Do Coffee Smoothies Have Caffeine? A Detailed Guide

January 5, 2026 •

4 min read

According to BaristaLife, a homemade coffee smoothie can contain between 65-150mg of caffeine, depending on the type and amount of coffee used. This brings us to the central question: do coffee smoothies have caffeine? The answer is a resounding yes, but the exact dosage is customizable.

Quick Summary

Coffee smoothies get their caffeine from the coffee base, which can be brewed, espresso, instant, or cold brew. The amount of caffeine can be controlled by adjusting the type and quantity of coffee, and decaf options are available for a caffeine-free version. Other ingredients like chocolate can also add a small amount of caffeine.

Key Points

Caffeine Content Varies: The amount of caffeine in a coffee smoothie depends entirely on the type and amount of coffee used, ranging from a mild boost to a significant kick.
Coffee Base is Key: Your main source of caffeine comes from brewed coffee, espresso, instant coffee, or cold brew concentrate, with the latter providing the highest potency.
Decaf is a Viable Option: For those seeking the coffee flavor without the stimulating effects, decaf coffee beans or instant decaf powder can be used effectively.
Other Ingredients Add Trace Amounts: Add-ins like cocoa powder or chocolate protein powder contribute a small, additional amount of caffeine to the overall content.
Customization is Easy: You have full control over your caffeine intake by simply choosing your desired coffee base and adjusting the quantity to your preference.
Flavor vs. Energy: Choosing between different coffee bases, such as cold brew (smooth) and espresso (bold), allows you to balance your flavor preference with your energy needs.

The Caffeine Connection: How Your Coffee Smoothie Gets Its Kick

For many, a coffee smoothie is the perfect on-the-go breakfast, combining the invigorating boost of coffee with the nutrition of a smoothie. But understanding the source of the caffeine is the first step to controlling your intake. The caffeine content in your blended beverage is directly tied to the type and amount of coffee you use, but other ingredients can also play a small role.

The Main Sources of Caffeine in a Coffee Smoothie

The primary ingredient dictating your smoothie's caffeine level is the coffee itself. The strength and brew method all factor in. Here is a breakdown of the most common options and their typical caffeine contributions:

Brewed Coffee (Drip): Using cooled, leftover drip coffee is a classic choice. An 8-ounce cup generally contains 95-165mg of caffeine, providing a solid and predictable boost.
Cold Brew Concentrate: This is a potent choice for maximum impact. Cold brew concentrate can contain 100-200mg of caffeine per serving before dilution with other smoothie ingredients. It also offers a smoother, less acidic flavor profile.
Espresso Shots: For a more intense, bolder flavor, freshly pulled and chilled espresso is an excellent option. A standard 1-ounce shot of espresso has around 63mg of caffeine. A double shot is a common addition, doubling the caffeine and boldness.
Instant Coffee: Don't underestimate instant coffee for convenience and flavor. It can dissolve completely, avoiding a gritty texture. A single teaspoon typically contains 30-50mg of caffeine.

Other Sources and the Decaf Option

While coffee is the main source, other ingredients can contribute trace amounts of caffeine:

Chocolate: If your smoothie includes cocoa powder, chocolate syrup, or chocolate-flavored protein powder, a small amount of caffeine will be present.

For those who want the flavor without the buzz, there are excellent decaffeinated options. Decaf coffee beans or instant decaf coffee can be used as a base, providing the same rich flavor profile but with minimal caffeine. Decaf cold brew concentrate is also available and works exceptionally well for a smoother flavor.

Comparison of Coffee Bases for Smoothies

Choosing the right coffee base for your smoothie depends on your desired caffeine level, flavor profile, and convenience. Here is a quick comparison to help you decide.


