Bocca Felice Team 25 min read
It’s one of the most common questions asked in cafés:
“Which coffee has the most caffeine?”
Many people assume the answer is espresso because it tastes stronger. Others believe dark roast coffee contains more caffeine than light roast. Some think larger drinks automatically contain more caffeine.
The truth is more complex.
The amount of caffeine in your coffee depends on several factors, including the type of coffee bean, how the coffee is brewed, the amount of ground coffee used (the dose), the serving size, and even the recipe used by your favourite café.
At Bocca Felice, we believe coffee education is just as important as great coffee. In this guide, we’ll explain what really determines caffeine content, dispel common myths, and help you understand which coffee drinks genuinely contain the most caffeine.
Caffeine is a naturally occurring stimulant found in more than 60 plant species, including coffee, tea, cacao and guarana.
In coffee plants, caffeine acts as a natural defence mechanism against insects and pests.
For humans, caffeine stimulates the central nervous system, increasing alertness and temporarily reducing feelings of tiredness.
According to the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), moderate caffeine intake is considered safe for most healthy adults.
The EFSA concludes that up to 400 mg of caffeine per day does not raise safety concerns for most healthy adults, while advising lower limits during pregnancy. Individual sensitivity, however, varies considerably.
Several variables influence the caffeine content of your cup.
The biggest factor is the species of coffee bean.
Arabica
Arabica accounts for approximately 60–70% of global coffee production.
Typical caffeine content:
Arabica is prized for its:
Nearly all speciality coffee is made primarily from Arabica beans.
Robusta
Robusta generally contains:
That’s roughly twice the caffeine of Arabica.
Robusta also tends to have:
Because of its flavour profile, Robusta is used more commonly in commercial blends, although high-quality “fine Robusta” is gaining recognition within the speciality coffee sector.
How coffee is brewed significantly affects the amount of caffeine extracted into the cup.
The brewing method influences:
Let’s compare the most common methods.
Espresso often surprises people.
Although it contains more caffeine per millilitre than almost any other coffee, the serving is very small.
A typical speciality café double espresso may contain approximately 120–160 mg of caffeine, depending on:
The exact amount varies considerably between cafés.
Filter coffee usually contains more total caffeine per serving because it uses more water and often a larger quantity of coffee.
A typical 300 ml filter coffee may contain around 140–240 mg of caffeine, depending on the brewing recipe.
Although less concentrated than espresso, its larger volume often means more caffeine overall.
French press coffee generally falls within a similar range to filter coffee.
Longer contact time between coffee and water allows substantial caffeine extraction.
Typical servings contain roughly 80–200 mg, depending on the coffee-to-water ratio and serving size.
Cold brew is often misunderstood.
Because it is brewed over many hours—typically 12 to 24 hours—it creates a concentrated coffee extract.
If served undiluted, cold brew can contain significantly more caffeine than many other coffee drinks.
However, many cafés dilute cold brew with water or milk before serving.
As a result, caffeine content varies enormously.
Typical servings range from 100 mg to well over 250 mg.
Instant coffee generally contains less caffeine than freshly brewed coffee.
A typical mug contains approximately 30–90 mg, depending on the brand and quantity used.
