We’ve all been there. You stare at a wall of bags of coffee beans, all looking remarkably similar, and you wonder where you’re supposed to start. You’ve got a world of possibilities at your fingertips, and you feel totally paralysed by the choice.
If you’re a fan of a milky coffee – like your lattes, cappuccinos and flat whites – what’s the best option? Does it matterwhich one you pick if you’re just going to add milk to it? After several bewildering minutes, you just opt for your usual bag and walk away.
If that sounds like you, this is the blog for you. The truth is, while you may assume that any coffee bean will go with milk, this isn’t always the case. Different varieties of coffee beans are roasted to different levels (which can affect the flavour); are grown in different areas; and have different flavour characteristics. These factors all come together to create a flavour profile for the bean, which can be disrupted when combined with milk.
So, which beans go best with milk, and which ones don’t? Read on to find out…
Which Flavour Elements Should you Consider?
The key to a great cup of milky coffee is striking the right flavour balance. The following factors have a particular impact on this:
- Acidity: If a coffee bean is more acidic, this can clash with the milk.
- Body Weight: Rich and full-bodied beans stand up best to milk.
- Sweetness and Bitterness: Darker roast beans make a more intense (even bitter) coffee, which will go better with milk as the milk can help balance the flavours.
A coffee made with milk and dark roasted beans, rather than light roasted, will create a bold, rich beverage. Light roast beans, which are more acidic, can create a lighter flavour when combined with milk.
Which Coffee Beans Go Best With Milk?
So, you know what to look for when picking your coffee beans. Here are some of the typical coffee beans that you can trust will go well with milk, to help narrow down your search:
- Brazilian Coffee Beans: With their nutty aroma and gentle sweetness, Brazilian beans are a great match with milk. They are medium to heavy in body, meaning they stand up well to milk, and can produce flavours of caramel and chocolate.
- Colombian Coffee Beans: With a good balance of acidity and sweetness, Colombian coffee beans blend naturally with milk. They have a soft and fragrant flavour and work well in a satisfying breakfast coffee.
- Sumatran Coffee Beans: These beans are well-suited for dark roasting, with a distinctive earthy and spicy flavour. This strong flavour is mellowed out slightly when the beans are combined with milk, and it works particularly well with chocolate (as in a mocha).
What’s the Deal With Roast Levels?
Roast levels are critical when choosing coffee beans as they affect the flavour and body of your coffee. Light roast beans have a sharp, more acidic taste, which are often better enjoyed black. Beans roasted to a medium level start to release more sweet and aromatic notes, and pair well with milk. The best companion with milk is the dark roast; its strong bitterness and richness work in perfect harmony with the creaminess of milk, creating a smooth and satisfying drink.
So, the next time you’re standing in the coffee aisle and wondering which bag of beans is best for your milky coffee, go for the medium or dark roast.
If you’re ready to find your next favourite bag of Inglewood coffee beans right now, why not explore our full range?