How Much Caffeine Is in a Shot of Espresso?
Last updated on March 4th, 2025 at 02:03 pm
Ever wondered just how much caffeine is packed into that tiny shot of espresso?
I never thought much about the caffeine I was consuming. I just knew I needed it to function. My morning routine was simple: grab an espresso, enjoy the bold flavor, and get on with my day.
But one time, after a particularly rough night, I ordered a double shot instead of my usual single. The extra boost was real, but it got me thinking “how much caffeine was I actually drinking?”
Was espresso really stronger than a regular cup of coffee, or was that just a myth?
If you’ve ever questioned how much caffeine is in an espresso shot, how it compares to other coffee drinks, or what factors influence caffeine levels, you’re in the right place.
In this guide, I’ll break down espresso caffeine content, how different beans, brew methods, and shot sizes affect it, and how it stacks up against other popular coffee drinks. So let’s start brewing!
Key Takeaways
- A standard shot of espresso contains about 63 mg of caffeine, while a double shot (doppio) has around 126 mg.
- Espresso is more concentrated than regular coffee. But a full 8 oz cup of drip coffee has more total caffeine (95-200 mg) than a single espresso shot. Cold brew is even stronger in terms of total caffeine.
- Several factors affect espresso caffeine levels, including bean type (Robusta has more than Arabica), shot size (ristretto vs. lungo), grind size, brew time, and roast level—but darker roasts have slightly less caffeine than lighter ones.
How Much Caffeine Is in a Shot of Espresso?
Espresso is known for its bold flavor and concentrated caffeine content. However, does it actually contain more caffeine than a regular cup of coffee? The answer: yes and no! I mean it depends on how you look at it.
Standard Shot
A standard single shot (1 oz / 30 ml) of espresso contains about 63 mg of caffeine. This makes it one of the most concentrated coffee drinks available.
Double Shot
If you order a double shot (doppio), you’re looking at around 126 mg of caffeine, which explains why espresso is often the drink of choice for those needing a quick fix.
However, since a typical cup of drip coffee is 8 oz or more, the total caffeine per serving is usually higher in brewed coffee than in a single shot of espresso.
Not All Espresso Shots Are Created Equal
The fact is caffeine levels can vary based on the type of:
- Coffee beans used
- Grind size
- Brewing method
For instance, robusta beans naturally contain almost twice the caffeine of Arabica beans. So an espresso blend with Robusta will pack an extra kick.
Furthermore, a finer grind and longer extraction time can also increase caffeine levels. Meanwhile, an under-extracted shot may have slightly less.
Note: Though espresso may be small, it delivers a powerful caffeine punch. But just in a much more concentrated form than your standard coffee.
How Espresso Caffeine Compares to Other Coffee Drinks?
Espresso may be bold and intense, but when it comes to total caffeine content, how does it stack up against other coffee drinks? Let’s see:
| Coffee Type | Serving Size | Caffeine Content |
|---|---|---|
| Espresso (single shot) | 1 oz (30 ml) | ~63 mg |
| Espresso (double shot) | 2 oz (60 ml) | ~126 mg |
| Drip Coffee | 8 oz (240 ml) | 95-200 mg |
| Cold Brew Coffee | 12 oz (350 ml) | 150-300 mg |
| Decaf Espresso | 1 oz (30 ml) | ~3-10 mg |
Note:
Drip coffee generally has more caffeine per serving simply because it’s consumed in larger quantities. While espresso is highly concentrated, most people drink a full cup of drip coffee, which adds up to more total caffeine.
Cold brew coffee is one of the strongest options in terms of caffeine per serving. Since it’s steeped for hours, it extracts more caffeine from the beans. This makes it a great choice for anyone wanting an extra kick.
Decaf espresso isn’t completely caffeine-free—a single shot can still contain 3-10 mg of caffeine. This depends on the beans and the decaffeination process used. So, if you’re extremely sensitive to caffeine, even decaf espresso might give you a slight boost!
What Affects the Caffeine Content in Espresso?
Several factors can change the caffeine level and sometimes dramatically. So let’s talk about the most relevant ones:
1 – Coffee Bean Type
The type of coffee bean used in your espresso blend plays a huge role in caffeine content.
Arabica beans, which are used in most specialty coffees, naturally contain less caffeine than Robusta beans, which are often found in strong, bold espresso blends.
On average, Arabica beans contain about 1.2–1.5% caffeine, while Robusta beans have nearly twice that amount, ranging from 2.2–2.7% caffeine. This makes Robusta a popular choice for those who want more caffeine.
For example:
Brands like Lavazza and Illy primarily use Arabica beans. This results in smoother, less caffeinated espresso.
On the other hand, Death Wish Coffee and Lavazza Crema e Gusto blends contain Robusta beans, packing a much stronger caffeine punch.
If you want to tweak your caffeine intake without changing your coffee habits, switching to a Robusta-heavy blend can make a noticeable difference.
2 – Espresso Shot Size
The size of your espresso shot also plays a role in caffeine content. Generally, the larger the shot, the more caffeine it contains:
- Single shot (1 oz) = ~63 mg caffeine
- Double shot (2 oz / doppio) = ~126 mg caffeine
- Ristretto (shorter shot) = Slightly less caffeine due to shorter extraction
- Lungo (longer shot) = More caffeine since it’s extracted longer
If you’re looking for a quick caffeine boost but don’t want to drink a full cup of coffee, a double shot might be the best option.
Otherwise, if you want a slightly smoother and lower-caffeine option, a ristretto could be your go-to.
3 – Grind Size & Brewing Time
Espresso requires a fine grind, but the exact fineness and brewing time impact how much caffeine is extracted. A finer grind with a longer extraction time pulls out more caffeine, making the shot stronger.
However, if espresso is under-extracted (meaning the shot pulls too quickly because of a coarse grind or incorrect tamping), it may contain less caffeine than expected.
For instance, if you’ve ever had an espresso shot that tasted weak or sour, it was likely under-extracted. In other words, you didn’t get the full caffeine potential from the beans.
If it was overly bitter and harsh, it might have been over-extracted, which can also impact the caffeine balance.
4 – Roast Level
This can also affect the caffeine content but not in the way many people think.
For example:
- Actually, darker roasts have slightly less caffeine than lighter roasts, even though they taste stronger. That’s because the longer roasting time burns off a small amount of caffeine, though the difference isn’t huge.
- Lighter roasts, like Ethiopian Yirgacheffe or Starbucks Blonde Roast, tend to have a bit more caffeine per bean than dark roasts like French Roast or Italian Roast.
However, since dark-roasted beans lose more moisture during roasting, they become less dense. This means that you may end up using more of them by weight, which can balance out the caffeine difference.
Last Thoughts
Now, I’d love to hear from you! Have you noticed a difference in caffeine levels between Arabica and Robusta?
Do you prefer a ristretto, doppio, or maybe even a lungo for that extra boost? Go below and drop your questions or share your favorite espresso tips in the comments and with that voilà!
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