Do Dark Roasts Have More Caffeine? Breaking the Coffee Myth
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Hello Coffee Lovers! Ever wondered if that bold dark roast really gives you more of a kick? It's one of the most common coffee questions out there, and at 787 Coffee, we're here to spill the beans. We’re dedicated to bringing authentic, Puerto Rican coffee and yes, to help you feel empowered to make the best choice, every morning. Let's dive into the science and settle the great dark roast caffeine debate once and for all.
🔥 The Roast + Caffeine Mystery: What Really Happens in the Dark?
Let’s get into it — because if you've ever wondered “does dark roast mean less caffeine?”, you’re not alone.
Here’s the truth, served 787-style:
Caffeine is a pretty stable little molecule. It doesn’t just disappear when the beans hit high heat. In fact, it hangs on strong up to about 455°F (235°C) — way above your average roast. That’s why for years, the coffee world believed roast level didn’t change caffeine content much. Light roast or dark roast — same buzz, right?
Well... not so fast.
Recent studies suggest there’s a little more nuance to the story. At those hotter, longer roast times (think super dark, smoky, rich), a tiny amount of caffeine can be lost. It’s rare, but possible — either from sublimation (science word for going from solid to gas) or from the intense heat breaking it down.
☕ So, does dark roast have less caffeine?
Here’s the breakdown that truly makes the difference in your cup:
When you scoop (by volume): Dark roast beans are lighter and more expanded, like puffed-up popcorn. They've lost more moisture and density during the longer roasting process. This expansion causes them to become less dense and more porous. If you're using a standard scoop, like a tablespoon or the scoop that came with your coffee maker, you're actually measuring by volume. Because dark roast beans are bigger and lighter, that scoop will physically hold fewer individual coffee beans by weight compared to a scoop of denser, more compact light roast beans. Fewer beans in your scoop translates directly to less overall caffeine in your brew.
When you weigh (by scale): This is where coffee science truly comes into play and precision matters. If you're using a kitchen scale to measure your coffee, you're measuring by weight (e.g., 18 grams). When you measure by weight, you're ensuring that you have the exact same mass of coffee beans, regardless of their roast level. Since caffeine is a relatively stable compound and doesn't degrade significantly at typical roasting temperatures, an equal weight of light roast beans and dark roast beans will contain nearly identical amounts of caffeine. While some ultra-dark roasts, exposed to extreme heat for extended periods, might experience a very negligible reduction in caffeine (perhaps a few milligrams), this difference is usually too small to significantly impact your morning kick or be noticeable to the average coffee drinker. Therefore, for consistent caffeine levels and a truly repeatable brew, measuring by weight is always recommended.
What really matters for caffeine?
💥 The type of bean (if you are making your morning coffee with Robusta or Arabica beans)
⏱️ Your brewing method (Espresso, drip, cold brew — they all hit different)
⚖️ How you measure (by scoop = more variation, by weight = more consistency)
Your Coffee, Your Way
What's the ultimate takeaway? Forget the myth: dark roast doesn't mean more caffeine. Instead, it delivers that bold, rich flavor many of us crave. But if you’re chasing that extra caffeine kick? Light and medium roasts might actually deliver more buzz per scoop thanks to their higher bean density.
At 787 Coffee, we don’t just roast — we honor tradition, taste, and the grind. Every batch is crafted with love and intention, grown on our very own farm in Maricao, Puerto Rico, to your cup.
Whether you’re all about that smooth morning drip, a bold pour-over ritual, or the rich crema of espresso — there’s a roast with your name on it.
☕ Buy the best coffee online, sign up for our coffee subscription, or swing by a 787 Coffee shop near you in NYC, coffee shop in New Jersey, coffee shop in El Paso, coffee shop in Puerto Rico.
Let’s turn your caffeine cravings into a flavorful ritual — one cup, one human, one roast at a time.
Meet Your Match
Feeling bold?
Go for a smoky, intense dark roast to fuel your day — our Rum-Infused Coffee Beans bring robust flavor with deep, chocolaty notes and a touch of spice.
Need inspiration?
Reach for a smooth medium roast with subtle sweetness — our Whiskey-Infused or Tequila-Infused Coffee Beans are crafted with caramel and vanilla notes that spark creativity and conversation.
Chasing energy?
Try a bright, fruity light roast that powers you through with flavor and focus. Our Supremo Roast, ethically sourced and bursting with chocolate and fruit notes, is your go-to for a clean, vibrant energy boost.
Ready to Taste for Yourself?
Now that you're armed with your newfound flavor note wisdom, there's only one thing left to do: experience the 787 Coffee difference firsthand!
🔥 Shop our best-selling coffee online: Explore our curated selection and find the perfect origin that speaks to your newly awakened palate.
🔥 Join the best coffee subscription in the game: Guarantee a constant supply of fresh, incredible coffee delivered weekly – just like your morning routine should be.
From the meticulous care on our farms in Puerto Rico to the vibrant cups served in NYC, your new favorite flavor is waiting for you.
Be a CAFFEINATED HUMAN.
Be a creative human. Be a good human.
From coffee farmers to coffee shops.
Our journey began in 2014, not as baristas, but as dedicated coffee farmers. We started by handpicking our own coffee beans, nurturing a deep love for nature, and mastering the intricate process of planting, growing, and processing specialty coffee. Our coffee shops are a natural evolution of this profound passion, bringing our farm's bounty directly to your cup.
Gracias. Gracias. Gracias por visitar Puerto Rico, nuestra islita del encanto.
