How Different Coffees Vary in Their Caffeine Content
If your daily diet includes foods and beverages with caffeine, you are not alone. Government data shows that 95% of U.S. adults consume caffeine daily, most of which comes from coffee. What is most fascinating is that different kinds of coffees have varying levels of caffeine.
The U.S. FDA says a typical 8-ounce cup of coffee offers anywhere from 80 to 100 mg of caffeine. Compare that to green or black tea with 30 to 50 mg. Soft drinks offer less caffeine but energy drinks contain substantially more.
Given that this post is all about coffee, here are some of the different coffee types and the estimated amounts of caffeine each contains:
Hot Brew
Hot brew coffee is coffee that is brewed in a conventional drip brewer or over the stove on a percolator. The ground coffee is kept separate from the brew by way of a metal or paper filter. A typical 8-ounce cup contains about 95 mg of caffeine.
Cold Brew
Cold brew coffee is the latest big thing on the coffee scene. Cold brew is made by steeping ground coffee in cold or room temperature water. As such, cold brew is not the same thing as iced coffee. As far as its caffeine content is concerned, an 8-ounce cup contains between 100 and 157 mg of caffeine.
Espresso
Espresso is the extra strong brew normally associated with Italian cafés. It is made by steaming finely ground coffee under pressure. Due to its high caffeine content, espresso is normally served in 1-ounce shots with approximately 63 mg of the buzz-inducing substance.
Decaffeinated Coffee
Many people assume that decaffeinated coffee has absolutely no caffeine in it. Unfortunately, that is not the case. It is not really possible to completely remove caffeine from coffee and still have a usable product. So instead, coffee makers reduce caffeine content as best they can without ruining the coffee’s flavor profile. A typical 8-ounce cup contains about 2 mg.
Instant Coffee
Instant coffee is a powdered coffee beverage that is made by freeze drying or spray-drying liquid coffee. It is reconstituted by adding water or milk. A typical 8-ounce cup contains about 63 mg of caffeine, which is just over two thirds of what you would expect to find in regular, hot brewed coffee.
Roasting and Preparation Methods Matter
If you haven’t caught on thus far, roasting and preparation methods matter in terms of caffeine content. For example, the high caffeine content in espresso is less about the coffee beans and more about the fact that it is prepared using high-pressure steam and finely ground coffee. Steam extracts more caffeine to begin with; its abilities are enhanced by the coffee’s finer grind.
Galaxie Coffee carries a complete variety of coffee beverages ranging from standard drip coffees to cold brews. We would be more than happy to set up regular delivery service to your office that includes a variety of hot and cold beverages, breakroom supplies, and janitorial supplies.