Caffeine in drinks chart
Caffeine depends on bean, roast, grind and brewing time more than on “strength” of taste. Espresso has more per ounce but less per cup. Most health authorities cap adults at 400 mg/day and pregnancy at 200 mg/day.
| Drink | Serving | Caffeine (mg) |
|---|---|---|
| Brewed coffee | 240 ml / 8 oz | 95 (range 70–140) |
| Espresso | 30 ml / 1 shot | 63 (range 47–75) |
| Cold brew | 240 ml / 8 oz | 100–150 |
| Instant coffee | 240 ml / 8 oz | 60 (range 30–90) |
| Decaf coffee | 240 ml / 8 oz | 2–7 (not zero) |
| Black tea | 240 ml / 8 oz | 47 (range 25–90) |
| Green tea | 240 ml / 8 oz | 28 (range 25–45) |
| Matcha (prepared) | 240 ml / 8 oz | 60–80 |
| Energy drink | 250 ml can | 80 |
| Large energy drink | 473 ml / 16 oz | 150–160 |
| Cola | 355 ml / 12 oz can | 34 |
| Diet cola | 355 ml / 12 oz can | 34–46 |
| Hot chocolate | 240 ml / 8 oz | 5–10 |
| Dark chocolate | 40 g bar | 20–30 |
Notes
- Pregnancy: most guidance says ≤200 mg/day (about one 12 oz brewed coffee).
- Half-life is ~5 hours — a 4 pm coffee leaves a quarter of it circulating at midnight.
- Energy drink caffeine is similar to coffee per can, but served cold and fast, making overconsumption easier.
Frequently asked questions
- How much caffeine is in a cup of coffee?
- About 95 mg in a 240 ml brewed cup, though the range is wide (70–140 mg) depending on bean, roast and brewing.
- Does espresso have more caffeine than coffee?
- Per ounce yes (≈63 mg in a 30 ml shot), but a full mug of brewed coffee has more total caffeine than a single shot.
- How much caffeine is safe per day?
- Up to 400 mg for healthy adults (roughly 4 brewed cups), and ≤200 mg per day during pregnancy per most guidance.