When comparing typical café serving sizes, the ranking often looks like this:
<w:tblPr><w:tblW w:w=”0″ w:type=”auto”/><w:tblCellSpacing w:w=”15″ w:type=”dxa”/><w:tblCellMar><w:top w:w=”15″ w:type=”dxa”/><w:left w:w=”15″ w:type=”dxa”/><w:bottom w:w=”15″ w:type=”dxa”/><w:right w:w=”15″ w:type=”dxa”/></w:tblCellMar><w:tblLook w:val=”04A0″ w:firstRow=”1″ w:lastRow=”0″ w:firstColumn=”1″ w:lastColumn=”0″ w:noHBand=”0″ w:noVBand=”1″/></w:tblPr><w:tblGrid><w:gridCol w:w=”4605″/><w:gridCol w:w=”3004″/></w:tblGrid><w:tr w:rsidR=”005E34DB” w:rsidRPr=”005E34DB” w14:paraId=”75DE411F” w14:textId=”77777777″><w:trPr><w:tblHeader/><w:tblCellSpacing w:w=”15″ w:type=”dxa”/></w:trPr><w:tc><w:tcPr><w:tcW w:w=”0″ w:type=”auto”/><w:vAlign w:val=”center”/><w:hideMark/></w:tcPr><w:p w14:paraId=”2C247470″ w14:textId=”77777777″ w:rsidR=”005E34DB” w:rsidRPr=”005E34DB” w:rsidRDefault=”005E34DB” w:rsidP=”005E34DB”><w:pPr><w:spacing w:after=”0″ w:line=”240″ w:lineRule=”auto”/><w:jc w:val=”center”/><w:rPr><w:rFonts w:eastAsia=”Times New Roman” w:cs=”Times New Roman”/><w:kern w:val=”0″/><w:lang w:eastAsia=”en-GB”/><w14:ligatures w14:val=”none”/></w:rPr></w:pPr><w:r w:rsidRPr=”005E34DB”><w:rPr><w:rFonts w:eastAsia=”Times New Roman” w:cs=”Times New Roman”/><w:kern w:val=”0″/><w:lang w:eastAsia=”en-GB”/><w14:ligatures w14:val=”none”/></w:rPr><w:t>Drink
<w:tcPr><w:tcW w:w=”0″ w:type=”auto”/><w:vAlign w:val=”center”/><w:hideMark/></w:tcPr><w:p w14:paraId=”0D93B047″ w14:textId=”77777777″ w:rsidR=”005E34DB” w:rsidRPr=”005E34DB” w:rsidRDefault=”005E34DB” w:rsidP=”005E34DB”><w:pPr><w:spacing w:after=”0″ w:line=”240″ w:lineRule=”auto”/><w:jc w:val=”right”/><w:rPr><w:rFonts w:eastAsia=”Times New Roman” w:cs=”Times New Roman”/><w:kern w:val=”0″/><w:lang w:eastAsia=”en-GB”/><w14:ligatures w14:val=”none”/></w:rPr></w:pPr><w:r w:rsidRPr=”005E34DB”><w:rPr><w:rFonts w:eastAsia=”Times New Roman” w:cs=”Times New Roman”/><w:kern w:val=”0″/><w:lang w:eastAsia=”en-GB”/><w14:ligatures w14:val=”none”/></w:rPr><w:t>Approximate Caffeine*
<w:trPr><w:tblCellSpacing w:w=”15″ w:type=”dxa”/></w:trPr><w:tc><w:tcPr><w:tcW w:w=”0″ w:type=”auto”/><w:vAlign w:val=”center”/><w:hideMark/></w:tcPr><w:p w14:paraId=”6A753E57″ w14:textId=”77777777″ w:rsidR=”005E34DB” w:rsidRPr=”005E34DB” w:rsidRDefault=”005E34DB” w:rsidP=”005E34DB”><w:pPr><w:spacing w:after=”0″ w:line=”240″ w:lineRule=”auto”/><w:rPr><w:rFonts w:eastAsia=”Times New Roman” w:cs=”Times New Roman”/><w:kern w:val=”0″/><w:lang w:eastAsia=”en-GB”/><w14:ligatures w14:val=”none”/></w:rPr></w:pPr><w:r w:rsidRPr=”005E34DB”><w:rPr><w:rFonts w:eastAsia=”Times New Roman” w:cs=”Times New Roman”/><w:kern w:val=”0″/><w:lang w:eastAsia=”en-GB”/><w14:ligatures w14:val=”none”/></w:rPr><w:t>Large cold brew (undiluted or concentrated)
