Medium vs Dark SETTLED...(For me anyway)

[CoffeeStainedTeeth]

Hello everyone,
I have come here because I have failed to find the answer elsewhere on the internet.

About a year ago, I switched from using A LOT of milk/cream in my coffee to going 100% black dark roast. I used to love it but oddly haven't missed it.

On a few occasions I've been faced with the choice of drinking medium roast or nothing.

So of course I drank the medium roast.

However, I've noticed a rather concerning reaction to it, and it's getting worse.

After drinking medium roast, within 20-30 minutes, I feel sick to my stomach, tired, headache, and just generally bad. Like lay down and rest bad. It lasts for about 2 hours!!

The last time it happened, I drank only about two ounces, and that was enough.

I can drink all the dark roast I want and do not have any reaction whatsoever. So I don't think it's related to caffeine.

Does this happen to anyone else?

I'm thinking there is some compound I'm sensitive to in medium roast, that is destroyed by the extra roasting time in the dark roast.

Any info/experiences would be cool.
Thanks!

 

[4Nines]

It could be a mold or toxins in your coffee that are causing that reaction. We get our coffee from Kion because they use organic coffee that is tested for mold, mycotoxins, and pesticides.

Coffee

Pure, research-backed supplements and functional foods for sustained, natural energy.

www.getkion.com

"Say Hello to Fresh, Bold, and Impressively Smooth Coffee.​

Many of us love coffee, but coffee doesn’t always love us. It’s common to get jitters, nagging headaches, and sinus issues from your morning cuppa.

It’s not you. It’s your coffee.

Over 97% of the world’s coffee is considered “commercial coffee,” a commodity crop grown to maximize yield, sprayed with pesticides, and stored in a way that encourages mold growth. All factors that can lead to health issues and a mediocre brew.

We think you deserve better than that.

Imagine elevating your day with a cup of organic coffee that tastes as great as it makes you feel. No, it’s not a dream... It’s Kion Coffee.

Our medium roast carries a balanced, clean flavor and a smooth, rich body. You’ll taste notes of sweet apple, marzipan, and baking spices, and scrumptious dark chocolate as the cup cools.

Every batch of Kion Coffee is sourced with 100% organic Arabica beans that are grown and harvested on sustainable, fair-trade coffee cooperatives. We also regularly test our coffee for mold, mycotoxins, and pesticides.

Finally, a coffee you can feel good about drinking every day."

 

[Musicphan]

It's most likely related to your reduction in consumption of dairy vs. the coffee itself. There is no significant difference in medium & dark roast. I aslo disagree with the comment that its mold or toxins unless you are buying UBER CHEAP coffee. Organic has no impact on mold or toxins.

 

[CoffeeStainedTeeth]

It's most likely related to your reduction in consumption of dairy vs. the coffee itself. There is no significant difference in medium & dark roast. I aslo disagree with the comment that its mold or toxins unless you are buying UBER CHEAP coffee. Organic has no impact on mold or toxins.

I tend to agree with your mold/toxin assessment. I have tried multiple brands, restaurants, coffee shops, etc. Medium always is bad and dark roast is always fine. If it were mold and toxins, wouldn't it be in the dark roast too?
Interesting comment on dairy. Why do you think dropping it would cause this reaction, only with medium roast? (I've been on black coffee for over a year now)
Also worth noting is that I've always drunk dark roast, with or without dairy.

 

[CoffeeStainedTeeth]

It could be a mold or toxins in your coffee that are causing that reaction. We get our coffee from Kion because they use organic coffee that is tested for mold, mycotoxins, and pesticides.

Coffee

Pure, research-backed supplements and functional foods for sustained, natural energy.

www.getkion.com

"Say Hello to Fresh, Bold, and Impressively Smooth Coffee.​

Many of us love coffee, but coffee doesn’t always love us. It’s common to get jitters, nagging headaches, and sinus issues from your morning cuppa.

It’s not you. It’s your coffee.

Over 97% of the world’s coffee is considered “commercial coffee,” a commodity crop grown to maximize yield, sprayed with pesticides, and stored in a way that encourages mold growth. All factors that can lead to health issues and a mediocre brew.

We think you deserve better than that.

Imagine elevating your day with a cup of organic coffee that tastes as great as it makes you feel. No, it’s not a dream... It’s Kion Coffee.

Our medium roast carries a balanced, clean flavor and a smooth, rich body. You’ll taste notes of sweet apple, marzipan, and baking spices, and scrumptious dark chocolate as the cup cools.

Every batch of Kion Coffee is sourced with 100% organic Arabica beans that are grown and harvested on sustainable, fair-trade coffee cooperatives. We also regularly test our coffee for mold, mycotoxins, and pesticides.

Finally, a coffee you can feel good about drinking every day."

The holdup for me is it's across the spectrum. Medium roast, nearly always induces reaction, dark roast never has.
Actually, trying your koin medium could tell us!

 

[4Nines]

The holdup for me is it's across the spectrum. Medium roast, nearly always induces reaction, dark roast never has.
Actually, trying your koin medium could tell us!

I could only guess that the dark roast may help burn off some of the mold or toxins. You could sample the Kion medium roast to see if you get a different reaction. You know, for science!

 

[4Nines]

 

[CSS11]

Honestly, I’ve danced between medium and dark roasts myself and it really comes down to mood, brew method, and what flavor you’re chasing that day.

• Medium roast: bright, clean acidity with nuanced flavor notes. It’s great for pour overs and single origin beans where you want the terroir to shine.
• Dark roast: nostalgic, bold, smooth and perfect for espresso or when you want that comforting, robust cup to cut through milk or a sweetener.

If you feel torn, try this: grab two bags of your favorite bean—one medium, one dark. Brew them the same way, side by side. Compare the mouthfeel, aroma, even the finish. It’s amazing how different one bean can feel when roasted two ways.

What I’ve learned: there’s no wrong choice—just what suits your taste that morning. And sometimes it's fun to switch between both depending on your vibe.

 

[CoffeeStainedTeeth]

I could only guess that the dark roast may help burn off some of the mold or toxins.

Ah, now we are getting somewhere!!