“What does the Nespresso intensity rating mean?” is a common question among those who especially love Nespresso coffee. Well, it seems a tough question as even coffee lovers aren’t sure what the exact answer is. If you also have the same question, this post is for you! Let’s scroll down to find out the truth!
What Does The Nespresso Intensity Rating Mean?
Here is our quick answer to the question. In simple words, the intensity level rating in Nespresso is the measurement based on the coffee’s concentration, its body, and bitterness.
Strong coffee intensity is also related to the roasting degree, as the strength number decreases if the roast gets lighter. Thus, the intensity of a roast will increase if it gets darker.
It’s worth noting that Nespresso intensity levels have nothing to do with the amount of caffeine in the coffee because most people misconceive that the coffee with higher intensity has more caffeine content. So, this causes them to limit their use of this coffee as they consider it is not good for their health.
The intensity level of Nespresso is rated from 1 to 13. Below 6 is mild, and intense will be above 8. As mentioned above, the strength number for Nespresso is the combination of the amount of concentrated coffee. If you want to identify the intensities of this coffee, you can do so by examining its substantial body, its rich scent, and its bold and bitter flavor.
Therefore, intense coffee will be the one with a high solid percentage, bitter and heavy body. You can check out the intensity rating to determine how dense the texture is.
Let’s continue reading to explore the official definition of strong coffee!
What Is The Official Definition Of Coffee’s Intensity?
The notion of intense coffee may differ greatly depending on some factors. Specifically, its strength number is influenced by coffee’s cultural and personal taste among different coffee drinkers. For example, most Latin Americans consider an intense coffee as a bitter one.
Yet, the official definition of a strong coffee is defined based on its body’s consistency, the flavor’s bitterness, and the significant aromatic impact.
By understanding the correct definition, you can select the coffee that best suits your preferred level of intensity.
Does An Intense Coffee Contain More Caffeine?
In this part, we would like to give you some relevant facts about whether an intense coffee contains more caffeine or not.
First and foremost, we all know that caffeine content is a natural stimulant found in tea, coffee, and cocoa plants. Plus, it functions by activating the brain and central nervous system, keeping you awake, and preventing fatigue.
Meanwhile, the intensity level is based on how the coffee seeds are roasted, which has a significant impact on the texture and flavor of the coffee. It also stimulates your taste with its dense texture, rich flavor, and flavorful scent.
As a result, we can conclude that the caffeine content of a cup of coffee has nothing to do with its intensity. Please don’t misconceive the caffeine level with intensity, then avoid some coffee types just because of their intensity rating.
How Do Nespresso Intensity Levels Impact The Taste And Quality Of The Coffee?
Having a higher strength level does not affect the amount of caffeine content, but it does impact the taste and quality of the coffee. We’ve highlighted three essential elements and how they influence the coffee’s taste and standard:
Coffee’s Degree Of Roasting
We can not deny that the coffee’s degree of roasting has a significant impact on the quality and flavor of the coffee brew. To be more specific, there are four main roasts to adjust the coffee intensity level you like, such as Light roasts, medium roasts, medium-dark roasts, dark roasts.
Generally, the higher the intensity of the brewed coffee, the darker the roast. Dark roasts, on the other hand, are richer and bitterer than lighter roasts.
The Bitterness Level Of Coffee Beans
As we mentioned above, the bitterness of coffee depends on the kind of brew, varying from light to strong roast. So, based on the sort of taste you want, please choose the coffee bean with a suitable intensity rating.
For instance, the lightly roasted coffee beans, which have a low-intensity level, give the Nespresso cup a pleasantly sweet flavor, light aroma notes, and slightly bitter taste. This bitterness level is suitable for people who cannot drink too bitter flavors.
Besides, darker roasts, which are known for having higher intensity ratings, are more bitter than lighter roasts. Especially if your coffee is the strongest dark roast, it will have an unforgettable strong and bitter taste profile.
The Concentration Of The Coffee
The amount of Nespresso coffee concentration is another important aspect that affects intensity levels and the quality of the coffee brew. In particular, a coffee cup with a ranking of less than six on the intensity scale is considered light or not intense. Meanwhile, those with a ranking of 8 or above on the scale are rated as dark or intense.
For most people, the coffee rated at level 8 or 9 is the unpalatable deep, bittersweet brew with a strong aroma. Meanwhile, the less-than-six coffee provides a more comforting taste for daily consumption.
Final Verdict
“What does the Nespresso intensity rating mean?” Do not mistake “intensity” with “caffeine content,” as the intensity of a Nespresso coffee refers to the richness, concentration, and roast degree of the coffee beans. So, a true intense Nespresso is the one with a bitter flavor, heavy and solid body.
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Almost 20 years already spent committed to coffee and more than 3 years of experience as a barista at Starbucks. Madelyn Doyle graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Nutritional Science from the University of California and finished the Coffee Skills Program at the Specialty Coffee Association (SCA).