The (basically) Complete Guide 

Let's be real: We're not scientists here at East View. We're not meticulously conducting experiments for caffeine levels. We're lowly roasters and baristas, but being on the frontlines of coffee means we've heard this question...a lot:

“How much caffeine is in my coffee?”
Coffee lovers everywhere - from casual morning sippers to full-blown fanatics to the pregnant mom trying to calculate if she can have a single shot of espresso in her latte - have debated this question for years. 

Since we've had to answer this question so many times, we figured it would be fun to break down what we've learned about caffeine in coffee. And the truth? Caffeine levels in coffee aren’t as simple as “light roast vs. dark roast" or "single shot vs. double shot." They depend on how you measure, how you brew, and even what kind of bean you’re using. Ask the internet or research different studies and you'll find several different answers, so here's a general idea of what you can expect. 

Does Roast Level Change Caffeine Content?

One of the biggest coffee myths is that roast level determines caffeine. Here’s the reality:

• Light roast coffee is denser. If you scoop your coffee with a tablespoon, you’ll actually get slightly more caffeine in light roast because there’s more bean mass packed into that scoop.

• Dark roast coffee loses density during roasting. By scoop, you’ll get a little less caffeine. But when measured by weight (grams), the caffeine levels are almost identical.

• Medium roast coffee often provides the best extraction efficiency, meaning it delivers caffeine well in the cup without losing much during roasting.

Takeaway: Roast level doesn’t significantly change caffeine. Choose your roast for flavor, not for caffeine. Curious to learn more? Check out this blog post! 

Caffeine in Coffee by Brew Method

Now, here’s where things really get interesting. The brewing method affects caffeine levels much more than roast does.

Here are average caffeine amounts (based on an 8 oz serving unless noted):

• Drip coffee / Pour-over: 95–120 mg. At East View we use a similar ratio for both of these methods, so the end result is pretty much the same. 

• French press: Comparable to Drip Coffee. The ratio of coffee to water is a little higher, but it's a coarser grind (larger particles) which means less surface area for extraction. So many factors! 

• Espresso (1 oz shot): 63 mg per shot (but highly concentrated!). Most specialty coffee shops will use a double shot for small and medium lattes so you're looking at 120mg for a medium latte. 

• Cold brew (8 oz): 150–200 mg, depending on brew ratio and steep time

• Instant coffee (8 oz): 60–80 mg

Does Bean Type Affect Caffeine?

Yes! Bean variety makes a huge difference:

• Arabica beans (used in most specialty coffee, including ours): ~1.2% caffeine by weight

• Robusta beans (common in instant coffee or budget blends): ~2.2% caffeine by weight

That’s almost double the caffeine! This is why a Robusta-heavy blend feels so much stronger, even at the same roast level.

Other Factors That Influence Caffeine

• Grind size: Finer grind = more surface area, which allows more caffeine to be extracted.

• Brew time: Longer steeping (like with cold brew) means more caffeine is pulled out.

• Water temperature: Hotter water extracts caffeine faster, up to a point.

• Coffee-to-water ratio: More grounds per ounce of water = stronger cup.

How Much Caffeine Is in Your Cup?

While numbers vary, most people can expect:

• A standard 8 oz cup of brewed coffee: 95–120 mg

• A double espresso (2 oz): ~125 mg

• A tall (12 oz) cold brew at a café: easily 200–300 mg

FAQs About Caffeine in Coffee

Q: Is espresso stronger than coffee?
Yes—and no. Espresso is more concentrated (about 63 mg per 1 oz shot), but a full 8 oz cup of drip coffee actually contains more total caffeine (~95–120 mg).

Q: Does decaf coffee have caffeine?
Nearly all caffeine is removed but trace amounts can linger, about 2–15 mg per 8 oz cup.

Q: Which brewing method gives you the most caffeine?
Cold brew usually tops the list, thanks to long steep times and high bean-to-water ratios. We have some customers who just drink straight up concentrate over ice for that next level caffeine kick. 

The Takeaway

When it comes to caffeine in coffee:

• Roast level doesn’t matter much.

• Brew method + serving size make the real difference.

• Bean variety (Arabica vs. Robusta) plays a role too.

So instead of stressing about whether your dark roast has “less kick,” focus on brewing coffee you love, enjoy it in moderation, and if you really need some extra oomph just add a shot of espresso and try to get more sleep next time. Mmkay?