Caffeine content of coffee: a rough guide
The figures below apply to 100% arabica coffee, which makes up the vast majority of specialty coffee. Treat them as ranges, not exact values:
- Single espresso (7–9 g of coffee): roughly 60–90 mg
- Double espresso (16–18 g of coffee): roughly 120–180 mg
- Filter coffee (250 ml, approx. 15 g of coffee): roughly 120–180 mg
- Cappuccino, flat white, latte: the same as the espresso in them – milk neither adds nor removes caffeine
- Instant coffee (a teaspoon, approx. 2 g): around 60 mg
- Decaf coffee (a cup): usually 2–10 mg
For comparison: a cup of black tea has roughly 30–60 mg of caffeine, a can of energy drink (250 ml) around 80 mg, and a can of cola (330 ml) about 30–35 mg.
How much caffeine is in espresso? Less than you think
Espresso has the highest caffeine concentration – per millilitre, you'll find many times more than in filter coffee. But you drink it in a few sips. A big mug of filter coffee contains as much caffeine or even more in total than a double espresso. So if you're after a morning kick, a V60 might surprise you.
What affects the caffeine content of coffee
- Type of coffee: arabica contains roughly 1.2–1.5% caffeine, robusta about twice as much. More in our article Arabica vs. robusta.
- Dose: the biggest factor is simply how many grams of coffee you use. Double the dose means roughly double the caffeine.
- Brewing method and extraction time: caffeine dissolves easily in water and is released quickly. Longer contact with water extracts more of it – which is why cold brew, steeped for hours and usually with a higher dose of coffee, often contains a lot of caffeine.
- Variety: even among arabicas there are differences. The rare Laurina variety (Bourbon Pointu) naturally has roughly half the usual caffeine content.
- Roast level: this one might surprise you – it makes almost no difference. Caffeine is stable during roasting and the differences between light and dark roasts are negligible. More in our article Light vs. dark roast coffee.
How much caffeine per day is okay
According to the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), healthy adults can safely consume up to 400 mg of caffeine a day, and up to about 200 mg in a single dose. That's roughly two to three mugs of filter coffee or four to six single espressos. For pregnant and breastfeeding women, EFSA recommends not exceeding 200 mg a day.
Sensitivity to caffeine is highly individual, though, and partly genetic. The half-life of caffeine in the body is around four to five hours on average – shorter for some people, considerably longer for others. If you struggle to fall asleep after an afternoon coffee, have your last cup at least six hours before bed.
This article is for general guidance only. If you have health issues, take medication or are pregnant, talk to your doctor about your caffeine intake.
Tip: Want to enjoy coffee in the evening too? Today's specialty decafs stopped tasting like a compromise a long time ago. We cover how caffeine is removed from coffee and how to choose a good decaf in our article Decaf coffee: myths and facts.
A coffee box for day and night
In your KAVI coffee subscription you can add one bag of decaf alongside your regular coffees. A proper filter in the morning, decaf in the evening – both freshly roasted and delivered to your door.
Frequently asked questions
How much caffeine is in one espresso?
A single arabica espresso contains roughly 60–90 mg of caffeine, a double 120–180 mg. It depends mainly on the dose of coffee.
How much caffeine is in a mug of filter coffee?
A 250 ml mug brewed with 15 g of coffee contains roughly 120–180 mg of caffeine – usually more than a single espresso.
Does dark roast coffee have more caffeine?
Practically no. The differences between light and dark roasts are negligible. Coffee containing robusta has more caffeine.
Is decaf coffee completely caffeine-free?
No. Under EU rules, roasted decaf coffee may contain up to 0.1% caffeine, so only a few milligrams remain in your cup.
