Long story short: The best medium roast coffee overall is organic Mt. Comfort Coffee from Peru.
Medium roast is by far the most popular roast. Balanced. Even. It straddles dark and light extremities like Anakin Skywalker in Episode 2 (yes, I’m a massive lifelong Star Wars nerd). Consequently, there are a lot of great medium roasts out there!
But these brands have earned their place on my personal list of the best medium roast coffees due to their exceptional quality and commitment to delivering an unforgettable coffee experience.
Ready to find out what they are? Let’s dive in.
Best Medium Roast Coffee in 2023 at a Glance
Let’s Dive Into Each Coffee Roast
In the ever-expanding world of coffee, choosing the right brand is crucial. Here are some of the best medium roast coffee brands to consider in 2023:
Mt. Comfort Coffee Organic Peru Medium Roast is one of the best medium roasts I’ve had – ever. I buy it at Costco every month or so actually. It’s a splendid choice for coffee drinkers who prefer a lighter tasting medium roast.
So, why’s it deserving of the title ‘Best Overall Medium Roast Coffee’ title? This organic blend simply combines noteworthy features and inherent benefits that set it apart in the vast coffee market.
The coffee beans used are carefully sourced from Peru, known for its superior coffee-growing conditions, to assure the highest quality. And as a medium roast, it’s not only rich in flavor, but also has a splendid balance of acidity, making it smooth coffee that’s easy to drink.
Moreover, this coffee is organic, making it a healthier option as it is free from any synthetic additives. Notably, the packaging is worthy of praise, as it ensures the coffee remains fresh for a longer duration.
- Coffee is made from 100 percent Arabica
- Single origin from Peru
- Irresistible nutty, chocolate, and citrus notes
- Small Peruvian farm sourced
- Some say it's too weak for their tastes
Who Should Buy This?
Mt. Comfort Coffee Organic Peru Medium Roast is certainly for the discerning coffee drinker who prioritizes quality, taste, and health benefits in their daily brew.
Olde Brooklyn Coffee presents the best Medium Roast Breakfast Blend, a highly esteemed specialty coffee that excels in delivering a consistent, smooth flavor. This blend embodies the classic medium roast, presenting a beautiful balance between flavor intensity and bright acidity.
It has a unique, rich taste with underlying notes of chocolate and caramel, providing a hearty start to your day.
The benefits of this coffee extend from its aromatic scent to its deep, flavorful profile, which invigorates the senses and energizes you for the day ahead.
- 100% Arabica coffee beans for premium quality
- Heartiness which makes it great for a morning pick-me-up
- Not for those who prefer either a lighter or a darker roast
Who Should Buy This?
This Medium Roast Breakfast Blend is an excellent choice for those who savor a consistent, balanced cup with a complexity that doesn’t overpower, perfect for coffee lovers who appreciate quality and a well-rounded profile.
Bulletproof The Mentalist Medium-Dark Roast is for lovers of a good, strong brew. This keto-friendly coffee boasts a number of notable features and benefits.
It is expertly picked, washed, and mechanically dried without the use of harmful chemicals to lock in the natural vibrancy and flavor of the coffee.
Moreover, it’s a medium roast, meaning it offers a balanced flavor, slightly sweet with notes of cherry, almond, and caramel. Consuming Bulletproof coffee can help improve cognitive function, support a healthy heart, and kickstart your metabolism.
- Enhances mental clarity and focus
- Supports a healthy heart
- Chemical-free processing
- Medium roast offers a balanced flavor
- Might be too strong for some
- A little pricier than other brands
Who Should Buy This?
Bulletproof The Mentalist is perfect for those who are serious about their coffee, and prefer a medium-dark roast that gives a defined kick yet is not overpoweringly strong. It’s also an excellent choice for keto dieters thanks to its purity and beneficial properties.
Lavazza Super Crema is exceptional for espresso lovers. Its light-medium roast creates a unique blend that strikes a perfect balance between sweetness and intensity.
The coffee features a rich crema and lasting taste, promising to add a delightfully indulgent finish. Further, its low acidity and notes of dried fruit and hazelnut offer an appealing palate.
However, some users find the taste slightly mild, and it’s not as strong as some other brands. Also, the grind settings might need an adjustment to get that shot.
