Discovering the Best Medium Roast Coffee Beans [2024]

CoffeeAtoZ’s best medium roast coffee beans of 2024 review has arrived, promising an unparalleled taste experience for coffee lovers everywhere. These beans, carefully selected and roasted to perfection, emanate a perfect balance between the characteristic bold flavor of dark roast and the delicate, intricate tones of light roast. They bring a unique fusion of taste, offering a flavorful journey with every sip.

This blog post will guide you through the discovery of these top-tier medium roasted coffee beans, focusing on their unique characteristics, sourcing regions, and what makes them stand out in this year’s coffee scene.

Reviewing The Best Medium Roast Coffee Beans Of 2024

Now that we’ve learned about the attributes and health benefits of medium-roasted coffee, let’s dive into our top 8 picks for the best medium roasted coffee beans.

Starbucks Pike Place Roast

Kickstarting our list is the iconic Starbucks Pike Place Roast, a signature blend that perfectly embodies the spirit of medium roasted coffee. Named after the first-ever Starbucks in Seattle’s Pike Place Market, this blend is deeply rooted in history and tradition. The Pike Place Roast offers a smooth, well-rounded flavor that strikes a harmonious balance between rich and bold. Its subtle notes of cocoa and toasted nuts, coupled with its enduring finish, make it a captivating choice for all coffee enthusiasts. It serves as a testament to Starbucks’ proficiency in crafting medium roasted coffee beans that are flavorful, balanced, and truly unforgettable.

Pros

• Consistent Flavor: You can expect a consistent taste from every bag or cup of Pike Place Roast
• Versatility: It can be enjoyed in black or used as a base for a variety of coffeehouse drinks
• Wide Availability: You can find Pike Place Roast in many grocery stores, Starbucks outlets, and online

Cons

• Lack of Single-Origin Beans: Pike Place Roast is a blend, which might not appeal to coffee connoisseurs who prefer single-origin brews for their unique flavors
• Pre-Ground Beans: The coffee comes pre-ground, which can compromise the freshness compared to whole-bean coffee
• Price: Some may find Starbucks coffee to be a bit on the pricey side compared to other brands

Lavazza Super Crema Coffee Blend

Next on our list is the Lavazza Super Crema Coffee Blend. This blend is a delightful product of Lavazza’s long history and dedication to crafting quality coffee. Made from a blend of Arabica and Robusta beans from Brazil, Colombia, and Indonesia, it offers a creamy and full-bodied taste with aromatic notes of honey, almonds, and dried fruit. Its rich flavor profile and velvet texture have made it a popular choice among coffee enthusiasts around the world.

Pros

• Consistent Flavor: Lavazza is renowned for delivering a consistent taste across all its coffee blends
• Suitable for Espresso: The blend is ideal for espresso but can be enjoyed in a variety of brewing methods
• Widely Available: You can find the Super Crema Coffee Blend in most supermarkets, coffee shops, and online platforms

Cons

• Pre-ground Beans: The coffee generally comes pre-ground, which may impact its freshness compared to whole-bean coffee
• Mixed Bean Origin: As it is a blend, it may not resonate with coffee enthusiasts who prefer single-origin coffee for its distinctive flavors
• Might be too Mild: For those who prefer a stronger coffee, the mildness of this blend might not hit the spot

Kicking Horse Coffee – Smart Ass Blend

Continuing our journey, we land upon the Kicking Horse Coffee – Smart Ass Blend. Born in the heart of the Canadian Rockies, Kicking Horse Coffee is celebrated for its commitment to producing delicious and ethical coffee. The Smart Ass Blend is no exception to this rule. It’s a medium roast blend designed for the savvy coffee drinker, characterized by its vibrant and cheeky flavor. This blend boasts an exotic mix of African, Central, and South American beans, resulting in a cup that is crisp and clear, with a swift kick of tart red currant, sugar cane sweetness, and a mouth-watering finish.

Pros

• Unique Flavor Profile: The blend’s unique flavor profile, characterized by its vibrancy and fruity undertones, offers a refreshing change from traditional blends
• Organic: Kicking Horse Coffee is committed to fair trade and organic coffee, guaranteeing high-quality, environmentally-friendly beans
• Versatile: Suitable for a variety of brewing methods, from espresso to French press, making it a versatile choice for coffee enthusiasts

Cons

• Lack of Single-Origin Beans: As it is a blend, it may not be the first choice for those who prefer single-origin brews
• Flavor Intensity: Some coffee lovers may find the fruity flavor too pronounced, overpowering the traditional coffee taste
• Availability: While widely available online, it may be less so in brick-and-mortar stores compared to more mainstream brands

Peet’s Coffee Big Bang

Next up on our list is Peet’s Coffee Big Bang medium roast whole beans. Named as a tribute to Peet’s Coffee’s 50th anniversary, this special blend is a testament to the brand’s enduring commitment to quality. Originating from the finest Ethiopian Super Natural beans, this medium roast coffee offers an extraordinarily vibrant flavor. It combines the unique fruity and floral notes of Ethiopian coffee with Peet’s signature depth, resulting in a cup that’s bright, full of life, and resonates with complex flavors.

