Unveiling the Best Medium Roast Coffees for Your Perfect Cup

In the ever-expanding world of coffee, it can be overwhelming to navigate through the endless options and find the perfect cup of joe. Whether you're a seasoned coffee enthusiast or a casual sipper, finding the best medium roast coffee can make all the difference in your morning routine. Today, we'll take a deep dive into the world of popular medium roast coffees, exploring the top contenders, how to choose the right one for you, and answering common questions along the way. So grab your favorite mug, sit back, and let's embark on a journey through the aromatic realm of medium roast beans.

A Comprehensive Overview of our Favorite Beans in 2023

Top Pick: Volcanica Sumatra Mandheling Organic Fair Trade Certified Low Acidity

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Volcanica Medium Roast Sumatra Mandheling Coffee Beans boast of their unique arabica beans originating from Sumatra. These whole beans offer a rich and heavy-bodied coffee experience with low acidity. They exhibit flavor profiles of brown sugar, wine, and dried fruit. Their growth in mineral-rich volcanic soil adds richness to their taste. Moreover, these beans are both organic and fair-trade certified, ensuring a pesticide- and chemical-free product that aligns with ethical standards. These beans produce a delightful and luxurious cup of chocolatey, flavorful coffee. Although they are relatively more expensive, their quality justifies the price, and you can avail a 12% discount using the code AFFECTION12. In sum, we consider Volcanica Medium Roast Sumatra Mandheling Coffee Beans as the top choice for medium roast coffee beans in 2023.

Runner-Up: Cooper’s Coffee Kenya AA Beans

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Cooper’s Coffee Kenya AA Medium-Dark Roast Beans come in second place due to their remarkable single-origin and micro-lot attributes, allowing tracing back to a specific farm for superior and consistent taste. These beans undergo small-batch roasting, ensuring freshness and preserving their honey wheat, bittersweet chocolate, and molasses flavor profiles. Additionally, they are farm-gate certified, guaranteeing direct payment to farmers and contributing to an ethical and sustainable coffee choice. However, their medium-dark roast might be too strong for individuals favoring a lighter roast. The higher price tag reflects their single-origin and micro-lot status. If you're in search of the best medium-dark roast coffee beans, Cooper's Coffee Kenya AA Beans are an excellent option.

3. Kicking Horse ‘Three Sisters’ Whole Bean Coffee

The renowned Kicking Horse brand offers their widely available and highly regarded 'Three Sisters' medium roast whole bean coffee. It features a rich and smooth taste with delightful notes of sweet tobacco, stone fruit, and cocoa. Its certified Organic and Fair Trade labels guarantee a chemical-free and ethically-sourced coffee experience. The only drawback is the potential inconsistency in quality due to larger batch roasting. Nonetheless, if you manage to get a freshly-roasted bag, you will enjoy a delicious cup of coffee.

4. Peet’s Coffee Big Bang – Top Pre-Ground Coffee Pick

Peet’s Coffee offers a widely available option in their Big Bang Medium Roast. Known for its smooth and mellow flavor profile with tropical fruit tasting notes, this pre-ground coffee stands out. Each bag displays the roast date, ensuring freshness. However, inconsistency in quality may exist, and sometimes the coffee can taste stale. Additionally, it possesses a more acidic taste compared to other brands on the list. Those seeking organic and fair-trade options might find this brand less suitable. Nevertheless, fans of a rounded and smooth flavor profile will appreciate Peet's Coffee Big Bang.

5. Caribou Coffee Ground ‘Caribou Blend’

Caribou Coffee is now widely available at most grocery stores, offering small-batch roasted coffee. Their Caribou Blend Ground Medium Roast Beans deliver enticing tasting notes of spice and berries, complemented by a bittersweet cocoa finish. However, the coffee's inconsistent quality and occasional bland or bitter taste can pose challenges. Despite being roasted in small batches, it can still taste stale. Furthermore, it is not organic. While it provides a decent coffee option, there may be other superior choices available.

