from Major Dickason’s blend. This light roast is a new twist to your traditional cup as it has an aromatic citrus and sweet notes of the Ethiopian Super Natural. This coffee should be up for a quick and easy brew.
This coffee should be up for a quick and easy brew. If you are interested in learning more about ground coffee you can check out this article. CLICK HERE
4) Peet’s Coffee Big Bang, Medium Roast Ground Coffee
Product Information
- Ethiopian Super Natural fruitiness
- Vibrant, however, swish tropical fruit flavor(medium style)
- Whole bean or ground coffee in a blend and roast that’s perfect for your taste
- Mild and smooth flavored light roast coffee
Review
Made from the finest beans from only the best coffee countries in the world. Peet Coffee once again doesn’t disappoint with this one. It’s only fitting as it is meant to celebrate the life of their founder.
It is called the Big Bang for a reason, this brew has a rich and unique flavor almost unlike you’ve ever tasted before. It’s good strong and a bit acidic coffee.
What do people say about it?
This product has rave reviews online too. With over 3000+ reviews it stands at 4.5 out of 5 stars and 80% 5-star ratings which is not an easy feat to achieve. That only means one thing and you know it, it is one superb blend.
Pros
- Can give you the much-needed boost of energy
- Superb flavor
- Smooth and perfect
- Some of the best-roasted beans obtainable
Cons
- A bit of acidity on it unlike any light roast on our list
Café Britt – Costa Rican Light Roast Coffee – Whole Bean, Arabica Coffee, Kosher, Gluten-Free, 100% Gourmet & Light Roast
Introducing the Café Britt Costa Rican Light Roast Coffee. This coffee is whole bean Arabica coffee that is certified kosher and gluten-free plus 100%,gourmet.
Made from only premium Costa Rican coffee beans from thecentral and western valleys of the country. They are delicately roasted and results in a full-bodied and well-balanced cup. Theapricot and caramel flavor notes plus the fine aroma of limes further add to its flavor and taste.
The company has over 30 years of brewing and roasting experience. Café Britt was founded in 1985 in Costa Rica as a premier coffee company. This blend is 100% Costa Rican Arabica.
5) Restuarant Britt – Costa Rican Light Roast Coffee Product Information
Product Information
- Relaxing yet powerful coffee
- Light roast and caffeinated
- Whole bean or ground coffee in a blend and roast that’s perfect for your taste
- Orthodox Union Kosher
- Comes in a “Single-Serve Keurig K-Cup Pods” (4 boxes of 24 pods)
Review
Developed in small batches to precisely produce the finest flavors and taste this Café Britt Costa Rican Light Roast Coffeehas a unique blend of citrus aroma and tart acidity. Exactly what you are looking for as characteristics of a classic light roast blend.
This coffee is full-bodied and well-balanced. The craftiness in its processonly accentuates the qualities of the best Costa Rican coffee. It is sophisticated but subtly and the fruity cup maintains the desired flavor from the initial sip to the last drop.
This Café Britt entry in the light roast category is aromatic, flavorful, and complex. It’s not just a cup, it’s an experience.
What do people say about Café Britt – Costa Rican Light Roast Coffee?
As mentioned above, this product has very little reviews online so little is known about any user feedback. But so far the ones we found as we scoured the internet were positive mostly about its perfect flavor.
Pros
- Flavorful
- Not that overpowering but strong
- Smooth and perfect
- Not bitter Won’t leave any bad after taste
Cons
- Not a very well-known product, little reviews online
Donut House Collection, Donut House Coffee, Light Roast
Here comes the Donut House Collection with its own version of the Light Roast, Donut House Coffee. The coffee has a bold flavor yet is it smooth and subtle to taste. Instead of overpowering you it does the opposite and calm you instead. But don’t underestimate its strength and the boost it will give you all day.
It has a rich flavorful taste.
