A single 1 oz (30 mL) shot of espresso contains, on average, around 64 milligrams (mg) of caffeine, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. This is roughly doubled in a double shot (doppio). However, peer-reviewed studies shows a much wider caffeine range. A 2007 cross-sectional analysis by Ben Desbrow from the School of Public Health and Heart Foundation Research Centre at Griffith University found that a single espresso can contain anywhere from 25 to a surprisingly high 214 milligrams of caffeine, potentially exceeding the recommended limit for pregnant and breastfeeding women.
A 2011 study from the University of Glasgow found an even wider range, showing that caffeine levels in espresso from different coffee shops like Starbucks or Costa Coffee ranged from 51 mg to an astonishing 322 mg.
So why such a difference? This variability in caffeine content is primarily influenced by factors such as roast level (blonde vs. regular), type of beans (Arabica vs. Robusta), and even where you buy your espresso. Since espresso serves as the base for many coffee drinks like shaken espresso, Cuban espresso, or freddo espresso, the caffeine content of a single shot significantly impacts the overall caffeine levels in these beverages.
How Much Caffeine Is in a Shot of Espresso?
The caffeine content of a single shot of espresso can vary. While the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) database indicates that a standard shot (around 30 mL) contains approximately 64 milligrams of caffeine, other sources, like the International Food Information Council Foundation, suggest a range of 30-50 mg, which is similar to a 12 oz serving of Coca-Cola. This aligns with a 2018 study by Antonio Derossi from the University of Foggia, which found an average caffeine content of 64 mg per espresso shot and indicated no significant influence from the grinding degree.
Since espresso preparation is standardized globally (hot water, pressure, coffee amount, etc.), the caffeine content in a single shot should also be relatively consistent.
However, from a scientific perspective, large amounts of recent research show caffeine in espresso can vary based on where you buying the coffee. For example, a 2007 cross-sectional analysis published in the Food and Chemical Toxicology Journal included 97 different shots of espresso prepared from five major shopping centers on the Gold Coast in QLD (Australia).
The caffeine in espresso was measured using micellar electrokinetic capillary chromatography (MEKC), a separation technique that uses micelles (formed by surfactants) within a buffer solution to separate and analyze neutral molecules like caffeine. The results showed that caffeine in the 'single shot' of espresso ranged from 25 milligrams to 214 milligrams, although the 'single shot' espresso had the same volume across all coffee shops.
This table, sourced from Ben Desbrow's 2007 study, shows the caffeine content of a single espresso shot based on 97 samples.
| Location | Number of Espresso Shots | Caffeine Milligrams (Min) | Caffeine Milligrams (Max) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st Shopping Mall | 17 shots | 35 | 172 |
| 2nd Shopping Mall | 17 shots | 53 | 186 |
| 3rd Shopping Mall | 28 shots | 58 | 214 |
| 4th Shopping Mall | 25 shots | 25 | 153 |
| 5th Shopping Mall | 10 shots | 49 | 174 |
| Total | 97 shots | 25 | 214 |
On average, the espresso coffees from different shopping malls contained 106 milligrams of caffeine per 30mL serving. This exceeds not only the USDA's suggested amount of 64 milligrams but also the 105 milligrams per cup reported by the British Food Standards Agency for ground coffee in their 2004 report.
Furthermore, almost one-quarter (24.7%) of the 97 espresso shots contained 120 milligrams of caffeine or higher (equivalent to two espresso shots), and 12 samples (12.3%) exceeded 167 milligrams per serving (equivalent to three espresso shots), according to USDA standards. Since many coffee drinks, such as macchiatos, flat whites, and Vienna coffees, use a double shot of espresso as their base, this raises the question of how much caffeine a double shot contains.
How Much Caffeine Is in a Double Shot of Espresso?
A double shot of espresso, defined as two shots of single espresso (60mL or 2 fl oz), is often estimated to contain around 126 milligrams of caffeine according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). The European Food Safety Authority reports a slightly lower average of 80mg of caffeine per 60mL double espresso shot. However, like single shots, caffeine in double espresso can vary widely.
A 2011 observational study on 20 commercial espresso coffees purchased from local coffee shops in the west end of Glasgow (including Chapter 1, Tinderbox, and Costa Coffee) showed 6-fold differences in caffeine levels, ranging from 51 milligrams (Starbucks) to 322 milligrams (Pattiserie Francoise). This table, sourced from the study titled "Espresso coffees, caffeine and chlorogenic acid intake: potential health," illustrates the variation.
