What Does Strong Coffee Actually Mean?

 Strong Coffee Myths: It's Not About the Caffeine, It's About the Flavor

Ever been that person who orders the “strongest coffee” on the menu, expecting to be jolted awake like a character in a cartoon? But instead, you end up with a cup that tastes like a burnt tire? If you think strong coffee equals more caffeine, brace yourself for a revelation. Turns out, the best tasting craft coffee at home isn't about the caffeine punch but the rich, nuanced flavors of the coffee & roast profile.

Let's clear up the common misconception: "strong coffee" doesn't actually mean high caffeine content. The truth is, strength in coffee is more about the flavor profile—how bold, rich, and intense the taste is—rather than how much caffeine will have you jittering like a squirrel on energy drinks.

First, let’s set the record straight. The Specialty Coffee Association (SCA), the worldwide association that sets the rules for all things coffee-related (so we’re all speaking the same language), defines the “strength” of coffee not by how many spoons of grounds you cram into your coffee maker, but by something called total dissolved solids (TDS). In simple terms, TDS is what percentage of your coffee is actually coffee, and what’s water. A proper cup of coffee should have between 1.1% to 1.5% coffee solids, and the rest, you guessed it, is water. (Robertson, 2018)

When you sip on a dark roast, you might assume you’re getting a caffeine overdose. But guess what? The longer coffee beans are roasted, the more caffeine they lose. Yep, your beloved dark roast might actually have less caffeine than that bright and fruity light roast. So, the next time someone brags about drinking the "strongest" coffee, feel free to hit them with a fun fact!

This nuance in flavor is what separates just a cup of coffee from the best tasting craft coffee at home. Whether it’s the smooth chocolatey notes of a medium roast or the bright, citrusy kick of a light roast, each sip is a journey into a world of flavor—not just a caffeine rush.

Now, if you’re wondering where to find these flavor-packed beans, look no further than the best place to order coffee online. High-quality roasters understand the magic of the roast, delivering beans that are carefully crafted to bring out their natural flavors. And with the best coffee bean delivery services, you can enjoy that complexity without even leaving your house!

So, the next time you’re hunting for the best tasting craft coffee at home, remember: it’s not about how “strong” the coffee is; it’s about how well the flavors dance on your palate. Embrace the nuance, savor the roast, and let your taste buds experience the full spectrum of what coffee can offer.

For your next coffee fix, skip the “strongest” label and go for the best place to order coffee online. Your mornings will thank you, and who knows? You might just discover your new favorite roast!