The Surprising Truth: How Much Caffeine is in Your Coffee
Caffeine Content in Popular Coffee Drinks
☕ Drip Coffee (Brewed Coffee)
- Caffeine per 8 oz cup: 80–120 mg
- What Affects It? The caffeine content varies based on the coffee beans, grind size, and brewing method. Lighter roasts actually contain slightly more caffeine than darker roasts per scoop.
⚡ Espresso
- Caffeine per 1 oz shot: 63–75 mg
- Stronger Than Drip Coffee? Yes and no! Espresso has more caffeine per ounce, but because a serving is much smaller, a regular cup of coffee often contains more total caffeine than a single shot of espresso.
🥛 Latte (or Cappuccino, Flat White, Macchiato, etc.)
- Caffeine per 12 oz cup: 63–150 mg (depending on the number of espresso shots)
- Why the Range? A latte typically has one or two shots of espresso, and since milk doesn’t contain caffeine, the caffeine level depends entirely on the espresso used.
❄️ Flash Chilled Coffee (Japanese Iced Coffee)
- Caffeine per 8 oz cup: 80–120 mg (same as drip coffee)
- How Is It Made? Unlike cold brew, which steeps for hours, flash chilled coffee is brewed hot and immediately cooled by dripping over ice. This locks in flavor while maintaining the same caffeine content as traditional hot brewed coffee.
- Why Choose It? It offers the best of both worlds—bright, complex flavors of hot brewing with the refreshing coolness of an iced coffee.
🧊 Cold Brew Coffee
- Caffeine per 8 oz cup: 150–200 mg
- Why So Strong? Cold brew is made by steeping coarse coffee grounds in cold water for 12–24 hours, creating a highly concentrated brew. Many cafes dilute it before serving, but even then, it often has more caffeine than hot coffee.
🌊 Nitro Cold Brew
- Caffeine per 12 oz cup: 180–250 mg
- What’s Special About It? Nitro cold brew is infused with nitrogen gas, making it creamy and smooth without adding milk or sugar. Since it’s often served undiluted, it packs a higher caffeine punch than regular cold brew.
🏃 Instant Coffee
- Caffeine per 8 oz cup: 30–90 mg
- Is It Weaker? Usually, yes. Instant coffee is made by dehydrating brewed coffee, and while convenient, it generally has less caffeine than freshly brewed coffee.
☕ Decaf Coffee
- Caffeine per 8 oz cup: 2–5 mg
- Does It Have Zero Caffeine? Not quite! Decaffeinated coffee still contains a small amount of caffeine, but it’s significantly lower than regular coffee.
Which Coffee Should You Choose?
🔹 Need a big caffeine boost? Go for cold brew or nitro cold brew for the highest caffeine content.
🔹 Prefer something balanced? A drip coffee, flash chilled coffee, or a latte with two shots of espresso is a great choice.
🔹 Looking for less caffeine? Try a single shot of espresso or instant coffee for a lighter kick.
🔹 Want to avoid caffeine but still enjoy coffee? Decaf is your best bet!
Final Thoughts
Whether you need a quick espresso shot to start your day or a slow sip of cold brew for lasting energy, knowing the caffeine content in different coffee drinks can help you choose the perfect cup. No matter your preference, Laughing Bird Coffee & Tea has fresh, high-quality options to fuel your day!