How to Decide on Medium Roast Coffee

When selecting coffee, several factors can influence your decision-making process. Some individuals prefer flavored coffee options, while others prioritize the convenience of using coffee pods over ground coffee. Budget considerations are crucial as well. Those who consume coffee frequently may have a larger budget, perceiving it as a necessity rather than a luxury. As a result, they may opt to buy in bulk, despite the higher immediate cost. Conversely, individuals who view coffee as a luxury and consume it less frequently may find higher-priced options less feasible. It is essential to evaluate your coffee consumption frequency, budget, and affordability when deciding between purchasing coffee grounds or beans. Buying in bulk often leads to long-term benefits, while limiting expenditures initially may induce guilt and less consumption.

Distinguishing Light, Dark, and Medium Roasts

The various roasts of coffee possess distinct characteristics that can be surprising to some. While extreme versions exist, the most common roast types are light, dark, and medium.

A light roast is an excellent choice for coffee beginners or those who prefer a milder taste. Contrary to its name, light roast coffee exhibits a more acidic flavor with a higher coffee content due to its shorter roasting time. Its mild taste showcases subtle flavor profiles.

Dark roast coffee is characterized by its dark color, resembling cocoa, and corresponding flavor profile. It contains less caffeine, making it ideal for espressos where water passes rapidly through the coffee grounds.

Finally, medium roasts, the focus of this article, feature a well-balanced flavor with natural sweetness, making them suitable for drip coffee or cold brew. With a moderate caffeine level (less than light roast but more than dark roast), medium roasts cut coffee bitterness and exhibit slightly lower acidity.

Top 8 Best Medium Roast Coffee Brands

Gëvalia Colombia Medium Roast Ground Coffee

Gevalia Colombia Medium Roast Ground Coffee Check Current Price 

Gëvalia is a renowned coffee brand that was established in Gävle, Sweden in 1853. It has gained popularity for its extensive range of coffee offerings, including different origins, roasts, and types of beans. One of its most beloved options is the Colombia medium roast blend, which is available as ground coffee.

The Colombia medium roast is sold in a bundle of 6 boxes, each containing 12 ounces of ground coffee. The beans are carefully slow-roasted and then snap-cooled, ensuring that the coffee retains its delightful aroma and flavor. This makes it perfect for enjoying a flavorful cup of coffee in the morning or as a refreshing pick-me-up later in the day.

In addition to the Colombia blend, Gëvalia offers several other flavors and variations of coffee, such as their house blend, traditional roast, French roast, and vanilla. The French roast is a darker blend, while the rest are medium roasts, allowing you to choose the option that best suits your preferences.

Quick Facts

• Price: The price of approximately $51 may seem high at first glance, but it's actually the price for a pack of 6 bags of the Colombia roast. When calculated per unit, it comes to approximately .50 for a single pack. This makes it a great option for those who prefer to buy their coffee in bulk.
• Origin: The Colombia roast is made from 100% Arabica beans that have been grown and sourced from the mountainous region of Colombia. Arabica beans have a naturally sweeter taste, making this coffee an excellent choice for both coffee enthusiasts and those with a preference for sweeter flavors.
• Additional Information: The Colombia roast is ideal for use in a brewer for quick cups of coffee, a coffee press for a full-bodied flavor, a moka pot for a stronger taste similar to espresso, or a pour-over system for a single serving.

Peace Coffee Colombia Single Origin Coffee

Peace Coffee Colombia Single Origin Coffee Check Current Price 

Peace Coffee is a Minnesota-based coffee brand that prioritizes sustainability and carbon-neutral practices. They were one of the first B-Corp certified companies in the state.

As part of their commitment to reducing their carbon footprint, Peace Coffee delivers one-third of their coffee using bicycles each year. This not only helps the environment but also aligns with the brand's core values.

Their single-origin Colombia coffee comes in a 5-pound bag (80 ounces) and is designed to be purchased in bulk. This reduces shipping and packaging waste, contributing to their sustainable practices. Buying in bulk also offers cost savings for customers, as they pay for shipping less frequently.

