How Much Caffeine Does a Cup of Coffee Contain?

Whether you prefer Starbucks or brew your coffee at home, we can help you get more value from your cup. Discover the caffeine content of your favorite coffee.

Coffee enthusiasts, brace yourselves: No two cups of coffee are exactly alike. If you’re splurging on your daily morning brew, wouldn’t you want to maximize its wake-up caffeine kick? The truth is, the amount of caffeine per fluid ounce of coffee varies. So, how can you determine the caffeine content in your cup of coffee? After all, coffee is one of the best sources of caffeine.

How much caffeine is in a cup of coffee?
The caffeine content in a cup of coffee can vary due to several factors, including grind size, water temperature, brewing time, and style, explains Megan Meyer, PhD, Director of Science Communication at the International Food Information Council Foundation. Additionally, the type of coffee beans and roasting technique play a role, notes Malina Malkani, MS, RD, CDN, media spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. While lighter “blonde” roasts typically contain more caffeine, darker roasts offer a stronger flavor. Since multiple factors influence coffee’s caffeine content, the figures below represent average estimates, as per Meyer and Malkani.

Here’s the approximate caffeine content in various types of coffee:

• Brewed coffee: 70-200mg (95mg on average)
• Decaf coffee: 2-4mg (3mg on average)
• Espresso: 47-75mg (63mg on average)
• Instant coffee: 65-80mg
• Single-shot latte: 47-75mg
• Keurig cup: 75-150mg
• French press: 80-135mg
• Drip coffee: 165mg
• Pour-over: 175mg
• Cold brew: 155mg

How much caffeine is in coffee from popular chains?
Starbucks
Starbucks offers varying caffeine content based on cup size. A brewed cup from the brand contains 155mg of caffeine in a short (eight-ounce) cup, 235mg in a tall (12-ounce) cup, 310mg in a grande (16-ounce) cup, and 410mg in a venti (20-ounce) cup.

McDonald’s
While McDonald’s doesn’t standardize caffeine content, estimates for a brewed cup range from 109mg in a small (12-ounce) cup to 180mg in a large (21 to 24-ounce) cup.

Dunkin’
Dunkin’ provides 150mg of caffeine in a small (ten-ounce) cup, 210mg in a medium (16-ounce) cup, 300mg in a large (20-ounce) cup, and 359mg in an extra-large (24-ounce) cup.

Death Wish
For those seeking a potent caffeine boost, Death Wish coffee boasts 54.2mg per ounce. Despite its bold claim as the world’s strongest coffee, consuming one cup is not lethal, according to the brand.

How much caffeine is considered safe per day?
Moderate caffeine consumption typically falls within the range of 300 to 400 milligrams per day, equivalent to approximately three to four eight-ounce cups of home-brewed coffee, as suggested by Meyer. The FDA regards 400 milligrams per day as safe and not associated with harmful effects. However, excessive caffeine intake may disrupt sleep, elevate anxiety, or trigger heart palpitations, warns Malkani. It’s crucial to recognize individual caffeine sensitivity and practice moderation.