Are Macchiatos Stronger Than Coffee? Unpacking the Caffeine Content

October 19, 2025 •

3 min read

According to Consumer Reports, a single espresso shot has about 63 mg of caffeine, while an 8-ounce cup of coffee has around 95 mg. This surprising statistic helps answer the question, "are macchiatos stronger than coffee?", revealing that the answer hinges on understanding the difference between caffeine concentration and total caffeine content.

Quick Summary

This article explores whether macchiatos are stronger than coffee by analyzing caffeine concentration versus total per serving. It details the preparation, ingredients, and caffeine levels of espresso macchiatos compared to regular brewed coffee to reveal the true differences in strength.

Key Points

Concentration vs. Total Volume: Per ounce, an espresso macchiato is more concentrated with caffeine, but a standard 8-ounce cup of drip coffee contains a higher total amount of caffeine.
Brewing Method is Key: Espresso's high-pressure, quick extraction produces a concentrated shot, while drip coffee's slower, gravity-based process yields a milder, less concentrated brew.
Macchiato Variations Matter: A traditional espresso macchiato is a small, strong drink, while a latte macchiato (like those popularized by chains) is a larger, milkier, and less concentrated beverage.
Roast Level and Beans Affect Strength: Darker roasts have slightly less caffeine than lighter roasts, and Robusta beans contain nearly double the caffeine of Arabica beans.
Taste Perception vs. Reality: The intense flavor and small size of a macchiato make it feel stronger, leading many to mistakenly believe it has more total caffeine than a large cup of brewed coffee.

Concentration vs. Total Caffeine: The Core Difference

To determine if macchiatos are stronger than coffee, one must first distinguish between caffeine concentration and the total amount of caffeine. A traditional espresso macchiato is a tiny, highly concentrated drink, typically made with a single or double shot of espresso and a small amount of milk foam. In contrast, a standard cup of coffee is a much larger volume of liquid, brewed by slowly dripping hot water over coffee grounds.

Per fluid ounce, the espresso in a macchiato is significantly more concentrated with caffeine than a standard coffee. A single 1-ounce shot of espresso can contain around 63 mg of caffeine. However, a typical 8-ounce cup of brewed coffee contains more total caffeine at around 95 mg. While a macchiato tastes stronger and delivers a quicker caffeine jolt due to its smaller size and higher concentration, a full-sized cup of drip coffee provides more total caffeine overall.

The Rise of Different Macchiato Types

The question is further complicated by the existence of different macchiato types. While the traditional Italian caffè macchiato is an espresso with a 'stain' of milk, the popular Starbucks Caramel Macchiato is different.

A Latte Macchiato is a taller drink made by 'marking' a large amount of steamed milk with a shot of espresso. The Caramel Macchiato is a variation adding syrup and caramel drizzle, creating a sweeter experience. These drinks contain more milk and are less concentrated than a traditional macchiato.

Brewing Method Impacts Strength and Flavor

The brewing method is the primary reason for the difference in concentration. Espresso machines force near-boiling water through fine grounds at high pressure in about 30 seconds, resulting in a dense, concentrated beverage with crema.

Drip coffee uses gravity to slowly pull water through coarser grounds over several minutes. This slower process and larger water volume produce a less concentrated, milder brew without crema. The length of extraction and coffee-to-water ratio are the most significant factors influencing caffeine and flavor.

How Coffee Beans and Roast Level Affect Caffeine

Bean variety and roast level also influence strength. Darker roasts are roasted longer, which slightly reduces caffeine content. Lighter roasts retain slightly more caffeine by weight.

Robusta beans contain nearly double the caffeine of Arabica beans. Arabica offers a sweeter, smoother flavor. Many espresso blends use both. Using a blend with higher Robusta content can make a macchiato stronger.

Comparison: Macchiato vs. Drip Coffee


Feature	Espresso Macchiato	Drip Coffee
Preparation	Hot, pressurized water through fine grounds.	Gravity pulls hot water slowly through coarse grounds.
Serving Size	Small, typically 2–3 ounces (60-90 ml).	Standard cup is 8 ounces (240 ml) or more.
Caffeine Concentration (Per Ounce)	High (~63 mg/ounce).	Low (~12 mg/ounce).
Total Caffeine (Standard Serving)	Lower (~63-126 mg).	Higher (~95 mg for 8 oz).
Flavor Profile	Bold, intense, concentrated espresso with slight creaminess.	Milder, cleaner taste varying by beans and brewing.
Milk Content	Small amount of foam to 'mark' espresso.	None, unless added after brewing.

Making the Right Choice for Your Brew

Understanding these distinctions allows you to choose based on preference. For a quick, potent, concentrated caffeine jolt with bold flavor, a traditional espresso macchiato is ideal. The small amount of milk softens intensity without masking the espresso. For a longer, milder experience with higher overall caffeine, standard drip coffee is a better fit. An Americano is a compromise for bold espresso in a larger cup, but has a different taste. For home brewers, bean choice significantly impacts taste and strength. Experimenting with roasts and beans is key to finding your perfect macchiato.

Conclusion: The Final Verdict on Macchiato Strength

Whether macchiatos are stronger than coffee depends on how you define 'strong'. From a caffeine concentration perspective (per ounce), a macchiato is more potent due to espresso's high-pressure brewing. However, if 'strength' is measured by total caffeine per standard serving, an 8-ounce cup of drip coffee generally contains more overall caffeine. The macchiato's small volume and rapid consumption create the sensation of a stronger kick, but a larger drip coffee provides more total caffeine. The distinction is between concentration and total content, and both offer different experiences based on preference. The best choice depends on your desired coffee experience.

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Frequently Asked Questions

A standard 8-ounce cup of brewed coffee generally has more total caffeine (around 95 mg) than a traditional 2-ounce macchiato (around 63-126 mg, depending on a single or double shot).

A macchiato tastes stronger because it is a small, highly concentrated drink. The espresso is less diluted by milk compared to other espresso drinks, providing a bold, intense flavor in a small volume.

An espresso macchiato is a shot of espresso marked with a small amount of milk foam. A latte macchiato is primarily steamed milk 'marked' with a shot of espresso, making it a taller, milkier, and less intense drink.

While you can, espresso beans are typically roasted to a darker level and blended for optimal flavor in a pressurized espresso machine. For best results, use beans specifically intended for espresso.

A macchiato is stronger than a latte due to its higher coffee-to-milk ratio. Lattes are made with much more steamed milk, resulting in a milder, creamier flavor.

The caramel macchiato, popularized by chains like Starbucks, is a sweet variation of the latte macchiato. It adds vanilla syrup and caramel sauce, creating a dessert-like beverage distinct from a traditional macchiato.

A traditional macchiato with a single shot of espresso contains about 63 mg of caffeine. If made with a double shot, it contains approximately 126 mg.

Yes, because of its high caffeine concentration per ounce and small volume, a macchiato is typically consumed faster than a cup of brewed coffee, leading to a quicker and more pronounced caffeine effect.