Pros

• Unique Flavor Profile: The blend’s unique flavor, characterized by its brightness and complex layers, offers a refreshing departure from conventional blends
• Whole Bean Coffee: Unlike pre-ground coffee, whole beans retain their flavor and aroma for longer, ensuring you get the freshest cup possible
• Wide Availability: Peet’s Coffee Big Bang Medium Roast Whole Beans is widely available in supermarkets, coffee shops, and online platforms

Cons

• Flavor Intensity: Those who prefer a more traditional coffee taste may find the unique flavors of the Big Bang blend a bit overwhelming
• Requires a Grinder: As the coffee comes as whole beans, you’ll need a grinder to prepare your coffee
• Price: The Big Bang blend is a bit pricier compared to other mid-range coffee options

Tim Hortons Whole Bean Original, Medium Roast

Continuing our journey through the world of coffee, let’s take a trip north to Canada and explore Tim Hortons Whole Bean Original, Medium Roast. With its roots going back to 1964, Tim Hortons is an iconic Canadian brand that has since spread across the globe. The Whole Bean Original, Medium Roast, is one of their classic offerings that has garnered a significant following from coffee aficionados.

Pros

• Reliable Flavor Profile: The Original Medium Roast provides a consistently satisfying taste, making it a reliable choice for everyday coffee drinking
• Versatility: Suitable for various brewing methods, from espresso to French press, ensuring a satisfying cup regardless of your preferred method
• Wide Availability: Tim Hortons Whole Bean Original, Medium Roast, is readily available in stores and online, making it easy to acquire

Cons

• Lack of Unique Flavors: For those seeking unique or adventurous flavors, the Original Medium Roast may be a bit too standard
• Requires a Grinder: As this coffee comes in whole bean form, a grinder is essential to prepare your brew
• Price: This coffee tends to be slightly more expensive compared to other medium roast options in the market

Illy Classico Whole Bean Coffee

Transitioning to the Italian coffee experience, let’s delve into Illy Classico Whole Bean Medium Roast Coffee. A highly esteemed brand in the world of coffee, Illy takes pride in delivering premium quality coffee. The Classico Whole Bean Medium Roast is a testament to their dedication to quality, offering a beautifully balanced flavor that is both sweet and slightly acidic, with notes of chocolate, toast, and caramel.

Pros

• Quality: The use of 100% Arabica beans underlines Illy’s commitment to quality, ensuring a smooth and flavorful coffee
• Freshness: The whole bean format allows for grinding at the time of brewing, ensuring peak freshness
• Versatility: Suitable for various brewing methods, offering flexibility to coffee enthusiasts in their preparation

Cons

• Price: Illy’s products, given their emphasis on quality, tend to be more expensive than other brands
• Flavor: The balance between sweet, bitter, and acidic notes might not cater to everyone’s taste
• Availability: While generally available online, it may be less accessible in physical stores compared to more mainstream brands

Lifeboost Medium Roast Coffee

Let’s now traverse into the realm of eco-friendly coffee with Lifeboost Medium Roast Coffee. Lifeboost promises not only a satisfying coffee experience but also one that’s mindful of health and the environment. Their Medium Roast Coffee is shade-grown, pesticide-free, and low in acidity, offering a smooth, stomach-friendly brew with a hint of chocolatey sweetness.

Pros

• Easy on the Stomach: The low acidity of this coffee makes it a suitable choice for those with sensitive stomachs or who are prone to acid reflux
• Unique Flavor Profile: The smooth flavor punctuated by a hint of chocolate offers a distinctive taste that sets it apart from other brands
• Ethical Sourcing: Coffee enthusiasts who value environmental sustainability will appreciate Lifeboost’s commitment to organic and ethical sourcing practices

Cons

• Price: Lifeboost’s emphasis on organic, ethically sourced beans may result in a higher price point compared to other brands
• Lack of Intensity: Those who prefer a more robust or intense flavor may find this medium roast a bit mild for their taste
• Availability: Depending on location, Lifeboost Coffee may mostly be available online and less so in physical stores

Mt. Comfort Coffee Organic Peru Medium Roast

We now turn our attention to Mt. Comfort Coffee Organic Peru Medium Roast, a brand known for its dedication to organic farming and sustainable practices. Mt. Comfort sources its beans from the high-altitude regions of Peru, resulting in a coffee that’s rich, clean, and full-bodied, with subtle notes of nutty sweetness and a smooth finish.