6) Double Donut Coffee Breakfast Blend Coffee Pods, Light Roast
Product Information
- Relaxing yet powerful coffee
- Light roast and caffeinated
- Orthodox Union Kosher
- Orthodox Union Kosher
- Comes in an exceedingly “Single-Serve Keurig K-Cup Pods” (4 boxes of 24 pods)
Review
This coffee is more like a wake me up coffee and not a jolt me up coffee. If you are an avid drinker then you know what we mean. This underdog brand may not have as much star power as Starbucks but don’t underestimate its top-quality taste.
It’s something that both medium and dark roast aficionados enjoy. This brand and coffee will give top brands a run for their money. It’s going to wow you from first sip to the last drop. Some people who tried it never switched to any other brands.
What do people say about it?
They say this product is an underdog but the reviews say otherwise, this the most reviews light roast coffees so far on this list at 4000+ and it’s doing great. 78% 5-star ratings on Amazon and averaging 4.5 out of 5 stars. Not too shabby, it’s one great coffee.
Pros
- Great taste and flavor
- Great price
- Up to par with the top brands in terms of quality
- Smells really nice
Cons
- It’s not going to power you throughout the day
Café Britt-Costa Rican Light Roast Coffee-Ground, Arabica Coffee, Kosher, Gluten-Free
The second entry from Café Britt on our best light roast coffee list is their Arabica Coffee. This is ground coffee that is kosher and gluten-free, 100% gourmet, and just the light roast flavor you’d love.
Made only from the finest beans and from the western and central valleys of the coffee country Costa Rica, this product promises superb flavor with just the right amount of punch.
7) Café Britt – Costa Rican Light Roast Coffee
Product Information
- Classic Costa Rican roast
- Apricot and caramel flavor notes plus the fine aroma of limes
- Premier gourmet coffee
- 100% Arabica coffee from Costa Rica
- Certified gluten-free and kosher
- High-mountain grew
- Strictly hard bean coffee
- Guaranteed fresh
- 12 oz., 1-year shelf life
Review
Everyone loves Costa Rican coffee especially the Arabica variety. This Café Britt entry further adds to its arsenal of superb products. You can only route for this underdog as we know it is up par when it comes to quality to the giants like Starbucks.
When it comes to aroma, this one is top-notch, with just the right amount of acidity and kick that you’ll need for the day. A great morning coffee if you will.
What do people say about it?
Same as with the previous Café Britt product we reviewed above, this one does not have much feedback online. But as far as flavor is concerned this is a must-try, who knows this might be your next staple coffee.
Pros
- Full of flavor
- Not bitter
- No bad aftertaste
Cons
- Very little reviews online
- Not a well-known brand
Light Roast, Ethiopian SidamoGuji Coffee, Single Origin, Whole Bean
Next up on our best light roast coffee review is the Fresh Roasted Coffee LLC, Ethiopian SidamoGujiLight Roast Coffee. This is a single-origin coffee from Ethiopia but is processed completely in the US. IT’s an environmentally friendly brand and that is something they are proud of.
What more there is to say? It’s got lots of features testament to the brand’s passion for coffee. It’s made of 100% Arabica beans, no artificial flavors, preservatives, or additives. Delivered fresh and processed using only the best techniques.
8) Ethiopian SidamoGuji Coffee, Single Origin, Light Roast, Whole Bean
Product Information
- Has a wine-like and fruity flavor
- Notes of strawberry and cherry
- Ethiopian SidamoGuji
- From GUJI, ETHIOPIA, single-origin
- Light Roast
- Ethiopian Heirloom Varietals
- Naturally Processed and Sun-Dried.
- All fresh, Kosher Certified
- Sustainably sourced and Made in the US
- Packs of 3, 12 Oz Bags (Whole bean or pre-grounded)
- It comes in the whole bean in 2 and 5 Pound Bags.
Review
This coffee has an extremely fruit oriented flavors. From cherry to strawberry it’s definitely unique but a must-try. Who knows you might get addicted to it. The win like flavor is also so soothing. Rounded up by earthy flavors that would surely make you want for more. It’s unique it is exquisite and we love it.