Feature	Brewed Drip Coffee	Cold Brew Concentrate	Espresso Shot	Instant Coffee	Decaf Coffee
Caffeine Level	Medium-High	High to Very High	Medium	Low to Medium	Minimal (Trace)
Flavor Profile	Depends on roast; can be more acidic	Smoother, less acidic, naturally sweeter	Intense, bold, rich	Variable quality; generally straightforward	Full-flavored without the kick
Preparation	Requires prior brewing and chilling	Requires prior brewing; very strong	Must be freshly pulled and cooled	Ready instantly; just mix with water	Same as regular coffee, but decaf
Best For...	General, balanced boost	Maximum energy; smooth texture	Boldest coffee flavor	Speed and convenience	Enjoying coffee flavor anytime

How to Control the Caffeine in Your Smoothie

One of the biggest advantages of making your own coffee smoothie is complete control over the ingredients. Follow these tips to customize your caffeine intake:

To Maximize Caffeine:

Use a high-quality cold brew concentrate as your liquid base.
Add a double shot of cooled espresso for extra punch.
Incorporate a chocolate-flavored protein powder or a tablespoon of high-quality cocoa powder.

To Reduce or Eliminate Caffeine:

Opt for decaffeinated brewed coffee or instant decaf coffee.
Use chilled, brewed coffee ice cubes made from decaf coffee.
Skip any ingredients that contain chocolate or chocolate flavoring.

For a Moderate Boost:

Use regular brewed coffee as your base.
Blend with just a single shot of espresso.
If using instant coffee, stick to a single teaspoon.

A Simple, Caffeinated Coffee Smoothie Recipe

Here is a basic recipe to get you started on your caffeinated journey:

Ingredients:

1 cup strong, chilled brewed coffee
1 frozen banana
½ cup milk of choice (almond, oat, or dairy)
1 tablespoon almond butter or peanut butter
Ice cubes (optional, if your coffee isn't fully frozen)

Instructions:

Combine the chilled brewed coffee, frozen banana, milk, and almond butter in a high-speed blender.
Blend until smooth and creamy. If you want a thicker consistency, add a few ice cubes.
Pour into a glass and enjoy immediately.

For a full guide on variations, including mint mocha and peanut butter flavors, consider checking out this resource on different coffee smoothie recipes.

Conclusion

In short, coffee smoothies absolutely contain caffeine, and the precise amount is entirely up to you. By understanding the role of your coffee base and other ingredients, you can easily customize your blended drink to provide exactly the energy boost you're looking for, or none at all. Whether you prefer a bold jolt from cold brew or a mellow morning lift from regular coffee, the choice is in your hands—or rather, in your blender.

Frequently Asked Questions

A homemade coffee smoothie's caffeine content usually ranges from 65-150mg. This amount is dependent on the coffee base used, whether it's brewed coffee, espresso, or cold brew concentrate.

Yes, you can easily make a coffee smoothie without caffeine by using decaffeinated coffee. Decaf brewed coffee or decaf instant coffee can be used as the base to get the flavor without the stimulating effect.

Yes, using cold brew concentrate as the base will typically result in a more caffeinated smoothie. Cold brew concentrate is highly potent and contains more caffeine by volume than regular brewed coffee.

No, adding a frozen banana will not affect the caffeine content of your smoothie. It serves to add creaminess, sweetness, and thickness to the texture.

Yes, other ingredients can contribute trace amounts of caffeine. For example, if you add cocoa powder, chocolate syrup, or chocolate-flavored protein powder, a small amount of caffeine will be present.

To reduce the caffeine in your smoothie, you can use a smaller amount of coffee, choose a weaker brew, or opt for decaf alternatives. You can also make coffee ice cubes with decaf coffee to control the amount of caffeine.

Yes, instant coffee is a convenient option for making a coffee smoothie. Good quality instant coffee dissolves completely, leaving no gritty texture, and allows for easy control of the coffee flavor and caffeine.

Choose espresso for a bolder, more intense coffee flavor and a concentrated caffeine kick in a smaller volume. Choose brewed coffee for a more standard, balanced coffee flavor and caffeine level.