Did You Know? A Shot of Espresso Has Less Caffeine Than a Cup of Brewed Coffee!
It’s a common misconception that espresso is packed with more caffeine than regular coffee. In fact, when you compare a single shot of espresso to an 8-ounce cup of brewed coffee, the brewed coffee usually contains more caffeine.
On average, a double shot of espresso contains about 80mg of caffeine, while a typical 8-ounce cup of brewed coffee has around 120mg of caffeine. So, even though espresso is more concentrated and served in smaller volumes, it doesn’t necessarily deliver more caffeine than its larger counterpart!
But what determines the caffeine content in your cup of coffee? It's not just about the brewing method. Caffeine is water-soluble, meaning the longer coffee grounds are in contact with water, the more caffeine they release. Factors like water temperature, grind size, roast level, and the type of coffee bean all play crucial roles in the final caffeine concentration.
For example, espresso is brewed quickly—usually in about 25-30 seconds—using very fine coffee grounds under high pressure. In contrast, brewed coffee, whether it's drip, French press, or pour-over, generally takes a longer brewing time (several minutes), allowing more caffeine to be extracted from the grounds.
So, while espresso may pack a punch in terms of flavor and intensity, brewed coffee typically wins when it comes to caffeine content in a standard serving. The next time you’re reaching for your favorite coffee, you can rest assured that the brew is giving you more of that energizing jolt!