Pros

• Organic: The use of organic beans makes it a great choice for those prioritizing natural, chemical-free commodities
• Balanced Flavor: The smooth, nutty flavor provides a balanced and satisfying coffee experience
• Ethical Sourcing: The commitment to sustainable farming broadens its appeal to environmentally conscious consumers

Cons

• Flavor Complexity: The flavor might be too simple for those seeking more complex profiles
• Price: Given its organic and ethical sourcing, it might be pricier than non-organic coffee options
• Availability: Like many specialized brands, it might be less accessible in traditional stores and more available online

Remember, the taste of coffee can vary based on other factors such as brewing method, water quality, and freshness of beans. So, don’t be afraid to experiment and discover your personal favorite.

What Is Medium Roasted Coffee Bean?

Medium roast coffee beans, often known as ‘American roast’, are considered the gold standard in the world of coffee. These beans are roasted to a medium brown color and have a balanced and rich flavor profile that isn’t overly intense. This method of roasting is designed to bring out the best characteristics of the beans, such as their inherent flavors, acidity, and body. Unlike the dark roast, the medium roast doesn’t overshadow the coffee’s natural flavors. Instead, it provides a perfect balance, making it a favored choice among many coffee enthusiasts.

Profile of medium roasted coffee beans include:

• Medium roast coffee beans have a medium brown color, resembling the color of milk chocolate when roasted correctly
• These coffee beans usually possess a well-balanced flavor profile. The taste is neither too mellow nor overly intense, creating an enjoyable sipping experience
• The natural acidity of the beans is preserved in medium roast coffee. The acidity level is moderate, contributing to a vibrant and refreshing taste
• Medium roasted coffee beans often feature a fuller body than light roasts, providing a more satisfying mouthfeel
• The inherent flavors of the coffee beans are retained in a medium roast. These flavors, unique to each coffee origin, are more discernible compared to a dark roast
• Unlike darker roasts, medium roast coffees do not have a burnt or charred taste. The roasting process stops before the beans reach that stage, allowing the true coffee flavors to shine through

Health Benefits of Medium Roasted Coffee Beans

Medium roasted coffee beans not only offer a delectable taste but also come packed with health benefits.

• High in Antioxidants: Medium roast coffee is rich in antioxidants which are known for their health-protective properties. The roasting process, in fact, tends to increase the level of some specific antioxidants, such as melanoidins, contributing to overall health improvement
• Balanced Acidity: While all coffee contains some level of acidity, medium roast coffee preserves this in a balanced manner, which can be gentler on your stomach compared to darker or lighter roasts. This can be beneficial for people with sensitive stomachs
• Cognitive Benefits: The caffeine present in medium roast coffee is known to enhance cognitive functions. It can help improve focus, memory, and overall mental performance
• Lower Risk of Diseases: Some studies suggest that regular consumption of medium roast coffee may reduce the risk of certain diseases like Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s due to the presence of strong antioxidants
• Weight Management: Medium roast coffee can assist in maintaining a healthy weight. The chlorogenic acid present in these beans has been suggested to slow carbohydrates’ absorption, aiding weight management efforts

As compared to light or dark roast coffee, medium roast coffee provides a balanced combination of flavor and health benefits, making it a great choice for everyday consumption.

Ideal Brew Methods And Drinks For Medium Roasted Coffee Beans

Medium-roasted coffee beans are incredibly versatile, lending themselves wonderfully to a variety of brew methods and drinks.

For brew methods, pour-over or drip brewing is ideal for medium roasts because it allows the full range of flavors to shine through. This method enhances the bean’s complex flavors while maintaining a balanced acidity.

The French press is another excellent method for medium roasts. The longer extraction time results in a richer, fuller-bodied cup that accentuates the coffee’s inherent sweetness.

In terms of coffee drinks, medium roasted beans are perfect for classic Americanos and Lattes. The balanced profile of medium roasted beans works excellently with the additional water in an Americano or the steamed milk in a latte, providing a smooth and flavorful drink.

For those with a sweet tooth, Mochas made with medium roasts are heavenly as the cocoa complements the intrinsic chocolatey notes often found in medium roasts.

Remember, coffee is a personal experience and these are just guidelines. Feel free to experiment with different methods and drinks to find your perfect match.

FAQs

Conclusion

These are just a few examples of the best medium roast coffee beans out there, each with its own unique flavor profile. When selecting your coffee beans, consider the region where the beans were grown and the flavor profile. With medium roast beans, you will get a balanced coffee that has a bold taste with a smooth and clean finish. Whether you prefer coffee in the morning or at any time of day, try these top-rated medium roast coffee beans to enjoy the unique and distinctive coffee flavors.