What Is White Coffee? How It's Made & How It Tastes

Quick Answer

White coffee uses beans roasted at very low heat, about 325°F, for a short time. The beans turn pale and yellow. The taste leans nutty and earthy with brighter acidity. The beans stay dense and hard, so most people buy them pre-ground or use heavy commercial grinders. White coffee began in Yemen. It is often brewed as espresso or in Moka pots. The cup tastes milder than a regular dark roast.

Key Takeaways

• White coffee beans are roasted at 325°F, much lower than regular coffee.
  
• The flavor profile is nutty, earthy, and less bitter than dark roasts.
  
• White coffee requires pre-ground beans due to extreme hardness.
  
• Caffeine content is slightly higher than darker roasts but not dramatically.
  
• Best brewed using espresso machines, Moka pots, or AeroPress.
  
• The term "white coffee" has different meanings across countries.

Walk into a modern coffee shop and spot white coffee on the menu. The barista sets down a pale cup that looks closer to tea than your usual brew. The aroma lands first with a soft nut note and a gentle earth tone. The sip feels bright and mild. And the story runs deep. White coffee traces back to Yemen, where a very light roast created a new path for flavor and a calmer cup.

What Is White Coffee?

White coffee means beans roasted at very low heat for a short time. Roasting reaches about 325°F, not the higher range used for standard roasts. The process stops before the first crack. That means the usual darker flavors do not form.

The beans come out pale yellow or beige instead of brown. They stay dense and hard, close to green beans in feel. Ground and brewed, the cup looks light in color and can resemble weak tea. The taste stays bright, toasty, and clean.

What is the Origins and History Of White Coffee

White coffee began in Yemen centuries ago. Local coffee drinkers used this light roast and often served the drink with hawaij. That spice blend uses cardamom, ginger, cinnamon, and at times cumin. The method spread to nearby regions in small steps. It stayed off most Western menus for a long time, then found fresh interest with modern light-roast trends.
Indonesia also has a version called kopi putih, though preparation methods differ slightly from the Yemeni style.

The Confusion Around "White Coffee"

The term "white coffee" means different things depending on where you are:

United States: Very lightly roasted beans (yellow color)

Britain and Australia: Regular coffee with milk or cream added

Malaysia: Ipoh white coffee—beans roasted with margarine and served with condensed milk

Lebanon: A caffeine-free drink made with orange blossom water (no actual coffee)

Yemen: Traditional lightly roasted beans with hawaij spices

This article focuses on the lightly roasted bean version popular in specialty coffee shops.

How White Coffee Is Roasted

The roasting process for white coffee differs dramatically from standard methods. Regular coffee roasting involves four stages: drying, browning, development, and cooling. White coffee barely completes the first two.

Temperature and Timing

White coffee roasts at approximately 325°F for just 5-7 minutes total. Standard light roasts reach 355°F to 401°F and roast for 10-12 minutes. Medium and dark roasts go even higher and longer.

This low temperature prevents the Maillard reaction—the chemical process that creates the brown color and complex flavors in regular coffee. Without this reaction, the beans retain their original pale color and develop only minimal roasted characteristics.

Bean Characteristics

After roasting, white coffee beans are:

• Pale yellow or beige in color
  
• Extremely hard and dense
  
• Free from surface oils
  
• Difficult to grind without commercial equipment
  
• Higher in chlorogenic acid than darker roasts

The density creates challenges for home brewing. Most home grinders, even high-quality burr grinders, can't handle white coffee beans without risking damage to the burrs.

What Does White Coffee Taste Like?

White coffee delivers a flavor experience completely different from traditional coffee. Don't expect bold, rich coffee notes. Instead, you'll find delicate, unusual flavors.

Flavor Profile

The first sip reveals:

• Nutty notes reminiscent of peanuts or almonds
  
• Earthy, grassy undertones
  
• Hay-like or herbaceous qualities
  
• Subtle hints of raw coffee bean
  
• Wood or burlap finish

The taste is mild and smooth, and it also lacks the bitterness of darker roasts. Some describe it as tea-like or broth-like due to its light body and color.

Acidity and Body

White coffee has pronounced acidity—more than any standard roast level. The acids naturally present in green coffee beans remain largely intact because the brief roasting doesn't break them down.

The body is thin and delicate. It coats your mouth less than regular coffee and feels almost watery compared to full-bodied dark roasts.

When milk is added to white coffee, the beverage transforms significantly. Research examining how different milk products affect white coffee beverages found that milk processing methods and fat content substantially change flavor perception. Lower-fat milk that's been double-homogenized actually intensified coffee-related flavors more than higher-fat milk in taste tests.

Is White Coffee Stronger Than Regular Coffee?

Many specialty coffee shops market white coffee as having dramatically higher caffeine—sometimes claiming 50% to 70% more than dark roast. The reality is less dramatic.

The Truth About Caffeine Levels

Caffeine does degrade slightly during roasting, but the difference between light and dark roasts is minimal—roughly 5% at most. White coffee, roasted even lighter, retains slightly more caffeine than standard roasts, but not enough to justify extreme health claims.

An 8-ounce cup of white coffee contains approximately 95mg of caffeine, similar to regular coffee. The range can vary from 70mg to 140mg depending on brewing method, bean type, and strength.

Why the Confusion?

The perception of higher caffeine might stem from white coffee's more concentrated brewing methods. It's typically prepared as espresso or in a Moka pot and it also creates a strong shot that's then diluted. This concentrated preparation delivers caffeine quickly but doesn't mean the beans themselves contain dramatically more.

