A typical cup of coffee contains 80-100mg of caffeine, but the actual amount varies significantly depending on brew method, coffee type, grind size, serving size and roast level. An espresso shot contains roughly 63mg, a cafetiere or filter coffee around 95mg per mug, and cold brew concentrate can contain 200mg or more per serving. This guide breaks down caffeine content by every variable that matters.
Caffeine is one of the most commonly asked-about topics in our customer inbox , and one of the most misunderstood. The idea that dark roasts contain more caffeine, for example, is a persistent myth. The truth is more nuanced, and understanding it helps you make better choices about when, how and what to drink.
Caffeine by Brew Method
Brew method is the single biggest factor affecting how much caffeine ends up in your cup, because different methods use different amounts of coffee, different grind sizes, different contact times and different water volumes.
Caffeine Content by Method (Approximate)
| Brew Method | Typical Serving | Caffeine (mg) |
|---|---|---|
| Espresso (single shot) | 30ml | 63mg |
| Espresso (double shot) | 60ml | 126mg |
| Cafetiere / French press | 250ml mug | 80-100mg |
| Filter / drip coffee | 250ml mug | 90-100mg |
| Pour over (V60, Chemex) | 250ml | 80-95mg |
| AeroPress | 200ml | 70-90mg |
| Moka pot | 60ml | 100-120mg |
| Cold brew (concentrate) | 250ml | 150-200mg |
| Cold brew (ready-to-drink) | 250ml | 100-120mg |
| Instant coffee | 250ml mug | 30-90mg |
| Decaf coffee | 250ml mug | 2-7mg |
Key insight: Espresso has the highest caffeine concentration per millilitre, but because the serving size is tiny (30ml), the total caffeine per shot is actually lower than a mug of filter coffee. A double espresso (126mg) is comparable to a large mug of cafetiere or filter coffee. Cold brew concentrate has the highest total caffeine per serving because it uses a high coffee-to-water ratio and a long extraction time.
The Roast Level Myth
One of the most persistent coffee myths is that dark roasts contain more caffeine than light roasts. This is understandable , dark roasts taste bolder and more intense, so they feel "stronger." But strength of flavour and caffeine content are not the same thing.
What Actually Happens During Roasting
Caffeine is a remarkably stable molecule. It survives the roasting process almost entirely intact , the temperatures involved in coffee roasting (180-230°C) are well below caffeine's decomposition point (around 235°C). So a light-roasted bean and a dark-roasted bean from the same origin contain virtually the same amount of caffeine by weight.
The Volume vs Weight Distinction
Here is where it gets nuanced. Dark roasting causes beans to expand and lose moisture , they become larger, lighter and less dense than light-roasted beans. This means:
- By weight: Light and dark roasts have approximately the same caffeine per gram. If you measure your coffee on scales, caffeine content is essentially identical.
- By volume (scoops): Because dark roast beans are larger and lighter, a scoop of dark roast contains fewer beans (and therefore slightly less caffeine) than a scoop of light roast. The difference is small , perhaps 5-10% , but it exists.
In practice, the difference is negligible. If you are choosing between our light roast and dark roast ranges for caffeine reasons, pick whichever flavour profile you prefer , the caffeine difference is not meaningful.
Arabica vs Robusta: The Real Caffeine Variable
The coffee species . Arabica or Robusta , is a far bigger caffeine factor than anything else.
- Arabica: approximately 1.2% caffeine by weight
- Robusta: approximately 2.2% caffeine by weight , nearly double
All the coffees in our speciality range are 100% Arabica, which is the standard for speciality coffee. Arabica produces more complex, nuanced flavour profiles but contains less caffeine than Robusta. If you are specifically seeking higher caffeine content, blends that include Robusta (common in Italian-style espresso blends) will deliver more caffeine per cup , but with a trade-off in flavour subtlety.
Instant coffee is frequently made from Robusta or Arabica-Robusta blends, which is why some instant coffees have surprisingly high caffeine content despite the reduced flavour quality.
Factors That Affect Caffeine in Your Cup
1. Coffee-to-Water Ratio
The more coffee you use per cup, the more caffeine you consume. An espresso uses 7-9g of coffee per shot. A large cafetiere might use 65g for a litre. Cold brew uses a very high ratio . 1:8 for concentrate. The ratio directly determines total caffeine per serving.
