How Much Caffeine Is in Espresso?

A single 1 oz (30 ml) shot of espresso contains around 64 milligrams (mg), while a double shot of espresso (60 ml or 2 fl oz) contains about 126 mg of caffeine, typically between 125 and 150 mg. Caffeine content in an espresso shot is influenced by coffee bean type, serving size, coffee to water ratio, espresso machine pressure, water temperature, espresso flow rate, grind size, and roast level.

A single shot of espresso has more caffeine per milliliter, but regular brewed coffee delivers more total caffeine per serving because of its larger volume. Espresso beans don’t have more caffeine than regular beans. Drinking over 5–6 shots daily (400 mg) may cause insomnia or anxiety. Pregnant women, teens, and people with hypertension should limit intake to 2–4 shots. Caffeine peaks in 30–60 minutes and lasts 4–6 hours depending on metabolism.

How Much Caffeine Is in a Shot of Espresso?

A single 1 oz (30 ml) shot of espresso contains around 64 milligrams (mg), although this can range widely depending on the bean type, coffee-to-water ratio, drink volume, and other factors. Some sources, like International Food Information Council Foundation (IFIC), report a lower range (30–50 mg), but this is not typical for most espresso shots. According to Starbucks’ nutritional data, a 1-ounce espresso shot contains 75 mg of caffeine—well above the average suggested by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Some studies have reported an even wider range of caffeine in a shot of espresso.

Caffeine in a single shot of espresso ranged from 25 to 214 mg depending on shot size, according to a 2007 study by Ben Desbrow published in Food and Chemical Toxicology. The caffeine in espresso shots was measured using micellar electrokinetic capillary chromatography (MEKC), a technique that uses micelles in a buffer solution to separate and analyze neutral molecules like caffeine. On average, espresso shots with a 30 ml volume contained 106 mg of caffeine, ranging from 68 mg to 144 mg across coffee shops.

Furthermore, almost one-quarter (24.7%) of the 97 espresso shots contained 120 mg of caffeine or more (equivalent to two shots), and 12 samples (12.3%) exceeded 167 mg per serving (three shots) per USDA standards. Since coffee drinks like lattes, flat whites, and cappuccinos use espresso as a base (some with multiple shots) one shot may deliver caffeine equal to two or three. This can exceed the 200 mg daily caffeine limit recommended for pregnant and breastfeeding women by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG).

This table, sourced from Ben Desbrow's 2007 study, shows the caffeine content of a single espresso shot based on 97 samples.

The amount of caffeine in one shot of espresso varied even more in a 2014 study published in International Journal of Food Sciences and Nutrition by Giovanni Caprioli. In this comparative study of 20 commercial espresso shots, caffeine in a 25 ml cup ranged from 116.87 mg to 199.68 mg. A 2011 study from the University of Glasgow on 20 espresso coffees from local coffee shops showed a 6-fold caffeine difference, ranging from 51 mg (Starbucks) to 322 mg (Pattiserie Francoise). However, espresso shot servings ranged from 23 to 100 ml, with 11 samples close to a standard 30 ml shot. Among these, caffeine ranged from 51 to 173 mg, averaging 110 mg per serving.

How Much Caffeine Is in a Double Shot of Espresso?

A double shot of espresso (60 ml or 2 fl oz) contains about 126 mg of caffeine, typically between 125 and 150 mg depending on the bean, roast, and where it’s purchased. Starbucks reports approximately 150 mg for a two-shot espresso. The European Food Safety Authority suggests a slightly lower average of 80 mg of caffeine per 60 ml double shot. Observational studies show that caffeine content in two shots of espresso can vary widely.

The levels of caffeine in a double shot of espresso ranged from 133.5 to 185.0 mg in a 2003 study published in Journal of Analytical Toxicology by Rachel R. McCusker. The study showed that double espresso shots varied in size (40 ml short shots, 57 ml tall shots, and 80 ml pours) and had a 1.4-fold difference in caffeine, averaging 156 mg per double shot.

In the same way, the amount of caffeine in two shots of espresso ranged from 77 mg up to 322 mg in a 2011 study titled "Espresso coffees, caffeine and chlorogenic acid intake: potential health implications." In this study, eight of the 20 espresso servings from Glasgow coffee shops had volumes around the 60 ml double shot standard set by the Italian National Espresso Institute and averaged 187 mg of caffeine per serving.

This table, sourced from the 2011 study published in Food & Function by Thomas W. M. Crozier, illustrates the variation.

What Factors Affect the Caffeine Content in Espresso?

Factors like bean type, serving size, coffee-to-water ratio, water temperature, pressure, and extraction time all affect how much caffeine ends up in an espresso shot. Light exposure, altitude, cultivation method, fertilizer use, processing, and storage have a smaller impact on caffeine content. The most impactful factors are listed below.

