How Much Caffeine Is in Coffee?
door Elise van Twillert
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Whether you start your morning with an espresso or slowly sip on a large mug of filter coffee, you’ve probably wondered at some point: how much caffeine is actually in my cup?
The answer: it depends. The amount of caffeine in coffee varies depending on the type of bean, roast, and brewing method. Let’s break it down.
What Is Caffeine?
Caffeine is a natural stimulant found in the seeds (beans) of the coffee plant. It helps you feel more alert and focused — and it’s the main reason many people can’t imagine starting their day without coffee.
The amount of caffeine in a cup depends on three main factors:
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The bean type (Arabica or Robusta)
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The amount of coffee used
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The brewing method
Arabica vs. Robusta: Which Has More Caffeine?
Most specialty coffee, including what we roast at Stooker Specialty Coffee Amsterdam, is made from 100% Arabica beans. Arabica has a more refined flavor profile — fruity, floral and sweet — and contains less caffeine than Robusta.
On average, Arabica contains 0.8–1.4% caffeine, while Robusta holds between 1.7–3%. That’s nearly double! This is also why Robusta often tastes more bitter and earthy, whereas Arabica allows for cleaner, more complex flavors.
How Much Caffeine per Cup?
The amount of caffeine varies greatly depending on how the coffee is brewed. Here’s a quick comparison:
| Coffee Type | Serving Size | Average Caffeine |
|---|---|---|
| Espresso (30 ml) | Single shot | ± 60–80 mg |
| Double Espresso (60 ml) | Doppio | ± 120–160 mg |
| Americano / Black Coffee (250 ml) | Espresso + hot water | ± 80–120 mg |
| Filter Coffee (250 ml) | 1 cup | ± 120–150 mg |
| Cold Brew (250 ml) | 1 glass | ± 150–200 mg |
| Decaf Coffee (250 ml) | 1 cup | ± 2–5 mg |
Even though espresso tastes stronger, a cup of filter coffee usually contains more caffeine — simply because it’s a larger drink.
Does the Roast Affect Caffeine Levels?
A common myth is that darker roasted beans contain more caffeine. In fact, caffeine levels barely change during roasting.
Lightly roasted coffee — like our specialty coffee at Stooker — can even have slightly more caffeine by weight, since lighter beans are denser and you fit more into a scoop.
So the difference lies in flavor, not caffeine.
How Much Coffee Is Healthy?
According to the European Food Safety Authority up to 400 mg of caffeine per day is considered safe for most healthy adults — that’s about 3 to 4 cups of coffee.
Everyone reacts differently: some people feel jittery after a single espresso, while others enjoy several cups a day without issue. Listen to your body and find your balance.
Caffeine in Specialty Coffee
Because we at Stooker Specialty Coffee work exclusively with 100% Arabica, our coffee naturally contains less caffeine — but far more flavor. We roast lightly to highlight the beans’ natural sweetness, fruitiness and balance.
Want to explore different coffee styles and caffeine strengths? Join a workshop at our Coffee Academy or sign up for our coffee subscription to discover new flavors each month.