Still, with a legacy dating back to 1895, Lavazza coffee is designed for discerning coffee drinkers who appreciate high-quality coffee. And this medium-roast one does not disappoint.
- Perfect mix of sweet and sharp
- Scrumptious crema and delicious body
- Low acidity
- Too mild for some
Who Should Buy This?
The Lavazza Super Crema Coffee is a good choice for baristas looking to extract the best flavors from their beans, and for regular users who want to recreate the delightful experience at home.
Don Francisco’s Kona Blend is a good choice for coffee aficionados, and it is particularly appreciated when brewed using a Moka Pot.
The java brings together a harmonic blend of the world-renowned Kona coffee from Hawaii, complemented by high-quality Arabica beans, resulting in a coffee that exhibits a rich, complex, and smooth profile that is not overly bitter or acidic.
The benefits feature a subtle hint of wine and fruit undertones laced with a refreshing bright taste. It’s an enjoyable medium roast that offers unique mellow flavors, capturing the essence of the Kona region. This coffee is made from 100% Arabica, too.
However, it might lack the boldness desired by some dark-roast lovers. Moreover, the percentage of genuine Kona blend might seem less for purists.
- Mellow with bright finishes
- Delicious profile pairs perfectly with Moka pot brewing
- Great bean blend for a medium roast
- Not as bold as some people think it'll be
- Kona blend (not real Kona)
Who Should Buy This?
This coffee is perfect for you if you’re looking for a medium-roast coffee experience that’s enhanced by a Moka pot’s concentration.
Amazon Fresh Colombia Medium Roast offers a strong yet balanced coffee experience to caffeine lovers while keeping their budget in check. It’s one of the most affordable and balanced coffee blends I’ve tried.
The Colombian-sourced, high-quality coffee beans are roasted at medium intensity to preserve the special flavors and aromas.
Its unique features include a smooth, full-bodied taste with vivid notes of cocoa and brown sugar. The whole bean variant gives you an option to grind beans as well, locking in the freshness till the last sip.
- Affordable price
- Fresh, high-quality beans
- Vivid flavor profile
- Versatility of whole beans
- Lack of variety in flavors
- Potential lack of intensity for those who prefer dark roasts
Who Should Buy This?
If you appreciate a good cup of medium-roast coffee without breaking your budget, buy this. And if you enjoy the ritual of grinding your own beans for peak freshness and flavor, this coffee offers that, too.
Kicking Horse Coffee’s Three Sisters encompasses taste notes of sweet tobacco, stone fruit, and cocoa. It’s a flavorful combination of rich, dark coffee with a smooth finish.
Being an organic roast sourced from Indonesia, South America, and Central America, it combines sustainability with superior quality.
Some of the coffee’s prominent features include its traceable origins, fairtrade sourcing, and kosher certification, rendering it an ethical and environment-friendly choice. Not to mention better for you.
- Terrific aroma
- Smooth taste
- Ethical sourcing
- The blend's strength is a bit intense
- The price is a touch steep compared to other brands, but these largely depend on personal preferences
Who Should Buy This?
The Kicking Horse Coffee, Three Sisters Medium Roast is perfect for those seeking fair-trade, organic coffee with a rich, complex flavor profile. It’s a crowd-pleaser for serious coffee lovers and casual drinkers alike, connecting you to the global coffee community with every sip.
Copper Moon’s Medium Roast Costa Rican Blend stands out as the best coffee for the cold brewing process.
Its unique blend from the exotic Costa Rican regions offers a vibrant, full-bodied flavor with a hint of nuttiness, making it a delightful, refreshing treat to the senses.
The carefully selected and roasted beans present a mild acidity and a smooth finish – a feature applauded by coffee aficionados and deeply complemented by cold brewing.
- Exceptional taste from premium beans
- Suitable for cold brewing
- Well-balanced acidity
- Full-bodied flavor with a hint of nuttiness
- Smooth finish
- Those with a preference for strong, bold coffee might find it too mild
- Some might consider it a bit pricey
Who Should Buy This?
Copper Moon’s Medium Roast is ideal for coffee lovers looking for a unique, exotic taste to embark on a memorable cold brew journey. While some may find it too mild or pricey, the overall quality and taste remain undeniably top-tier, promising a worthwhile experience.
