Part of our Mushroom Coffee guide library.
Short answer: A single 1-ounce shot of espresso has about 63 mg of caffeine, and a double shot has about 126 mg (USDA FoodData Central). Espresso from coffee shops varies much more: lab tests of 104 espressos bought in cafés found 48 to 317 mg per serving. Per drink, a single shot has less caffeine than an 8-ounce cup of brewed coffee (about 95 mg), but ounce for ounce espresso has about five times as much.
Espresso is a small, concentrated coffee made by forcing hot water through finely ground coffee under pressure. Here is how much caffeine is in a single, double and decaf shot, how espresso compares with brewed coffee, why coffee-shop shots vary so much, how much caffeine is in lattes and other espresso drinks, and how many shots is too many.
What you'll learn
- How much caffeine is in a single, double and decaf shot of espresso
- Whether espresso has more caffeine than regular coffee
- Why coffee-shop espresso varies so much, and whether roast matters
- How much caffeine is in lattes, cappuccinos and Americanos
- How many shots of espresso is too much
Caffeine in espresso at a glance
| Serving | Size | Caffeine | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single shot of espresso | 1 fl oz | About 63 mg | USDA FoodData Central |
| Double shot (doppio) | 2 fl oz | About 126 mg (two single shots) | USDA FoodData Central |
| Coffee-shop espresso, 104 samples | 1 serving | 48–317 mg | Ludwig et al., 2014 |
| Decaf espresso | 1 shot | 3–16 mg in one study | McCusker et al., 2006 |
| Brewed coffee, for comparison | 8 fl oz | About 95 mg | USDA FoodData Central |
The USDA figure is an average for restaurant-prepared espresso. Your shot can be higher or lower depending on how much coffee the café uses.
How much caffeine is in a shot of espresso?
About 63 mg in a standard 1-ounce single shot (USDA FoodData Central). USDA lists 212 mg of caffeine per 100 g of espresso, and a 1-fluid-ounce shot weighs about 29.6 g. Real coffee-shop shots are less predictable: in a study of 104 espressos from cafés in Scotland, Italy and Spain, caffeine ranged from 48 to 317 mg per serving (Ludwig et al., 2014).
How much caffeine is in a double shot of espresso?
About 126 mg. A double shot, or doppio, uses roughly twice the coffee and water of a single shot, so it has roughly twice the caffeine, based on USDA's single-shot average (USDA FoodData Central). A triple shot would be about 189 mg on the same basis, but coffee-shop shots can be much stronger than the average.
Does espresso have more caffeine than coffee?
Per ounce, yes; per drink, usually not. A 1-ounce shot of espresso has about 63 mg of caffeine, while 1 ounce of brewed coffee has about 12 mg, so espresso is about five times as concentrated (USDA FoodData Central). But an 8-ounce cup of brewed coffee has about 95 mg, which is more than a single shot. A double shot (about 126 mg) is closer to a large cup of drip coffee. For brewed, instant and decaf coffee, see how much caffeine is in a cup of coffee.
Why does espresso caffeine vary so much?
The amount of coffee in the basket matters most. A study of 20 high-street espressos found a 6-fold difference in caffeine, with one single espresso containing 322 mg; the researchers concluded the main reason was likely how much coffee each barista used (Crozier et al., 2012).
- Dose of ground coffee. More coffee in the basket means more caffeine in the cup (Crozier et al., 2012).
- The beans. Blends that include robusta, which is higher in caffeine than arabica, can raise the total (Crozier et al., 2012). See Arabica vs Robusta.
- Grind and preparation. Grinding and barista methods also play a part (Crozier et al., 2012).
- Roast level matters little. In lab tests, caffeine stayed stable at higher roasting temperatures, so a dark roast is not much stronger or weaker in caffeine than a light roast (Ludwig et al., 2014).
How much caffeine is in a latte or cappuccino?
The same as the espresso shots in it. Lattes, cappuccinos and Americanos are made by adding milk or water to a single or double shot (Crozier et al., 2012), and milk and water add no caffeine. A one-shot drink has about 63 mg and a two-shot drink about 126 mg, based on the USDA average (USDA FoodData Central).
| Drink | What it is | Caffeine |
|---|---|---|
| Americano | Espresso topped up with hot water | Same as its shots |
| Latte | Espresso with steamed milk and a little foam | Same as its shots |
| Cappuccino | Espresso with steamed milk and more foam | Same as its shots |
| Macchiato | Espresso marked with a little milk foam | Same as its shots |
| Flat white | Espresso with a thin layer of steamed milk | Same as its shots |
If you want to know how strong your drink is, ask how many shots it has. Larger sizes often include more shots.
