Caffeine content in coffee: Arabica vs. Robusta and per preparation method (espresso, cappuccino, filter, hand filter, stovetop espresso maker)

Overview: How much caffeine does coffee really have?

How much caffeine ends up in your cup depends on several factors: bean type (Arabica vs. Robusta), roast, grind, dose, water-to-coffee ratio, and brewing method. Therefore, there isn't a single number for the caffeine content of coffee, but rather typical ranges. It's also important to know whether we're talking about caffeine per milliliter, per gram of coffee, or per serving. For everyday purposes, the question is usually: How many milligrams of caffeine does my cup contain?

As a rough guide: A single espresso typically delivers 40–75 mg of caffeine (30–40 ml). A 200 ml cup of filter coffee usually contains 120–180 mg . A cappuccino with a double shot contains around 80–150 mg , depending on the bean and preparation method. The caffeine content of coffee is therefore highly context-dependent: per milliliter, espresso is more concentrated, while per cup, filter coffee usually has the higher caffeine content.

Arabica vs. Robusta: average caffeine content per bean

Arabica and Robusta coffee beans differ genetically, in taste, and in their caffeine content. On average, Arabica contains about 0.8–1.5% caffeine (often around 1.2%), while Robusta contains 1.7–3.5% (typically around 2.2%). This means Robusta has, on average, about 1.5 to 2 times the caffeine content of Arabica. This explains why espresso blends with Robusta have a stronger effect and why the caffeine content of Arabica and Robusta is so often discussed in comparison.

Influence of variety, altitude and processing

• Variety: Within Arabica, varieties (e.g., Bourbon, Typica, Caturra) vary slightly in caffeine content. The differences are smaller than between Arabica and Robusta, but measurable.
• Altitude: Arabica beans grown at higher altitudes ripen more slowly, developing more complex sugars and acids. The caffeine content per bean changes only moderately as a result, but the coffee often tastes "lighter" – which does not necessarily mean it contains less caffeine.
• Processing: Natural, Washed, Honey: The processing method primarily affects aroma, body, and perception. The absolute caffeine content in the bean changes only minimally as a result.

Roast level & density: Why volume vs. weight matters

Caffeine is heat-stable and hardly degrades during roasting. Slight differences in the mg of caffeine per gram of coffee are possible, but minor. The density effect is more pronounced: lighter roasted beans are denser , darker roasted beans are more "puffed up".

• Dosage by volume (spoon/scoop): A scoop of light roast weighs more than one of dark roast – therefore more caffeine ends up in the cup.
• Dosage by weight (scales): 18 g is 18 g – regardless of the roast level. This is the more precise method if you want to control the caffeine content consistently.

Caffeine per preparation (mg per serving) in comparison

The following values ​​are typical practical values ​​from the specialty coffee sector and literature. They vary depending on dose, grind size, brew ratio, contact time, and bean profile.

Single Espresso (30–40 ml): typical mg values

A single shot contains approximately 40–75 mg of caffeine. Factors:

• Dosage: 7–10 g of coffee for a single; 16–20 g for a double. More grams = more caffeine potential.
• Grind size & contact time: Finer grinds and slightly longer extraction increase caffeine solubility (up to a point where bitterness increases).
• Bean: Pure Arabica shots tend to have lower values. Robusta or high-caffeine blends deliver noticeably more caffeine (espresso mg) .

Cappuccino with a double shot: how much caffeine does it contain?

Milk does not change the caffeine content. A cappuccino with a double shot contains the same amount of caffeine as an espresso: approximately 80–150 mg of caffeine, depending on the dose, grind, and beans. For those wondering how much caffeine a cappuccino contains: what matters is what happens in the portafilter – not in the cup afterward.

Filter coffee (200 ml): Brewing methods and mg range

A 200 ml cup of filter coffee often contains between 120 and 180 mg . Reasons for the variation:

• Brew ratio: 1:15 extracts more caffeine per cup than 1:17 (using the same technique).
• Contact time: Longer processing times (e.g. with a fine grind) increase extraction – but pay attention to balance.
• Brewing methods: Machine filters can be more consistent; hand filters offer finer control. Both typically deliver more caffeine per cup than a single espresso, which explains the comparison between espresso and filter coffee caffeine .

As a rough guideline for caffeine mg in filter coffee : 120–180 mg per 200 ml, 150–220 mg for larger 250 ml cups.

Hand filter (V60/Chemex, 250 ml): Extraction and caffeine

A 250 ml pour-over coffee (V60, Kalita, Chemex) typically yields 140–220 mg of caffeine. Chemex filters are thicker and can easily produce different flow rates; the V60 is sensitive to grind size and pouring technique. For pour-over coffee , consistent technique and a scale ensure repeatable results.

