Search “white coffee” and you’ll get a mess. Some results say it’s coffee with milk. Others say it’s a flat white. Some say it’s a Malaysian drink made with condensed milk. And then there’s the one I actually mean: coffee beans that are roasted so lightly they come out pale tan.
So, what is white coffee?
It’s regular coffee beans roasted at a much lower temperature (around 325°F to 350°F) and stopped before first crack. The result is a cup that’s nuttier, lighter, and more tea-like than a typical roast.
In this post, I’ll explain what white coffee is, what it tastes like, whether it really has more caffeine, and how to brew it at home.
What is White Coffee?
White coffee starts as the same green coffee beans as any other roast. The difference is the roast. Because the beans are roasted at a lower temperature and for less time, they keep their pale color and a lot of their natural flavor, which is where the name comes from.
Because “white coffee” means different things depending on where you are, here’s how to tell them apart:
- White coffee beans (what this post is about): lightly roasted beans.
- Malaysian (Ipoh) white coffee: beans roasted with margarine or oil, usually served with condensed milk.
- A flat white, or “white coffee” in the UK: espresso or coffee with milk added.
If you’ve ever wondered about other coffee terms, I keep a running glossary.
What Does White Coffee Taste Like?
Nothing like the typical coffee most of us grew up on. It’s milder, smoother, and much less bitter. Here’s what you might notice:
- Nutty: The most common note, from almonds to hazelnuts to peanut butter.
- Floral: Some beans exhibit floral undertones, reminiscent of jasmine, honeysuckle, or lavender.
- Grassy: Almost like green tea, which is why it often tastes more like tea than coffee.
- Fruity: Depending on the bean, citrus, berries, or even tropical fruit.
Of the white coffees I’ve tried, Snowcap from Campfire Coffee was my favorite. It was nutty and really delicious, but it’s no longer sold. Read my full Campfire Coffee review here.
Does White Coffee Have More Caffeine?
You’ll see claims that white coffee has 50% or more caffeine than regular coffee, but that’s mostly marketing. Roasting burns off only a small amount of caffeine, and the bean variety and brewing method matter more than the roast. I wouldn’t buy it expecting a big jolt.
In my experience, switching from a dark roast to white coffee is a bigger change in taste than in how awake you feel.
How to Brew White Coffee
Brewing white coffee requires a slightly different approach than regular coffee. Here’s how to get the best cup:
- Start with good coffee. Freshly roasted, from a roaster you trust, makes a big difference.
- Expect it to be pre-ground. Every white coffee I’ve bought came pre-ground, and I haven’t seen it sold as whole beans. That’s likely because the beans are very hard and can be tough on home grinders, so most roasters grind them for you. If you do happen to find whole beans, use a sturdy grinder.
- Use a standard brewing temperature, around 195-205°F (90-96°C). If it tastes sour or flat, go a little hotter. If it tastes bitter, go a little cooler.
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Match your brew method to the grind. White coffee is usually sold in an espresso grind, so it works best in an espresso machine, Moka pot, or AeroPress. A fine espresso grind tends to over-extract or clog in a pour-over or drip machine.
- Experiment. Adjust your ratio and brew time until it tastes right to you. If you’re newer to brewing, my simple coffee guide for moms covers easy brewing methods and grinders.
Where to Find White Coffee Beans
It’s not as common as traditional roasts, but you can find it at specialty roasters and online. Look for descriptions of the flavor profile, and try a few roasters.
- White Tornado from Poverty Bay Coffee Co.: A classic white coffee known for nutty flavors. Also on my list.
- White Zombie from Thomas Hammer Coffee Roasting Company: Sold in an espresso grind, with tasting notes of fresh hay, nutty, and earthy. The roaster suggests pairing it with milk. Also on my list to try!
White Coffee FAQ
Is white coffee the same as a flat white? No. A flat white is an espresso and milk drink. White coffee is a lightly roasted bean.
Is white coffee stronger? Not in flavor. It’s milder. Any caffeine difference is likely small.
Can I grind white coffee at home? The beans are very hard, which is why they’re usually sold pre-ground. If you want to grind your own, use a sturdy grinder.
Does white coffee taste like regular coffee? Not really. Think nutty and tea-like rather than bold and roasty.
White coffee, with its gentle roasting process and subtle flavors, offers a delightful departure from the boldness of traditional coffee roasts.
So, the next time you are on the hunt for a unique coffee brew, consider exploring the world of white coffee!
15 thoughts on “What Is White Coffee? Taste, Caffeine, and How to Brew It”
I enjoyed your article on white coffee; it’s a niche topic that deserves more attention. It’s interesting to see the diversity in coffee beyond the traditional roasts, and white coffee certainly adds to that spectrum with its unique roasting process and flavor profiles.
One point that might enhance the discussion is the caffeine content in white coffee. Due to the lower roasting temperatures, white coffee beans generally retain a higher level of caffeine compared to darker roasts, offering a surprising kick despite their lighter flavor notes.
The brewing tips you’ve shared are quite helpful, particularly the emphasis on water temperature and grind size, which are key to unlocking the delicate flavors of white coffee. I’m particularly excited to try the Snowcap from Campfire Coffee for its rich and distinct finish. Your post is a great guide for those of us looking to venture into new coffee experiences.
Keep up the great work!
Thank you so much Val! I appreciate the thoughtful comment and am glad you enjoyed this topic! Caffeine content is an interesting topic and probably one that needs it’s own dedicated post! I’ve read mixed research/information on caffeine content in coffee roasts. Some say that although there is a difference in the caffeine content amongst roasts there isn’t enough of a difference to make a big impact. Although, I do think that going from a white coffee to a dark roast coffee is a drastic change and you will notice the taste as much as the caffeine content.
I agree, though, that the world of white coffee needs to be explored more and I’ve learned that many coffee lovers don’t even know about it, so I’m happy to do my part and shed light on white coffee any way I can!
Interesting. I’m not a coffee drinker but I know plenty of people who are. I’ve never heard of white coffee before. I’ll have to see if my coffee-drinking friends know of it.
This is so interesting! I’ve never heard of white coffee before but you explained it really well.
It’s a really interesting flavor, but I love it!
Knowing that white coffee exists and that it has a nutty flavor will make me like it more as a coffee lover. Thank you for sharing!
Thanks for checking out this post Leslie! Glad you enjoyed it!
I’m not a regular coffee drinker, but I do enjoy a good cup of coffee a few times a week. I read the post with interest, because like many things in our world, coffee also creates a whole world around itself, and it’s good to start getting to know it, because it’s not only about coffee but also about the environment, traditions, and taste.
I couldn’t agree more Dee! Coffee is more than just a beverage and I love exploring and learning about it. I hope you enjoyed this post and check out others too!
white coffee is something I am hearing for the first time. I truly love coffee and this flavor is interesting to try.
Thanks for checking this out Hari! I hope you try some white coffee and let me know what you think!
Interesting! I’ve never heard of white coffee and I’m only just learning of mushroom coffee. I’m very intrigued. I must try both!
Yes give them both a try! Mushroom coffee has a lot of health benefits too!
I’d be interested to try this, especially since I’ve been on a mission these past couple of weeks to whiten my teeth after years of drinking regular coffee. Never heard of white coffee — learned something new today!
So glad I could teach you something about coffee Kaci! White coffee is really intersting and I hope you get to try some!