One of Peace Coffee's primary focuses is to create a coffee product made from organically grown beans sourced through Fair Trade practices. To achieve this, the brand partners with cooperatives in different countries, ensuring sustainability and fair treatment for both the environment and the individuals involved in the coffee production.

Quick Facts

• Price: Priced at approximately for a 5-pound bag, the cost per ounce comes to just under $1. This makes it an affordable option for those looking to save money in the long run by buying in bulk, despite the initial expense.
• Origin: Made exclusively from 100% Arabica beans, the coffee is sourced from a single origin, specifically the ANEI Cooperative. Other blends from Peace Coffee are sourced from cooperatives in Peru, Ethiopia, Honduras, Colombia, Guatemala, Nicaragua, and Sumatra.
• Additional Information: Apart from their single-origin coffee, Peace Coffee offers other popular flavors, including Birchwood blend, breakfast blend, and yeti cold brew. The yeti cold brew is prepared by slow steeping the coffee in cold water for 12 hours, resulting in a strong and delicious beverage that is perfect for coffee enthusiasts.

Illy Classico Ground Medium Blend Coffee

Illy Classico Ground Moka Coffee Check Current Price 

Packaged in a convenient silver tin, the Classico medium blend coffee grounds from Illy are a perfect choice for frequent coffee consumers or those who prioritize easy storage. The brand ensures sustainable practices by sourcing ethically produced coffee beans.

The Classico coffee grounds are best used in a coffee press or coffee machine, making it quick and effortless to brew a cup of coffee in the morning. This delightful beverage offers notes of jasmine, caramel, and orange blossom, resulting in a sweet aroma and a rich taste.

Illy's commitment to ethical sourcing and sustainable business practices has earned them recognition from Ethisphere for 7 consecutive years. This highlights their dedication to producing a high-integrity product with minimal impact on the environment and the coffee growers involved.

Quick Facts

• Price: Illy's coffee is an affordable option, priced at around $12.40 for an 8.8-ounce can. This equates to approximately $1.42 per ounce, making it a great choice for those seeking ground coffee for shorter-term use.
• Origin: Made exclusively with 100% Arabica coffee, Illy sources its beans using ethical practices. The coffee beans originate from Italy and are carefully ground to make daily coffee preparation more convenient for consumers.
• Additional Information: In addition to the classico blend, Illy offers several other options in both ground coffee and whole bean formats. These include their Intenso roast, which is a bold and dark roast coffee, their Forte dark roast, and a decaffeinated medium roast coffee, providing customers with more choices to suit their preferences.

New England Coffee Medium Roast

New England Breakfast Blend Medium Roast Check Current Price 

New England Coffee is a brand that places sustainability and quality at the forefront of its mission. For over a century, the brand has maintained the same roasting methods and stringent quality control tests. They also have the Sustainable Cup Project, which aims to benefit society, the economy, and the environment.

The coffee beans used by New England Coffee are harvested from various locations and slowly roasted in small batches. By using small batches, the brand ensures consistent quality regardless of the specific batch, delivering a blend that meets their high standards.

As a breakfast blend, this coffee offers the perfect balance of acidity, flavor, and aroma to complement your morning meal. Its well-rounded flavor is designed to provide a pleasant experience without overpowering the senses or leaving a bitter aftertaste.

Quick Facts:

• Price: With a price of approximately $16, this coffee is a great choice for those looking to try a new blend without committing to a large quantity. When searching for a new coffee option, it's wise to start with more affordable choices to minimize financial risk.
• Origin: Made with 100% Arabica coffee beans, New England Coffee sources its beans from various regions, including South America, Africa, and Central America. By combining beans from different sources, the brand has created a harmonious blend that exceeds expectations.
• Additional Information: New England Coffee offers a variety of flavors, including chocolate cappuccino, French vanilla, French roast, and their signature New England Donut Shop blend.

