Coffee Roasts by Popularity According to 2025 Data

Cristina Tasnic
Jun 1
2 min read

Based on 2025 market data and consumption trends, coffee roasts are ranked by popularity as follows, reflecting evolving consumer preferences and industry dynamics:

🥇 1. Medium Roast (Most Popular)

Dominance: Accounts for ~45% of global specialty coffee sales due to its balanced acidity, body, and approachable flavor profile (e.g., caramel, nuts, mild fruit).

Versatility: Ideal for multiple brewing methods (drip, pour-over, espresso) and aligns with Gen Z/Millennial preferences for nuanced yet accessible flavors. Brands like Stumptown Holler Mountain exemplify this trend with citrus-hazelnut notes.

Market Growth: Drives the $42.88B roasted coffee market, with 7.5% CAGR projected through 2025.

🥈 2. Dark Roast (Steady Demand)

Traditional Appeal: Represents ~30% of sales, favored for bold, smoky flavors (e.g., dark chocolate, black cherry) and consistent performance in espresso blends.

Economic Shift: Rising arabica prices ($3.50/lb in 2024) pushed roasters toward cost-effective dark roasts, blending premium beans with affordable options.

RTD Expansion: Ready-to-drink dark roast products fuel a $15B segment, growing at 7% CAGR through 2033.

🥉 3. Light Roast (Rapidly Growing)

Specialty Surge: Holds ~20% market share, driven by demand for terroir-driven, single-origin coffees with bright, complex notes (e.g., floral, citrus).

Youth Appeal: Gen Z adoption (starting coffee at age 15) boosts popularity, with subscriptions like Bizarre Coffee emphasizing traceability and unique processing methods.

Health Alignment: Lower bitterness and higher antioxidant retention attract wellness-focused consumers.

4. Blends (Strategic Niche)

Cost-Effective Innovation: Comprise ~15% of sales as roasters combine beans (e.g., arabica-robusta) to balance flavor and affordability amid volatile bean prices.

Flexibility: Target diverse preferences (e.g., Coffee Bros. blends score 86-90+ points) and cater to both B2B (cafés) and B2C markets.

🌱 5. Emerging Roasts (Niche but Influential)

Flash-Roasted/Light-Plus: Gaining traction for "tea-like" clarity and vibrant acidity, featured in premium subscriptions (e.g., Onyx Coffee Lab).

Functional Roasts: Infused with adaptogens (e.g., lion’s mane) for cognitive benefits, aligning with the $56.56B projected wellness-coffee market by 2029.

💎 Key Regional Variations

North America/Europe: Medium roast dominates, with light roast growth in urban centers.
Asia-Pacific: Dark roast leads in traditional markets (e.g., Vietnam), while medium roast rises among younger demographics.
Latin America: Dark roast preferences persist, though specialty medium roasts gain ground in cities.

Sources: GourmetPro and The Business Research Company