1. Coffee Bean Type
2. Serving Size
3. Coffee to Water Ratio
4. Espresso Machine Pressure
5. Water Temperature
6. Espresso Flow Rate
7. Grind Size
8. Roast Level

1. Coffee Bean Type

Coffee bean type refers to the species used, mainly Arabica or Robusta. It affects caffeine levels in espresso significantly. Robusta beans have nearly twice the caffeine of Arabica, meaning espresso made with Robusta is much stronger in caffeine content. In a the 2014 study titled "The influence of different types of preparation (espresso and brew) on coffee aroma and main bioactive constituents," Arabica espresso shots (25 ml) yielded an average of 109.95 mg of caffeine per shot, whereas Robusta espresso shots of the same volume delivered 198.70 mg on average.

2. Serving Size

Serving size refers to the amount of espresso in one portion, usually one ounce for a single shot and two ounces for a double. It directly affects caffeine content. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), one shot of espresso has about 64 mg of caffeine, while two shots contain around 125 mg. In a 2011 University of Glasgow study of twenty espressos from local coffee shops, caffeine ranged from 75 mg in a 25 ml shot to 205 mg in a 50 ml serving, which is twice the size.

3. Coffee to Water Ratio

Coffee-to-water ratio is the proportion of ground coffee to water used in brewing. In espresso, a typical ratio is 1:2, meaning 1 gram of coffee to 2 grams of water. A higher coffee-to-water ratio increases caffeine concentration, making espresso stronger and more caffeinated. A 2023 study in Foods by Benedikt K L Schmieder found that increasing the coffee-to-water ratio in espresso from 1:1 to 1:2 raised caffeine from 130 mg to 182.6 mg per serving. This effect held despite changes in flow rate, grind, or temperature.

4. Espresso Machine Pressure

Espresso machine pressure is the force that pushes hot water through finely ground coffee, usually at 9 bars. The amount of pressure affects extraction efficiency and changes caffeine content by increasing or decreasing it. A 2014 study by Giovanni Caprioli in the International Journal of Food Sciences and Nutrition found that single-shot espresso had the highest caffeine at 9 bar. Caffeine extraction dropped at 7 bar with high temperatures and slightly declined at 11 bar, making 9 bar the most efficient pressure.

5. Water Temperature

Water temperature refers to the heat level used during brewing. In espresso, higher water temperatures of 195–205°F (90.6–96.1°C) increase caffeine extraction. If the water is too cool, it can result in under-extraction and lower caffeine. A 2014 study from University of Camerino found that raising brew temperature from 88°C to 92°C boosted caffeine in a 25 ml espresso shot, but further increase to 98°C reduced it. A 2017 study in Food Chemistry by C. Alejandra Salamanca showed that brewing espresso from 88°C to 93°C increased caffeine linearly, while lowering from 93°C to 88°C decreased it.

6. Espresso Flow Rate

Espresso flow rate is the speed at which water passes through coffee grounds during extraction. It affects caffeine content by influencing how much caffeine is pulled from the grounds. A slower flow rate can increase caffeine extraction, while a faster rate may reduce it. A 2023 study by Benedikt K L Schmieder from the Technical University of Munich found that lowering the flow rate from 3.0 to 1.0 mL/s raised caffeine in a double shot by about 5 mg, from 172 mg to 177 mg, and increased single-shot extraction by around 6 mg.

7. Grind Size

Grind size, the fineness or coarseness of ground beans, affects caffeine extraction in espresso by altering brew time and surface area. A 2023 study from Technical University of Munich titled "Influence of Flow Rate, Particle Size, and Temperature on Espresso Extraction Kinetics" found that grind size affects caffeine yield in espresso. In double espresso shots, caffeine measured 177.8 mg at the coarsest grind, peaked at 183.8 mg with a medium grind, and dropped to 172.9 mg at the finest grind.

8. Roast Level

Roast level refers to how long coffee beans are roasted—light, medium, or dark. It affects caffeine content in espresso. Light roasts retain more caffeine by weight, while dark roasts are denser by volume. A 2013 study titled "Caffeine and chlorogenic acids intake from coffee brew: influence of roasting degree and brewing procedure" study showed that Arabica espresso had 87.3 mg/100 ml caffeine in dark roasts and 122.5 mg/100 ml in light roasts. Robusta espresso shots ranged from 123.3 mg (dark) to 192.0 mg (light) under identical brewing conditions.

Is Espresso Stronger than Regular Coffee?

Yes, espresso is stronger than regular coffee in caffeine concentration per ounce, but regular coffee provides more total caffeine per serving. A single ounce of espresso contains about 64 mg of caffeine, while a 1-ounce cup of regular brewed coffee has around 12 mg, although this can vary based on several factors. A 2024 study published in Applied Sciences by Iwona Mystkowska found that, under the same conditions, espresso had 50 to 966 mg of caffeine per 100 ml, French press had 52 to 124 mg per 100 ml, and cold brew had 49 to 180 mg per 100 ml.