White Coffee vs Regular Coffee

Is White Coffee Healthy? A Look at Its Nutritional Profile

White coffee's minimal roasting preserves more of the bean's original compounds, potentially offering different nutritional benefits than darker roasts.

Chlorogenic Acid Content

White coffee retains higher levels of chlorogenic acid—an antioxidant compound associated with various health benefits including improved blood sugar control and reduced inflammation. The longer beans roast, the more chlorogenic acid breaks down.

However, if you're adding milk and sugar to your white coffee, this changes the nutritional equation. A study examining coffee consumption found that adding milk and sugar before a high glycemic meal actually improved the body's glucose and insulin response compared to drinking black coffee beforehand. The combination appeared to moderate blood sugar spikes in ways that black coffee alone did not.

Caloric Content

Black white coffee contains virtually no calories—just 2-5 calories per cup from the coffee itself. But when prepared as "white coffee" in the British or Malaysian sense (with milk added), the calories increase. A cup of coffee with milk typically contains about 50 calories, 2 grams of protein, 5 grams of carbohydrates, and 2 grams of fat, depending on the milk type and quantity used.

How to Brew White Coffee at Home

Brewing white coffee requires specific methods because the beans are so dense and hard. Standard drip coffee makers don't extract flavors effectively from these under-roasted beans.

Purchase Pre-Ground Beans

First, accept that you'll need to buy pre-ground white coffee. Your home grinder simply can't handle the density without risking damage. Even expensive burr grinders struggle with white coffee beans.

Look for reputable roasters who grind white coffee specifically for espresso or Moka pot brewing.

Espresso Machine Method

Espresso extraction works best for white coffee:

1. Use 14-18 grams of pre-ground white coffee
2. Tamp firmly and evenly
3. Run water through for 4 seconds, then pause for 20 seconds (pre-infusion)
4. Complete the extraction, aiming for 1-2 ounces in 25-30 seconds
5. Add to milk, water, or flavorings as desired

The result is a concentrated white espresso shot with nutty, earthy notes.

Moka Pot Brewing

For home brewing without an espresso machine:

1. Fill the bottom chamber with hot water
2. Add white coffee grounds to the filter basket
3. Assemble the pot and place on medium heat
4. Wait for the characteristic hissing sound
5. Remove from heat and pour

Moka pots create a strong, espresso-like brew that works well for white coffee.

AeroPress Option

The AeroPress offers another concentrated brewing method:

1. Preheat the AeroPress with hot water
2. Add 17 grams of white coffee grounds
3. Pour 190°F water to the first circle mark
4. Stir for 15-20 seconds
5. Press slowly and steadily
6. Dilute or add milk as preferred

Where to Buy White Coffee

White coffee remains less common than regular roasts, but availability is growing. Specialty online retailers carry several brands, typically ground and ready to brew.

Popular brands include:

• Poverty Bay Coffee Company (based in Seattle)
  
• Wired Willey's White Coffee
  
• Abbey Roast

Prices range from $12 to $20 per pound for ground white coffee. In coffee shops, expect to pay $4 to $8 per cup for white coffee drinks.

Local specialty coffee shops in major cities increasingly offer white coffee, though it's still rare in standard cafes. Call ahead to check availability.

Conclusion

White coffee brings a rare taste with deep Yemeni roots. The very light roast gives nutty and earthy notes, sharp acidity, and little bitterness. It feels different from the coffee most people know.

The roast keeps more chlorogenic acid and a touch more caffeine than darker roasts. Health claims often go too far. Enjoy it for the flavor, not as a miracle drink.

Brewing works best with pre-ground beans and strong methods like espresso or Moka pot. The cup may not win everyone. Curious coffee fans will enjoy this roast style and the new lane it opens.

People who want a classic cup with steady comfort can choose Lifeboost. The coffee is organic and low acid. The roast brings a rich, smooth flavor without stomach flare-ups. Single-origin beans give clean taste and antioxidants from careful medium roasting.

Start with good beans and try new roasts. See what each roast can create in your cup.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Does white coffee taste like regular coffee?

No. White coffee tastes very different from regular coffee. You get nutty, earthy, and grassy notes with high acidity and almost no bitterness. The cup feels mild and closer to tea than a bold coffee.

Can I grind white coffee beans at home?

No. White coffee beans are too hard and dense for home grinders. Even high-quality burr grinders can get damaged. Buy white coffee pre-ground to keep your gear safe.

Is white coffee healthier than regular coffee?

White coffee keeps more chlorogenic acid due to light roasting. The gap in health benefits over light or medium roasts is small. Both bring antioxidants. Choose based on taste, not bold claims.

Why is white coffee so expensive?

White coffee costs more because supply is limited and roasting needs special care. Commercial grinders are required. Prices often land between twelve and twenty dollars per pound. Regular specialty coffee often ranges from eight to fifteen.

Can I use white coffee in a regular coffee maker?

You can try, but the cup may feel weak. White coffee extracts best with high pressure like espresso. Moka pot and AeroPress also work well. Drip brewers usually do not pull enough flavor from the dense beans.

What's the difference between white coffee and blonde roast?

Blonde roast is light yet fully developed and reaches the first crack. White coffee stops before first crack at a lower temperature. The color is lighter, the flavor is different, and the beans are harder.

About the Author

This article comes from the Lifeboost Coffee team. We drew on deep research into roasting methods and brewing history. We used trusted coffee sources and nutrition research to share clear, accurate notes on white coffee.

Disclaimer: All nutrition and health details are for general guidance. People respond to coffee and caffeine in different ways. Talk with a healthcare professional about diet changes or any concerns about caffeine.

Check out Lifeboost Coffee Optimist Light Roast.