Search
frequently asked questions iconFAQs
machine help center iconMachine help centre
Envelope icon.Contact us
phone icon

Call us

0800 707 6066
Loading...

What is Coffee Bean Roasting?

Coffee roasting turns green coffee beans into the roasted, dark-coloured coffee beans we all know and love.

The roasting process creates the unique flavours of the coffee, from the light roast and soft blonde roast to the strong and bold dark roast.

Roasting coffee beans

Our coffee bean roasting process

At NESCAFÉ® Dolce Gusto®, we carefully roast high-quality green coffee beans using advanced machines. As the beans heat, they change in size, colour, and density. Our experts closely watch and adjust the roasting time and temperature to get fresh roasted coffee beans. This process creates our signature roasted coffee beans, showcasing the skill and passion of our roasters.
Your NESCAFÉ® Dolce Gusto® coffee starts with hand-picked, perfectly ripe coffee cherries long before your first sip. Expert roasting and blending bring out the unique flavours of each bean. Once roasted, the beans are ready to be blended. The grind size plays a crucial role in extracting the full spectrum of NESCAFÉ® Dolce Gusto® aromas you love. We grind the beans differently depending on the type of coffee:

Finer Grind for Short Cups: This allows for optimal extraction, ensuring a full-bodied flavour experience in a smaller cup.
Coarser Grind for Long Cups: A coarser grind gently extracts the aromas, preserving their quality for a smooth and flavourful longer coffee.
Finally, smart capsules lock in freshness until you're ready for a delicious cup of coffee.

What are the different types of coffee roast?

The different types of coffee roast levels include blonde roast, medium roast, medium-dark roast, and dark roast, each offering unique flavours and characteristics. Coffee enthusiasts understand that the roast level greatly influences the flavour. Here's a breakdown of the types of coffee roast.


Blonde roast coffee

The blonde roast is known for its light body and mellow flavours, often with a bright acidity. Other ways to describe the taste and flavour include:

Bright and tangy: Lively, vibrant flavour with slight acidity.
Floral and sweet: Subtle floral notes and natural sweetness like honey or caramel.
Light-bodied and mild: Light on the palate with gentle, delicate flavours.


Medium roast coffee

Striking a balance between body and acidity, medium roast coffee offers a harmonious blend of rich flavour with a smooth finish. Other ways to describe the taste and flavour include:

Balanced and rich: Well-rounded flavour with a good mix of acidity, sweetness, and bitterness, and a fuller taste.
Caramel-like and toasty: Sweetness resembling caramel or toffee, with a warm, roasted depth.
Spicy and earthy: Subtle spice notes and earthy flavours like soil or wood.


Medium-dark roast coffee

With a deeper colour and a more pronounced oil on the surface, this roast brings out spicy, bittersweet flavours that linger on the palate.

Rich and bold: Deep, full-bodied, and strong flavours.
Chocolatey and caramelised: Notes of dark chocolate, cocoa, and sweet, caramel-like undertones.
Toasty and smoky: Warm, roasted flavours with subtle smokiness and hints of nuts or spices.


Dark roast coffee

The dark coffee roast is bold, with a heavy body, minimal acidity, and a hearty presence of dark chocolate or smoky undertones.

Bold and full-bodied: Strong, intense with a heavy, rich mouthfeel.
Smokey and toasty: Pronounced smokiness and robust, roasted flavours.
Caramelised and earthy: Rich, caramel-like sweetness with grounded, earthy notes.
Roasted coffee bean

What does freshly roasted coffee look like?

Freshly roasted coffee is typically dark brown to black in colour, with a shiny, oily surface. When brewed, it has a rich aroma and may have a frothy layer on top, known as crema. The coffee is clear and vibrant, with no sediment or cloudiness.

How does roasting affect coffee flavour?

Roasting changes the flavour of coffee beans. The longer they are roasted, the stronger and richer the flavour gets. Light roasts taste mild and fruity with a bit of acidity. Medium roasts are balanced and smooth. Dark roasts are bold and strong, sometimes with a smoky taste. So, the roasting process brings out different flavours, from light and bright to deep and intense, depending on how long the beans are roasted.


Does the roast of coffee determine caffeine?

Contrary to popular belief, the roast level does not significantly affect the caffeine content of coffee. Caffeine remains relatively stable during the roasting, meaning that a blonde roast coffee can have just as much caffeine as a dark roast coffee. You should choose a roast based on the flavour you like, not the caffeine content.


How long do roasted coffee beans last?

Roasted coffee beans can stay at their best freshness for about two to six weeks after roasting. Store the beans in an airtight container away from direct sunlight and heat to ensure your coffee stays fresh. Proper storage will help preserve the beans' natural flavours and aromas, allowing you to enjoy the perfect cup every time.


Where do our coffee beans come from?

Nescafé Dolce Gusto coffee starts on farms in famous coffee-growing regions, including Brazil, Vietnam, Colombia, Indonesia, and Honduras. We select beans from different places for their unique climates and soils, giving them special flavours. We are committed to sustainability, working with local farmers to grow beans in an environmentally friendly way and support their communities.
We explored the fascinating world of coffee roasting and the secret behind your favourite cup of Nescafé Dolce Gusto. Additionally, we explored various roast types, ranging from the light blonde roast to the rich and smoky dark roast. Understanding these roasts enhances your ability to select the perfect coffee experience for your taste buds. So, the next time you enjoy your Nescafé Dolce Gusto coffee, remember its journey—from bean selection and roasting to arriving in your mug. It's a testament to our commitment to quality and a celebration of the magic of coffee.
Coffee cherries on a tree
How Our Coffee Gets to You: From Bean to Cup
Reading time icon
2 mins
Hands holding cup of black coffee
30 Different Types of Coffee from Around the World
Reading time icon
9 mins
Dark orange cup full of coffee beans spilled on its side
A Guide to Coffee Roast Levels
Reading time icon
6 mins