The Original Donut Shop Keurig Medium Roast

The Original Donut Shop Keurig Single-Serve K-Cup Pods Check Current Price 

For those in search of a medium roast coffee that is compatible with Keurig coffee machines, The Original Donut Shop has made their product available worldwide.

The brand has taken steps to ensure sustainable production by offering recyclable pods and packaging, as well as ethically sourcing their coffee to support sustainable business practices.

These coffee pods are designed to be used with Keurig coffee machines, featuring a k-cup design. This allows customers to easily brew their coffee by simply placing the pod in the machine, turning it on, and returning to a freshly brewed cup of coffee.

Another advantage of these pods is their recyclability, providing peace of mind that their purchase is not harming the environment. Customers can simply peel back the seal, empty the grounds, and recycle the pods. The packaging is made of cardboard, making it easily recyclable as well.

Quick Facts

• Price: The price of approximately $33 may seem high, but considering that it amounts to $0.45 per pod, it becomes a more affordable option for those who prefer to buy their coffee in bulk. The convenience of coffee pods and the cost savings over time make this an attractive choice.
• Origin: Like the other coffees on this list, this blend is made exclusively with 100% Arabica beans. Arabica beans are known for their sweeter taste and lower acidity compared to other coffee bean varieties.
• Additional Information: The Original Donut Shop offers other options, such as dark roast coffee and decaffeinated coffee, all available in various pack sizes, including 72-pod, 96-pod, 32-pod, and 48-pod packs. This gives customers the flexibility to choose the quantity that best suits their needs.

Lavazza Super Crema Medium Espresso Roast

Lavazza Super Crema Whole Bean Coffee Blend 

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For a rich and creamy coffee experience, Lavazza offers the Super Crema medium espresso roast. This carefully crafted blend is perfect for starting your day off right. It combines the qualities of two different types of coffee beans to create a harmonious and flavorful final product.

Lavazza recommends using a coffee machine to unlock the full potential of this blend. The machine will extract the creamy richness of the coffee, resulting in a light layer of froth on the surface. It's important to note that these are whole beans, so make sure your machine is capable of grinding them.

As a medium roast coffee, this blend is an excellent choice for individuals who don't consume coffee regularly enough to have developed a preference for acidic or bitter flavors. It offers a sweeter taste profile with notes of brown sugar and hazelnut, ensuring a delightful and refreshing experience with every sip.

Quick Facts

• Price: This coffee is available for approximately $25 per 2.2-pound bag, placing it in the mid-price range. Before making a purchase, consider your coffee consumption habits and budget. It's a great option for those who prefer to buy in larger quantities.
• Origin: Lavazza sources their coffee beans from Brazil, Colombia, and India for the Arabica beans, and Indonesia and Vietnam for the Robusta beans. This unique blend comprises 60% Arabica beans and 40% Robusta beans.
• Additional Information: Lavazza offers their coffee in convenient 2.2-pound bags, which can be purchased individually or in packs of 1, 4, and 6. Additionally, 8.8-ounce bags are available in packs of 2 or 8, and there are also 10-ounce, 12-ounce, and 2.25-ounce options.

Starbucks House Blend Medium Roast Ground Coffee

Starbucks House Blend – Ground Coffee 

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Starbucks is commonly known as a popular coffee shop, but they also offer their coffee beans for customers to enjoy at home. Whether you prefer whole bean or ground options, Starbucks has got you covered.

One of their offerings is the medium roast, house blend. Made from 100% Arabica beans, this coffee comes in 18-ounce packages, providing a great option for those seeking a slightly sweeter flavor with hints of cocoa and nuts. The subtle notes of toffee also make it an excellent choice for those with a sweet tooth.

The house blend is designed to be brewed using various methods, including drip brewers, pour-overs, moka pots, and coffee presses. This versatility ensures that you can enjoy a cup of Starbucks coffee regardless of the brewing system you prefer.

