Key Takeaways

The Myth of Roast Levels and Caffeine

Common Misconceptions

If you’re like most people, you probably think that dark roasts have more caffeine than light roasts. They look stronger, taste bolder, and smell more intense. However, this assumption is incorrect. In fact, light roasts may have slightly more caffeine than dark roasts, depending on how you measure them.

The reason for this misconception is that caffeine is a stable compound that doesn’t break down or evaporate during the roasting process. However, the beans do lose some mass and volume as they roast, due to moisture loss and carbon dioxide release. This means that a dark roasted bean is lighter and smaller than a light roasted bean of the same origin and variety.

Measurement Matters: If you measure your coffee by weight (grams or ounces), you’ll end up with more beans and more caffeine in a light roast than in a dark roast. But if you measure your coffee by volume (scoops or tablespoons), you’ll end up with more beans and more caffeine in a dark roast than in a light roast. Confusing, right?

What Actually Affects Caffeine Levels

The truth is, the roast level is not the main factor that determines the caffeine content of your coffee. Other factors have a bigger impact, such as:

Bean Type: There are two main types of coffee beans: Arabica and Robusta. Arabica beans are more common, more expensive, and more flavorful than Robusta beans. They also have less caffeine, about 1-1.5% by weight. Robusta beans are cheaper, more bitter, and more resistant to pests and diseases than Arabica beans. They also have more caffeine, about 2-2.5% by weight.

Brewing Method: The way you brew your coffee also affects how much caffeine you extract from the beans. Different brewing methods have different contact times, water temperatures, and pressures that influence the extraction rate of caffeine. Generally speaking, the longer the contact time, the higher the water temperature, and the higher the pressure, the more caffeine you’ll get in your cup. For example, espresso has more caffeine per ounce than drip coffee, because it uses finely ground beans, hot water, and high pressure to brew a small amount of coffee in a short time.

Serving Size: The most obvious factor that affects how much caffeine you consume is how much coffee you drink. A standard 8-ounce cup of brewed coffee has about 95 mg of caffeine on average, but most people don’t drink just one cup. Some people prefer larger servings, such as 12-ounce or 16-ounce mugs or travel cups. Some people also drink multiple cups throughout the day. The more coffee you drink, the more caffeine you ingest.

Light vs. Medium vs. Dark Roast

Characteristics of Each Roast

Now that we’ve cleared up the myth of roast levels and caffeine, let’s take a look at the characteristics of each roast and how they affect the flavor and aroma of your coffee.

Light Roast: Light roast coffee is roasted for a short time at a low temperature, until the beans reach the first crack stage (when they pop and expand). The beans are light brown in color, with no oil on the surface. Light roast coffee has a mild flavor, with high acidity and floral or fruity notes. It also preserves most of the original characteristics of the bean’s origin and variety.

Medium Roast: Medium roast coffee is roasted for a longer time at a higher temperature, until the beans reach the second crack stage (when they pop again and become darker). The beans are medium brown in color, with some oil on the surface. Medium roast coffee has a balanced flavor, with medium acidity and sweetness. It also has some caramelization of the sugars in the beans, which adds some complexity and body to the brew.

Dark Roast: Dark roast coffee is roasted for the longest time at the highest temperature, until the beans become very dark brown or black in color, with a lot of oil on the surface. Dark roast coffee has a strong flavor, with low acidity and bitterness. It also has a lot of carbonization of the sugars and oils in the beans, which gives it a smoky, roasted, or burnt taste. Dark roast coffee loses most of the original characteristics of the bean’s origin and variety, and instead takes on the flavor of the roasting process.

The Caffeine Content Comparison

As we’ve seen, the roast level doesn’t have a significant effect on the caffeine content of your coffee, unless you measure it by weight or volume. However, for the sake of comparison, let’s assume that you use the same amount of beans (by weight) and the same brewing method (drip) for each roast. In that case, here’s how much caffeine you can expect to get in an 8-ounce cup of coffee, according to a study by the USDA:

As you can see, the difference is minimal, only 6 mg between the lightest and the darkest roast. That’s less than the amount of caffeine in a can of Coke (34 mg). So if you’re looking for a caffeine boost, you don’t have to worry too much about the roast level. Instead, you should focus on the bean type, the brewing method, and the serving size.

Aerial Resupply Coffee Roasts Unveiled

Lifeline – A Caffeine Powerhouse?

Lifeline is a light roast coffee that has a smooth and bright flavor, with notes of caramel and nuts. It’s perfect for those who enjoy a mild and refreshing cup of coffee in the morning or anytime of the day. Lifeline is also Aerial Resupply Coffee’s most caffeinated roast, with about 185 mg of caffeine per 8-ounce cup. That’s more than enough to give you a lifeline when you need it most. If you’re looking for a light roast coffee that packs a punch, Lifeline is for you. You can order it as whole bean, ground, or single serving pod coffee here.

Firewatch – The Balanced Choice?

Firewatch is a medium roast coffee that has a rich and balanced flavor, with notes of chocolate and spice. It’s ideal for those who appreciate a smooth and satisfying cup of coffee that goes well with any occasion. Firewatch is also Aerial Resupply Coffee’s most popular roast, with about 180 mg of caffeine per 8-ounce cup. That’s enough to keep you alert and focused without making you jittery or anxious. If you’re looking for a medium roast coffee that delivers on taste and performance, Firewatch is for you. You can order it as whole bean, ground, or single serving pod coffee here.

15W40 Dark Roast Coffee – All Flavor, Less Buzz?

15W40 Dark Roast is a dark roast coffee that has a bold and robust flavor, with notes of smoke and wood. It’s great for those who love a strong and intense cup of coffee that can stand up to cream and sugar. 15W40 Dark Roast is also Aerial Resupply Coffee’s least caffeinated roast, with about 175 mg of caffeine per 8-ounce cup. That’s still more than enough to get you going in the morning or afternoon, but without causing any unwanted side effects. If you’re looking for a dark roast coffee that has all flavor and less buzz, 15W40 Dark Roast is for you. You can order it as whole bean, ground, or single serving pod coffee here.

How to Choose the Right Roast for Your Caffeine Needs

Consider Your Day’s Activities

One way to choose the right roast for your caffeine needs is to consider what kind of activities you have planned for the day. For example:

• Busy Day: If you have a busy day ahead, you might want to go for a light roast coffee like Lifeline, which has the most caffeine and can give you a boost of energy and alertness. Lifeline is also a smooth and bright coffee that can refresh your senses and mood.
• Normal Day: If you have a normal day ahead, you might want to go for a medium roast coffee like Firewatch, which has a balanced amount of caffeine and can keep you focused and productive. Firewatch is also a rich and satisfying coffee that can complement any meal or snack.
• Relaxing Day: If you have a relaxing day ahead, you might want to go for a dark roast coffee like 15W40 Dark Roast, which has the least caffeine and can help you unwind and enjoy. 15W40 Dark Roast is also a bold and robust coffee that can satisfy your taste buds and cravings.

Know Your Limits

Another way to choose the right roast for your caffeine needs is to know your personal limits and tolerance for caffeine. Everyone reacts differently to caffeine, depending on factors like age.