Almost every pack of coffee shows a number indicating its intensity, usually on a scale from 1 to 12 or 14. But what does coffee intensity really mean? In this article you will read what the number does and does not say about the taste, and how to use it to find coffee that matches your preference.
What is coffee intensity?
The intensity indicates how powerful and full a coffee tastes. Think of the body (the mouthfeel), the degree of bitterness and the presence of dark notes such as cocoa, roasted nuts or a slightly smoky character. A coffee with intensity 4 is soft and light in taste, while a coffee with intensity 11 is full, robust and outspoken.
Important to know: intensity is not an official or legally defined standard. Every brand uses its own scale and its own criteria. The number is therefore mainly a tool to compare coffees within the same brand, not an absolute value that means the same everywhere.
Intensity says nothing about caffeine
The biggest misconception about coffee intensity is that a higher number would mean more caffeine. That is not correct. The amount of caffeine is mainly determined by the coffee variety and the dosage, not by the flavour intensity. Robusta beans naturally contain about twice as much caffeine as arabica beans, regardless of the number on the pack. Dark roasted beans even lose a fraction of their caffeine during roasting, while they actually taste more intense.
If you want less caffeine, choose 100% arabica or decaffeinated coffee. If you want a strong boost instead, a blend with a substantial share of robusta is a more logical choice than simply a high intensity number.
What determines the intensity of coffee?
The flavour strength of a cup of coffee is created by a combination of factors:
- The roast: the darker the beans are roasted, the fuller and more bitter the taste. Light roasts are softer, with more acidity and often somewhat fruitier notes.
- The blend: robusta beans give more body and bitterness than arabica beans. A high percentage of robusta usually means a higher intensity.
- The grind and brewing method: espresso brewed under high pressure gives a more concentrated taste than filter coffee made from exactly the same bean.
- The dosage: more coffee per cup simply means a stronger taste in your cup.
Why intensity differs per brand
Because there is no standard, intensity 6 from one brand is not the same as intensity 6 from another. For example, illy works with designations such as classico, intenso and forte, while brands like Lavazza and Segafredo use a numerical scale. The length of the scale also differs: one brand counts up to 10, another up to 13 or 14.
Therefore, always compare the intensity number within the same brand. Also read the flavour description on the pack: words like chocolate, caramel, fruity or spicy often say more about what you will taste than the number itself.
Which intensity suits you?
A useful starting point when choosing:
- Intensity 1 to 5: mild and accessible. Great as a lungo or black filter coffee, and suitable for drinking throughout the day.
- Intensity 6 to 8: balanced and all-round. Works well for espresso and for coffee with a splash of milk.
- Intensity 9 and higher: powerful and full. Ideal for ristretto, strong espresso and milk-based drinks such as cappuccino and latte macchiato, where the coffee flavour needs to come through the milk.
Do you mainly drink coffee with a lot of milk? Then choose an intensity one or two steps higher than you are used to, so the coffee flavour does not disappear behind the milk.
Finding the right intensity yourself
The best way to discover your ideal intensity is simply to taste. Start with a balanced blend around intensity 7 and then move towards milder or stronger, depending on what you enjoy. In our range of coffee beans you will find options in every flavour direction, from soft 100% arabica to powerful blends with robusta. That way you can taste for yourself what an intensity number means in practice and step by step find the coffee beans that best suit your taste.
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