Body is how heavy or light coffee feels in your mouth — from light and tea-like to full and syrupy. It’s a texture, not a flavor.
The Simple Guide
Light body feels closer to tea. Medium body feels like whole milk. Full body feels heavier and coats your mouth, closer to cream.
Why It Matters
Body largely comes from natural oils and fine particles suspended in the cup. Brewing methods that use a metal filter or press (French press) let more of those through, producing fuller body. Paper-filtered methods (pour-over, drip) trap them, producing a lighter, cleaner cup.
What To Do
Want a fuller, heavier cup? Try French press or espresso. Want something lighter and cleaner? Try pour-over or drip with a paper filter.
Body and strength aren't the same thing. A light-bodied coffee can still be strong (high in caffeine and intensity) — it just doesn't feel heavy on your tongue.