What do people say about Ethiopian SidamoGuji Coffee?
Not as high profile and well-reviewed but still decent feedback for this coffee brand. 4.3 out of 5 stars and 66% 5-star ratings ain’t bad.
Pros
- Unique flavor
- Great punch for the day
- Fresh and properly processed
- Top-quality
- Environment-friendly brand
Cons
- Flavor can be closer to a medium roast
McCafe Light Roast Decaf Coffee K-Cup Pods.
Introducing the McCafe Premium Roast Decaf Coffee K-Cup Pods. The penultimate entry on our best light roast coffee list promises the ultimate cafe experience whether you’ll have it at home or at work.
Delivers a balanced and smooth, this decaf medium roast coffee is the right blend that will get you through the day. This is 100% Arabica coffee and is carefully harvested from only the richest soils and regions of the top coffee-growing lands of the world.
A 4.12 oz. box of K Cups comes with 12 individually sealed pods.
9) McCafe Premium Roast Decaf Coffee K-Cup Pods
Product Information
- Premium roast and decaf coffee on K-Cup Pods
- McCafe coffee anywhere
- Smooth and balanced flavor
- 100% Arabica beans
- Can be brewed in both Keurig 1.0 and 2.0 systems
Review
The first thing you’d notice when you brew a cup of this McCafe Premium Roast is the soothing aroma. The brand has put a lot of work in their varying flavors and it’s definitely paid off. This coffee has got a rich flavor, a balanced taste, and the right punch to get you going. Top Arabica coffee indeed.
What do people say about McCafe Light Roast Decaf Coffee?
This product is well-reviewed over 1000+ and the reviews speak of its quality. The 85% 5-star ratings are the highest on this list and the 4.7 out of 5 stars average on Amazon ain’t bad either. It’s a coffee brand with surprising rich flavor.
Pros
- Superb reviews online
- Well-reviewed product
- Not bitter
- The smooth and rich taste
- Good price
Cons
- The flavor needs some work
RaHygge |USDA-Organic| Lion’s Mane/Chaga/Reishi Mushroom Ground Coffee
Last but not least on our best light roast coffee review is the RaHygge Lion’s Mane/Chaga/Reishi Mushroom Ground Coffee. This coffee promises to power you through the day. Not only that, it boasts a unique blend that helps fight different kinds of stresses leading to a healthier mind.
It’s a 100% gourmet coffee and it is clean, potent, and natural. The mushrooms here act as what you call Adaptogens and reduces the chances of experiencing caffeine side-effects such as an accelerated heart rate, gastric acidity, and adrenaline rate.
When you are overworked and stressed out, this blend is for you.
10) RaHygge |USDA-Organic| Lion’s Mane/Chaga/Reishi Mushroom Ground Coffee
Product Information
- Organic Arabica gourmet coffee
- Coffee and mushroom balance
- Only the highest purity mushroom extracts used
- High 30% Polysaccharides plus 3% Terpenes
- Only from fruiting bodies that are 100% wild-grown
Review
This RaHygge Mushroom coffee blend should be one of the best out in the market. It’s a perfectly balanced concoction that while it may have a unique taste it doesn’t disappoint one bit. It’s invigorating as you won’t experience much caffeine crash when you drink it. The full-body flavor lingers and it’s a must-try for everyone.
What do people say about it?
This Nordic brand is not as widespread as the other giants on our list but it’s very well-reviewed. Some say it’s one of the best mushroom coffee blend out in the market. It currently enjoys 4.3 out of 5 stars in Amazon and 73% 5-star ratings. Not too bad for our last entry on this best light roast coffee list.
Pros
- One of the best mushroom coffee brands out there
- 100% organic
- Will give you just the right amount of boost
- Perfect roast
Cons
- Caffeine effect may be a bit weaker for some
Best light Roast Coffee Buying Guide
Here are some things to watch out for when shopping around for the best light roast coffee.
