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Let’s talk about breakfast blend coffee. What is it about this particular blend that makes it such a hit for our first cup of the day?
The type of ground coffee you use in the morning can be any blend, but it’s the breakfast blend most people find themselves often using. But have you ever stopped and wondered what makes one coffee a breakfast blend and another coffee not – what’s so special about it?
If I’ve piqued your interest in your favorite morning coffee, keep on reading because I have answered many of the questions you’re probably asking yourself right now.
✔ Quick Answer
Ok, So Why Is Coffee Called Breakfast Blend?
Ah, breakfast blend coffee. It’s more than just a name; it’s a promise of a great start to your day. But what exactly makes it stand out in the world of coffee blends?
I’ll let you in on a little secret.
There’s nothing that makes breakfast blend coffee any different from regular coffee.
While many blends are created for intensity or specific flavor profiles, breakfast blends are uniquely crafted to complement your morning routine.
They’re designed to be versatile, pairing well with a variety of breakfast foods, from sweet pastries to savory eggs. This adaptability is something you don’t often find in other, more intense blends.
There isn’t an actual definition of “breakfast blend” in the coffee industry, and any roaster can use the term to describe any of their blended coffees.
Each variety of breakfast blend coffee can be slightly different and include different coffee bean types and roasted to different levels.
Because there isn’t anything that makes this blended coffee any different from regular coffee, it can be brewed any time of the day, not just for breakfast.
The Breakfast Blend Flavor Profile
For coffee roasters, choosing the right coffee beans for a breakfast blend is an art in itself.
Typically, a mix of Arabica and sometimes Robusta beans are used. Arabica beans are known for their sweet, fruity flavors and higher acidity, which contributes to a brighter, more vibrant cup.
Sometimes, Robusta beans are added for a little extra kick of caffeine and a deeper, earthier flavor note. This combination is what gives breakfast blend its distinctive taste.
But it’s not just about the beans; the roast level plays a crucial role too.
Most breakfast blends are roasted to a medium roast. This level of roasting brings out the best in the beans, highlighting their natural flavors without overpowering them.
The result?
A coffee that’s smooth and approachable, with enough body to satisfy but not so much that it overwhelms your morning taste buds.
Breakfast Blend Coffee vs. Regular Coffee
What is the difference between breakfast blend coffee and regular coffee? So, as I’ve highlighted, breakfast coffees have nothing spectacular in the blend that sets them apart from regular coffee.
It’s ultimately up to the roaster to pick and choose what types of coffee profiles to add to their particular blend, and that’s why breakfast blends from different brands can taste completely different.
However, one thing that sets it apart from regular coffee is that breakfast blended coffee has been crafted to offer a balanced, mild flavor with a medium roast, making it ideal for the first cup of the day.
It’s carefully blended and curated to be smooth and easy on the palate, without the intense or robust flavors that you might find in some regular coffees.
On the other hand, ‘regular’ coffee can refer to a wide range of blends and roasts, from light to dark, each with its unique flavor profile and strength.
Regular coffee doesn’t have a specific target time of day and can vary greatly in taste and intensity, whereas breakfast blend is consistently mild and balanced, specifically tailored for morning enjoyment.
What Does Breakfast Blend Coffee Taste Like?
Now we get to the important stuff – the taste.
Because there isn’t a one-fits-all-all industry standard recipe for breakfast blend coffee, and each bag can be wildly different from one roaster to another, the taste profile comes down to good old-fashioned market research to discover the flavors coffee drinkers want in a morning coffee.
Many big named brands will conduct this research themselves, while others rely on data already out there.
From the research, the general consensus is that most people prefer their morning coffee to be brightly acidic, balanced, smooth, and rich in flavor – but not too overpowering.
So now they know what to aim for in their breakfast blend, they can add specific coffee from various regions.
For example, most roasters producing a breakfast blend will source coffee from South America (mainly Colombian and Brazilian coffees) because they are known for their balance and consistency.
They might blend those beans with a light, more flavorful Indonesian coffee to slightly turn up the dial on the body and take the edge off the acidity.
The coffee blend will then be roasted between a light and medium roast, which helps preserve the acidity, brings out the balance, and keeps most of the caffeine content locked inside the coffee.
Conclusion
So there you have it. Breakfast blend coffee isn’t just for “breakfast.”
There’s nothing that makes this type of coffee any different from regular coffee. The main distinction is the way it’s roasted and the selection of coffees added to each brand’s blend, which, remember, can vary from roaster to roaster.
I guess which morning coffee you prefer really comes down to personal preference. With no set standard, don’t be afraid to experiment with multiple breakfast blend varieties until you find one you enjoy – there’s bound to be a noticeable difference between them.
If you find one particular brand you prefer, take a closer look at the types of coffees included in the blend. You can then experiment with single-origin coffee by choosing the specific kind of coffee you enjoyed in the breakfast blend.
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