For lovers of black coffee, caffeine is an ally in the fight against morning drowsiness. But do you know how much caffeine is really in a cup of your favorite coffee? The caffeine content varies depending on the type of drink, brewing methods, and even the coffee bean variety. In our guide, we take a closer look at caffeine — where its stimulating power comes from, how much caffeine is in espresso, drip coffee, or cold brew, and what factors influence these differences. At JAVA Coffee Roasters, we believe that informed knowledge about coffee helps you enjoy it even more — so brew your favorite coffee and dive with us into this fascinating world!
Table of Contents
- What is caffeine and how does it affect the body?
- Caffeine content in different types of coffee
- How much caffeine does decaffeinated coffee contain?
- Safe caffeine intake – how much coffee can you drink daily?
- Frequently asked questions about caffeine content in coffee
What is caffeine and how does it affect the body?
Caffeine is a natural chemical compound from the purine alkaloid group, found in coffee beans as well as tea leaves, cocoa seeds, yerba mate, and kola nuts. Known mainly for its stimulating effect, it is one of the most widely consumed psychoactive substances worldwide. But what exactly happens in the body after drinking a cup of coffee?
After consumption, caffeine is rapidly absorbed from the digestive tract into the bloodstream – usually within 15–30 minutes it crosses the blood-brain barrier and starts acting at the cellular level. Its primary mechanism is blocking adenosine receptors – a neurotransmitter responsible for fatigue and sleepiness [1].
As the day progresses, adenosine levels in the brain increase, making us feel sleepier. Caffeine acts like a "silencer" – it binds to these same receptors but instead of activating them (which would cause fatigue), it simply blocks them. As a result, our brain does not "see" fatigue signals and interprets the situation as readiness for action.
Neurotransmitters in action – what happens in the brain after coffee?
Blocking adenosine is just the beginning. In response, the body increases activity of other neurotransmitters such as dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin.
Dopamine, often called the "pleasure neurotransmitter", is responsible for motivation, the ability to feel satisfaction, improves concentration, and supports feelings of happiness. Caffeine indirectly boosts dopamine activity, which is why after coffee we often feel more motivated and positive. Interestingly, this mechanism resembles (in a much milder form) the action of some psychostimulant medications.
Norepinephrine (noradrenaline) is a neurotransmitter and stress hormone that increases alertness, improves reaction speed, and raises heart rate. After drinking coffee, we experience a slight "energy boost," and our body switches to a heightened readiness mode – thanks to the increased norepinephrine levels. However, excess can cause anxiety, which is why sensitive individuals may feel jittery or nervous after strong coffee.
Serotonin, known as the "happiness hormone," influences mood, sleep quality, appetite, and mental balance. Caffeine doesn’t directly increase serotonin but affects serotonin receptors and indirectly improves mood. This is why coffee is often associated with comfort and pleasure – even if it doesn’t cause euphoria, it supports well-being and relaxation.
Did you know… it’s because of its effect on dopamine and norepinephrine that caffeine is sometimes called a mild natural "psychostimulant"? In moderate doses, it improves mood, motivation, and mental performance – which is why for many people, morning coffee is not just a habit but an essential ritual to start the day.
Learn more about how long caffeine lasts in our comprehensive coffee effects guide.
Caffeine content in different types of coffee
Caffeine content depends not only on the coffee type but also on brewing method, beans used, proportion, and volume. That’s why two cups that look similar can contain very different caffeine amounts and cause different body reactions.
