Like much of America, you might be a coffee lover. But not all drinks are the same when looking at caffeine content. Does the roast, type of bean or brewing method affect how much caffeine is in your cup of joe? We’ll discover what drink has the most caffeine and give recommendations on the best types of coffee for a jolt in the morning or mellow afternoon pick-me-up.
What Affects the Amount of Caffeine in a Drink?
Roast
The degree to which coffee beans are roasted affects the caffeine level. Though darker roasted beans have a more intense flavor, they actually have less caffeine than light roast. This is because the longer the beans are roasted, the more caffeine burns off. Light roasts can have 60% more caffeine than dark roasts when measured by volume!
Type of Coffee
There are two species of coffee plants that are available to us: Arabica or Robusta. Arabica was the first coffee plant to be discovered and makes up about 70% of all coffee produced in the world. Robusta is less common and used primarily in blends and instant coffee. Research has found that coffee extracted from Robusta beans typically contains twice the amount of caffeine compared to Arabica.
Learn more about the difference between Arabica and Robusta beans.
Brewing Method
The way you brew your coffee will make a difference in how much caffeine is extracted, too. Instant, drip, French press and brewed coffee will have less caffeine than cold brew and espresso.
If you want to extract more caffeine out of your coffee, there are some tricks that you can try at home. Increasing your coffee to water ratio slightly, grinding your beans finer than normal, upping your water temperature or letting your coffee hang out in the French press a little longer all lead to higher caffeine extraction.
Don’t miss our list of caffeinated drinks, ranked from least to most caffeine.
What Drink Has the Most Caffeine?
With this freshly brewed knowledge, you can make an educated decision on what type of coffee best aligns with your needs. In general, lighter roasts and cold brews have more caffeine. So if you need to a big jolt of energy, try a cold brew made with a blonde roast. If you need a more mild lift, darker roasts brewed with a regular drip coffee maker will do you just fine.
That being said, it’s important to not go overboard, as overconsumption of caffeine can lead to insomnia, increased heart rate, anxiousness, headaches, dehydration and nausea. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) states that 400 milligrams (mg) of caffeine per day is generally considered a safe amount, though everyone responds to caffeine differently.
The average cup of coffee contains 100 mg of caffeine, but depending on the roast and brewing method, a single cup can have 200 mg or more! Have fun experimenting with different types of coffee—in moderation, of course.
Try These Copycat Coffee Shop Drinks
Frothy Cafe BombonI discovered this layered java beverage during my honeymoon in Spain. —Keri Hesemann, St. Charles, Missouri
This
chocolate coffee recipe is sure to be the highlight of your morning!
Easy Spiced Morning MochaThis recipe is a delicious morning pick-me-up and still tastes great when made with low-fat milk.—Vicki Wright, Omaha, Nebraska
Coffee with Cinnamon and ClovesA quick-and-easy, fall-flavored coffee made with instant granules. What's not to love about this special beverage? —Jill Garn, Charlotte, Michigan
Caramel MochaIf you crave cafe-style coffees at home, here's a recipe for caramel mocha. You can make this decadent, sweet recipe within a few minutes and have a drink that rivals what you'd get at a coffeehouse.
Comforting Coffee MilkThis recipe is special to me because the delicious ingredients and flavors speak for themselves without those extra preservatives. Now that’s refreshing! —Brenda Schrag, Farmington, New Mexico
Holiday Peppermint MochaMake spirits bright with a minty mocha to share under the mistletoe or around the piano. I’ve also stirred in coffee liqueur instead of peppermint. —Lauren Brien-Wooster, South Lake Tahoe, California
Creamy Irish CoffeeMy maternal grandma seldom drank more than a glass of champagne at Christmas, but she couldn't resist my Creamy Irish Coffee. —Rebecca Little, Park Ridge, Illinois
Mocha Morning DrinkWhen I'm sipping this delicious coffee, I almost feel as if I'm visiting my favorite coffeehouse. —Jill Rodriguez, Gonzales, Louisiana
Caramel-Chai Tea LatteInspired by the spicy chai drinks served at coffee shops, I whipped up a caramel-drizzled latte I can enjoy at home anytime. —Katelyn Kelly, Perryville, Maryland
Viennese CoffeeThis isn't your regular cup of Joe! Dress it up with chocolate, whipped cream and more, making it a drink to savor! —Sharon Delaney-Chronis, South Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Hazelnut Mocha SmoothiesThis smooth blend of coffee, cocoa and nutty flavors is better than any coffeehouse version we've tried. Try it, and we're sure you will agree. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Iced Coffee LatteThis amazing alternative to regular hot coffee is much more economical than store-bought coffee drinks. Sweetened condensed milk and a hint of chocolate lend a special touch. —Heather Nandell, Johnston, Iowa
Coconut Lover's FrappeI love frozen beverages, so I wanted to create one similar to those in coffee shops but without coffee as an ingredient. When I drink this frosty treat it's as good as any specialty shop drink but without the hassle or the cost. —Emily Semmelrock, Jewett City, Connecticut
Sweet Kahlua CoffeeI have this beverage brewing in my slow cooker at my annual Christmas open house. I set out the whipped cream and grated chocolate in festive dishes so guests can help themselves to as much Kahlua-flavored coffee as they'd like.—Ruth Gruchow, Yorba Linda, California
Frosty Caramel CappuccinoThis frothy iced cappuccino is positively delicious for breakfast, a mid-afternoon snack or an after-dinner dessert. It's also a great quick treat to serve with a plate of cookies for the holidays. To make the ice cream topping easier to drizzle, put it in a squeeze bottle, take the cap off and microwave for a few seconds. —Carol Mann, Summerfield, Florida
Honey Spiced LatteWe combine rich molasses, golden honey and a host of spices to create this warm and comforting beverage.—Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Hazelnut CoffeeThe blend of flavors—coffee, hazelnut and a bit of chocolate—makes this drink absolutely sensational. It is delightful for breakfast or brunch, or serve it as one of your beverage offerings at a cocktail or dinner party. —Frieda Bliesner, McAllen, Texas
Irish Cream CoffeeA steaming cup of this Irish cream coffee makes the perfect pick-me-up any time of day. Try experimenting with other liqueurs or
creamers to give each cup new life. —Carol Fate, Waverly, Illinois
Hot Ginger CoffeeI like to sit by the fire and sip this coffee on a cold winter day. It's a wonderful warmup after shoveling snow, skiing, skating or snowmobiling. —Audrey Thibodeau, Gilbert, Arizona
Iced CoffeeWhen my sister introduced me to iced coffee, I wasn’t sure I’d like it. Not only did I love it, but I decided to start making my own iced coffee recipe. This easy version is a refreshing alternative to hot coffee. —Jenny Reece, Lowry, Minnesota
Cinnamon Mocha CoffeeMost store-bought flavored coffees are expensive. Here's a special early-morning beverage you can make at home. The aroma of cinnamon and cocoa makes this mocha coffee hard to resist. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Cappuccino PunchWhen I tried this punch at a friend's wedding shower, I had to have the recipe. Guests will eagerly gather around the punch bowl when you ladle out this frothy mocha ice cream drink. —Rose Reich, Nampa, Idaho
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