Peet’s Coffee, Big Bang is a stellar inclusion in the premium coffee market. This particular blend is featured as a celebration of Alfred Peet’s influential taste, offering a unique blend of coffees from Ethiopia, where the coffee bean was first discovered, symbolizing the ‘Big Bang’ of coffee’s expansive flavor universe.
Its flavors are deep and vibrant, while the medium roast maintains smoothness and quality. It’s also pre-ground for convenience, or for those without a coffee grinder.
- Delicious coffee
- Conveniently pre-ground
- High-quality Ethiopian coffee
- Pre-ground means a lack of grind coarseness options
Who Should Buy This?
Peet’s Big Bang is perfectly suited for coffee aficionados seeking an easily prepared, high-quality brew without the fuss or mess of grinding beans.
Death Wish Coffee’s Organic and Fair Trade, Medium Roast is our expert pick for the best extra-caffeinated coffee in the market.
The coffee is unique, offering an intense flavor with a surprisingly smooth taste which caters to coffee enthusiasts who love bold roasts. One extraordinary feature is its claim to be the world’s strongest coffee, with double the caffeine of a standard cup.
The advantages don’t stop at the caffeine kick. Death Wish Coffee that is certified organic and fair-trade indicates the brand’s commitment to quality and ethical sourcing.
But people with a preference for mild flavor might find this coffee overpowering, so if that’s you, try a Death Wish light roast instead.
- Organic and fair-trade certified
- Big 'ol caffeine kick
- Higher price as compared to other coffee brands
- Its extreme caffeine content may not be suitable for everyone
Who Should Buy This?
If you’re looking for a serious medium-roast energy boost, but equally value organic and ethically sourced coffee, this one’s for you!
The Original Donut Shop Medium Roast Coffee Pods (24 Count – Pack of 4) set the standard for what a perfect K-Cup coffee should taste like.
This rich, bold, and flavorful coffee provides an invigorating start to your day with its smooth medium roast profile. The key feature of this coffee is its simple functionality as the coffee pods are compatible with all K-Cup brewers.
Its benefits are twofold – you’ll savor the consistent taste without having to measure or filter, and the time-saving aspect is unmatched.
- Consistent, high-quality taste
- Compatible with all K-Cup brewers
- Time-saving & convenient
- Not ideal for non-K-Cup brewers
- K-cups are pricier than whole bean
Who Should Buy This?
This product is ideal for any coffee enthusiast who enjoys premium-tasting coffee without any fuss. The simplicity and convenience of the Original Donut Shop Medium Roast Coffee Pods make it a highly recommended option for those always on the go or those who cherish their time in the morning.
Your Guide to Buying Medium Roast Coffee
What Is a Medium Roast Coffee?
Before we delve deeper into the world of medium roast coffee, let’s clarify what it actually means. A medium roast coffee is characterized by its balanced flavor profile, with medium acidity and a rich, full-bodied taste. This roast level preserves the unique characteristics of the coffee bean while imparting a roastiness that enhances its flavor.
If you’re looking for a coffee that strikes a perfect balance between the brightness of light roasts and the depth of dark roasts, medium roast coffee is the way to go.
Medium roast coffee beans are roasted to an internal temperature of around 410°F to 430°F, which brings out the beans’ natural sweetness and complexity without overshadowing their origin’s flavors. The result is a cup of coffee that’s flavorful, aromatic, and highly enjoyable.
Why Should You Choose Medium Roast Coffee Beans?
While the coffee scene is abuzz with exciting developments, medium roast coffee is always a solid, reliable choice for discerning coffee lovers. Besides the fact that it’s the most popular roast, here are some more compelling reasons why you should consider making medium roast coffee your daily brew:
- Balanced Flavor: Medium roast coffee offers a harmonious blend of acidity and sweetness, making it an excellent choice for those who appreciate a well-balanced flavor profile.
- Varietal Characteristics: With medium roast coffee, you can truly savor the unique flavor notes of different coffee beans from around the world. Whether you prefer Ethiopian, Colombian, or Kenyan coffee, medium roast allows these flavors to shine.
