What is “white coffee”?

If you’ve been around the specialty coffee scene for a while, you’ve likely come across the term “white coffee.” 

Maybe a friend mentioned trying it, or you spotted it on a café menu, prompting a raised eyebrow: “Wait… isn’t coffee always brown?” 

Well, buckle up your taste buds because white coffee is a unique roast style that will add a delicious twist to your daily pick-me-up routine.

Is It the Same as a Flat White?

If you’ve ever popped into a café and ordered a “flat white,” rest assured it’s completely different from white coffee. 

A flat white is an espresso-and-milk-based beverage with a velvety microfoam, popularized in Australia and New Zealand. 

And to clear up another common confusion, white coffee isn’t the same as Malaysian white coffee either. Malaysian white coffee involves roasting beans with margarine and then mixing them with sweetened condensed milk for a creamy, indulgent treat.

In fact, white coffee doesn’t necessarily refer to milk or foam at all—it’s all about the roast level of the beans.

So… What Exactly Is White Coffee?

White coffee isn’t just your everyday cup of joe with a splash of milk or creamer—though I get why the name might suggest otherwise! 

In fact, “white coffee,” especially among coffee lovers, usually refers to beans roasted super lightly—far lighter than even the usual “light roast.” Because of this quick roasting process, the beans turn out pale or tan, giving this unique drink its name.

Here’s how it works: regular coffee beans typically roast at temperatures between 370°F to 540°F, spending about 10–20 minutes in the roaster. White coffee, on the other hand, is roasted for just 5–6 minutes at a much cooler temperature of around 325°F. 

Roasters pull the beans right after they go through the first “crack,” stopping the roast before any deeper caramelization or Maillard reactions kick in.

And here’s a fun fact: white coffee isn’t a new invention! Coffee roasters have been using this ultra-light roasting method for at least 50 years. Who knew, right?

Is a White Coffee Actually “White”?

No—despite its name, “white coffee” isn’t literally white. Instead, it’s simply much lighter in color than most standard coffees. 

The name is more a reference to how it is prepared or to its comparatively lighter color, not that it comes out milky-white.

So, How Does It Taste?

Because white coffee undergoes such a short roast, you really get to savor the beans’ natural flavors and aromas. Instead of the chocolatey caramel notes you’d expect from darker roasts, white coffee surprises you with something totallydifferent.

You’ll often pick up nutty, earthy, or peanutty undertones with subtle hints of sweetness, bright acidity, and even a slight “green,” cereal-like taste.

Plus, since the roasting is so light, white coffee also feels gentler on your palate, making for a refreshing and enjoyable cup!

What Are the Benefits of White Coffee?

First, white coffee is loaded with more of the healthy antioxidants that usually get burned off in darker roasts—so you can enjoy even more of those good-for-you compounds. 

Even better, it delivers a serious caffeine boost! Because lighter roasts hang on to more caffeine, white coffee can contain about 50% (or more!) extra compared to darker roasts. It makes sense, right? The longer beans roast, the more caffeine cooks off!

Thanks to that extra kick, white coffee is perfect when you’re up early or burning the midnight oil—just remember not to overdo it! 

And if you have a sensitive stomach or you’re a bit caffeine-shy, you may want to go easy, because the higher caffeine and acidity can feel intense.

Brewing White Coffee at Home 

Thinking about brewing white coffee at home? There’s one thing to remember: since white coffee beans roast for such a short time, they hold onto more moisture, making them extra dense and noticeably tougher than regular beans. 

This means your trusty coffee grinder might struggle to get the job done.

But don’t worry—you’ve got options! You can either buy your white coffee beans pre-ground or pick up a sturdy, high-quality burr grinder that can handle these tough beans with ease.

Now, when it comes to brewing your perfect cup, the good news is that your usual methods—like drip machines, pour-over, or even espresso—will still do the trick. However, you might need to make a few minor tweaks:

• Adjust the Brew Ratio: Because white coffee beans are lighter and denser, play around with your coffee-to-water ratio or try different grind sizes until you hit the sweet spot.
• Use Slightly Hotter Water: Try brewing with water at around 195–200°F (90–93°C). This slightly hotter temperature helps bring out white coffee’s nutty and bright flavors without adding bitterness.

With just these simple adjustments, you’ll be enjoying delicious white coffee right from your kitchen—no barista needed!

Have you ever tried white coffee, or is it next on your coffee bucket list? I’d love to hear your thoughts—share your experience or questions in the comments below!