Organic or purity of coffee
Colombia, Costa Rica, Guatemala, and Ethiopia, what do these countries have in common? We’ll tell you, they are only some of the best in the world in terms of yielding the best tasting coffee beans.
There are a lot of South American and African countries that are great at coffee farming. Even some in the Arabian Peninsula, each area yields different beans, different flavors, trace the country of origin of your favorite beans to set your expectations.
Beans
Coffee Robusta or Arabica? You choose! Arabica is about a third of the beans sold all-around the world. Only choose the highest quality beans, do your research, and see which type suits your taste.
Roasting Process
The beans are only as good as how it is roasted. It’s important that the brand you buy your beans from knows what they are doing. Determine their roasting process and see who knows what. If you plan to roast them yourself then make sure they are fresh.
Price and Brand
Coffee beans can get pricey especially with all the intricacy and how delicate the best light roast coffee is processed. So be sure to not get hooked by just the brand, try local ones they might be best. Research is key!
The Best Light Roast Contain Do More Caffeine? Light Roast vs Dark Roast!
They say that as you roast the beans more it loses more of its natural properties, complexities, antioxidants, and caffeine. Thus, making lightly roasted coffee ends up with more caffeine right? This notion is a bit untrue as caffeine content on the beans are actually pretty stable.
A light roast can have relatively the same level of caffeine from a dark roast bean. It’s on how you measure them that makes the difference. Take note that light roast coffee is denser since it doesn’t lose more moisture than dark roast coffee.
So take this analogy, if you measure by scoop then light roast coffee wins and have more caffeine this way. But if you weigh the beans then toe to toe dark roast coffee should have more caffeine content.
As far as flavor is concerned, light roast tends to retain its natural and complex flavors as it should more fruity, sweet, and even exhibit floral aroma. The dark roast flavor is bolder, richer, with a bittersweet and toasty taste.
How to Roast Coffee Beans at Home?
You can roast your favorites beans using a few things you want already have in your home. These are a pan or grill, oven, a popcorn popper, and a home coffee roaster.
Using a pan should be quick and cheap but a coffee roaster should be the simplest and best way to do it. Take note that beans get hot!
The widely accepted temperature range for roasting the beans is about 350F to 500F. Stir constantly to ensure even distribution of heat, for even roasting.
Lightly roasted coffee or the subject matter for our article should be good by what you call the “First Crack”. This is after 3-5 minutes the beans should produce an audible crack. This is your indicator and you should stop roasting by now should you want to have the best light roast coffee.
Next is the cool-down process, transfer the beans to a baking paper or metal colander to cool them (No plastic). Shake and transfer the roasted beans between your two colanders to remove the chaff (dried husk of the coffee) and cool quickly.
Wait for about 24 hours before you grind and brew the beans for full-bodied flavor. Store only in airtight containers to keep them fresh for days until you do your next batch.
Why are Coffee Beans Roasted in the First Place?
Simply enough coffee beans are roasted in order to transform the physical and chemical properties of the green coffee beans into the beans we are so familiar with. The roasting process itself is what yields all the characteristics and flavors of the coffee we adore.
What is this Maillard Reaction?
Maillard reaction is a type of chemical reaction between reducing sugar and an amino acid that usually requires heat. This type of reaction is the very basis of the flavoring industry. The type of amino acid used eventually determines the flavor. There are a ton of flavor compounds created in the process.
FAQs
Here is a few goods to know facts about your favorite light roast coffee.
Last Word to say with your best light roast coffee
There you have it, whether you need a good pick me up or something to power you throughout the day, these best light roast coffee should be more than enough to give you that much-needed energy boost.
We hope that you picked up a valuable thing or two and now have the knowledge needed to not only pick out the best from the shelf but also appreciate coffee even more.
To some, it may just only be a cup of coffee but to millions if not billions around the world, it’s what helps them get things done.So go ahead, light up your day with some light roast coffee.
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