<w:tcPr><w:tcW w:w=”0″ w:type=”auto”/><w:vAlign w:val=”center”/><w:hideMark/></w:tcPr><w:p w14:paraId=”2EE58804″ w14:textId=”77777777″ w:rsidR=”005E34DB” w:rsidRPr=”005E34DB” w:rsidRDefault=”005E34DB” w:rsidP=”005E34DB”><w:pPr><w:spacing w:after=”0″ w:line=”240″ w:lineRule=”auto”/><w:jc w:val=”right”/><w:rPr><w:rFonts w:eastAsia=”Times New Roman” w:cs=”Times New Roman”/><w:kern w:val=”0″/><w:lang w:eastAsia=”en-GB”/><w14:ligatures w14:val=”none”/></w:rPr></w:pPr><w:r w:rsidRPr=”005E34DB”><w:rPr><w:rFonts w:eastAsia=”Times New Roman” w:cs=”Times New Roman”/><w:kern w:val=”0″/><w:lang w:eastAsia=”en-GB”/><w14:ligatures w14:val=”none”/></w:rPr><w:t>150–300+ mg
<w:trPr><w:tblCellSpacing w:w=”15″ w:type=”dxa”/></w:trPr><w:tc><w:tcPr><w:tcW w:w=”0″ w:type=”auto”/><w:vAlign w:val=”center”/><w:hideMark/></w:tcPr><w:p w14:paraId=”2D1444C6″ w14:textId=”77777777″ w:rsidR=”005E34DB” w:rsidRPr=”005E34DB” w:rsidRDefault=”005E34DB” w:rsidP=”005E34DB”><w:pPr><w:spacing w:after=”0″ w:line=”240″ w:lineRule=”auto”/><w:rPr><w:rFonts w:eastAsia=”Times New Roman” w:cs=”Times New Roman”/><w:kern w:val=”0″/><w:lang w:eastAsia=”en-GB”/><w14:ligatures w14:val=”none”/></w:rPr></w:pPr><w:r w:rsidRPr=”005E34DB”><w:rPr><w:rFonts w:eastAsia=”Times New Roman” w:cs=”Times New Roman”/><w:kern w:val=”0″/><w:lang w:eastAsia=”en-GB”/><w14:ligatures w14:val=”none”/></w:rPr><w:t>Large filter coffee
<w:tcPr><w:tcW w:w=”0″ w:type=”auto”/><w:vAlign w:val=”center”/><w:hideMark/></w:tcPr><w:p w14:paraId=”7D9F2D8D” w14:textId=”77777777″ w:rsidR=”005E34DB” w:rsidRPr=”005E34DB” w:rsidRDefault=”005E34DB” w:rsidP=”005E34DB”><w:pPr><w:spacing w:after=”0″ w:line=”240″ w:lineRule=”auto”/><w:jc w:val=”right”/><w:rPr><w:rFonts w:eastAsia=”Times New Roman” w:cs=”Times New Roman”/><w:kern w:val=”0″/><w:lang w:eastAsia=”en-GB”/><w14:ligatures w14:val=”none”/></w:rPr></w:pPr><w:r w:rsidRPr=”005E34DB”><w:rPr><w:rFonts w:eastAsia=”Times New Roman” w:cs=”Times New Roman”/><w:kern w:val=”0″/><w:lang w:eastAsia=”en-GB”/><w14:ligatures w14:val=”none”/></w:rPr><w:t>140–240 mg
<w:trPr><w:tblCellSpacing w:w=”15″ w:type=”dxa”/></w:trPr><w:tc><w:tcPr><w:tcW w:w=”0″ w:type=”auto”/><w:vAlign w:val=”center”/><w:hideMark/></w:tcPr><w:p w14:paraId=”41A4ED72″ w14:textId=”77777777″ w:rsidR=”005E34DB” w:rsidRPr=”005E34DB” w:rsidRDefault=”005E34DB” w:rsidP=”005E34DB”><w:pPr><w:spacing w:after=”0″ w:line=”240″ w:lineRule=”auto”/><w:rPr><w:rFonts w:eastAsia=”Times New Roman” w:cs=”Times New Roman”/><w:kern w:val=”0″/><w:lang w:eastAsia=”en-GB”/><w14:ligatures w14:val=”none”/></w:rPr></w:pPr><w:r w:rsidRPr=”005E34DB”><w:rPr><w:rFonts w:eastAsia=”Times New Roman” w:cs=”Times New Roman”/><w:kern w:val=”0″/><w:lang w:eastAsia=”en-GB”/><w14:ligatures w14:val=”none”/></w:rPr><w:t>Double espresso
