Table of Contents
Introduction
Coffee is not just considered a normal beverage. It is a source of energy for coffee consumers. Whether it is a morning brew or an evening sip, it provides freshness, alertness and an ultimate energy boost to the person who drinks it. This energetic effect comes from different chemical compounds that are naturally present in coffee, like chromogenic acids, lipids, carbohydrates and the very special and famous caffeine compound.
But the query regarding its effect on the body, especially the effect of the caffeine compound on the brain, is also an annoying part for the coffee lovers. Because of that, one of the most searched queries among the coffee consumer’s community is which coffee has the most caffeine. To solve this issue, we are going to explore which coffee has the most caffeine and also find the factors that influence caffeine level.
What determines the caffeine in coffee
Before moving towards the finding of which coffee has the most caffeine, let’s explore the factors that determine caffeine level in coffee. So, the main factors are as follows
Types of coffee beans
The first factor is types of coffee beans. Different coffee beans have different caffeine concentration levels. There are almost 100 coffee types all over the world and a coffee maker has to be aware of the amount of caffeine in the coffee bean that they are using.
For better understanding, take the example of the world’s two most famous coffee bean types. Arabica coffee beans, which contain almost 0.8% to 1.5% of caffeine by weight and Robusta coffee beans, which have 1.7% to 2.5% of caffeine, almost double that of Arabica beans.
Extraction process
The second important factor that determines which coffee has the most caffeine is the extraction process and roast level. The process during brewing in which coffee interacts with water to extract and dissolve all coffee compounds in water is called coffee extraction. A longer time of extraction with a high temperature of water and a fine grind size of coffee causes more extraction of caffeine in your cup.
Roast level
The third factor is roast level. Roast level influences the density and volume of coffee beans. Light roasts are denser and smaller and will release more caffeine by volume (per bean). But when talking about dark roast, it is less dense and has less caffeine by volume (per bean).
Grind size and brewing method
Another factor that influences which coffee has the most caffeine is coffee grind size, coffee brewing method and coffee serving size. Let’s explore each effect below.
Different brewing methods mean variation in extraction time, pressure and grind. All of these factors decided the rate of caffeine extraction in your mug.
Similarly, different sizes cause different impacts on your caffeine extraction. A coarser grind size of coffee beans allows slow extraction of coffee compounds like caffeine and other compounds and requires a long brew time for maximum extraction. A finer grind size has much surface area, allowing caffeine and other coffee compounds to dissolve faster even in a short brew time.
Based on type, which coffee has the most caffeine
After understanding the basic factors. There is also a finding that caffeine extraction is hidden behind the types of coffee serving. Hence, the query which coffee has the most caffeine is also replicated, as the caffeine content is based on how the coffee is brewed. So, some coffee brewing types and their extraction levels are given as follows
Espresso
Espresso is a concentrated coffee with a bold, intense flavor created under high pressure by using finely ground coffee beans. And due to that fine grind and hot water effect, maximum caffeine extraction has become possible. A single shot of espresso (1 oz) contains almost 60 to 65 mg of caffeine, while a double shot contains 120 to 125 mg.
Drip coffee
Drip coffee is second in our list. Because of the required large serving size and longer brewing time, it allows more caffeine extraction than espresso. A normal 8 oz serving of drip coffee contains almost 90 mg to 150 mg of caffeine. However, this level rises up to 150 mg to 200 mg if using Robusta rich beans.
Cold brew coffee
In order to determine which coffee has the most caffeine, cold brew is rated as a high caffeine coffee beverage because of its 12 to 24 hour brewing process. Using coarse grind size coffee beans, it required a steeping process for almost 12 to 24 hours, which creates a smooth tasting beverage with less acidity but high caffeine content.
Usually, a 12 oz cold brew contains 200 mg to 300 mg of caffeine or sometimes more than 300 mg, based on the preferred concentration of the beverage.
Instant coffee
Instant coffee is created from previously brewed dried coffee. The making process of instant coffee has some factors that reduce the caffeine content, like the dehydration process in which caffeine evaporates during the removal of water, higher temperatures that break down the caffeine compound, and the third factor, using low grade beans, which already have low caffeine.
Typically, an 8 oz instant brew coffee contains 50 mg to 80 mg of caffeine.
Specialty coffee
If we discuss caffeine content in some other types of special coffee like nitro cold brew or Turkish brew, then we find out that they also contain extreme amounts of caffeine.
Nitro cold brew is an upgraded version of cold brew coffee in which cold brew is infused with nitrogen gas for a creamy, frothy texture, this will allow it to preserve more caffeine. A 12 oz nitro brew coffee contains almost 190 mg to 320 mg of caffeine.
Similarly, Turkish coffee, a mixture of finely ground coffee beans and water brewed for a longer time period, also contains a high amount of caffeine compounds in it. A 6 oz Turkish coffee cup contains almost 150 mg to 200 mg of caffeine content.
High caffeine brand coffee
Different coffee brands offer different levels of caffeine content, which is mentioned in the product label. If you are using branded coffee, then it is necessary for you to read out its product label. If no detail is mentioned, then search on the brand’s website or ask customer service.
Caffeine comparison chart
In this last section of our article, let’s go through a comparison chart for better understanding of which coffee has the most caffeine.
| Coffee type | Serving size | Average Caffeine amount (mg) |
| Espresso | 1 oz | 60 to 65 |
| Drip coffee | 8 oz | 90 to 150 |
| Cold brew coffee | 12 oz | 200 to 300 |
| Instant coffee | 8 oz | 50 to 80 |
| Specialty coffee like Nitro cold brew Turkish coffee | 12 oz 6 oz | 190 to 320 150 to 200 |
| High caffeine brand coffee | Varying according to the brands | |