Blonde espresso has gained considerable popularity in recent years, which may have led many coffee lovers to wonder how it differs from the regular variety.
Both are flavorful and aromatic, but they offer distinct profiles in terms of taste.
Quick Answer: What is the main difference between blonde espresso and regular espresso?
The main difference between a blonde espresso and a regular espresso is that a blonde espresso is characterized by a mild, citrusy flavor profile and subtle sweetness.
It is more acidic and has a higher caffeine content than regular espresso. Regular espresso is darkly roasted, resulting in a richer and more bitter taste.
In this article, I'll go more into the differences and similarities between blonde and regular espresso to help you find the best variety for you.
Let’s go more in-depth now!
What is a blonde espresso?
A blonde espresso is a lightly colored type of coffee with a milder taste than the regular variety.
The term “blonde espresso” was first coined by Starbucks. It first gained popularity in 2013 with the introduction of the brand’s new blonde espresso drink.
Blonde espresso was initially called Cinnamon Roast, but this name confused people, as “cinnamon” was intended to refer to the color, not the taste.
Other popular names for blonde espresso include New England Roast, Half City, and Light City.
You can buy blonde espresso beans at most supermarkets and make the beverage yourself, or opt for a pre-made version at your local coffee shop.
Many of the most popular coffee shop chains now serve drinks containing blonde espresso, but more independent cafés often don't include it on their menus.
Tip: If you want to learn more about the blonde espresso, you can check out this article!
The main differences between blonde and regular espresso
Below, you'll find a comprehensive table explaining the main differences and similarities between blonde and regular espresso:
| Comparison: | Blonde espresso: | Regular espresso: |
| Roast | Light roast Short roasting time | Dark roast Longer roasting time |
| Origin | Latin America and East Africa | Latin America and the Asia-Pacific |
| Flavor and taste profile | Mild and smooth-tasting Bright citrus and floral notes Subtle sweetness | Latin America and the Asia-Pacific |
| Caffeine content | 85 mg (0.002 oz) of caffeine per espresso shot | 75 mg (0.002 oz) of caffeine per espresso shot |
| Bean appearance | Light brown or beige and matte | Medium to dark brown and sometimes oily |
| Acidity | Acidic with a pH level of around 4.5 | Less acidic with a 5.5 to 6 pH level |
| Uses | Excellent with cold brew and non-pressure coffee-making methods Pairs well with almond milk and vanilla | Works well with chocolate and drinks containing a lot of dairy |
| Price | Similarly priced |
What are the differences in roast levels?
Regular espresso is typically dark (or medium to dark roasted), while blonde espresso is lightly roasted.
The roast level is the main difference between blonde and regular espresso.
Roast level is one of the most important factors that can affect the coffee's color, taste, and acidity level.
What are the differences in origin?
Blonde espresso mostly originates from Latin America, but it can also be sourced from East African countries, including Ethiopia and Uganda.
Most regular espresso beans are grown in Latin American countries, such as Brazil and Colombia.
However, Asian-Pacific countries (like Indonesia or Papua New Guinea) are also prolific espresso bean growers.
What are the differences in taste?
Blonde espresso drinks are mild-tasting, creamy, and slightly sweet, giving you a smooth coffee-drinking experience.
Regular espresso drinks, in contrast, are roasted for a longer period, resulting in a darker color and a more intense flavor.
When coffee beans are roasted and reach temperatures between 302 °F and 392 °F (150 °C and 200 °C), the Maillard Reaction occurs.
The Maillard Reaction cracks the coffee bean open, resulting in the caramelization of the bean's sugars and the occurrence of several amino acid reactions.
This produces rich caramel and buttery flavors while reducing the more subtle citrus notes.
The longer the Maillard Reaction lasts, the richer and darker the coffee's taste becomes.
The blonde espresso roasting process ends just as the Maillard reaction occurs after the first coffee bean cracks.
This allows the bean to retain its acidity and gentle citrus flavors. The main citrus note in blonde espresso is lemon, but you may also detect notes of oranges or grapefruit in some varieties.
However, don't worry; there's still plenty of time for the beans' sugars to caramelize and develop a rich, smoky, and bitter taste.