<w:tcPr><w:tcW w:w=”0″ w:type=”auto”/><w:vAlign w:val=”center”/><w:hideMark/></w:tcPr><w:p w14:paraId=”6F361344″ w14:textId=”77777777″ w:rsidR=”005E34DB” w:rsidRPr=”005E34DB” w:rsidRDefault=”005E34DB” w:rsidP=”005E34DB”><w:pPr><w:spacing w:after=”0″ w:line=”240″ w:lineRule=”auto”/><w:jc w:val=”right”/><w:rPr><w:rFonts w:eastAsia=”Times New Roman” w:cs=”Times New Roman”/><w:kern w:val=”0″/><w:lang w:eastAsia=”en-GB”/><w14:ligatures w14:val=”none”/></w:rPr></w:pPr><w:r w:rsidRPr=”005E34DB”><w:rPr><w:rFonts w:eastAsia=”Times New Roman” w:cs=”Times New Roman”/><w:kern w:val=”0″/><w:lang w:eastAsia=”en-GB”/><w14:ligatures w14:val=”none”/></w:rPr><w:t>120–160 mg
<w:trPr><w:tblCellSpacing w:w=”15″ w:type=”dxa”/></w:trPr><w:tc><w:tcPr><w:tcW w:w=”0″ w:type=”auto”/><w:vAlign w:val=”center”/><w:hideMark/></w:tcPr><w:p w14:paraId=”4B46D2E9″ w14:textId=”77777777″ w:rsidR=”005E34DB” w:rsidRPr=”005E34DB” w:rsidRDefault=”005E34DB” w:rsidP=”005E34DB”><w:pPr><w:spacing w:after=”0″ w:line=”240″ w:lineRule=”auto”/><w:rPr><w:rFonts w:eastAsia=”Times New Roman” w:cs=”Times New Roman”/><w:kern w:val=”0″/><w:lang w:eastAsia=”en-GB”/><w14:ligatures w14:val=”none”/></w:rPr></w:pPr><w:r w:rsidRPr=”005E34DB”><w:rPr><w:rFonts w:eastAsia=”Times New Roman” w:cs=”Times New Roman”/><w:kern w:val=”0″/><w:lang w:eastAsia=”en-GB”/><w14:ligatures w14:val=”none”/></w:rPr><w:t>Flat white (double espresso)
<w:tcPr><w:tcW w:w=”0″ w:type=”auto”/><w:vAlign w:val=”center”/><w:hideMark/></w:tcPr><w:p w14:paraId=”77161A8B” w14:textId=”77777777″ w:rsidR=”005E34DB” w:rsidRPr=”005E34DB” w:rsidRDefault=”005E34DB” w:rsidP=”005E34DB”><w:pPr><w:spacing w:after=”0″ w:line=”240″ w:lineRule=”auto”/><w:jc w:val=”right”/><w:rPr><w:rFonts w:eastAsia=”Times New Roman” w:cs=”Times New Roman”/><w:kern w:val=”0″/><w:lang w:eastAsia=”en-GB”/><w14:ligatures w14:val=”none”/></w:rPr></w:pPr><w:r w:rsidRPr=”005E34DB”><w:rPr><w:rFonts w:eastAsia=”Times New Roman” w:cs=”Times New Roman”/><w:kern w:val=”0″/><w:lang w:eastAsia=”en-GB”/><w14:ligatures w14:val=”none”/></w:rPr><w:t>Similar to the espresso used
<w:trPr><w:tblCellSpacing w:w=”15″ w:type=”dxa”/></w:trPr><w:tc><w:tcPr><w:tcW w:w=”0″ w:type=”auto”/><w:vAlign w:val=”center”/><w:hideMark/></w:tcPr><w:p w14:paraId=”33A410B5″ w14:textId=”77777777″ w:rsidR=”005E34DB” w:rsidRPr=”005E34DB” w:rsidRDefault=”005E34DB” w:rsidP=”005E34DB”><w:pPr><w:spacing w:after=”0″ w:line=”240″ w:lineRule=”auto”/><w:rPr><w:rFonts w:eastAsia=”Times New Roman” w:cs=”Times New Roman”/><w:kern w:val=”0″/><w:lang w:eastAsia=”en-GB”/><w14:ligatures w14:val=”none”/></w:rPr></w:pPr><w:r w:rsidRPr=”005E34DB”><w:rPr><w:rFonts w:eastAsia=”Times New Roman” w:cs=”Times New Roman”/><w:kern w:val=”0″/><w:lang w:eastAsia=”en-GB”/><w14:ligatures w14:val=”none”/></w:rPr><w:t>Latte (double espresso)
