How Much Caffeine Is in a Cup of Coffee? Full Breakdown by Type
An 8 fl oz cup of brewed coffee contains roughly 70 to 140 mg of caffeine, with about 95 mg being typical. Espresso holds around 63 mg per shot, and instant coffee ranges from about 30 to 90 mg per cup depending on the brand and how much powder you use. Decaf contains a small residual amount, usually under 7 mg. The figure varies because caffeine depends on the bean, the roast, the brewing method, and the ratio of coffee to water.
Caffeine by coffee type
- Brewed coffee: 70 to 140 mg per 8 fl oz, averaging about 95 mg
- Espresso: about 63 mg per shot (1 to 1.75 fl oz)
- Espresso drinks: about 63 mg in a small, up to 125 mg in a large
- Instant coffee: 30 to 90 mg per cup, depending on brand and amount used
- Decaf coffee: 0 to 7 mg
Caffeine in Waka instant coffee
Because instant coffee is measured by the spoonful, the caffeine in the cup is set by how much powder you use. Waka's published figures:
- Medium roast: approximately 55 mg per 2 tsp, or 60 mg per single-serve packet
- Dark roast: approximately 75 mg per 2 tsp, or 80 mg per packet
- Instant espresso: approximately 45 mg per 1 tsp shot
- Butterscotch Vanilla: approximately 50 mg per 2 tsp
- Decaf: approximately 3 mg per 2 tsp, or 4 mg per packet
Full figures for every product, including the teas, are on the Product FAQ.
Does dark roast have more or less caffeine?
This depends entirely on how you measure. Roasting burns off a small amount of caffeine and beans lose water and expand, so by volume a scoop of dark roast whole beans holds slightly less caffeine than the same scoop of light roast. Measured by weight, the difference is negligible.
For instant coffee the question does not apply the same way, because you are measuring a pre-extracted powder rather than beans. Waka's dark roast contains more caffeine per serving than the medium roast — approximately 75 mg against 55 mg per 2 teaspoons — because the powder is denser and the packets are filled to a heavier weight.
What affects caffeine content
Bean type. Robusta beans contain roughly twice the caffeine of arabica, but taste harsher and more bitter. Waka uses 100% arabica.
Brewing method. Drip or filter runs 115 to 175 mg. French press runs 80 to 135 mg. Percolated and boiled coffee, such as Turkish or Greek, can reach 200 mg or more, because the grounds stay in contact with water far longer.
Ratio and cup size. More coffee per ounce of water means more caffeine. A large chain-cafe cup can hold three or four standard servings, which is why a single "cup" of coffee out can carry several times what a home cup does.
How much caffeine is safe in a day?
Most health authorities put the upper limit for healthy adults at around 400 mg per day, though tolerance varies with body size, health, and habitual intake. Roughly 100 mg is enough to produce a noticeable lift for most people. Short-term effects of too much include restlessness, anxiety, irritability, and disrupted sleep. Anyone pregnant, on medication, or with a heart condition should check with their doctor rather than rely on a general figure.
Common questions
How much caffeine is in Waka instant coffee?
Approximately 55 mg per 2 teaspoon serving of medium roast, 75 mg for dark roast, 45 mg per instant espresso shot, and 3 mg for decaf.
Does instant coffee have less caffeine than brewed?
Usually somewhat less per cup, but it is adjustable. Instant coffee is measured by the spoonful, so using more powder raises the caffeine to match or exceed a brewed cup.
Which has more caffeine, espresso or coffee?
Per ounce, espresso — by a wide margin. Per drink, a full cup of brewed coffee usually contains more, because a shot of espresso is only 1 to 1.75 fl oz.
Is decaf coffee caffeine free?
No. US regulations require at least 97 percent of the caffeine to be removed, which leaves a small residual amount. Waka decaf contains approximately 3 mg per serving.
Read more about caffeine in instant coffee vs. espresso drinks, or shop Waka instant coffee.
