How much caffeine is in your coffee?
| Drink | Serving | Caffeine |
|---|---|---|
| Drip coffee | 8 oz / 240 ml | 95 mg |
| Cold brew | 8 oz / 240 ml | ~150 mg |
| Espresso | 1 shot | 63 mg |
| Instant coffee | 8 oz / 240 ml | ~60 mg |
| Decaf coffee | 8 oz / 240 ml | 2-15 mg |
| Black tea | 8 oz / 240 ml | 47 mg |
| Green tea | 8 oz / 240 ml | 28 mg |
| Energy drink | 8.4 oz / 250 ml | 80 mg |
| Cola | 12 oz / 355 ml | 34 mg |
Why your cup varies
The numbers above are typical averages, and real cups differ for three main reasons. First, the bean and roast change the amount; lighter roasts often keep more caffeine by volume. Second, the brew method matters: a longer brew, a finer grind, or more coffee per cup all raise the total. Cold brew is usually more concentrated than drip coffee, which is why an 8 oz cup can hold 150 mg or more.
Third, serving size is the hidden factor. A large cafe cup is often 16-20 oz, which doubles or triples the table's 8 oz numbers. A 20 oz drip coffee can easily carry 200-300 mg — close to the whole daily guideline in one drink.
The practical takeaway: if you track your intake, count your actual cup size, not the table's 8 oz row. And remember that a grande latte is mostly milk, so its caffeine comes mostly from the shots of espresso inside it.
Quick answers
Which drink has the most caffeine?
Energy drinks and large brewed coffees top the list; a large drip coffee can hold 200-300 mg.
Does tea have less caffeine than coffee?
Usually yes — black tea has about half the caffeine of a similar cup of coffee.
Is decaf caffeine-free?
No, decaf still has a small amount, usually 2-15 mg per cup.
Why do numbers differ online?
Brewing strength, bean type, and brand all change the amount. Treat numbers as ranges.
Does cold brew have more caffeine?
Usually yes per cup, because it is more concentrated than drip coffee.