<w:tcPr><w:tcW w:w=”0″ w:type=”auto”/><w:vAlign w:val=”center”/><w:hideMark/></w:tcPr><w:p w14:paraId=”3821B48A” w14:textId=”77777777″ w:rsidR=”005E34DB” w:rsidRPr=”005E34DB” w:rsidRDefault=”005E34DB” w:rsidP=”005E34DB”><w:pPr><w:spacing w:after=”0″ w:line=”240″ w:lineRule=”auto”/><w:jc w:val=”right”/><w:rPr><w:rFonts w:eastAsia=”Times New Roman” w:cs=”Times New Roman”/><w:kern w:val=”0″/><w:lang w:eastAsia=”en-GB”/><w14:ligatures w14:val=”none”/></w:rPr></w:pPr><w:r w:rsidRPr=”005E34DB”><w:rPr><w:rFonts w:eastAsia=”Times New Roman” w:cs=”Times New Roman”/><w:kern w:val=”0″/><w:lang w:eastAsia=”en-GB”/><w14:ligatures w14:val=”none”/></w:rPr><w:t>Similar to the espresso used
<w:trPr><w:tblCellSpacing w:w=”15″ w:type=”dxa”/></w:trPr><w:tc><w:tcPr><w:tcW w:w=”0″ w:type=”auto”/><w:vAlign w:val=”center”/><w:hideMark/></w:tcPr><w:p w14:paraId=”2F4ED1F1″ w14:textId=”77777777″ w:rsidR=”005E34DB” w:rsidRPr=”005E34DB” w:rsidRDefault=”005E34DB” w:rsidP=”005E34DB”><w:pPr><w:spacing w:after=”0″ w:line=”240″ w:lineRule=”auto”/><w:rPr><w:rFonts w:eastAsia=”Times New Roman” w:cs=”Times New Roman”/><w:kern w:val=”0″/><w:lang w:eastAsia=”en-GB”/><w14:ligatures w14:val=”none”/></w:rPr></w:pPr><w:r w:rsidRPr=”005E34DB”><w:rPr><w:rFonts w:eastAsia=”Times New Roman” w:cs=”Times New Roman”/><w:kern w:val=”0″/><w:lang w:eastAsia=”en-GB”/><w14:ligatures w14:val=”none”/></w:rPr><w:t>Cappuccino (double espresso)
<w:tcPr><w:tcW w:w=”0″ w:type=”auto”/><w:vAlign w:val=”center”/><w:hideMark/></w:tcPr><w:p w14:paraId=”7DD8E297″ w14:textId=”77777777″ w:rsidR=”005E34DB” w:rsidRPr=”005E34DB” w:rsidRDefault=”005E34DB” w:rsidP=”005E34DB”><w:pPr><w:spacing w:after=”0″ w:line=”240″ w:lineRule=”auto”/><w:jc w:val=”right”/><w:rPr><w:rFonts w:eastAsia=”Times New Roman” w:cs=”Times New Roman”/><w:kern w:val=”0″/><w:lang w:eastAsia=”en-GB”/><w14:ligatures w14:val=”none”/></w:rPr></w:pPr><w:r w:rsidRPr=”005E34DB”><w:rPr><w:rFonts w:eastAsia=”Times New Roman” w:cs=”Times New Roman”/><w:kern w:val=”0″/><w:lang w:eastAsia=”en-GB”/><w14:ligatures w14:val=”none”/></w:rPr><w:t>Similar to the espresso used
