Do cappuccinos have a lot of caffeine? A closer look at espresso drinks

October 9, 2025 •

4 min read

Most cappuccinos contain one or two shots of espresso, meaning their caffeine content typically ranges from about 63 to 128 milligrams. The total amount can vary significantly based on the serving size and specific preparation methods, so a cappuccino can have a moderate amount of caffeine, or quite a bit, depending on your order.

Quick Summary

This guide explains the caffeine levels in cappuccinos, detailing how the number of espresso shots and other factors influence the total content, and compares it to other coffee types.

Key Points

Espresso is the Source: All caffeine in a cappuccino comes from its espresso shots, with milk and foam being caffeine-free.
Number of Shots Matters: A single-shot cappuccino (approx. 63mg) has less caffeine than a brewed coffee, while a double-shot (approx. 126mg) has more.
Concentration vs. Volume: Espresso is more caffeine-dense per ounce than brewed coffee, but a large cup of brewed coffee often contains more total caffeine than a single espresso shot.
Milk Slows Absorption: The fat in a cappuccino's milk can slightly slow down your body's absorption of caffeine, providing a more prolonged effect.
Customize Your Intake: You can easily control your caffeine consumption by specifying the number of espresso shots or choosing a decaf base.

The Espresso Base: The Heart of the Cappuccino's Caffeine

All the caffeine found in a cappuccino originates from its espresso base; the milk and foam contain none. The standard approach to a cappuccino recipe is to use a single or a double shot of espresso, also known as a doppio.

Single-Shot Cappuccino: Contains about 63-64 milligrams of caffeine, making it a lower-caffeine option than a standard 8-ounce cup of drip coffee.
Double-Shot Cappuccino: Contains approximately 126-128 milligrams of caffeine, giving it a higher total caffeine count than a typical 8-ounce drip coffee.

This simple fact means you have direct control over your caffeine intake simply by specifying the number of espresso shots you prefer.

Cappuccino vs. Drip Coffee: The Concentration vs. Volume Debate

Many people are surprised to learn that a single shot of espresso contains less caffeine in total than a full 8-ounce cup of drip coffee. The main difference lies in concentration versus total volume.

An 8-ounce (240 ml) cup of drip coffee typically contains about 95 milligrams of caffeine.
A 1-ounce (30 ml) shot of espresso contains around 63 milligrams of caffeine.

While the espresso shot has less caffeine overall, it is significantly more concentrated per ounce. This higher concentration per sip, coupled with the richer flavor, is what often makes espresso-based drinks feel stronger. However, if you drink an entire double-shot cappuccino, you'll consume more caffeine than in a standard cup of brewed coffee.

Factors That Influence Caffeine Levels

Beyond the number of shots, several other factors contribute to the total caffeine content in your cup:

Coffee Bean Type: The species of coffee bean used plays a major role. Robusta beans can have almost twice the caffeine content of the more common Arabica beans. Espresso blends often use a mix of both to balance flavor and caffeine levels.
Grind Size: A finer grind, which is used for espresso, increases the surface area of the coffee grounds exposed to water. This can lead to a higher rate of caffeine extraction.
Roast Level: Contrary to some myths, the roasting process has a minimal impact on caffeine levels. Lighter roasts retain slightly more caffeine by weight than darker roasts because they lose less mass during roasting.
Brewing Method: Even with the same beans, different brewing methods extract caffeine at different rates. Espresso's high-pressure, short-contact time extracts a concentrated dose quickly.
Coffee Shop Variations: As evidenced by studies, the caffeine content in espresso shots can vary significantly between different coffee shops and brands. Starbucks, for example, lists their single espresso shots at 75 mg, slightly higher than the average, while other local shops may have different standards.

A Comparative Look at Coffee Drinks

This table provides a quick overview of how a typical cappuccino stacks up against other popular coffee beverages based on average caffeine content.


Drink Type	Standard Serving Size	Typical Caffeine Content	Notes
Cappuccino	6-8 oz (with 2 espresso shots)	126 mg	Higher than single-shot, comparable to a strong brewed coffee.
Latte	12-16 oz (with 2 espresso shots)	126 mg	Same caffeine as a cappuccino with the same number of shots.
Drip Coffee	8 oz	95 mg	Varies by strength and brand.
Cold Brew	12 oz	150–200 mg	Varies widely based on concentrate-to-water ratio.
Single Espresso Shot	1 oz	63 mg	Highly concentrated, but low total volume.

The Role of Milk in Caffeine Absorption

Interestingly, the milk in a cappuccino can influence how your body reacts to the caffeine. The fat content in milk can create a thin film on the stomach lining, which may slightly delay the rate at which your body absorbs the caffeine. This can result in a more gradual and prolonged feeling of alertness, as opposed to the more immediate jolt from a straight shot of espresso.

Staying Mindful of Your Caffeine Intake

For most healthy adults, a daily caffeine intake of up to 400 milligrams is considered safe, according to the FDA. A typical double-shot cappuccino sits well within this limit. However, individuals with caffeine sensitivities or specific health conditions should monitor their consumption more carefully. Opting for a single shot or a decaf espresso base are easy ways to enjoy the flavor with less of the stimulant.

Conclusion: Demystifying Your Cappuccino's Kick

The caffeine content in a cappuccino is entirely dependent on the number of espresso shots it contains, not the volume of milk. With one or two shots, a cappuccino provides a moderate level of caffeine. While a double-shot cappuccino packs a more substantial punch than a typical cup of brewed coffee, it still falls within recommended daily intake limits for most people. Understanding the difference between caffeine concentration in espresso and total volume in a larger drink is key to making informed choices about your caffeine consumption. Ultimately, a cappuccino offers a balanced and manageable caffeine boost, especially when compared to high-volume or high-potency alternatives like large cold brews.

Frequently Asked Questions

A standard cappuccino typically contains one or two shots of espresso. This means the caffeine content is usually between 63 and 128 milligrams, depending on the number of shots used.

A double-shot cappuccino has more total caffeine than a standard 8-ounce cup of brewed coffee, making it stronger. However, a single-shot cappuccino has less total caffeine, although the caffeine per sip is more concentrated.

Yes, typically a larger cappuccino will contain more espresso shots than a smaller one, resulting in a higher total caffeine content.

Milk does not reduce the caffeine content. It can, however, slow down the absorption of caffeine into your body due to its fat content, leading to a more gradual effect.

Yes, most coffee shops can make a decaf cappuccino by using decaffeinated espresso beans. This will contain a very small amount of caffeine (3-15mg) but still retain the flavor.

A latte and a cappuccino will have similar amounts of caffeine if they are made with the same number of espresso shots. Both use an espresso base, so the caffeine content is determined by the number of shots.

The amount of caffeine in a cappuccino varies based on the number of espresso shots, the type of coffee bean (Arabica vs. Robusta), the roast level, and the specific brewing process used by the barista.