What Is White Coffee? Discover The Secrets of White Coffee vs Black Coffee
White coffee… Did you ever hear about it? Is it just a myth? What is white coffee really?
A question I’ll answer in this blog post! You can check this short video brought to you by FreshCoffeeBlog right now, and after that, let’s examine what is white coffee:
The term itself is a bit confusing, so it’s time to clear this up!
1. What is white coffee?
White coffee can mean different things in different contexts.
In the US, white coffee means light coffee beans: coffee beans that have been roasted at a lower temperature for a shorter period of time than traditional coffee beans. This, of course, will give you a very light-colored bean with a special flavor.
To my taste, it’s usually nutty and less bitter. All of this is because the lighter roast preserves more natural flavors of the coffee bean, and it’s higher in acidity.
But in some countries, like in Malaysia, white coffee is how coffee is prepared rather than the roast itself. It means coffee that is roasted with palm oil margarine and served with sweetened condensed milk.
2. What’s the difference between white coffee and regular coffee?
The biggest differences between white coffee vs regular coffee is in the roasting process, the flavor, and sometimes, the preparation method.
Let’s explore them one by one in the next sections:
Roasting process of white coffee vs black coffee
| Coffee Type | Roasting Temperature | Roasting Duration | Bean Color |
|---|---|---|---|
| White Coffee | Around 325°F (163°C) | Shorter duration (a few minutes) | Pale, almost straw-colored beans |
| Regular Coffee | Ranges from 370°F to 540°F (188°C to 282°C) | Several minutes to over 15 minutes | Varies from light to dark brown depending on the roast level |
How does white coffee taste compared to regular coffee
| Coffee Type | Flavor Profile | Bitterness | Acidity |
|---|---|---|---|
| White Coffee | Nutty, mild, sometimes slightly earthy. Retains more of the bean’s natural flavors. | Less bitter | Higher acidity |
| Regular Coffee | Varies widely: light roasts preserve original flavors, medium roasts balance flavors, dark roasts develop robust, smoky, and sometimes chocolatey flavors. | Varies by roast level | Varies by roast level |
3. Does white coffee have more Caffeine content in white coffee vs black coffee
Both white coffee and black coffee contains different amounts of caffeine due to the roasting process. White coffee is lightly reaster and is closer to the original caffeine content compared to the regular (black) coffee which is roasted as medium or even dark.
But what does this mean in real-life scenarios?
Well, the difference is only marginal. A typical cup will give you a good caffeine boost either way. I have to add that the brewing method also plays a role in the amount of caffeine.
But enough of the boring talk! Here’s a table which compares different types of roasts based on caffeine content.
| Coffee Type | Caffeine Content (per 8 oz cup) |
|---|---|
| White Coffee | ~100-105 mg |
| Light Roast | ~95-100 mg |
| Medium Roast | ~90-95 mg |
| Dark Roast | ~85-90 mg |
4. The benefits of white coffee: is white coffee healthy?
This question on whether white coffee is healthier than other types of coffee isn’t a simple question.
I think it depends on your individual health goals. And even what you and I would define as healthy?
White coffee has lighter roasting process, keeps more of the original nutrients and the antioxidants found in the coffee beans. I consider the antioxidants a good thing: what I know about them is that they combat inflammations and reduce the risks of certain chronic diseases. White coffee is less bitter, so it need less sugar or cream to mask the bitterness. And this takes you to lower calorie intakes.
But!
White coffee has higher acidity and it’s not really good for people with sensitive stomachs or reflux issues.
All-in-all, let’s create a table with the pros and cons of white coffe:
| Aspect | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Antioxidants | More antioxidants due to lighter roast. | Higher acidity may cause reflux issues. |
| Caffeine Content | Slightly higher caffeine. | May not be suitable for caffeine-sensitive individuals. |
| Flavor | Less bitter, reducing need for sugar/cream. | Higher acidity might not suit everyone. |
| Nutrient Retention | More natural nutrients preserved. | Harder beans require strong grinders. |
| Digestive Impact | Easier on the stomach for some. | Higher acidity can upset sensitive stomachs. |
| Caloric Intake | Lower calorie if consumed black. | Malaysian-style can be high in calories/sugar. |
5. How to make white coffee with white coffee beans at home
Brewing white coffee with white coffee beans is quite different from making regular coffee…
And I have to be honest: the first time I made it, it was a complete disaster. 🙂
But since then, I learned the process!
First of all, you’ll need freshly roasted white coffee beans. These beans are harder than regular coffee beans, so a sturdy grinder is necessary to achieve the desired consistency.
When using an espresso machine, fill the portafilter with the finely ground white coffee, tamp the grounds evenly, and brew the espresso shot as you normally would.
For a French press, add the coarsely ground coffee to the press, pour hot water over the grounds, stir gently, and let it steep for about four minutes before pressing the plunger down evenly.
If you prefer a drip coffee maker, place the medium-ground coffee in the filter basket, add the appropriate amount of water to the reservoir, and start the brewing process.
One tip from me: adjust the brew ratio! You may need to experiment with it (like I did), so you can find the perfect balance for your taste.
For an extra kick, add a pinch of cardamom or cinnamon to the grounds before brewing, but only do this after you already know how to do it properly without it.