<w:trPr><w:tblCellSpacing w:w=”15″ w:type=”dxa”/></w:trPr><w:tc><w:tcPr><w:tcW w:w=”0″ w:type=”auto”/><w:vAlign w:val=”center”/><w:hideMark/></w:tcPr><w:p w14:paraId=”4BCAEE7A” w14:textId=”77777777″ w:rsidR=”005E34DB” w:rsidRPr=”005E34DB” w:rsidRDefault=”005E34DB” w:rsidP=”005E34DB”><w:pPr><w:spacing w:after=”0″ w:line=”240″ w:lineRule=”auto”/><w:rPr><w:rFonts w:eastAsia=”Times New Roman” w:cs=”Times New Roman”/><w:kern w:val=”0″/><w:lang w:eastAsia=”en-GB”/><w14:ligatures w14:val=”none”/></w:rPr></w:pPr><w:r w:rsidRPr=”005E34DB”><w:rPr><w:rFonts w:eastAsia=”Times New Roman” w:cs=”Times New Roman”/><w:kern w:val=”0″/><w:lang w:eastAsia=”en-GB”/><w14:ligatures w14:val=”none”/></w:rPr><w:t>Single espresso
<w:tcPr><w:tcW w:w=”0″ w:type=”auto”/><w:vAlign w:val=”center”/><w:hideMark/></w:tcPr><w:p w14:paraId=”432B94CA” w14:textId=”77777777″ w:rsidR=”005E34DB” w:rsidRPr=”005E34DB” w:rsidRDefault=”005E34DB” w:rsidP=”005E34DB”><w:pPr><w:spacing w:after=”0″ w:line=”240″ w:lineRule=”auto”/><w:jc w:val=”right”/><w:rPr><w:rFonts w:eastAsia=”Times New Roman” w:cs=”Times New Roman”/><w:kern w:val=”0″/><w:lang w:eastAsia=”en-GB”/><w14:ligatures w14:val=”none”/></w:rPr></w:pPr><w:r w:rsidRPr=”005E34DB”><w:rPr><w:rFonts w:eastAsia=”Times New Roman” w:cs=”Times New Roman”/><w:kern w:val=”0″/><w:lang w:eastAsia=”en-GB”/><w14:ligatures w14:val=”none”/></w:rPr><w:t>60–80 mg
<w:trPr><w:tblCellSpacing w:w=”15″ w:type=”dxa”/></w:trPr><w:tc><w:tcPr><w:tcW w:w=”0″ w:type=”auto”/><w:vAlign w:val=”center”/><w:hideMark/></w:tcPr><w:p w14:paraId=”339BACFD” w14:textId=”77777777″ w:rsidR=”005E34DB” w:rsidRPr=”005E34DB” w:rsidRDefault=”005E34DB” w:rsidP=”005E34DB”><w:pPr><w:spacing w:after=”0″ w:line=”240″ w:lineRule=”auto”/><w:rPr><w:rFonts w:eastAsia=”Times New Roman” w:cs=”Times New Roman”/><w:kern w:val=”0″/><w:lang w:eastAsia=”en-GB”/><w14:ligatures w14:val=”none”/></w:rPr></w:pPr><w:r w:rsidRPr=”005E34DB”><w:rPr><w:rFonts w:eastAsia=”Times New Roman” w:cs=”Times New Roman”/><w:kern w:val=”0″/><w:lang w:eastAsia=”en-GB”/><w14:ligatures w14:val=”none”/></w:rPr><w:t>Instant coffee
<w:tcPr><w:tcW w:w=”0″ w:type=”auto”/><w:vAlign w:val=”center”/><w:hideMark/></w:tcPr><w:p w14:paraId=”76482346″ w14:textId=”77777777″ w:rsidR=”005E34DB” w:rsidRPr=”005E34DB” w:rsidRDefault=”005E34DB” w:rsidP=”005E34DB”><w:pPr><w:spacing w:after=”0″ w:line=”240″ w:lineRule=”auto”/><w:jc w:val=”right”/><w:rPr><w:rFonts w:eastAsia=”Times New Roman” w:cs=”Times New Roman”/><w:kern w:val=”0″/><w:lang w:eastAsia=”en-GB”/><w14:ligatures w14:val=”none”/></w:rPr></w:pPr><w:r w:rsidRPr=”005E34DB”><w:rPr><w:rFonts w:eastAsia=”Times New Roman” w:cs=”Times New Roman”/><w:kern w:val=”0″/><w:lang w:eastAsia=”en-GB”/><w14:ligatures w14:val=”none”/></w:rPr><w:t>30–90 mg
*These figures are representative estimates drawn from published food composition data and coffee industry references. Actual values vary depending on bean species, dose, recipe and serving size.