Espresso have more caffeine than coffee per milliliter according to a 2014 study published in Food & Function by Iziar A Ludwig. The study showed that a 22 ml shot of dark roast Arabica espresso had about 174 mg of caffeine, while 22 ml of filter coffee made from the same beans had only about 33 mg. According to a 2022 study from the Brazilian Caffeine Content Table (BraCaffT) by Pedro Lucas de Amorim Rocha, espresso contains approximately 212 mg of caffeine per 100 ml, whereas brewed coffee has about 60-70 mg per 100 ml.

However, espresso is not stronger per serving. An 8 oz cup of drip or French press coffee has about 95 mg of caffeine, compared to 63 mg in a 1 oz shot of espresso, according to USDA FoodData Central.

The following table shows caffeine content per 100 ml of coffee across brewing methods, based on a 2019 review by Juliana Depaula and Adriana Farah from Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro.

How Much Caffeine Is in Different Espresso Brands?

Caffeine content in espresso varies by brand. A single 1-ounce espresso shot from Starbucks contains 75 milligrams of caffeine, per the company’s nutritional data. Dunkin’ Donuts reports 118 milligrams of caffeine in a 1.5-ounce espresso shot, according to their official website. Nespresso Original capsules average 60–65 milligrams of caffeine per 1.35-ounce shot, based on Nespresso’s published data. The following table lists various espresso brands alongside their measured caffeine content (in milligrams) and notes on shot size, bean type, or blend composition.

Do Espresso Beans Have More Caffeine?

No, espresso beans do not inherently have more caffeine than regular coffee beans. Espresso beans are coffee beans roasted specifically for espresso brewing, usually darker and oilier for a richer flavor. The type of bean affects caffeine content. Robusta beans have more caffeine than Arabica, so using Robusta-based espresso results in a stronger caffeine dose. Dark roast espresso beans typically contains the least caffeine. A 2021 study by Shady Awwad found that medium-roast beans have more caffeine than dark or light roasts.

Where to Buy High Caffeine Espresso Beans?

You can buy high caffeine espresso beans directly from the Colipse online store. Get fresh-roasted beans shipped in 3–5 business days with free US shipping. Customers can choose grind sizes like fine, medium, or coarse for brewing methods including espresso. Colipse espresso beans cost between $20.99 and $23.50 per 12 oz bag, with blends starting at $20.50 and single-origin coffees from $22.50. All prices include taxes and shipping. Our espresso coffee beans are available in multiple bag sizes such as 12 oz, 16 oz, 2 lb, or 5 lb to accommodate different brewing needs.

How Many Shots of Espresso is Too Much?

More than 5 to 6 shots of espresso per day, roughly 400 mg of caffeine, can be too much for most adults. This amount may lead to side effects like insomnia, rapid heartbeat, or anxiety. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) advises staying under 400 mg of caffeine daily for safety. The number of espresso shots considered too much depends on caffeine sensitivity, health status, and conditions such as high blood pressure or heart issues.

The following are recommendations based on CDC, NHS, and USDA guidelines, assuming a general consensus of 64 mg 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?

No, espresso, when consumed in moderation, is not generally bad for you. A 2016 study by Frank Zimmermann-Viehoff and colleagues, published in Nutritional Neurosciencefound that espresso does not significantly harm heart health in healthy individuals. The study showed regular coffee drinkers may react differently than non-drinkers, indicating caffeine tolerance develops over time. Too much espresso, especially for those unaccustomed to it, can still cause issues.

How Long Does Caffeine from Espresso Last?

Caffeine from espresso lasts about 4 to 6 hours in the body. Its effects peak within 30 to 60 minutes after consumption, then gradually decline. Caffeine half-life is the time it takes for your body to eliminate half of the caffeine consumed, usually about 5 hours. Drinking espresso doesn’t change the half-life, but it increases total caffeine intake, which can prolong how long caffeine’s effects are felt. The exact duration depends on factors like metabolism, age, and sensitivity to caffeine.

How Much Caffeine is in a Shot of Blonde Espresso?

A shot of blonde espresso at Starbucks contains 85 mg of caffeine, which is more than the 75 mg in a shot of regular espresso. Blonde espresso uses lightly roasted beans that retain more caffeine. A 2021 study by Shady Awwad from Applied Science Private University found light roast coffee contains 5.8 mg of caffeine per ounce, slightly more than the 5.6 mg in dark roast. High roasting temperatures reduce caffeine content in blonde espresso, as shown in a 2022 observational study by Masaki Honda from Meijo University.

How Much Caffeine is in a Shot of Decaf Espresso?

A shot of decaf espresso contain varying amounts of caffeine, ranging from 3 to 15 mg of caffeine, according to a 2006 cross-sectional study by Rachel R McCusker from the University of Florida College of Medicine. A study evaluated caffeine in decaf espresso and found that a 30 ml shot contained 3.0 to 15.8 mg of caffeine, while a 16-ounce cup of brewed decaf coffee contained 12.0 to 13.4 mg.