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Starbucks® Coffee roast spectrum explained

The art and science of the Starbucks® Roast Spectrum.

February 28, 2025

The alchemy of roasting coffee 

Each coffee requires a distinctive roast to bring out its unique characteristics – transforming green coffee beans into shiny, fragrant gems. This alchemy is a balance of art and science, knowledge, and intuition, developed more than 50 years by Starbucks master roasters. Together, all Starbucks® coffees create a spectrum of flavors – from light-bodied blonde roasts to smooth and rich medium coffees to the darkest roasts. 

Starbucks® Blonde Roast

Starbucks® Blonde Roast beans have a shorter roast time, allowing for an easy drinking cup of more mellow flavours. Lighter-bodied and mellow, thse coffees awaken the senses gently and deliver an approachable and flavourful cup with slight hints of roast. 

Starbucks® Medium Roast

Medium-roasted coffee beans are in the middle of the Starbucks® roast spectrum. Smooth and balanced, these coffees have rich, approachable flavours 

Starbucks® Dark Roast

Dark-roasted coffee have fuller body with robust, bold taste with the characteristics essence of an intense roast 

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