How Much Caffeine Is in a Cup of Coffee? | Coffee Caffeine Guide

How Much Caffeine Is in a Cup of Coffee?

If you’ve ever wondered how much caffeine is in a cup of coffee, you’re not alone. The caffeine content in your daily brew can vary depending on the type of coffee beans, how you brew, and the serving size. Whether you enjoy a bold espresso, a smooth drip coffee, or a refreshing cold brew, understanding how caffeine affects your alertness and focus can help you make smart choices for your daily cup.

Average Caffeine Content in a Cup of Coffee

A standard cup of brewed coffee (240 ml / 8 oz) typically contains 70–140 mg of caffeine — though that number can vary depending on how it’s prepared and the origin of the beans.

Here’s a breakdown of common coffee types and their average caffeine content:

Coffee Type Serving Size Average Caffeine (mg)
Brewed (filter / drip) 240 ml 90–140 mg 
Espresso (single shot) 30 ml 60–80 mg 
Americano 240 ml 75–120 mg 
Instant coffee 240 ml 30–90 mg
Decaf (brewed) 240 ml 2–5 mg

For a balanced cup with a satisfying caffeine kick, try one of our U.S. blends like Colombian Coffee Beans or Latin American Coffee Beans Blend.

Factors That Affect Caffeine Levels

A few key factors influence how much caffeine ends up in your cup:

  1. Coffee Bean Type

    • Arabica beans generally have less caffeine.

    • Robusta coffees contain more (so if you’re chasing a higher caffeine hit, consider a strong and robust bean).

  2. Brewing Method

    • Espresso: Short brew time, but very concentrated.

    • Filter / Pour-over: Longer contact with water, more moderate caffeine.

    • Cold Brew: Steeped for hours, often resulting in a smooth but potent caffeine extraction.

  3. Roast Level

    • Contrary to popular belief, darker roasts do not always have more caffeine. In fact, lighter roasts often retain slightly more caffeine because the beans are denser.

    • For a medium-light roast with a balanced caffeine-flavor profile, try Blonde Roast Coffee Beans.

    • For something more intense, go with French Roast Coffee.

Caffeine in Different Coffee Drinks

Here’s how caffeine typically stacks up across different coffee drinks:

  • Espresso (single shot): ~60–80 mg

  • Americano (240 ml): ~75–120 mg

  • Latte (240 ml): ~60–120 mg

  • Cappuccino (240 ml): ~70–110 mg

  • Filter Coffee (240 ml): ~90–140 mg

  • Decaf Coffee (240 ml): ~2–5 mg

If you want a low-caffeine option that still tastes like real coffee, check out our Decaf Peru Coffee.

Managing Your Daily Caffeine Intake

Health experts often recommend that healthy adults limit caffeine intake to about 400 mg per day, depending on how strong the coffee is.

If you’re trying to moderate your caffeine while still enjoying great coffee, you could rotate between a high-caffeine roast and a decaf. For example, pair a strong roast like French Roast Coffee with something mellow and decaf like our Decaf Peru Coffee.

Summary: How Much Caffeine Is in a Cup of Coffee?

  • Your caffeine intake depends on bean type, brewing method, and roast level.

  • On average, an 8-oz cup of brewed coffee has 70–140 mg of caffeine.

  • Lighter roasts tend to have slightly more caffeine; decaf has very little.

  • You can fine-tune your caffeine levels by choosing a blend or roast that fits your daily needs.

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