Below is a detailed list of popular coffee types and their average caffeine content.
| Coffee type | Volume | Average caffeine content | Our comment |
| Espresso (single) | 30 ml | 50-60 mg | Short, highly concentrated espresso works quickly but contains less caffeine than drip coffee. |
| Espresso (double/doppio) | 60 ml | 100-120 mg | Base for flat white and larger milk coffees. |
| Drip coffee (Chemex, drip brewer) | 240 ml | 90–150 mg | Long extraction and bigger volume provide more caffeine than espresso. |
| Cold brew | 250 ml | 150–200 mg | Long steeping (12–24 hours) results in very high caffeine content. |
| Instant coffee | 250 ml | 50–80 mg | Most variable – depends on brand, type, and powder amount. |
| Decaffeinated coffee | 240 ml | 2–5 mg | Trace amounts – not completely caffeine-free but safe for most people. |
Did you know… We often associate flavor strength with caffeine content, but bitterness or intensity doesn’t always correspond to the stimulating substances amount.
Read also: Why you should drink coffee before training – 5 reasons
Milk-based coffees – how much caffeine do they contain?
All milk coffees are based on espresso – which determines their caffeine content.
| Milk coffee type | Typical espresso in recipe | Caffeine content |
| Cappuccino | Single | 50-60 mg |
| Latte | Single | 50-60 mg |
| Flat white | Double | 100-120 mg |
| Mocha | Single or double | 50-120 mg |
Milk doesn’t affect caffeine amount but softens its effect – slows absorption and reduces stomach irritation. It’s a good choice for sensitive individuals or those who skip breakfast but want coffee. Read more about coffee beans gentle on the stomach.
Factors affecting caffeine content
Caffeine content in one cup depends on several important variables.
- Coffee bean variety. Robusta contains almost twice the caffeine of Arabica. Blends with Robusta (common in classic Italian espresso) will be stronger.
- Grind size and dose. The finer the grind and the more coffee used, the higher the caffeine content.
- Brewing method and extraction time. Longer contact between water and coffee (like in drip or cold brew) increases extracted caffeine.
- Freshness of beans. Freshly roasted and well-stored beans release more aroma and active compounds.
JAVA Coffee Roasters tip! If you want to control caffeine intake, adjust your brewing method accordingly. For quick energy, choose espresso or flat white. For gentler, longer-lasting stimulation, go for drip or cold brew. And if you want to enjoy coffee flavor without stimulation, try our freshly roasted decaf Arabica, which still delights with aroma and character.
Read also: Coffee on an empty stomach or after breakfast – does the time of coffee drinking matter?
How much caffeine does decaffeinated coffee contain?
Many people think that decaf coffee is completely caffeine-free. In reality, this term does not mean zero caffeine. Decaf coffee beans undergo a decaffeination process that removes caffeine, but small amounts always remain. A typical cup (about 240–250 ml) contains around 2–5 mg of caffeine, only 1–3% of the amount in regular drip coffee.
Did you know… decaf coffee can contain as many antioxidants as its caffeinated counterpart? Studies confirm that most beneficial compounds (e.g., polyphenols, chlorogenic acid) remain intact during decaffeination.
Also check is coffee healthy? We confirm facts and debunk myths!
At JAVA Coffee Roasters, we know coffee is not just caffeine but above all a taste and aroma experience. That’s why we offer specialty decaf coffees made from the highest quality beans — no chemicals, no compromises. Our decaf selections impress with smoothness, notes of nuts, chocolate, and fruits while being gentle on the stomach and nervous system. It’s the perfect choice for those who want to enjoy aromatic coffee any time of day.
Safe caffeine intake – how much coffee can you drink daily?
Caffeine can be your ally — it stimulates, improves concentration, and supports physical activity, but moderation is key. Excessive consumption causes unwanted effects. According to the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), healthy adults can safely consume up to 400 mg of caffeine per day [2]. This roughly equals:
- 4–5 cups of classic drip coffee,
- 5–6 single espressos,
- or 2–3 cans of energy drink.
Remember this is a total daily caffeine limit — it includes coffee, tea, cola, cocoa, chocolate, and caffeine supplements.
Did you know… an average piece of dark chocolate (about 10 g) can contain 10–20 mg of caffeine? So if you add a chocolate cookie to your coffee, you’re counting more than just the cups!