Quick Facts

• Price: This coffee blend is the most affordable option on our list, priced at approximately $12.34 per 18-ounce pack. It's a budget-friendly choice for those seeking a medium roast blend that delivers excellent value for money.
• Origin: Starbucks sources their coffee beans from Latin America, ensuring that they are ethically and sustainably grown. The specific flavors brought out by this blend are influenced by the nuts, chocolate, and spice present in the region's Arabica beans.
• Additional Information: Aside from the house blend, Starbucks offers a range of other coffee options, including their spring day blend, honey Madagascar blend, spring variety pack, and decaffeinated veranda blend.

How to Brew the Perfect Cup of Medium Roast Coffee

Brewing the perfect cup of coffee is a simple process when you know the right steps. Follow these tips to enjoy a delicious cup of medium roast coffee in the comfort of your own home:

1. Begin by grinding your coffee beans to a medium grind setting.

2. Place a filter in your coffee maker and add the ground coffee.

3. Pour hot water over the coffee grounds, ensuring that they are fully saturated.

4. Allow the coffee to steep for four minutes.

5. After four minutes, carefully remove the filter and indulge in your cup of medium roast coffee.

What is Espresso Roast Coffee?

Espresso roast coffee refers to coffee beans that have been roasted specifically for use in espresso machines. The roasting process chosen by the roaster is tailored to bring out the best flavors and characteristics of the beans when brewed using an espresso machine. While there is no standard roast level or variety for espresso beans, they are typically subjected to longer and slower roasting, resulting in darker and more porous beans.

Which is the Healthiest Roast of Coffee?

The healthiest roast of coffee varies depending on individual preferences and physiological factors. Lighter-roast coffee beans contain higher levels of antioxidants compared to dark-roast beans. However, dark-roast coffees are lower in acrylamide, a compound associated with certain cancers. Dark-roast coffee also tends to have lower acidity, making it a better choice for individuals prone to acid reflux.

Medium Roast Coffee in a Jiffy

Medium roast coffees are often underestimated and overshadowed by their dark and light roast counterparts. However, medium roasts have gained popularity among baristas and coffee enthusiasts due to their delightful blend of flavors and versatility. Here's what you need to know about medium roast coffee:

• Medium roast beans are roasted for a shorter duration than dark roast beans, but longer than light roast beans, striking a balance in flavor.
• They offer a sweet, fruity, nutty, and complex taste profile, with a harmonious blend of acidity and body.
• Medium roast preserves the origin flavors of the beans while enhancing them with a toasty goodness.
• Medium roast paved the way for lighter and brighter coffee styles, making it a pioneering choice for caffeine enthusiasts.

If you're searching for a coffee that boasts nuanced flavor profiles, medium roast might just become your new favorite.

🏆 Our Top Medium Roast: JavaPresse Happy Place

Indulge in the delightful JavaPresse Happy Place, the winner of our top medium roast coffee award. This balanced blend combines Guatemalan and Colombian beans to create a flavor profile that includes notes of candied nuts, bright citrus, and deep nutty chocolate. It's a nuanced and highly enjoyable option for coffee connoisseurs, novices, and baristas alike.

The farmers in Columbia and Guatemala, who work tirelessly to bring joy and stability to their communities, inspired this blend. By combining the flavors of these two humble origins, JavaPresse has crafted a well-rounded and satisfying blend that celebrates life's small pleasures. Prepare to savor each sip and take a moment to appreciate the day.

👉 You can try Happy Place here.

What to Look For in Medium Roast Beans

If you're ready to explore the world of medium roast coffee, here are a few key factors to consider when choosing the best beans for your preference:

• Freshness is critical. Opt for beans that have been recently roasted, ideally within 2-10 days. At JavaPresse, we guarantee super fresh coffee by shipping our beans within 2 hours of roasting.
• Choose whole beans and grind them just before brewing. Grinding your beans fresh ensures maximum flavor. JavaPresse offers an award-winning burr grinder for all your grinding needs.
• Look for detailed flavor notes on the packaging. A higher quality coffee will provide a more descriptive flavor profile, indicating that the brand has a deep understanding of their beans and has curated an ideal medium roast profile. This also helps you choose flavors that align with your taste preferences.
• Transparency in bean origin is crucial. Consider where the beans were sourced and whether they were grown with care. Supporting brands that prioritize fair wages for farmers and ethical sourcing practices ensures that you're purchasing high-quality beans.