The key point is that milk does not remove caffeine. A latte, cappuccino and flat white made with the same double espresso will contain broadly similar amounts of caffeine. The milk changes flavour and texture—not caffeine content.
This is one of the biggest myths in coffee.
The short answer is:
No—not in any meaningful practical sense.
Roasting changes the flavour and density of coffee beans far more than it changes caffeine content.
When coffee is measured by weight, light and dark roasts contain very similar amounts of caffeine.
Confusion arises because dark-roasted beans are slightly less dense than light-roasted beans. If coffee is measured by scoop rather than by weight, a scoop of dark roast contains fewer beans and therefore may contain slightly less caffeine.
Professional speciality cafés measure coffee by weight, making this difference negligible.
This depends on how you measure it.
Yes.
Espresso contains much more caffeine per millilitre because it is highly concentrated.
Often no.
A large filter coffee frequently contains more total caffeine than a single or even double espresso simply because the serving is much larger.
This is one of the most common misconceptions among coffee drinkers.
Not necessarily.
Bitterness and intensity are influenced by many factors, including:
A coffee can taste bold while containing relatively modest caffeine levels.
Similarly, a lightly roasted speciality coffee may taste bright and delicate while containing a similar amount of caffeine.
Not because it is speciality coffee.
Speciality coffee is defined by quality, not caffeine content.
Most speciality coffee uses Arabica beans, which naturally contain less caffeine than Robusta.
Instead, speciality coffee focuses on:
The goal is an exceptional coffee experience rather than simply delivering the highest possible caffeine level.
The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) advises that:
People who are particularly sensitive to caffeine, have certain medical conditions, or take medications that interact with caffeine should seek personalised advice from a healthcare professional.
No.
Several factors influence how caffeine affects an individual, including:
Some people can comfortably drink several coffees a day, while others may notice effects after a single espresso.
While caffeine often gets the headlines, it’s only one part of the coffee experience.
At Bocca Felice, we believe great coffee should be chosen for its:
Whether you prefer a bold espresso, a smooth flat white or a carefully brewed filter coffee, the enjoyment comes from quality—not simply caffeine content.
Every coffee we serve begins with responsibly sourced speciality coffee chosen for flavour, sustainability and consistency.
Our coffee hosts/baristas carefully dial in each coffee to highlight its natural sweetness, complexity and balance, ensuring every cup delivers an exceptional experience.
Whether you’re visiting us for your morning espresso or relaxing over a handcrafted flat white, we’re passionate about helping you enjoy coffee for everything it has to offer—not just its caffeine.
In typical café servings, a large filter coffee or an undiluted cold brew often contains more total caffeine than a single or double espresso. The exact amount depends on the recipe, bean variety and serving size.
Espresso contains more caffeine per millilitre, but a larger serving of filter coffee often contains more caffeine overall.
Robusta beans naturally contain roughly twice as much caffeine as Arabica beans.
No. When coffee is measured by weight, dark and light roasts contain very similar caffeine levels.
No. Milk changes the flavour and texture of coffee but does not significantly alter its caffeine content.
For most healthy adults, up to 400 mg per day is generally considered safe according to the European Food Safety Authority. Individual circumstances may differ.
How a Global Tradition Became Britain’s Favourite Daily Ritual Few drinks have shaped cultures, conversations, businesses, and communities quite like coffee. Today, coffee is one of the most consumed beverages in the world, enjoyed by millions every day. In the UK alone, coffee consumption has grown dramatically over the last two decades, transforming from a […]
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Discover what makes a flat white unique, how it differs from a latte and cappuccino, and why it's a speciality coffee favourite at Bocca Felice.
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