Pregnant women and sensitive individuals — special rules
Pregnant and breastfeeding women, as well as people with cardiovascular issues, should exercise caution. The recommended limit for pregnant women is max 200 mg caffeine daily, about:
- 2 cups of drip coffee,
- or 1–2 cappuccinos.
Why? Caffeine crosses the placenta easily and may affect fetal development. That’s why safer alternatives like JAVA Coffee Roasters’ decaf coffees are worth considering — they allow you to enjoy coffee without worries, literally and figuratively.
How to reduce caffeine without giving up coffee?
You don’t have to quit coffee entirely if you want to cut down caffeine. A few simple changes can help you enjoy the taste and ritual without unwanted effects.
- Change your portions — choose a small black coffee instead of a large one, espresso instead of doppio, drip coffee instead of cold brew.
- Alternate your coffees — for example, one caffeinated coffee in the morning and a decaf in the afternoon.
- Try grain or decaf blends — such as mixes of classic Arabica with chicory, spelt, or barley.
- Opt for light or medium roasted Arabicas — they usually contain less caffeine than blends with Robusta, regardless of roast level.
- Start your day with water — often dehydration, not lack of caffeine, causes morning fatigue.
Remember, coffee has many benefits but works best when enjoyed thoughtfully. Find your own balance and savor the flavor. And if you want full aroma without caffeine overload, try our decaf coffees.
Read also: Arabica vs Robusta – what are the differences and which coffee to choose?
Frequently Asked Questions About Caffeine Content in Coffee
Does dark roast coffee have more caffeine than light roast?
Not necessarily. The differences in caffeine content between light and dark roasts are very small. During roasting, most of the water is removed from the beans, so the darker the roast, the lighter the bean. When dealing with high-quality coffee, we often measure by weight – in such cases, there is no difference in caffeine content between a portion of dark roasted and light roasted coffee. If measuring by volume (e.g., by spoon), 5 spoons of light roast coffee will have more caffeine than 5 spoons of dark roast coffee due to the weight difference. The perceived strength is more about flavor profile (bitterness, acidity) than the actual caffeine dose.
Which coffee contains the most caffeine?
Considering a single serving, a large cup of drip coffee or cold brew may contain the highest caffeine due to volume and long extraction time. However, per unit volume, espresso and ristretto lead as the most concentrated. The coffee bean variety is also important – Robusta has about twice the caffeine of Arabica, so coffees with Robusta (e.g., Italian espresso blends) will be stronger than 100% Arabica.
How much caffeine does tea have compared to coffee?
A cup of black tea (~200 ml) contains about 40–50 mg of caffeine (called theine), which is less than half the amount in a similar portion of drip coffee. Green tea contains even less (around 20–30 mg). If you need to reduce caffeine but enjoy the stimulating effect, consider replacing some of your daily coffee with tea or yerba mate infusions (which also contain caffeine).
Is decaffeinated coffee 100% caffeine-free?
Not entirely. Decaffeinated coffee must contain less than 0.1% caffeine in dry mass according to standards, which translates to about 2–5 mg of caffeine per cup. This amount is so small that most people won’t notice its effects. However, highly sensitive individuals or those with medical recommendations should avoid even this small amount. It’s best to check the producer’s description – reputable roasters provide information about the decaffeination method.
Can a single “energy” coffee from a café be harmful?
Popular drinks like “Red Eye” (filtered coffee with added espresso) or very large coffee servings (e.g., 20 oz ~ 600 ml triple latte) can deliver over 300 mg of caffeine at once. For most people, this is still a safe daily amount, but consumed all at once, it can cause temporary rapid heartbeat, anxiety, and hand tremors. Knowing your own tolerance is important. If you rarely drink coffee, avoid “triple espresso” – start with smaller doses and observe your body’s reaction.
Sources
- Pharmacology of Caffeine, Hardcopy Version at National Academies Press, accessed: 27.02.2025.
- Caffeine, European Food Safety Authority, accessed: 29.05.2025.
