Are Macchiatos High in Caffeine? An In-Depth Look

November 9, 2025 •

4 min read

According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), up to 400 mg of caffeine per day is considered safe for most healthy adults, a threshold that puts many popular coffee beverages into perspective. This article explores the caffeine content of macchiatos, clarifying whether macchiatos are high in caffeine based on their type, size, and preparation.

Quick Summary

An espresso macchiato is highly concentrated in caffeine per ounce, but its small serving size results in less total caffeine than larger drinks like a latte or brewed coffee. The larger, milk-heavy latte macchiato has a much lower caffeine concentration. Factors like espresso shots and bean type also affect the final caffeine level.

Key Points

Espresso vs. Latte Macchiato: The traditional espresso macchiato is a small, highly concentrated drink, while the latte macchiato is larger, milkier, and less concentrated in caffeine.
High Concentration, Lower Total: A standard 2 oz espresso macchiato has a very high caffeine concentration but less total caffeine than an 8 oz brewed coffee due to its small size.
Total Caffeine Matters: A large, multi-shot latte macchiato can have a similar total caffeine count to other large espresso drinks, but it's delivered in a diluted form.
Factors Affecting Caffeine: Caffeine levels are influenced by the number of espresso shots, the type of bean (Robusta has more than Arabica), and the roast level.
Intense Kick: The concentrated nature of an espresso macchiato can make its caffeine effect feel more immediate and potent compared to a more slowly consumed, larger coffee.
Manage Your Intake: To control your caffeine, differentiate between espresso and latte macchiatos, and always be aware of the number of espresso shots in your drink.

Understanding the Macchiato: Espresso vs. Latte

Before we can definitively answer whether are macchiatos high in caffeine, it's crucial to understand that there are two distinct types of macchiato: the espresso macchiato and the latte macchiato. The term 'macchiato' means 'marked' or 'stained' in Italian, referring to how a small amount of milk 'marks' the espresso. However, modern interpretations have created significant confusion regarding their caffeine content.

The Espresso Macchiato

This is the traditional Italian version. It consists of a single or double shot of espresso with just a small dollop of steamed milk or foam spooned on top.

High concentration: Ounce for ounce, the espresso macchiato has one of the highest caffeine concentrations of any coffee beverage. This is because it is almost entirely espresso, which is a highly concentrated coffee extract.
Low total caffeine: Despite its concentration, a traditional espresso macchiato is a very small drink, typically 2 to 3 ounces. A standard double shot of espresso contains roughly 126 mg of caffeine, making the total amount fairly modest compared to a large brewed coffee.

The Latte Macchiato

This variation, made popular by larger coffee chains, is the reverse of the traditional version. It is built with a larger quantity of steamed milk that is 'marked' with a shot of espresso.

Lower concentration: Due to the large volume of milk, the caffeine concentration in a latte macchiato is much lower. For instance, a 16-ounce latte macchiato may contain the same 126 mg of caffeine as a double espresso, but it is diluted across a much larger volume.
Similar total caffeine: While the concentration is lower, the overall caffeine content per drink can be similar to or even higher than a traditional espresso macchiato if it includes more than one shot of espresso. The difference is the much milkier, less intense taste.

Factors Influencing Macchiato Caffeine Content

While the type of macchiato is the biggest differentiator, several other factors can alter its final caffeine level. Awareness of these can help you better manage your caffeine intake.

Espresso Shot Count

Most coffee shops use a double shot of espresso as the standard for macchiato-based drinks. However, you can often request an extra shot for a higher caffeine content or a single shot for less. For example, a standard double-shot espresso macchiato at Starbucks contains approximately 150 mg of caffeine, whereas a single-shot version would have significantly less.

Bean and Roast Type

Bean Variety: The two main coffee bean species are Arabica and Robusta. Robusta beans can have nearly twice the caffeine of Arabica beans. If your coffee shop uses a blend high in Robusta, your macchiato will naturally have more caffeine.
Roast Level: Contrary to popular belief, lighter roasts actually contain slightly more caffeine by weight than darker roasts because the roasting process reduces the mass of the bean. Some baristas use specific roasts, like a 'blonde espresso,' which can contain more caffeine than a standard dark roast.

Preparation Method

Even with the same beans, the espresso extraction process can influence the final caffeine amount. Finer grinds, slower flow rates, and higher pressures can all lead to a slightly more caffeinated shot.

Macchiato vs. Other Coffee Drinks: A Caffeine Comparison

To fully understand if macchiatos are high in caffeine, it's helpful to compare them to other popular coffee options. The table below illustrates the typical caffeine content across various drinks.


Drink Type	Typical Serving Size	Espresso Shots	Estimated Caffeine (mg)	Caffeine Concentration
Espresso Macchiato	2 oz	1-2	~63-126 mg	Very High
Latte Macchiato	12-16 oz	1-2	~63-126 mg	Low
Drip Coffee	8 oz	N/A	~95 mg	Medium
Brewed Coffee	16 oz	N/A	~165 mg	Low-Medium
Latte (16 oz)	16 oz	2	~126-173 mg	Low
Cold Brew	16 oz	N/A	~155-200+ mg	High
Cappuccino (16 oz)	16 oz	2	~126-173 mg	Low-Medium

As the table demonstrates, while a standard 2 oz espresso macchiato has a potent concentration, its overall caffeine is lower than a large drip coffee or a 16 oz cold brew. However, a large latte macchiato with two shots of espresso has a comparable total caffeine amount to other large espresso-based drinks, but it delivers it in a less concentrated form.

Conclusion: The Macchiato's Unique Caffeine Profile

Are macchiatos high in caffeine? The answer depends entirely on the type and serving size. A traditional espresso macchiato provides a highly concentrated, quick dose of caffeine but with a lower total amount than many other common coffees. The larger, milk-focused latte macchiato offers a milder experience, with its caffeine diluted by a generous amount of steamed milk.

Ultimately, the macchiato's caffeine level is unique. It is not as overtly caffeinated as a large cold brew, but it offers a more intense and immediate kick per sip than a standard cup of coffee. The best way to manage your intake is to be aware of whether you're ordering an espresso macchiato or a latte macchiato and to know how many shots of espresso are included in your drink. This knowledge allows you to control the intensity and total caffeine intake precisely, ensuring your coffee choice perfectly matches your needs.

For more detailed information on coffee varieties and their preparation, consider exploring resources like the Perfect Daily Grind.

Frequently Asked Questions

Ounce for ounce, a traditional espresso macchiato is significantly more caffeinated than a latte because it is less diluted by milk. However, a large latte often contains more total caffeine due to its larger size and multiple espresso shots.

A standard espresso macchiato, typically made with a single shot, contains about 63-85 mg of caffeine. Variations depend on whether it's a single or double shot and the type of beans used.

A caramel macchiato from coffee chains is typically a large, milk-based drink with multiple shots of espresso, so it can have a high total caffeine content, often around 150 mg or more depending on the size.

A traditional, small espresso macchiato has less total caffeine than a standard 8-ounce cup of brewed coffee (~95 mg). However, the macchiato delivers its caffeine in a much more concentrated dose.

The caffeine strength of a macchiato varies based on two main types: the small, potent espresso macchiato and the large, milky latte macchiato. The number of espresso shots is also a key factor.

A single 1-ounce shot of espresso has about 63 mg of caffeine, which is not particularly high in total amount. However, it is very concentrated, containing more caffeine per ounce than regular brewed coffee.

An iced macchiato's caffeine level depends on its size and the number of espresso shots. Similar to a large, hot latte macchiato, an iced version can contain a significant amount of total caffeine, especially if it includes extra shots.