Clarifying 5 Coffee Misconceptions You Thought Were True

Terminal 3 Coffee Roasters is dedicated to delivering more than just a morning pick-me-up. As a brand committed to crafting the finest brews, we have come across some common misconceptions about coffee that often lead to confusion among coffee enthusiasts and casual drinkers alike. We believe it is our responsibility to shed light on these widely-held beliefs and share the truth with our community. In this article, we will address 5 common misconceptions about coffee and discuss the truth behind these myths.

Misconception 1: Darker Roasts Have More Caffeine

One of the most prevalent misconceptions is that darker roasted coffee beans are stronger in caffeine content than lighter roasts. In reality, the strength of your coffee primarily depends on the amount of coffee grounds used and the brewing method, not the roast level.

Caffeine content remains relatively stable during the roasting process, meaning that a dark roast doesn't equate to higher caffeine levels. Instead, dark roasts tend to have a bolder, more intense flavor, often with a smoky or chocolaty taste. Lighter roasts, on the other hand, allow the intrinsic flavours of the beans to shine through with brighter acidity and distinct floral or fruity notes.

Read our Dark Roast vs. Light Roast article where we explore the difference between the two roast profiles.

Misconception 2: Storing Coffee in the Freezer Preserves Freshness

Many coffee drinkers believe that storing coffee beans in the freezer is the best way to keep them fresh for an extended period. However, freezing coffee can actually do more harm than good.

Coffee is porous and can absorb moisture and odours from the freezer, leading to a loss of flavour and aroma. The repeated temperature changes when taking the coffee in and out of the freezer can also cause condensation inside the packaging, compromising the quality.

To preserve the freshness of your coffee, store it in an airtight container in a cool, dark place, away from direct sunlight, heat, and humidity. Purchasing whole beans and grinding them just before brewing will also ensure the best flavour in your cup.

Misconception 3: Espresso has More Caffeine than Drip Coffee

Another widely-believed myth is that espresso contains a higher caffeine punch than regular drip coffee. In reality, the concentration of caffeine in coffee is influenced by the brewing ratio rather than the brewing method.

Per ounce, espresso does have more caffeine compared to drip coffee. However, a typical serving of espresso is much smaller than a standard cup of coffee. When you consider the overall volume of the drink consumed, a cup of drip coffee contains more caffeine than a shot of espresso.

Misconception 4: Decaffeinated Coffee is 100% Caffeine-Free

While decaffeinated coffee is processed to remove most of the caffeine, it is not entirely caffeine-free. Decaf coffee typically contains about 2-5% of the original caffeine content, which means that a standard cup of decaf coffee may still have a small amount of caffeine. If you are highly sensitive to caffeine or need to avoid it entirely, it's important to be mindful of your decaf coffee consumption.

Misconception 5: Coffee is Only a Morning Drink

Coffee has often been associated with jumpstarting our mornings, but there's no rule that limits its consumption to the early hours. You can enjoy coffee at any time of the day, and different brews can be perfect for different occasions.

In fact, in the name Terminal 3, the “3” represents three stages during the day:
Morning, Noon, and Night.

A drink in the morning to wake up and prepare for the day, 
a drink at noon to take a break and rejuvenate,
and a drink in the afternoon to wind down.  

It's all about finding the right balance for your personal preferences and lifestyle.

At Terminal 3 Coffee Roasters, we believe that every cup is a testament to the dedication, skill, and love poured into the craft of specialty coffee. Our goal is to empower our cherished coffee community with the knowledge needed to fully appreciate the nuances of their favourite beverage. By clarifying these misconceptions, we hope to elevate your coffee experience and appreciation. Cheers to improving your coffee knowledge and enjoying your favourite brews with newfound clarity!