Many of us rely on a perfect cup of coffee to jump-start our day, but not all coffees are created equal when it comes to caffeine content. What type of coffee has the most caffeine? Keep reading to find out about the caffeine content of various types of coffee drinks, beans and preparations.
Types of Coffee Drinks and Their Caffeine Content
Below, we break down the caffeine content of the world's most popular coffee drinks.
Black coffee, whether brewed in a drip coffee maker, French press or pour-over, typically contains about 95 milligrams of caffeine per 8-ounce cup.
Espresso is brewed by forcing hot water through coffee beans that have been ground into a fine powder with a coffee grinder. A single shot (about 1 ounce) contains approximately 63 milligrams of caffeine, while a double has around 126 milligrams.
Given its espresso base, a standard cappuccino contains the same caffeine content as a single shot of espresso — around 63 milligrams per 8-ounce serving.
Cold brew coffee is made by steeping ground coffee beans in cold water for 12-24 hours. The method results in a smooth, less acidic drink with a high caffeine content — typically around 100 milligrams per 8-ounce serving, depending on the brew time and coffee-to-water ratio.
Nitro coffee is cold brew coffee infused with nitrogen gas. It generally contains about 125 milligrams of caffeine per 8-ounce serving. The infusion of nitrogen gives it a creamy texture and slightly boosts the caffeine content.
Instant coffee is made from brewed coffee that has been freeze-dried or spray-dried. It usually has less caffeine than brewed coffee, averaging around 63 milligrams per 8-ounce cup. What coffee drink has the most caffeine? If you’re looking for a coffee hit that packs a serious punch, opt for a double espresso, black coffee, nitro coffee or cold brew coffee.
Do Certain Coffee Beans Have More Caffeine Than Others?
Coffee beans come in various types, with the most common being Arabica and Robusta.
Arabica vs. Robusta Coffee Beans
Arabica and robusta beans have differing caffeine content.
- Arabica: Known for its smooth, complex flavors, Arabica beans are the most popular type of coffee bean. They contain less caffeine than robusta beans — typically about 1.2% caffeine by weight.
- Robusta: Robusta beans have the most caffeine — around 2.2% caffeine by weight. They have a stronger, more bitter flavor.
What Blend of Coffee Has the Most Caffeine?
Some specialty coffee brands cultivate and market beans specifically for their high caffeine content. For example, Fellow features plenty of high-caffeine blends that are carefully crafted to maximize flavor and caffeine content.
What Has More Caffeine: Dark Roast or Light Roast Coffee?
It's a common misconception that dark roast equals higher caffeine content, as the caffeine amount is roughly the same between dark and light roasts. However, because dark roast beans are less dense, you might use more beans by volume to make your coffee, leading to a slightly higher caffeine content per cup.
Is Decaf Coffee Completely Caffeine-Free?
No, decaf coffee is not entirely caffeine-free. The decaffeination process removes most caffeine, but a small amount remains. An 8-ounce cup of decaf coffee has between 2 and 5 milligrams of caffeine.
Does the Brew Method Impact the Caffeine Content?
The method you use to brew your coffee significantly impacts caffeine content. Each brewing method extracts caffeine differently, affecting the final strength and flavor of your cup.