How many shots of espresso is too much?
For most healthy adults, the FDA cites up to 400 mg of caffeine a day as an amount not generally linked to negative effects (FDA). At the USDA average of about 63 mg, that is roughly six single shots, but coffee-shop shots can contain several times more, so two or three café drinks can add up quickly (Ludwig et al., 2014). Count every source of caffeine, including tea, soda, energy drinks and chocolate.
Signs you may be having too much include a fast heart rate, trouble sleeping, anxiety, jitters, an upset stomach, nausea and headaches (FDA). People vary widely in their sensitivity, and if you are pregnant, trying to become pregnant or breastfeeding, the FDA recommends asking your health care provider whether you should limit caffeine (FDA). See how much caffeine is too much and how long caffeine stays in your system.
Lower-caffeine alternatives to espresso
- Decaf espresso: about 3 to 16 mg per shot in one study (McCusker et al., 2006). It is lower in caffeine, not caffeine-free; see does decaf coffee have caffeine?.
- Half-caf: ask for one regular and one decaf shot in a two-shot drink.
- Mushroom coffee: NeuroCoffee has 30 mg of caffeine per 2-tablespoon serving, about half a single shot, along with 300 mg of Alpha-GPC (Product Facts). See does mushroom coffee have caffeine?.
- Matcha: usually less caffeine per cup than a double shot; compare them in matcha vs coffee.
Common myths (quick reality check)
Myth: Espresso has more caffeine than a cup of coffee. Reality: Only per ounce. A single shot has about 63 mg, while an 8-ounce cup of brewed coffee has about 95 mg.
Myth: Dark roast espresso has much more (or much less) caffeine. Reality: Caffeine stays fairly stable during roasting, so roast level makes little difference to caffeine.
Myth: Decaf espresso has no caffeine. Reality: Decaf espresso had about 3 to 16 mg per shot in one study.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
How much caffeine is in a shot of espresso?
About 63 mg in a 1-ounce single shot, based on USDA data. Coffee-shop shots vary widely, from 48 to 317 mg per serving in one study of 104 espressos.
How much caffeine is in a double shot of espresso?
About 126 mg, roughly twice a single shot. Coffee-shop double shots can be higher.
How much caffeine is in a triple shot of espresso?
About 189 mg, or three times the USDA single-shot average of about 63 mg.
Does espresso have more caffeine than coffee?
Per ounce, yes: about 63 mg per ounce versus about 12 mg for brewed coffee. Per drink, a single shot has less caffeine than an 8-ounce cup of coffee (about 95 mg).
Does dark roast espresso have more caffeine?
Not really. Lab tests found caffeine stays stable at higher roasting temperatures, so dark and light roasts have similar caffeine.
How much caffeine is in decaf espresso?
About 3 to 16 mg per shot in one study. Decaf espresso is lower in caffeine, not caffeine-free.
How many shots of espresso a day is safe?
For most healthy adults, up to 400 mg of caffeine a day is not generally linked to negative effects. That is about six average single shots, but coffee-shop shots can be much stronger, and people who are sensitive, pregnant or taking certain medications may need less.
Does a latte have more caffeine than espresso?
No. A latte has the same caffeine as the espresso shots in it; the milk adds none. A two-shot latte has about as much caffeine as a double espresso.
Related guides
- How much caffeine is in a cup of coffee?
- Does decaf coffee have caffeine?
- How much caffeine is too much?
- How long does caffeine stay in your system?
- Matcha vs coffee
Disclaimer and when to seek help
This article is for general education and is not medical advice. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Our products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Talk to your health care provider about caffeine if you are pregnant, trying to become pregnant or breastfeeding, have a heart condition, anxiety or high blood pressure, or take medication.
References
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration. "Spilling the Beans: How Much Caffeine Is Too Much?" Content current as of August 28, 2024.
- U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service. FoodData Central: espresso, restaurant-prepared (FDC 171891) and brewed coffee (FDC 171890).
- Ludwig IA, Mena P, Calani L, et al. "Variations in caffeine and chlorogenic acid contents of coffees: what are we drinking?" Food & Function, 2014;5(8):1718-1726. doi:10.1039/c4fo00290c
- Crozier TWM, Stalmach A, Lean MEJ, Crozier A. "Espresso coffees, caffeine and chlorogenic acid intake: potential health implications." Food & Function, 2012;3(1):30-33. doi:10.1039/c1fo10240k
- McCusker RR, et al. "Caffeine content of decaffeinated coffee." Journal of Analytical Toxicology, 2006;30(8):611-613. doi:10.1093/jat/30.8.611
