At Little Jaye, we know coffee isn’t one-size-fits-all. Whether you’re a bold, roasty dark roast lover or a citrusy light roast explorer, we’ve got you covered — pastries in hand, of course. But if you’ve ever wondered about the difference between light roast vs dark roast, or asked which has more caffeine (? hint: it’s not what most people think), this guide’s for you.
Light Roast and Dark Roast: The Basics
When we talk about light and dark roast, we’re really talking about how long the beans are roasted — and how that impacts flavor, aroma, body, and caffeine content.
Let’s break it down:
Light Roast
- Flavor Profile: Bright, citrusy, floral, sometimes fruity
- Body: Light to medium
- Caffeine: Contrary to popular belief, light roast has slightly more caffeine by volume
- Why? Because the beans are denser and roasted for less time
- Pairs Well With: Fruit-forward pastries, croissants, and lighter breakfast fare
Dark Roast
- Flavor Profile: Bold, roasty, smoky, with chocolate and nutty notes
- Body: Full and smooth
- Caffeine: Slightly less caffeine than light roast due to longer roasting (but still plenty strong)
- Why? Roasting longer breaks down some of the caffeine content
- Pairs Well With: Buttery treats, breakfast sandwiches, donuts, or anything rich
Light Roast vs Dark Roast Caffeine: The Truth
This one trips people up all the time. When comparing light roast and dark roast caffeine, light roast usually wins — but only slightly, and mostly if you measure by volume (like a scoop). If you measure by weight, they’re almost the same.
So don’t overthink it — pick your roast based on flavor first, not caffeine hype.
So Which Is Better: Dark Roast vs Light Roast?
Short answer? Neither.
It’s not a competition — just different vibes:
- Choose light roast if you like brighter, fruitier, or more complex coffee
- Choose dark roast if you like something bold, smooth, and classic
- Choose both if you like being well-caffeinated and happy
Your Best Bet? Ask the Barista
We always have a rotation of both light and dark roasts at Little Jaye, sourced from small roasters and brewed fresh. If you’re not sure which way to go in the light vs dark roast debate — just ask. We’ve got you.
Little Jaye Bakery & Café
Small batch pastries. Big coffee energy. Brewed with intention.