If you’ve heard the term at a cafe or seen it on a menu, you might be wondering: what is a white coffee? It’s a simple question with a surprisingly complex answer, as it means very different things depending on where you are in the world. This guide will clear up the confusion and show you exactly what baristas and coffee lovers are talking about.
In some places, it’s a specific roasting style. In others, it’s a way of ordering your drink. Understanding the difference can help you order with confidence and maybe even find a new favorite way to enjoy your daily brew.
What Is A White Coffee
Let’s break down the two main definitions. First, and most commonly in the United States, “white coffee” refers to coffee beans that are roasted only half as long as traditional light roast beans. The beans are roasted at a lower temperature, stopping right before or during the “first crack” stage of roasting. This results in a very hard, light tan bean with a unique flavor profile.
Second, in many Commonwealth countries like the United Kingdom, Australia, and New Zealand, ordering a “white coffee” simply means you want coffee with milk added. It’s the opposite of a “black coffee.” This usage is less about the bean and more about the final drink’s composition.
The Origins and History of White Coffee
The concept of a lightly roasted, almost raw coffee bean has deep roots. One of the most famous versions comes from Yemen, where it’s known as “Qishr.” This traditional drink involves roasting coffee beans very lightly, then brewing them with spices like ginger and cinnamon. It’s often sweetened with honey. The result is a pale, fragrant drink that is quite different from dark, bitter coffee.
In Malaysia, “Ipoh white coffee” is a famous style. Hainanese immigrants developed it in the old town of Ipoh. They roasted beans with margarine and served the brew with sweetened condensed milk. The “white” here refers to the color from the milk, not the roast. This style become hugely popular and is now a staple.
The modern American interpretation, focusing on an ultra-light roast, gained traction in Pacific Northwest coffee shops. It was promoted as a way to experience higher caffeine content and a different, nuttier taste. From there, it spread to specialty cafes across the country.
White Coffee as an Ultra-Light Roast: Characteristics
This is where things get technical. When you buy white coffee as a roast type, you’re getting something distinct.
- Color & Texture: The beans are a light tan or beige color, sometimes with a slight yellow hue. They are extremely hard and dense. You cannot grind them in a typical home blade grinder; you need a powerful burr grinder.
- Flavor Profile: Don’t expect the classic coffee taste. White coffee is known for its nutty, grain-like flavors. Think toasted wheat, peanut butter, pine nuts, or even a subtle floral note. It has very low acidity and almost none of the bitterness associated with darker roasts.
- Caffeine Content: Yes, it generally has more caffeine. The roasting process breaks down caffeine molecules. Since white coffee is barely roasted, it retains a higher percentage. The difference isn’t massive, but it is noticeable.
- Brewing Method: Because the beans are so hard and dense, they require a fine grind and longer extraction. It brews best as espresso or in a strong drip machine. The resulting liquid is often a pale yellow or light brown, not the dark black we associate with coffee.
How to Brew White Coffee at Home
If you’ve bought specialty white coffee beans, follow these steps for the best results.
- Grind Correctly: Use a high-quality burr grinder. A blade grinder will likely struggle and overheat. Aim for a fine grind, similar to table salt for espresso or a bit coarser for drip.
- Adjust Your Ratios: You may need to use a slightly larger dose of grounds because the beans are denser. Start with 1-2 extra grams per shot or cup compared to your usual recipe.
- Extract Longer: For espresso, aim for a longer pull time—around 30-35 seconds. For pour-over or drip, ensure the water is in full contact with the grounds for adequate time to extract the flavors.
- Expect a Different Look: Your finished brew will be much lighter in color. It might look like weak tea, but the flavor will be strong and unique.
- Taste It Straight: Try it black first to appreciate its natural profile. Then, you can add milk or sweetner if you prefer.
White Coffee as a Milk-Based Drink: Global Variations
When you travel, the meaning shifts. In many cafes outside the US, “white coffee” is an instruction to the barista.
- UK & Australia: Here, it’s a straightforward request. “One white coffee, please” means a coffee with milk. It could be a filter coffee with a splash of milk or a latte-style drink, depending on the establishment.
- Middle East (Yemeni Qishr): As mentioned, this is a spiced, lightly roasted coffee drink. It’s a cultural staple, often served to guests as a sign of hospitality.
- Southeast Asia (Ipoh Style): This refers specifically to beans roasted with margarine and served with condensed milk. It’s sweet, creamy, and has a distinct caramelized flavor from the roasting process.
- New Zealand “Flat White”: While not called just “white coffee,” the famous Flat White falls into this family. It’s espresso with steamed milk, featuring a velvety microfoam rather than a thick layer of froth.
Nutritional and Caffeine Considerations
Is white coffee healthier? It depends on what you mean by “white coffee.”