For more guidance on buying specialty coffee beans, check out The Ultimate Guide to Buying Specialty Coffee Beans. Remember, every brand offers its unique medium roast, so trust your taste buds and choose the flavors that resonate with you.

Common Questions About Buying Medium Roast Coffee Beans

Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about medium roast coffee beans:

Is Medium Roast Coffee Acidic?

All coffee is slightly acidic, with a pH value of 4.85-5.10. However, when referring to acidity in coffee, it's about the perceived acidity or how sour it tastes. Acidity adds complexity and brightness to the flavor profile. Medium roast coffee falls between light and dark roasts in terms of both pH and perceived acidity.

• The shorter roasting time of medium roast beans contributes to more perceived acid and a vibrant flavor profile.
• Medium roasts retain the bright, fruity acids of the coffee beans while reducing the harsher ones, resulting in a pleasant balance of flavors.

Trust your taste buds and choose the acidity level that suits your preference. Medium roasts generally offer a well-rounded acidity and a harmonious blend of flavors.

How Much Caffeine Is In Medium Roast Coffee?

The caffeine content in coffee is mainly influenced by the brewing method and the amount of coffee beans used. The difference in caffeine levels between light, medium, and dark roasts is minimal. Here are a few key points to consider:

• If you measure your coffee by volume, such as scooping beans, you may end up with slightly more caffeine per scoop of medium roast beans due to their higher density.
• If you weigh your beans, the caffeine content will be the same regardless of the roast level.
• Espresso-style coffee, which uses more beans for a concentrated shot, will naturally have more caffeine than other brewing methods.

Ultimately, it's unlikely that you'll notice a significant difference in caffeine content between light, medium, and dark roast beans.

Dark vs Medium Roast Coffee

Dark roast and medium roast coffees offer distinct flavor profiles and brewing characteristics. Here's a comparison of the two:

Dark Roast Coffee:

• Longer roasting time leads to robust flavors, such as dark chocolate and roasted nuts.
• Dark roasts are often used to mask the flavors of low-quality beans.
• Mass coffee producers favor dark roasts for their consistency.
• Dark roast coffee delivers a classic, strong, and intense cup.

Medium Roast Coffee:

• Medium roast beans offer a diverse and interesting flavor profile.
• They strike a balance between preserving origin flavors and adding toasty richness.
• Medium roasts provide a versatile and enjoyable coffee experience.

If you're a fan of dark roast and looking to explore something slightly different and nuanced, give medium roast a try.

Light vs Medium Roast Coffee

Light roast and medium roast coffees cater to different preferences and highlight unique flavor profiles. Here's a comparison of the two:

Light Roast Coffee:

• Light roasts are known for their crisp acidity and light body.
• They offer bright and vibrant flavor profiles with notes of fruit, citrus, berries, and honey.
• Light roast celebrates the true flavor of the bean's origin region.

Medium Roast Coffee:

• Medium roasts feature a delightful blend of flavors, including chocolate, dark fruits, and brown sugar.
• They strike a balance between preserving origin flavors and adding a toasty richness.
• Medium roasts deliver a well-rounded, balanced flavor experience.

Ultimately, the choice between light and medium roast comes down to personal preference. Medium roasts offer a nuanced and versatile option worth exploring.

In conclusion, if you're a coffee lover searching for the perfect balance between bold flavor and smoothness, look no further than medium roast coffees. With a wide variety of options to choose from, such as the rich and earthy Gëvalia Colombia Medium Roast, the ethically sourced Peace Coffee Colombia Single Origin, or the classic and velvety Illy Classico, you're sure to find a medium roast that suits your taste buds. So, grab your favorite brewing method and get ready to indulge in a cup of perfectly roasted goodness. Cheers to the delightful world of medium roast coffees!