5 Myths About “Strong” Coffee

“Strong coffee” is a term thrown around often—but what does it really mean? For many people, strength is equated with caffeine content, bitterness, or even roast darkness. The truth is, most of what we think we know about strong coffee is based on myth, not fact.

This article busts the most common myths about strong coffee so you can brew smarter and sip better.

Myth #1: Strong Coffee Means High Caffeine

One of the biggest misconceptions is that a cup of strong-tasting coffee must have a lot of caffeine. In fact, flavor intensity and caffeine content aren’t always linked.

Light roasts often have slightly more caffeine by volume than dark roasts, since they retain more density. Brewing method and ratio have a greater impact on caffeine than taste does.

To understand real caffeine strength:

Check your brew ratio (coffee-to-water)
Remember espresso is concentrated, but served in small volume
Compare cold brew vs. drip for caffeine per ounce
Use light or medium roast if caffeine is your focus
Don’t judge strength purely by bitterness

Myth #2: Strong Coffee Tastes Bitter

Bitterness is often mistaken for strength, but the two are not the same. Bitterness can come from over-roasting, over-extraction, or poor-quality beans—not true strength.

A strong, well-brewed cup can be bold and rich without being harsh or unpleasant.

How to avoid bitterness confusion:

Grind properly—too fine can over-extract
Use proper water temperature (195–205°F)
Avoid stale beans or supermarket blends
Balance strength with body and sweetness
Focus on flavor clarity, not just bite

Myth #3: Dark Roasts Are Always Stronger

Dark roasts have a bold, smoky flavor—but that doesn’t make them stronger in caffeine or body. In fact, roasting longer reduces bean density and volume-based caffeine content.

What you’re tasting is roast character, not actual strength.

Here’s what to know:

Dark roast = bold taste, not more caffeine
Light roast = denser beans with more complex notes
Use a scale to measure coffee accurately
Try medium roast for balance and depth
Don’t let roast level mislead your perception

Myth #4: Espresso Is the Strongest Coffee

Espresso tastes intense, but it’s served in small shots. Per ounce, it’s high in caffeine—but a full mug of drip coffee usually delivers more total caffeine.

What makes espresso seem strong is its concentration, crema, and quick delivery—not caffeine overload.

Keep this in mind when comparing:

Espresso: ~60–70 mg caffeine per ounce
Drip coffee: ~95–120 mg per 8-ounce cup
Cold brew: Often stronger in both flavor and caffeine
Use serving size + brew method for comparison
Intensity ≠ strength across the board

Myth #5: More Grounds = Stronger Coffee

It might seem logical: more coffee grounds, more strength. But piling on grounds without adjusting water, grind, or time can cause imbalance, over-extraction, or sludge.

Brewing strength is about ratio—not just quantity.

Here’s how to do it right:

Stick to a 1:15–1:18 coffee-to-water ratio
Use a digital scale for accuracy
Adjust grind and time before adding more coffee
Dial in with intention, not just volume
More grounds ≠ better taste

Common Misunderstandings

Many strong coffee myths stem from taste assumptions or poor brewing habits. Knowing the difference between flavor strength and caffeine strength helps you enjoy your coffee more confidently.

Avoid these mix-ups:

Assuming darker is always stronger
Equating bitterness with caffeine
Thinking espresso has the most caffeine overall
Overloading your brewer with coffee grounds

Advice for Beginners

Strong coffee doesn’t have to be bitter or overpowering. New brewers should explore strength by dialing in grind, ratio, and roast—without falling for the myths.

Here’s where to start:

Try different roasts and brew styles
Use a scale to control strength precisely
Balance your brews with good beans and clean water
Focus on taste, not assumptions

Expert Tips

Ready to level up? Professionals build strong yet balanced cups using data, gear, and technique—not guesses.

Get expert results with:

Refractometers to measure Total Dissolved Solids (TDS)
Customized grind profiles for brew method
Brewing apps to track recipes and strength scores
Experimenting with light roasts at high extraction

Takeaway

“Strong coffee” doesn’t mean what most people think it does. True strength is a balance of flavor, caffeine, and method—not bitterness or darkness. By busting these myths, you can take full control of your brew and enjoy a cup that’s bold, smart, and exactly how you like it.