| Name of the Coffee Shop | Serving Size (milliliters) | Caffeine (milligrams per serving) |
|---|---|---|
| Pattiserie Francoise | 52 | 322 |
| University Cafe | 49 | 260 |
| Cafe Cinnamon | 59 | 242 |
| Paperino’s | 50 | 205 |
| S’mug | 32 | 173 |
| Costa Coffee | 25 | 157 |
| Heart Buchanan | 24 | 156 |
| Jellyhill | 63 | 151 |
| Baguette Express | 45 | 140 |
| Chapter1 | 26 | 140 |
| Peckham’s | 70 | 140 |
| Little Italy | 23 | 129 |
| Coffee @ 291 | 49 | 98 |
| Crepe à Croissant | 34 | 95 |
| Kember & Jones | 43 | 90 |
| Beanscene | 48 | 77 |
| Tinderbox | 25 | 75 |
| Morton’s | 35 | 73 |
| Antipasti | 36 | 72 |
| Starbucks | 27 | 51 |
To focus on true double shots, let's consider the serving sizes of the espresso. Since the table shows significant variations (from 24 mL to 70 mL), we've extracted the 5 shots that meet the "double shot" criteria (50-60mL, according to the Italian National Espresso Institute). Out of those 5 samples, the average caffeine amount in double shots of espresso was 212 milligrams per serving, with the range of caffeine content spanning from 140 milligrams to 322 milligrams per serving, as shown in this graph.
This shows that a double shot of high-caffeine espresso could be harmful to those susceptible to caffeine toxicity, including pregnant women, those on oral contraceptives, young children, and individuals with heart or liver disease.
So, why such a variation in the levels of caffeine in espresso? The caffeine content in espresso varies due to a number of factors, including different water temperatures and pressures in espresso coffee machines. Even slight deviations in these two can influence how much caffeine is ultimately present in the final shot, as demonstrated in a 2014 experimental research study by Giovanni Caprioli. The study, published in the International Journal of Food Sciences and Nutrition, looked at how many mg of caffeine are in a shot of espresso based on water temperature (ranging from 88°C to 98°C), water pressure (ranging from 7, 9 , and 11 bars, a unit of pressure), and type of coffee beans, Robusta and Arabica.
The study revealed the following caffeine contents in espresso shots:
- Robusta, 92°C, 7 bars: 255.15 mg (highest)
- Arabica, 92°C, 9 bars: 131.74 mg
- Robusta, 98°C, 11 bars: 111.20 mg
- Arabica, 88°C, 11 bars: 88.51 mg (lowest)
This variation in caffeine content leads us to another important question: how does caffeine content differ across different types of espresso beans?
What Is the Caffeine Content in Different Types of Espresso Beans?
The caffeine content in different types of espresso beans varies based on a number of factors, but coffee species plays the most significant role. According to a literature review conducted from 2010 to 2020 by Ewa Olechno from Medical University of Białystok titled "Influence of Various Factors on Caffeine Content in Coffee Brews," Arabica beans contains approximately 0.9% to 1.5% caffeine by dry weight, while Robusta beans contains about 1.2% to 2.4% caffeine by dry weight.
However, to know precisely how much caffeine is in your espresso beans, you would need to assess the roast level (dark, medium, or light). Does dark roast espresso have more caffeine? No, dark roast espresso typically has the least caffeine. This is supported by a 2021 quantitative research study by Shady Awwad from Applied Science Private University. Although the research focused on brewed coffee rather than espresso, the study showed that medium-roast beans generally contain higher caffeine content than dark or light roast beans.
How Much Caffeine Is in a Shot of Blonde Espresso?
One shot of blonde espresso contains more caffeine than a typical dark roast, but less than a medium roast espresso. According to Starbucks, there are 85mg of caffeine in one shot of Blonde Espresso, while 75mg of caffeine per shot of their Signature Espresso. So why does blonde espresso have more caffeine? That's because blonde espresso is typically made from lightly roasted beans (75-80 on Agtron scale), which retain more caffeine compared to darker roasts. According to a 2022 observational comparative study by Masaki Honda from Meijo University, roasting at high temperatures (225℃ or more) led to the degradation of caffeine, as well as other compounds. Additionally, the study noted that the decaffeination process resulted in a marked reduction in caffeine concentration in coffee beans.
How Much Caffeine Is in a Shot of Decaf Espresso?
A shot of decaf espresso contain varying amounts of caffeine, ranging from 3.0 to 15.8 mg per shot, according to a 2006 cross-sectional study by Rachel R McCusker from the University of Florida College of Medicine. The study evaluated Starbucks decaffeinated espresso and coffee samples, and found a single 30 mL shot of Starbucks decaf espresso contained between 3.0-15.8 mg of caffeine, while a 16-ounce serving of Starbucks brewed decaf coffee contained 12.0-13.4 mg of caffeine. Unfortunately, the concept of 'decaf espresso' was almost nonexistent before 2010, and research assessing the caffeine content in decaf espresso is limited compared to other types of coffee drinks.
How Does the Caffeine Content in Espresso Compare to Other Types of Coffee Drinks?