- Versatility: Medium roast coffee is versatile and suitable for various brewing methods, from pour-over to French press, automatic drip, and more. You can enjoy it in any way that suits your taste.
- Caffeine Kick: While not as high in caffeine as light roasts, medium roast coffee still provides a good caffeine kick to kickstart your day without overwhelming jitters.
How to Choose the Best Medium Roast For You
Finding the best medium roast coffee for you involves considering several factors—including your taste preferences, brewing method, and the origin of the coffee beans. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you make the right choice:
Consider Your Flavor Preferences
Medium roast coffee is known for its balanced flavor, which can include notes of nuttiness, chocolate, and a slight acidity. Think about the flavors you enjoy. Do you prefer a milder, more acidic taste, or a richer, slightly caramelized flavor?
Coffee Origin Matters
Coffee beans from different regions have distinct flavor profiles. Some may be more fruity, while others are more earthy or spicy.
Research the origin of the coffee beans, and choose one that aligns with your taste preferences. For example, Colombian beans are known for their well-balanced flavor, while Ethiopian beans often have floral and fruity notes.
Freshness Is Key
Freshness greatly impacts the flavor of your coffee. Look for beans that have been recently roasted. Check the roast date on the packaging, and aim to consume the coffee within a few weeks to a couple of months of that date for the best taste.
Your Brewing Method Matters
Different methods bring out different aspects of coffee’s flavor. For example, French press brewing tends to highlight the body and earthy notes, while pour-over methods accentuate acidity and brightness. Choose a medium roast that complements your preferred brewing technique.
Experiment
Don’t be afraid to try different medium roast coffees to find your favorite. Taste is highly subjective, and your preferences may change over time.
Consider Sustainability and Ethical Sourcing
If you’re concerned about ethical and sustainable practices, look for coffee brands that prioritize fair trade and environmentally friendly sourcing.
Store Your Beans Properly
Once you’ve chosen your medium roast coffee, store it in an airtight container in a cool, dark place to preserve freshness.
Remember that the “best” medium roast coffee is a matter of personal preference. Take your time to explore different options and enjoy the journey of discovering the perfect cup of coffee that suits your taste buds and brewing style.
Brewing a Medium Roast Type of Coffee
After selecting your beans, it’s time to brew the perfect cup of medium coffee. The key to a great brew lies in the details of your brewing process. Here are some essential tips to consider:
- Grind Size: For medium roast coffee, a medium grind is ideal. This consistency allows for a balanced extraction of flavors.
- Water Temperature: Use water that’s just off the boil, around 200°F (93°C), to extract the best flavors from your medium roast beans.
- Brew Time: Adjust your brew time based on your chosen method. For a pour-over, aim for 2-4 minutes, while espresso requires a shorter brew time of 25-30 seconds.
By paying attention to these details, you can ensure that each cup you brew is a bewitching experience.
Ground Coffee vs. Whole Bean: Which Is Better?
When it comes to medium roast coffee, you have the option to choose between ground coffee and whole beans.
Each has its pros and cons:
- Ground Coffee: Convenient and ready to use, coffee ground ahead of time is a time-saver. However, it may lose some of its freshness and flavor over time.
- Whole Bean: Preserves freshness and allows you to grind the beans just before brewing, ensuring a more flavorful cup. However, it requires a grinder.
The choice between ground and whole-bean coffee ultimately comes down to your preference for convenience or the pursuit of the freshest flavor.
Light Roast Coffee vs. Dark Roast Coffee
Understanding the difference between light roast and dark roast coffee is essential when exploring the world of medium roast coffee.
Light roast coffee beans tend to have a brighter, more acidic flavor profile, with distinct fruit and floral notes. Lighter roast beans are roasted for a shorter period, allowing them to retain more of the beans’ original properties. The beans don’t produce much oil, leading to a lighter color and a more muted flavor. They also tend to be higher in caffeine content than their darker counterparts.
On the other hand, dark roast beans are characterized by their bold, smoky, and rich taste. Dark roast coffee beans, conversely, are roasted for a longer time, allowing the flavors to deepen and broaden. This lengthy roasting process results in a darker, shinier appearance, caused by the oils released by the beans.
