Are lattes high in caffeine? A detailed look at your favorite coffee drink

November 22, 2025 •

4 min read

With a single shot of espresso containing approximately 63 milligrams of caffeine, many people question: are lattes high in caffeine? The creamy, milky texture often hides the potency of its core ingredient, making its actual caffeine kick a common point of curiosity for coffee drinkers everywhere.

Quick Summary

A latte's total caffeine depends primarily on the number of espresso shots, with a single shot containing about 63 mg. Unlike drip coffee, which has higher total caffeine in a standard serving, a latte's espresso is concentrated but is diluted by milk, offering a milder perceived effect.

Key Points

Caffeine content depends on espresso shots: The number of espresso shots is the main determinant of a latte's caffeine level, with one shot adding approximately 63-64 mg.
Latte vs. Drip Coffee: A standard 8oz drip coffee often has more caffeine than a standard 8oz single-shot latte, though a double-shot latte can have a comparable total amount.
Milk dilutes the effect: The steamed milk in a latte dilutes the espresso, making the perceived caffeine intensity milder and providing a slower energy release.
Factors influence potency: The type of coffee bean (Arabica vs. Robusta), roast level, and extraction process all affect how much caffeine ends up in the drink.
Customizable for control: You can easily control your caffeine intake by specifying the number of espresso shots or choosing a decaf option.
Safe consumption guidelines: For most adults, staying under 400 mg of caffeine daily is recommended, so knowing your latte's content is crucial for moderation.

Demystifying the Latte's Caffeine Content

When considering if lattes are high in caffeine, the key is to understand what constitutes a latte. A classic caffè latte consists of espresso and steamed milk, topped with a thin layer of foam. Therefore, the total caffeine is directly proportional to the number of espresso shots a barista adds. A typical single espresso shot contains approximately 63 to 64 milligrams of caffeine. Most standard-sized lattes (e.g., 12 oz) come with one or two shots, placing their caffeine content in the range of 63 to 128 milligrams. However, larger sizes, or specialty versions, can easily increase this total with additional shots.

Factors That Influence a Latte's Caffeine Level

Beyond the number of espresso shots, several other variables play a crucial role in determining the final caffeine content of your latte. Knowing these can help you better control your daily intake.

Coffee Bean Variety: The type of coffee bean used significantly impacts the caffeine level. Robusta beans have nearly twice the caffeine of Arabica beans, though Arabica's smoother flavor makes it the more common choice for lattes. Some espresso blends use a mix of both for a stronger effect.
Roast Level: Contrary to popular belief, a darker roast doesn't necessarily mean more caffeine. Lighter roasts retain more caffeine per bean weight because the roasting process reduces mass. However, darker roasts are denser and contain less moisture, so when measured by volume, the difference is often minimal.
Extraction Method and Grind Size: Espresso is a concentrated form of coffee brewed by forcing hot water through finely-ground beans under high pressure. A finer grind and slower extraction can lead to more caffeine being pulled from the grounds.
Serving Size and Milk Ratio: The amount of milk in a latte dilutes the caffeine concentration per sip, even if the total caffeine remains the same. A larger latte might contain the same number of espresso shots as a smaller one, but its volume makes the caffeine feel less potent.

Is a Latte More Caffeinated Than Other Coffee Drinks?

Many assume lattes are very strong due to their espresso base, but when compared to a standard cup of drip coffee, the total caffeine might be lower depending on the serving size. This comparison is key to understanding where a latte fits in the caffeinated beverage hierarchy.

Caffeine Comparison: Latte vs. Other Popular Coffee Drinks


Beverage	Typical Serving Size	Average Caffeine Content (mg)	Notes
Latte (Single-shot)	8 oz (240 ml)	~63-75 mg	Diluted by a large amount of milk.
Latte (Double-shot)	16 oz (473 ml)	~125-150 mg	Often standard for larger lattes.
Brewed Coffee (Drip)	8 oz (240 ml)	~95 mg	Standard drip coffee packs more caffeine per volume.
Espresso (Single Shot)	1 oz (30 ml)	~63 mg	Highly concentrated, but small volume.
Cold Brew	12 oz (355 ml)	~150-200 mg	Higher total caffeine due to longer steeping time.
Instant Coffee	8 oz (240 ml)	~60-80 mg	Often lower and can vary significantly.

As the table shows, an 8-ounce cup of drip coffee actually contains more caffeine than a standard 8-ounce single-shot latte. However, a large, double-shot latte can contain a comparable or even higher amount of total caffeine than a regular cup of drip coffee. The primary difference lies in volume and concentration, which is why a shot of espresso feels like a stronger jolt than a sip of drip coffee.

Health Considerations for Caffeine in Lattes

While a moderate amount of caffeine can boost alertness and focus, excessive consumption can lead to negative side effects like anxiety, jitters, and disrupted sleep. Most health authorities recommend a daily caffeine intake of no more than 400 mg for the average healthy adult. For those who are sensitive to caffeine, pregnant, or have pre-existing health conditions, the recommended limit is often lower. The milk in a latte can help to soften the impact of the caffeine, leading to a more gradual absorption and a less jarring energy spike compared to black coffee. For this reason, some find lattes to be a gentler option. For those monitoring their intake closely, specifying the number of shots or ordering a decaf version are simple solutions.

Conclusion

So, are lattes high in caffeine? The answer is nuanced. While espresso is highly concentrated, the large amount of milk dilutes the total caffeine, making a standard single-shot latte less caffeinated than a typical cup of drip coffee by volume. However, larger lattes, especially those with extra shots, can pack a significant caffeine punch that rivals or surpasses other coffee beverages. Ultimately, the caffeine content in a latte is customizable, giving you the power to control your boost by adjusting the number of espresso shots. It's the balance of espresso and milk that defines the latte and dictates its final caffeinated character.

For more information on the caffeine content of different coffee drinks, you can check out this detailed guide by CNET.

Frequently Asked Questions

A typical latte made with one shot of espresso contains about 63 to 64 milligrams of caffeine.

Not necessarily. A large latte with a single shot is simply more diluted. High caffeine depends on the number of espresso shots, with many larger lattes containing two or more.

Yes, for some people. The large volume of milk can mellow the perceived intensity of the caffeine and lead to a more gradual energy boost. A decaf latte is also an option.

A standard 8-ounce cup of drip coffee (approx. 95 mg) typically has more caffeine than a single-shot 8-ounce latte (approx. 63 mg).

Yes, most coffee shops offer decaf versions. Decaf espresso shots contain only a minimal amount of residual caffeine, usually between 3 to 15 mg.

Yes, the type of bean is a major factor. Robusta beans contain significantly more caffeine than Arabica beans. Most high-quality lattes use Arabica beans, which are lower in caffeine.

Cold brew often contains more total caffeine than a latte because the brewing process and larger serving sizes result in a higher overall concentration.

This depends on the number of shots per latte. If each latte has two shots (~128 mg), you can typically have up to three without exceeding the 400 mg daily limit recommended for most adults.