2026-10-31 · 5 min read
Does Roast Level Affect Coffee Rating? Light vs Dark Data
Do lighter roasts really score higher? We grouped 604 rated coffees by roast level to find out.
The Short Answer
Average Rating and Price by Roast Level
| Roast level | Coffees | Average rating | Average price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Light | 247 | 4.53 | $27.05 |
| Medium-Light | 34 | 4.42 | $24.22 |
| Medium | 258 | 4.35 | $20.70 |
| Medium-Dark | 23 | 4.36 | $19.87 |
| Dark | 42 | 4.19 | $18.29 |
Treat this as a pattern in our catalog, not a law. Specialty roasters tend to roast their best lots light to show origin, so quality and roast level travel together.
Why Light Roasts Rate Higher
Light roasting preserves the flavors that come from variety, elevation and processing, so reviewers can reward them. Dark roasting trades those for body and roast flavor. Read the full breakdown in our light vs medium vs dark roast guide, or browse the best light roast coffees.
Best-Rated Dark Roasts
| Coffee | Roaster | Price | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monarch | Onyx Coffee Lab | $21.50 | 4.6 |
| Gradient | Counter Culture Coffee | $16.00 | 4.5 |
| Eclipse | Onyx Coffee Lab | $21.50 | 4.5 |
| Eternal Flame Blend | Gimme! Coffee | $22.50 | 4.5 |
| Transcend Espresso El Salvador | Transcend Coffee | $16.78 | 4.4 |
4 dark roasts rate 4.5 or higher. See more in the best dark roast coffees.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does roast level affect coffee rating?
In our index it does. Light roasts average 4.53 across 247 coffees, while dark roasts average 4.19 across 42, a gap of 0.34 points on a 5-point scale.
Are dark roasts worse coffee?
Not necessarily. Dark roast is a flavor style with more body and bittersweet notes. The lower average partly reflects that specialty roasters showcase origin character with lighter roasts, and that fewer dark roasts are in the index.
Why do light roasts cost more?
Light roasts in our index average $27.05 per bag versus $18.29 for dark. Light roasts are usually built from higher-grade, higher-elevation or rarer lots that show their character without roast flavor covering it.
Does a higher rating mean I will like it more?
No. Ratings reflect quality as judged by reviewers, not your taste. If you like chocolate and body, a well-made dark roast can be the better cup for you.
How should I choose a roast level?
Pick light for fruit and floral acidity, medium for balance and sweetness, and dark for body and low acidity. Our roast level guide explains each in detail.