Starbucks Coffee Company, the famous American coffee chain, is one of the most recognizable names in the world. With it’s iconic mermaid logo and green and black branding, the company is a symbol of corporate dominance and corporate uniformity. But for many, the question remains: does Starbucks burn their coffee?
Generally speaking, the answer is no, Starbucks does not intentionally burn its coffee. Most of its coffee is brewed at the exact same temperature, between 195 and 205 degrees, which is about seven to nine degrees cooler than traditional coffee-making methods once utilized. With such a fine-tuned temperature, it would be difficult for coffee to become ‘burnt’ in Starbucks’ coffee makers.
That said, coffee can still be over-brewed in the chain’s systems, giving it the bitter flavor associated with burnt coffee. Furthermore, depending on the roast, Starbucks coffee can come off as a bit too dark and ‘burnt’ tasting. This is usually because Starbucks prefers its coffee to be made with dark roast beans, which has its advantages and disadvantages. For one, it gives the coffee a more flavorful intensity as opposed to lighter roasts, which can come off as more acidic. However, it could also give the coffee an overly strong and bitter taste when brewed for too long.
In order to make sure the coffee isn’t over-brewed and potentially ‘burnt’ in their machines, Starbucks has created a per-cup weight system that regulates the amount of coffee used in each cup. This not only ensures that customers get the strength of cup they desire, but also prevents any over-brewing. Starbucks’ cup weight system has been especially valuable in their Pour Over and Cowboy Coffee methods, which can be prone to over-brewing if too much coffee is used. As a result, many coffee connoisseurs have praised Starbucks for its continued attention to detail when it comes to ensuring that its coffee is not ‘burnt’.
When it comes to ‘burnt’ coffee, Starbucks may not be as renowned for its per-cup weight system as it is for its online presence or its corporate partnerships. Nonetheless, the use of the system to ensure perfect coffee every time speaks volumes about the chain’s attention to detail. The chain has also long been associated with strong coffee drinks, which some perceive to have a ‘burnt’ taste. But the chain is trying to make sure that those drinks neither taste burned nor ruin the coffee drinking experience.
What Causes Coffee To Become ‘Burnt’?
There are a variety of factors that can cause coffee to become ‘burnt.’ Some of these include incorrect brewing temperatures, over-roasting of the beans, and an over-extraction of the coffee grounds. Brewing at too low of a temperature can cause more of the acids and tannins to be extracted, giving the coffee an overly bitter taste. Similarly, when coffee is roasted too dark, some flavor compounds become destroyed, resulting in a flat and bitter flavor.
Another common cause of ‘burnt’ coffee is, as one might expect, over-brewing. This can happen if the coffee is left to steep for too long, and when too much coffee is being used for the amount of water being used. This results in too much of the coffee’s soluble compounds being extracted, making for a bitter and unpleasant tasting cup.
But some have argued that simply the amount of heat used can also cause coffee to become ‘burnt.’ That is, if the water is too hot and the grounds are exposed to it for too long, that can result in a burnt tasting cup, as well. Traditional French press and pour-over brewing methods can be particularly prone to this, as they both use higher temperatures and expose the grounds to the water for an extended period of time.
The Benefits Of Medium Roast
Medium roast, or city roast, is the middle ground between light and dark roast coffees. Generally speaking, this roast has a more balanced flavor and is often seen as the most versatile. Medium roast coffees tend to have a lower acidity and a richer body than lighter roasts, while still maintaining the more nuanced notes and flavors associated with lighter coffees.
In addition to its versatile flavor profile, medium roast coffees are also seen as the most sustainable option. Compared to their darker counterparts, which require more intense roasting, medium roasts typically require a shorter length of time, resulting in less energy and water waste.
For Starbucks, using medium roasts has also been key in providing the exact same flavor profile across all its stores. Medium roasts, due to their sweeter flavors, can more easily be calibrated in all Starbucks’ brew machines and will maintain much of the same flavor from store to store.
That said, some have argued that Starbucks’ use of medium roast has had an adverse effect on the company’s coffee. Namely, that because of their focus on providing a consistent taste, the chain does not always have the most nuanced flavor in its coffee. Nonetheless, for many, Starbucks’ use of medium roasted coffee has been key in providing a reliable and consistent taste every time.
What Do Coffee Experts Say?
Most coffee experts agree that, while Starbucks may not be the world’s leading by any means, they do still make a good cup. Many coffee aficionados give the chain credit for consistently providing its customers with coffee that is not ‘burnt’ or over-brewed.
At the same time, many experts argue that Starbucks’ coffee lacks the complexity and nuance of some of its competitors. For instance, compared to small batch or hand-crafted coffees, Starbucks’ coffee can come off as a bit blander and less flavorful.
The consensus is that, while Starbucks may not provide the most complex or nuanced cups of coffee, their attention to detail in regards to temperature and quantity helps them consistently provide their customers with good coffee. That is, if one wants the convenience and consistency of Starbucks, the quality of the coffee is perfectly acceptable.
Is There Evidence to Prove That Starbucks Does Not Burn Its Coffee?
Yes, there is. Research has found that, while it is possible to over-brew Starbucks’ coffee and thereby produce an overly bitter cup, the chain takes measures to ensure that its coffee isn’t ‘burnt’. These include its use of a per-cup weight system and the incorporation of medium roasts, both of which help to produce consistent and flavorful cups.
Additionally, research indicates that Starbucks’ heaviest roasts aren’t as ‘burnt’ as one might think. Thanks to its temperature regulations, the chain only allows the roast to reach deep into its darkest levels for a fraction of a second, preventing the coffee from becoming too bitter or unpleasant tasting. This is why many experts have praised Starbucks for ensuring its coffee is never ‘burnt.’
Do Certain Coffee Brewing Methods Result In ‘Burnt’ Coffee?
Yes, some brewing methods can lead to coffee that tastes ‘burnt.’ Handcrafted methods such as French press and pour-over will typically use higher temperatures and expose the coffee grounds to the water for longer periods of time. If exposed to the heat too long and with too much coffee being used, it can result in ‘burnt’ tasting coffee.
At the same time, some experts argue that certain pour over and cowboy brewing styles can also lead to ‘burnt’ coffee. This is because these brewing styles require more of an oversight in regards to the amount of coffee being used and the time allotted for brewing. Without careful attention, it can lead to overly intense and bitter tasting coffee.
Tips For Avoiding ‘Burnt’ Coffee
To ensure that your coffee does not become ‘burnt’, it is important to pay attention to the brewing temperature and the amount of coffee being used. A good starting point is to make sure the water temperature is between 195 and 205 degrees for optimal extraction. Additionally, make sure to not use too much coffee for the amount of water being used, as this can also lead to over-extraction and a bitter taste.
Furthermore, pay attention to the roast. Lighter roasts will generally result in more acidic flavors while darker roasts will generally be sweeter. For most people, using a medium roast will result in the most balanced and consistent taste. Finally, be vigilant when using pour over and cowboy brewing styles, as these can be particularly prone to ‘burnt’ tasting coffee, particularly if more coffee is used.