The ultra-light roast beans retain more chlorogenic acid, an antioxidant that breaks down during longer roasting. Some studies suggest this compound has health benefits, though more research is needed. The higher caffeine can be a pro or a con, depending on your sensitivity.
However, if you’re talking about a “white coffee” with lots of milk and sugar—like the Ipoh style—the calorie and sugar content will be much higher. A plain white coffee roast with just a little milk is likely lower in calories than a dark roast with sugary syrups and whipped cream. It’s all about what you add to it.
Where to Buy White Coffee Beans
You probably won’t find true white coffee beans at your local supermarket. Here are your best options:
- Specialty Online Roasters: Many artisan roasters in the Pacific Northwest and elsewhere sell it online. Look for roasters that specifically mention “white coffee” or “ultra-light roast.”
- Local Third-Wave Coffee Shops: Ask your local specialty cafe if they carry or can order it. Some may even have it as an occasional single-origin offering.
- Middle Eastern or Asian Grocers: You might find pre-ground versions for making Qishr or Ipoh-style coffee in the international aisle.
Always check the description. Make sure your buying the roast style, not just a brand name that uses “white” in its title.
Common Myths About White Coffee
Let’s clarify some misconceptions.
Myth 1: It’s just coffee with cream. In the context of roast type, this is false. The color comes from the roast, not the additives.
Myth 2: It’s always bitter. Actually, it’s less bitter than dark roasts due to the lack of developed roasted compounds. Its flavor is just different.
Myth 3: It’s unroasted or “raw.” True green coffee beans are unpalatable. White coffee is roasted, just for a very short time and at a lower temperature. It’s the lightest possible roast.
Myth 4: Any grinder can handle it. This is a practical mistake. The hardness of the beans can damage weak grinders. It’s worth investing in a proper tool if you plan to drink it regularly.
How to Order “White Coffee” Without Confusion
To avoid a mix-up at the cafe, be specific.
- In the US: If you want the light roast, ask, “Do you serve white coffee, the extra-light roast?” If they don’t, they might think you just want milk in your coffee.
- In the UK/Australia: Saying “white coffee” is perfectly clear. You can specify “black coffee” if you don’t want milk.
- Everywhere Else: Describe what you want. Say, “Coffee with milk, please,” or “Do you have the very lightly roasted coffee called white coffee?”
Being clear ensures you get the drink you actually desire. It saves time for both you and the barista.
DIY Flavoring and Recipes
White coffee’s unique flavor pairs well with certain additions. Here’s a simple recipe for a homemade white coffee latte.
- Grind 18-20 grams of white coffee beans finely.
- Pull a double shot of espresso (about 2 ounces). It will be pale.
- Steam 6-8 ounces of your preferred milk until it’s velvety and hot.
- Pour the steamed milk over the espresso shot.
- For a flavor twist, add a half-teaspoon of vanilla extract or a sprinkle of cinnamon to the grounds before brewing.
The nutty notes of the white coffee combine beautifully with the sweetness of steamed milk, creating a mellow and satisfying drink. You can also try it in a cold brew format for a smoother, less acidic iced coffee.
Final Thoughts on White Coffee
White coffee is a fascinating part of coffee culture. Whether it’s a traditional spiced beverage, a regional way to order, or a modern ultra-light roast, it offers a unique experience. Its growing popularity shows that coffee lovers are always looking for new tastes and traditions.
If your curious about coffee beyond the standard dark roast, seeking out white coffee is a great next step. It challenges your expectations and expands your understanding of what coffee can be. Just remember to have the right equipment for grinding, and be prepared for a flavor that’s more nutty than chocolaty.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What does white coffee taste like?
As an ultra-light roast, it tastes nutty, grainy, and slightly sweet with very low acidity and bitterness. It does not taste like traditional dark roast coffee.
Is white coffee stronger than black coffee?
It typically has a higher caffeine content because it’s roasted less. However, “strength” in flavor is subjective; its taste is milder and less intense than a dark roast espresso.
Can you make white coffee in a regular coffee maker?
Yes, but you must grind the beans properly first. Use a burr grinder and a fine-to-medium setting. The brewing process in a drip machine is the same, though you might need to use more grounds.
Why is white coffee so hard to find?
It’s a niche product. The roasting process is different, and the hard beans can be difficult for shops to grind and prepare quickly during a busy rush. It’s more common in specialty stores.
Does white coffee have more acid?
No, it actually has less perceived acidity than darker roasts. The acidic compounds in coffee beans change during roasting; lighter roasts retain different acids that are often less sharp tasting.
What’s the difference between a flat white and white coffee?
A Flat White is a specific espresso drink with steamed milk. “White coffee” can refer to the roast type or a general request for coffee with milk, depending on location. They are not the same thing.