Coffee Body
What is the Coffee Body?
Body describes the physical feel or texture of coffee in the mouth, ranging from light and tea-like to heavy and creamy. Body can range from light and tea-like, to silky and juicy, to heavy and creamy. It’s both the “weight” on your tongue and the texture that lingers as you drink. Importantly, body is one of the most debated attributes in coffee sensory analysis, and even experienced professionals sometimes struggle to define exactly what it is.
It can be about the weight, but also about the texture.
It’s not about flavour, but mouthfeel. The weight or thickness of the liquid. Factors influencing body include processing method, roast level, and brew method.
What Influences Coffee Body?
There are several factors that shape a coffee’s body
- Processing method: Natural and honey-processed coffees often have fuller, fruitier body, while washed coffees can feel cleaner and lighter.
- Roast level: Darker roasts tend to develop heavier, rounder body, while lighter roasts highlight clarity and a more delicate texture.
- Brew method: Immersion brewing (like French press) extracts more oils, creating a thicker mouthfeel, while filter methods emphasize a lighter, cleaner body.
Why body matters
- Shapes perception of richness or smoothness
- Balances acidity and sweetness
- A key part of the overall sensory profile
Body in specialty vs commercial
In specialty coffee, body is evaluated with the same importance as acidity, aftertaste, and flavour. A silky or juicy mouthfeel can elevate a coffee’s complexity, while a heavy, creamy body can provide structure and balance.
In commercial coffee, body is often prioritised, especially in espresso blends, though it may not always be assessed with the same nuance or transparency.
Where Nordic Approach fits in
At Nordic Approach, we look for green coffees with distinctive and balanced body characteristics—whether silky and refined, juicy and vibrant, or full and creamy. This allows roasters to tailor body expression through their roast style and brew method, creating coffees that stand out both in clarity and texture.
Learn more about assessing coffee through Specialty Coffee Sampling