Espresso has a higher caffeine concentration per ml compared to other types of coffee drinks, such as drip coffee, Turkish coffee, or Americano coffee. According to a 2022 study from the Brazilian Caffeine Content Table (BraCaffT) by Pedro Lucas de Amorim Rocha, espresso contains 279 mg of caffeine per 100 mL, whereas brewed coffee has only 30 mg per 100 mL. However, when comparing typical serving sizes (per cup) between espresso and filter coffee, brewed coffee often contains more caffeine overall. The U.S. Department of Agriculture states that an 8 oz (237 mL) serving of drip coffee has an average caffeine content of 94.8 mg, with a range of about 70–140 mg. In contrast, a single shot of espresso (30 mL) contains 63.6 mg of caffeine. The same principle applies to other kinds of coffee drinks such as cold brew, iced coffee, or instant coffee.
Does Cold Brew Have More Caffeine Than Espresso?
Cold brew has less caffeine per volume than espresso, with approximately 1.25 mg/ml compared to 4.1 mg/ml. This finding is supported by a 2022 systematic literature review by Ewa Olechno, which found that cold brew had a caffeine content of 12.5 mg per 100 ml, while espresso had over three times the concentration at 41 mg per 100 ml. However, cold brew often contains more total caffeine per cup due to its larger serving size. This is demonstrated in a 2019 observational study by Giulia Angeloni from the University of Florence, which suggests that while espresso is more concentrated, a typical cup of cold brew yields more caffeine overall. Typical cold brew servings are often 120 ml or larger, in contrast to the standard 30 ml espresso shot.
Does Matcha Have More Caffeine Than Espresso?
Yes, matcha, a type of powdered green tea, generally contains more caffeine than a single shot of espresso when compared on a per-cup basis. A typical 6 to 8 oz cup of matcha can contain between 37.8 mg to 88.8 mg of caffeine (according to a 2020 literature review by Katarzyna Janda published in Molecules Journal). In contrast, a single shot of espresso (about 1 oz or 30 mL) has approximately 63 mg of caffeine. However, when comparing caffeine content per milliliter (mL), espresso has the higher concentration, delivering about 2.1 mg/mL compared to matcha's range of approximately 0.63 to 1.48 mg/mL.
How Many Shots of Espresso Is Too Much?
The number of espresso shots considered 'too much' varies based on individual caffeine sensitivity, overall health, and medical conditions like high blood pressure or heart issues. Differences in caffeine levels across espresso brands and shops further complicate this, making it difficult to give a universal 'too much coffee' threshold based on shots alone. Aforementioned research from University of Glasgow shows that even identically sized espresso shots can have 4-fold variations in caffeine content.
So, how much espresso is too much? Or maybe, is 6 shots of espresso too much? These questions cannot have definitive answers, only estimates. The following are recommendations based on CDC, NHS, and USDA guidelines, assuming a general consensus of 63mg of caffeine per espresso shot.
- More than 2 shots of espresso per day is considered too much for a pregnant women, according to FDA guidelines, which recommend keeping caffeine intake under 200 milligrams daily during pregnancy.
- Drinking more than 4 shots of espresso per day is considered too much for breastfeeding women, according to USDA guidelines. This aligns with CDC recommendations, as consuming more than 4 shots of espresso daily can potentially affect the baby, causing fussiness and sleep disruptions.
- Drinking more than two shots of espresso per day is considered too much caffeine for teenagers (13 year old or more), based on guidelines stemming from a 2014 observational study by Diane C. Mitchell at The Pennsylvania State University. These guidelines align with general health advisories from Health Canada and the Montreal Children's Hospital, which recommend limiting adolescents' caffeine intake to 2.5 mg per kilogram of body weight (approximately 1.13 mg per pound).
- Drinking more than four shots of espresso a day (roughly 300 mg of caffeine) is too much for people with hypertension, as it may increase their blood pressure according to NHS guidelines. The NHS recommends that individuals with hypertension monitor their caffeine intake for better condition management.
- Drinking more than 6 espresso shots (approximately 450 mg of caffeine) per day could contribute to dehydration if not accompanied by sufficient water intake. Caffeine has a mild diuretic effect, so it's important to balance espresso consumption with water to maintain adequate hydration levels.
Is Espresso Bad For You?
Espresso, when consumed in moderation, is not generally bad for you. A 2016 study by Frank Zimmermann-Viehoff and colleagues, published in Nutritional Neuroscience, found that espresso doesn't have major negative effects on the heart in healthy individuals. What's more, the study showed that people who regularly drink coffee might be affected differently than those who don't, suggesting that our bodies adapt to caffeine over time. However, too much espresso, especially if you're not used to it, can cause problems for some.
What Are the Best Espresso Beans for a Strong yet Safe Caffeine Intake?
The best espresso beans for a strong yet safe caffeine intake are typically medium and light roast beans, as they retain more caffeine than dark roast coffee beans. Want a strong caffeine kick without sacrificing flavor? Try our medium or light roast espresso beans – they naturally have more caffeine than dark roasts. For exceptional taste and a range of caffeine options, Powerbean Coffee's espresso coffee blends have you covered! Choose from high-caffeine medium roasts to Swiss Water Process decaf, perfectly matching your preferences.