Dark roast coffee tastes strong and robust, often with a notable bitterness. It also has less caffeine compared to light roast as much of it gets burnt off during the roasting process.
Medium roast coffee strikes a perfect balance between these extremes, offering a delicious cup of coffee that’s neither too bright nor too dark. It’s the best choice for those who appreciate complexity without overpowering bitterness.
Medium roast coffee, as the name implies, is roasted for a time in between the light and dark roast processes. This results in a coffee that still carries bright, nuanced flavors but also presents some of the depth and richness found in dark roasts.
The choice between these depends purely on personal preference. Some people prefer the lightness and subtlety of a light roast, while others enjoy the bold, strong flavors of a dark roast. Medium roast offers a harmonious blend of both worlds and is often a safe choice for those new to exploring different coffee styles.
Make Espresso with Your Best Medium Roast Coffee Beans
If you’re a fan of espresso, you’re in for a delightful treat. Medium roast coffee is a fantastic choice for crafting the perfect shot. Here’s why:
- Flavor Harmony: Medium roast coffee brings a well-rounded flavor profile to your espresso, ensuring a balanced shot with notes of sweetness and acidity.
- Smooth Extraction: The medium grind size of these beans allows for more even extraction, resulting in a smooth and satisfying sip.
- Versatility: Medium roast espresso is versatile and works beautifully in various drinks, from cappuccinos to lattes and Americanos.
So, if you’re looking to elevate your experience, opt for a high-quality medium-roast coffee bean, and you won’t be disappointed.
Here’s how to make an espresso using medium-roast beans:
- Selecting your beans: Always make sure your beans are fresh.
- Grind your beans: Use a burr grinder to grind your beans. The grind size for espresso should be fine, like table salt.
- Preheat your espresso machine: Make sure your machine is hot and ready to go. The ideal brewing temperature for espresso is between 195 and 205 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Dose your coffee: Start with 18-20g of coffee for a double espresso shot.
- Tamp your grounds: This step is vital. Use a tamp to compact the coffee into your machine’s portafilter.
- Extracting the espresso: Place the portafilter back onto your machine and start the extraction. This should only take about 25-30 seconds.
- Enjoy: Pour into a demitasse cup and enjoy immediately for the best flavor.
Remember, the beauty of making coffee at home is that you can experiment with your technique until you find your perfect espresso. Whether you prefer a stronger, more robust flavor or something smoother, medium roast coffee is an excellent starting point for any espresso enthusiast.
Try out different beans, grinds, and extraction times to discover your sweet spot!
The Art of Coffee Blending
Blending different coffee beans is an art that coffee roasters have mastered over the years.
When it comes to medium roast coffee, roasters can create balanced coffee blends using beans that are greater than the sum of their parts.
Coffee blends often combine beans from different regions and with varying flavor profiles to achieve a specific taste.
Whether you prefer a sweeter, more chocolaty medium roast or a brighter, fruitier one, there’s a blend out there for you. Look for coffee blends that resonate with your palate, and don’t be afraid to experiment until you find your perfect combination.
Decaf Coffee: Enjoying Medium Roast without the Caffeine
For those who love the taste of medium roast but want to limit their caffeine intake, decaf medium is a good choice. Decaffeination methods have improved over the years, and today’s decaf coffee can deliver a rich, flavorful experience without the jolt of caffeine.
When selecting decaf medium roast coffee, consider factors like the decaffeination process used and the flavor notes described on the packaging. Some decaf coffees are even processed using natural methods, preserving the beans’ flavor integrity.
Final Thoughts on Best Medium Roast Coffee Brands of 2023
In the world of coffee, choosing the best medium roast coffee in 2023 offers a world of flavors and experiences. Whether you’re a coffee connoisseur or just starting your coffee journey, medium roast coffee provides a delightful balance of flavors that’s hard to resist.
My personal favorite medium roast is the Mt. Comfort Organic Coffee from Peru. You can grab yourself a bag on Amazon or your local grocery store!
But remember: As you embark on your journey to discover the best medium roast coffee, the beauty of coffee lies in its diversity.
With so many beans, brands, and brewing techniques to explore, there’s always something new and exciting to discover in the world of coffee. So, savor each cup, and may your coffee adventures be filled with flavor and delight.
