White coffee is coffee made from beans that are roasted lightly, for a shorter time and at a lower temperature than regular coffee. The beans stay pale, almost tan, and the drink tastes nutty and mellow instead of dark and bitter. Dutch Bros is one of the best-known places to try it, and it has been on the Dutch Bros menu since 2014. Here is what white coffee is, how it tastes, and the best ways to order it.
Last updated: October 2026.
What Is White Coffee?
According to Dutch Bros, its beans are “roasted for a shorter period of time and at a lower temperature, resulting in a half roasted yet fully charged bean.” Because the beans are under-roasted, their natural sugars do not caramelize the way they do in a normal roast.
- Color: pale tan beans and a light, cloudy espresso
- Taste: light, earthy and nutty, with less of the roasted, bitter edge
- Texture: thinner than dark espresso, so it pairs well with milk and flavors
Does White Coffee Have More Caffeine?
Dutch Bros says this roast has “a much lower acidity level and more caffeine than the traditional Dutch Bros blend.” That is the company’s claim. Lighter roasts keep slightly more of the bean’s mass, so a scoop can carry slightly more caffeine, but the difference depends on how the coffee is measured and brewed. Treat it as similar to, or slightly stronger than, regular espresso. For high-caffeine picks, see our Dutch Bros caffeine guide.
White Coffee vs Regular Coffee
| White coffee | Regular coffee | |
|---|---|---|
| Roast | Short, low temperature | Longer, hotter |
| Bean color | Pale tan | Medium to dark brown |
| Flavor | Nutty, earthy, mellow | Roasty, chocolatey, more bitter |
| Acidity | Lower (per Dutch Bros) | Higher |
| Caffeine | Similar or slightly higher | Standard |
White Coffee vs Bac Xiu and Ipoh Coffee
The name means different things around the world, which causes a lot of confusion:
- American style (the Dutch Bros kind): lightly roasted beans, as described above.
- Bac xiu: a Vietnamese iced coffee made with strong coffee, sweetened condensed milk and a lot of milk. It is “white” because of the milk, not the roast.
- Malaysian Ipoh coffee: beans roasted with margarine and usually served with condensed milk. Again, “white” refers to how it is served.
So at Dutch Bros, you are getting the light-roast espresso, not a milky Vietnamese drink.
Best Dutch Bros White Coffee Drinks
Dutch Bros has suggested these orders, each made with the light-roast espresso:
- Hazelnut Mocha: chocolate milk and hazelnut flavor
- Dutch Crunch Breve: strawberry and hazelnut, also great as a Freeze
- Toasted Mellow Oat Milk Latte: chocolate macadamia nut and vanilla
- Coconut Chai Latte: chai and coconut, hot or iced
- Jelly Donut Oat Milk Latte: salted caramel, raspberry and almond
How to Order White Coffee at Dutch Bros
- Pick an espresso drink, such as a latte, breve or mocha.
- Ask for it to be made with the white roast instead of the regular espresso.
- Choose your flavors. Nutty and sweet flavors like hazelnut, vanilla and chocolate macadamia work best.
- Pick your milk. Oat milk is a popular match, and plant milk swaps are free. See our milk options guide.
Ordering for the first time? Our how to order at Dutch Bros guide covers sizes and customizations, and the full menu lists every drink.
White Coffee: FAQ
What does white coffee taste like?
It tastes nutty, earthy and mild, with less bitterness than a regular espresso. On its own it can taste a bit grassy, which is why most people drink it with milk and flavors.
Is white coffee stronger than regular coffee?
Dutch Bros says it has more caffeine than its regular blend. In practice the difference is small, so expect a similar or slightly stronger kick.
Is white coffee easier on the stomach?
Dutch Bros says it has lower acidity, which some people find gentler. Everyone reacts differently, so try a small first.
Can I make white coffee at home?
Yes, if you can buy lightly roasted beans sold for this style. They are very hard, so they need a strong grinder, and they brew best as espresso.
If you want a smoother, nuttier espresso, this light roast is one of the most interesting things to try on the Dutch Bros menu.
