How much caffeine is in your coffee ?
Time to read 4 min
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"This coffee is strong, isn't it?"
We often hear this phrase... but what does it actually mean? Is it the bold taste, the bitterness, or the caffeine level that makes us say that?
We are often asked how much caffeine this or that coffee contains. While it's difficult to say for a single bean (it depends on several factors like variety, roast, etc.), we can be more precise when talking about recipes: espresso, filter, Americano, instant... Follow the guide!
Which recipe contains the most caffeine?
In terms of concentration, espresso is king. It is prepared by rapidly extracting a small amount of liquid through finely ground coffee, under high pressure. The result: about 63 mg of caffeine in a single shot (30 ml).
But beware, it's not the drink that contains the most caffeine overall. A large cup of filter coffee, for example, can contain up to 95 mg, or even more, depending on the amount used and the brewing time.
👉 Espresso = short and intense coffee.
👉 Filter = milder coffee, but often more caffeinated in the end.
Comparison of caffeine levels by recipe
Here is an estimate of average caffeine content, by standard volume:
Coffee type
Volume
Caffeine (mg)
Approx. concentration
| Espresso | 30 ml | ~63 mg | ~2.1 % |
| Filter coffee | 240 ml | ~95 mg | ~1.2 % |
| Instant coffee | 240 ml | ~63 mg | ~0.8 % |
| Cold brew | 240 ml | ~100–200 mg* | ~1.5–2.5 % |
| Decaffeinated | 240 ml | 2 to 5 mg | < 0.1 % |
*Cold brew is often very caffeinated, especially if concentrated. This depends on the coffee/water ratio and brewing time.
Please note:
These figures may vary depending on the beans used, the fineness of the grind, the roast, and of course, the size of your cup. These are only approximate values.
How long does caffeine stay in your body?
Drinking coffee doesn't have an instant effect... and its effects last much longer than we think.
Here's what happens after drinking a cup:
- The effect begins within the first 15 minutes – you feel more alert.
- The peak concentration occurs between 30 and 60 minutes.
- After 3 to 5 hours, half of the caffeine is still active in your body.
- And it takes up to 12 hours to completely eliminate it.
This explains why an espresso in the late afternoon can disrupt your sleep, even if you "don't feel it."
🧠 Tip: to better manage your energy (and your sleep), it's sometimes better to space out your coffees rather than have multiple doses in quick succession.
Espresso or Americano: which is stronger?
Good question!
Many think that espresso is always "stronger". In reality, it all depends on what "strong" means: intense taste or quantity of caffeine?
An espresso is very concentrated — strong in taste, and yes, strong in caffeine per milliliter. But an Americano, which uses more water and therefore more coffee overall, can contain more caffeine in total.
For example:
Espresso: ~63 mg for 30 ml
Filter or Americano coffee: ~95 mg for 240 ml
Moral of the story: don't just rely on taste!
Image ChatGPT
Where does the caffeine difference come from?
Several key factors influence caffeine content:
Bean type: Arabica contains about 1.2% caffeine, while Robusta can reach 2.2%.
Roasting: the darker the roast, the more weight the beans lose... but the caffeine concentration remains fairly stable.
Brewing method: slow infusion (filter, cold brew) = more complete extraction = more caffeine.
Amount of coffee used: logical, but often underestimated!
In summary
Espresso is the most concentrated, but not necessarily the most caffeinated per cup.
Filter or long coffee often contains more overall.
Caffeine depends on many parameters: beans, method, volume…
And yes, even decaf contains a little caffeine!
Bonus: how to manage your consumption?
Caffeine is not inherently bad — it can improve alertness, mood, and concentration. But in excess, it can cause nervousness, sleep disturbances, or even palpitations.
The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) recommends not exceeding 400 mg per day for a healthy adult, which is approximately:
5–6 espressos
3–4 large cups of filter coffee
As always: it's all about balance... and pleasure!
☕ Daily Caffeine Calculator
Estimate your consumption based on your weight and preferred coffees:
Frequently Asked Questions about Caffeine (FAQ)
Does an espresso contain more caffeine than a filter coffee?
Not necessarily! By volume, yes (espresso is a concentrated bomb 💣), but if you drink a 250 ml cup of filter coffee... you'll consume much more caffeine overall. Moral of the story: it's all about cup size (not the strength of the shot)!
Is decaffeinated coffee really caffeine-free?
Not at all! It's more like playing hide-and-seek. Decaffeinated coffee still contains between 2 and 15 mg of caffeine, depending on the method used. It's not much, but it's not zero. So, if you drink 5 decafs before bed... don't be surprised if you dream in fast forward 😴⚡
Is cold brew the Hulk of caffeine?
Absolutely 🟢. Because it infuses for a long time (often 12h+), it extracts a lot of caffeine, sometimes more than 200 mg per serving. If you're looking for a gentle but powerful kick, cold brew is your ally.
How many coffees can I drink per day without exploding?
According to Health Canada, a healthy adult can consume up to 400 mg of caffeine per day, which is about 3 to 4 250 ml cups of filter coffee.
For pregnant or breastfeeding women, the limit is rather 300 mg/day.
For those under 18, Health Canada recommends a maximum consumption of 2.5 mg of caffeine per kilogram of body weight.
⚠️ Watch out: adding energy drinks, strong teas, or colas can increase the dose without you realizing it – Health Canada specifically mentions their contribution in this calculation.
Does taste intensity = more caffeine?
Myth! A "strong" coffee doesn't necessarily mean more caffeine. Sometimes, a light Arabica hides its game well, while an earthy-tasting Robusta sends you through the roof 💥. Moral of the story: don't trust your palate, check the technical sheet.
Gaelle, Store & Marketing Manager
Has a big soft spot for espresso, but also cappuccino with Sproud pea milk.
