"This coffee is strong, isn't it?"
We often hear this phrase... but what does it mean exactly? Is it the full-bodied taste, the bitterness, or the caffeine levels Who makes us say that?
We're often asked how much caffeine a particular coffee contains. While it's difficult to say for a single bean (it depends on several factors like variety, roasting, etc.), we can be more precise when talking about recipes: espresso, filter, long, instant... Follow the guide!
☕ Which recipe contains the most caffeine?
If we talk about concentration, espresso is king. It is prepared by rapidly extracting a small amount of liquid through finely ground coffee, under high pressure. Result: approximately 63 mg of caffeine in a single shot (30 ml).
But be careful, it is not the drink that contains the most caffeine in totalA large cup of filter coffee, for example, can hold up to 95 mg, or even more, depending on the quantity used and the infusion time.
👉 Espresso = short coffee with an intense taste.
👉 Filter = milder coffee, but often more caffeinated in the end.
📊 Comparison of caffeine levels according to recipes
Here is an estimate of average caffeine levels, based on standard volume:
| Type of coffee | 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 highly caffeinated, especially if it's concentrated. This depends on the coffee-to-water ratio and brewing time.
Please note:
These figures can 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 figures.
🔍 Espresso or long coffee: which is stronger?
Good question!
Many people think that espresso is always "stronger." In reality, it all depends on what you call "strong": intense taste Or amount of caffeine ?
An espresso is very concentrated — strong in the mouth, and yes, strong in caffeine per milliliter. But a long coffee, which uses more water and therefore more coffee in total, may contain more caffeine overall.
For example :
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Espresso : ~63 mg per 30 ml
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Filter or long coffee : ~95 mg per 240 ml
Moral: don't trust taste alone!
🌱 Where does the difference in caffeine come from?
A few key factors influence caffeine content:
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Grain type : L'Arabica contains about 1.2% caffeine, while the Robusta can reach 2.2%.
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Roasting : the more it is pushed, the more the beans lose weight… but the caffeine concentration remains fairly stable.
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Extraction method : slow infusion (filter, cold brew) = more complete extraction = more caffeine.
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Amount of coffee used : logical, but often underestimated!
✅ In summary
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Espresso is the most concentrate, but not necessarily the most caffeinated per cup.
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Filter or long coffee often contains it more globally.
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Caffeine depends on many parameters: grains, method, volume...
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And yes, even the decaffeinated contains a little caffeine!
💡 Bonus: how to manage your consumption?
Caffeine isn't inherently bad—it can improve alertness, mood, and concentration. But in excess, it can cause nervousness, sleep disturbances, and even palpitations.
The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) recommends not to exceed 400 mg per day for a healthy adult, approximately:
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5–6 espressos
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3–4 large cups of filter coffee
As always: it's all about balance... and fun!