What are the differences in caffeine content?
One regular espresso shot (1 to 1.25oz / 29.5 to 37ml) contains approximately 75 mg (0.002 oz) of caffeine. A shot of blonde espresso, on the other hand, typically contains 85 mg (0.002 oz) of caffeine.
Regular espresso (with its rich, dark-roasted taste) makes your coffee taste more robust, and you may mistakenly believe that it contains more caffeine.
In reality, the blonde espressos often have higher caffeine content than their regular counterparts.
Due to the longer bean roasting process, regular espresso beans are larger, denser, and heavier than blonde espresso beans.
This is the reason behind the slight difference in caffeine content. We all know that the best way to make coffee is to weigh your coffee beans.
Since the blonde variety weighs less than regular beans, you need more blonde espresso beans to make the same amount of coffee, which would inevitably lead to higher caffeine levels.
What are the differences in bean appearance?
Before they are roasted, all coffee beans are green, and their final color will depend on the length of the roasting time.
Regular espresso beans are dark brown, almost black in color. Their oily appearance is due to the longer roasting time that allows them to crack open and their oils to escape.
Blonde espresso beans are light brown or beige and are roasted just before they crack open, giving them a dry, matte appearance:
The oils are responsible for the telltale creamy foam produced when preparing regular espresso.
What are the differences in acidity?
Blonde espresso drinks are more acidic than regular espresso beverages.
Their pH level is around 4.5, compared with traditional espresso's pH level of between 5.5 and 6.
What are the differences in use?
Regular espresso is ideal to use in macchiatos, lattes, and other similarly sweet beverages. Blonde espresso is better suited for cold brews and drinks that contain vanilla or non-dairy milk.
Regular espresso shots can cut through the dairy component with their rich, bitter, and caramel-sweet taste profile.
Using regular espresso to make macchiatos, lattes, and mochas is ideal. Chocolate sweetens the drink and balances out the regular espresso's bitter taste.
Non-pressure coffee-making methods, such as pour over or cold brew, have a more extensive extraction period.
Lightly roasted beans are more suitable for these methods as the mild and gentle flavor is not overwhelming, and the drink won't taste too bitter or sour.
Blonde espresso shots pair well with drinks containing vanilla and almond milk. Examples include vanilla lattes and macchiatos with non-dairy milk.
Grinding blonde espresso beans can be more challenging and time-consuming since they are denser and harder than the dark roasted variety.
What are the differences in price?
Blonde and regular espresso are similarly priced, whether you purchase them as a drink in a coffee shop or as coffee grounds in a supermarket, which means that the decision between the two can be based solely on taste.
Most coffee shops now serve blonde espresso, and you can often ask your barista to substitute regular espresso shots with blonde ones at no extra charge.
The best espresso type for you
Now that you've read about the differences between blonde and regular espresso, which variety is best for you?
What is the most suitable espresso type for beginners?
The most suitable espresso type for beginners is blonde espresso. It's more suitable for those not used to coffee, as it provides a milder taste and a less intense drinking experience.
Drinks made with regular espresso shots can often be too overwhelming for beginners, especially when opting for a neat espresso shot or an Americano.
Tip: You can easily make an Americano with blonde roasted coffee beans using this recipe.
Related coffee comparison articles
Are you wondering how the blonde and regular espresso compare to other coffees?
Great! Check out the articles below for more in-depth coffee comparisons:
- Espresso vs. Americano
- Espresso vs. Cappuccino
- Espresso vs. Coffee
- Espresso vs. Cold Brew
- Espresso vs. Doppio
- Espresso vs. Ristretto
And to compare more coffees, visit the coffee comparison hub!
Final thoughts
Blonde and regular espresso are similarly priced but differ in acidity level, roast level, origin, flavor, and bean appearance.
Blonde espresso has a milder taste, making it perfect for beginners or those who prefer a smooth coffee-drinking experience.
It pairs well with drinks containing vanilla or almond milk.
Regular espresso tastes delicious in drinks containing dairy or chocolate, as these ingredients balance out the strong, bitter taste.