2. Grind Size and Contact Time
Finer grinds extract more caffeine because they have more surface area in contact with water. Longer contact times also extract more. Espresso combines very fine grind with pressure but extremely short contact time (25-30 seconds). A cafetiere uses coarse grind with longer contact (4 minutes). The interplay of grind and time means different methods extract caffeine at different rates.
3. Serving Size
The biggest variable of all. A 30ml espresso contains less total caffeine than a 500ml large filter coffee , simply because the filter coffee contains more coffee and more water. When comparing caffeine between methods, always compare by serving size, not concentration.
4. Water Temperature
Hotter water extracts caffeine faster. Cold brew uses cold water over 12-24 hours; espresso uses near-boiling water over 25-30 seconds. Despite the temperature difference, the extended cold brew steep time compensates , cold brew can actually end up with higher total caffeine than a hot brew.
How Much Caffeine Is Safe?
The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) considers up to 400mg of caffeine per day safe for most adults. That is roughly equivalent to:
- 4-5 mugs of filter or cafetiere coffee
- 6 single espresso shots
- 2 large cold brew concentrates
Pregnant women are advised to limit intake to 200mg per day. Individual sensitivity varies significantly , some people metabolise caffeine quickly and tolerate higher amounts, while others are sensitive to even moderate doses. If caffeine affects your sleep, the general recommendation is to avoid coffee after 2pm, as caffeine has a half-life of approximately 5-6 hours.
Decaf: Not Zero Caffeine
Decaf coffee is not caffeine-free , it typically contains 2-7mg of caffeine per cup, compared to 80-100mg in a regular cup. Decaffeination processes remove 97-99.9% of caffeine, depending on the method used.
Our San Lorenzo Decaf uses the sugar cane (ethyl acetate) process, which preserves the full flavour profile while removing virtually all caffeine. It is a genuinely satisfying coffee , full-bodied, sweet and complex. Our data shows decaf has the highest repeat purchase rate of any coffee in our range, which tells you something about the quality.
Browse our full decaf range for options.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much caffeine is in a cup of coffee?
A typical cup of coffee (250ml) contains 80-100mg of caffeine if brewed as filter or cafetiere coffee. A single espresso shot contains approximately 63mg. Cold brew concentrate can contain 150-200mg per 250ml serving. The exact amount depends on brew method, coffee-to-water ratio, bean type (Arabica vs Robusta), and grind size.
Does dark roast have more caffeine than light roast?
No , this is a common myth. Caffeine is thermally stable and barely changes during roasting. By weight, light and dark roasts contain virtually the same caffeine. By volume (scoops), dark roast has slightly less caffeine because the beans are larger and less dense after roasting, so a scoop contains fewer beans. The difference is negligible in practice , roughly 5-10%. Choose your roast for flavour, not caffeine.
How much caffeine is in an espresso?
A single espresso shot (30ml) contains approximately 63mg of caffeine. A double shot contains approximately 126mg. Espresso has the highest caffeine concentration per millilitre of any brew method, but the tiny serving size means the total caffeine is actually lower than a full mug of filter or cafetiere coffee.
How much caffeine is in decaf coffee?
Decaf coffee typically contains 2-7mg of caffeine per 250ml cup , about 97-99.9% less than regular coffee. It is not completely caffeine-free, but the amount is negligible for most people. Our San Lorenzo Decaf uses the sugar cane decaffeination process, which preserves flavour while removing virtually all caffeine.
How much caffeine is safe per day?
The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) considers up to 400mg of caffeine per day safe for most healthy adults. That is roughly 4-5 mugs of filter coffee or 6 single espresso shots. Pregnant women are advised to limit intake to 200mg per day. Individual sensitivity varies , if caffeine affects your sleep, avoid coffee after 2pm as caffeine has a half-life of 5-6 hours.
Does cold brew have more caffeine than regular coffee?
Cold brew concentrate typically contains more caffeine than a standard cup of hot coffee , approximately 150-200mg per 250ml versus 80-100mg. This is because cold brew uses a higher coffee-to-water ratio (1:8 for concentrate versus 1:15 for filter). When diluted to ready-to-drink strength, cold brew caffeine content is comparable to filter coffee at around 100-120mg per serving.
Choose Your Caffeine Level
Whether you are looking for a full-caffeine speciality coffee or a decaf that actually tastes good, our range has options for every preference. All our coffees are 100% Arabica, flame-roasted in small batches in Glasgow, and SCA-scored to speciality grade.
For full caffeine: explore our complete coffee range. For minimal caffeine: try our San Lorenzo Decaf , the highest repeat-purchase coffee in our range. Free delivery on orders over £25.