Stovetop espresso maker/Moka pot (60–90 ml): strong and high in caffeine?

The moka pot produces concentrated coffee, but not espresso. For 60–90 ml, approximately 60–105 mg of caffeine is typical – depending on the amount of coffee, grind size, and heat. Due to the longer contact time and the pressure of the steam, the extraction is high; with Robusta beans, the caffeine content increases accordingly.

Practical application: Grind size, brew ratio and contact time as caffeine levers

Want to specifically influence the caffeine content of your coffee ? Here are the key steps:

• Grind size: Finer = more surface area = more caffeine in a shorter time. Beware of over-extraction.
• Brew Ratio: More coffee per water (e.g. 1:15 instead of 1:17) increases the mg per cup – with the same cup size.
• Contact time: Longer contact extracts more caffeine. For pour-over: Control the flow rate through grind size and pour control.
• Bean type: Robusta or blends with Robusta deliver significantly more caffeine than 100% Arabica ( arabica caffeine percent vs. robusta caffeine percent ).
• Temperature: Extraction and stability are good between 90–96 °C; caffeine dissolves in a broad range without the need for higher temperatures.

Dosage per cup: Recommendations for everyday use

• Espresso: Single 8-10g in, 30-40ml out, 25-30s; Double 16-20g in, 45-60ml out. Caffeine: approx. 40-75 mg (single), 80-150 mg (double).
• Filter/Hand filter: 1:15 to 1:17 Brew Ratio. Example 250 ml: 15–17 g coffee; caffeine approx. 140–220 mg.
• Moka pot: Fill the sieve basket evenly (do not tamp), grind medium-fine, use moderate heat; 60–90 ml with approx. 60–105 mg.
• Sensitive to caffeine? Try a lighter roast? That hardly changes the mg per gram. Better: Lower dose , higher ratio (1:17), shorter contact time , choose Arabica – or decaffeinated.

Myth check: "Espresso has more caffeine than filter coffee"

The misunderstanding stems from the concentration. Espresso contains significantly more caffeine per ml . Filter coffee usually has more per cup because the cup is much larger. A single espresso with 40–75 mg versus a 200 ml filter coffee with 120–180 mg illustrates why the caffeine content of espresso versus filter coffee differs depending on the perspective.

Health & Guidelines (EFSA): Daily Intake, Pregnancy, Sports

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) recommends a daily intake of up to 400 mg of caffeine for healthy adults, with a maximum of 200 mg per single serving . For pregnant women , the maximum is 200 mg per day . Individual sensitivity, body weight, and timing of consumption play a significant role.

• Daily examples: 1 filter coffee (200 ml, 150 mg) + 1 cappuccino (double, 120 mg) = 270 mg. Add to that an espresso (60 mg) = 330 mg – within the safe range for most people.
• Sleep & Timing: Half-life 3–7 hours. Caffeine consumed in the late afternoon can disrupt sleep.
• Sports: Performance enhancement is possible from approximately 3 mg/kg body weight. Timing: 30–60 minutes before exertion. Observe the daily caffeine intake and personal tolerance.
• Pregnancy: Caffeine during pregnancy (coffee) : It's best to limit caffeine to 1-2 small cups daily, keeping total intake below 200 mg. Consult your doctor if you are unsure.
• Interactions: Caffeine can interact with medications and increase heart rate. Consult your doctor if you have pre-existing medical conditions.

Conclusion: Clear comparison and recommendations for specialty coffee

The caffeine content in coffee depends heavily on the bean and brewing parameters. Robusta contains significantly more caffeine than Arabica . Espresso has a higher caffeine content per milliliter, but filter coffee usually delivers more total caffeine per cup. Those who want to control the caffeine intake should use scales, a precise brew ratio, the correct grind, and a consistent brewing time.

• Quick guide: Single espresso 40–75 mg; Double/espresso-based milk drinks 80–150 mg; 200 ml filter 120–180 mg; 250 ml hand filter 140–220 mg; Moka pot 60–105 mg.
• For sensitive drinkers: Arabica instead of Robusta, lower dose, longer ratio (1:17), earlier times of day – or Decaf.
• For greater effectiveness: Increase the Robusta content, slightly increase the dose, grind finer and shorten the ratio – without over-extraction.

Furthermore, it's worthwhile to document your own recipes and compare estimated mg values ​​(e.g., using caffeine calculators from research fields) with your own perception. This way, you can find your ideal balance of taste and alertness – specialty coffee included.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about caffeine in coffee