Does a latte have a lot of caffeine? The surprising truth

November 20, 2025 •

4 min read

On average, a single shot of espresso, the base for most lattes, contains about 63 mg of caffeine. This is the key component for the caffeine content. But does a latte have a lot of caffeine when combined with milk, or is the perception of its mildness misleading? This guide provides the complete picture.

Quick Summary

The caffeine in a latte depends directly on the number of espresso shots used. A typical double-shot latte contains around 126 mg of caffeine. Factors like coffee bean type, brewing, and size influence the final amount.

Key Points

Espresso Shots are Key: A latte's caffeine is primarily determined by the number of espresso shots, with a double-shot version containing about 126 mg.
Milk Doesn't Dilute Caffeine: The steamed milk in a latte only softens the taste and impact of the espresso; it does not reduce the total caffeine content.
Less Concentrated Than Espresso: While a latte can have more total caffeine than a small cup of drip coffee, the concentration of caffeine per ounce is much lower than in a pure espresso shot.
Health Risks of Overconsumption: Drinking multiple large, multi-shot lattes can lead to excessive caffeine intake, which is associated with jitters, anxiety, and heart palpitations.
Customization is Simple: You can easily control your caffeine intake by ordering fewer shots, opting for decaf espresso, or choosing a half-caf blend.
Bean Type Matters: Lattes typically use Arabica beans, which have less caffeine than Robusta, but bean blends and roast levels can still alter the final amount.

Understanding the Caffeine in Your Latte

Many coffee drinkers associate lattes with a milder coffee flavor, leading to the assumption that they contain less caffeine than other coffee drinks. This perception is not entirely accurate. While the addition of steamed milk softens the intensity and flavor of the espresso, it does not actually dilute the total amount of caffeine present. The total caffeine content in a latte is determined almost exclusively by the number of espresso shots used as its base.

The Espresso Base

A standard single shot of espresso contains roughly 63 to 64 milligrams of caffeine. Therefore, the amount of caffeine in your latte is a simple calculation based on how many shots the barista adds:

Single-Shot Latte: Approximately 64 mg of caffeine.
Double-Shot Latte (Standard for 16oz): Approximately 126 to 128 mg of caffeine.
Triple-Shot Latte: Approximately 189 mg of caffeine.

Factors That Influence Caffeine Content

Beyond the number of shots, several other variables can subtly affect the final caffeine levels in your latte:

Coffee Bean Type: Most cafés use Arabica beans for their lattes, which are known for a smoother taste and lower caffeine content compared to Robusta beans. If a café uses a blend with Robusta, the caffeine level will be higher.
Roast Level: Lighter roasts tend to have a slightly higher caffeine content than darker roasts, as the roasting process burns off some of the caffeine.
Brewing Method: While a shot of espresso is a concentrated form of coffee, the specific grind size, water temperature, and extraction time during brewing can influence how much caffeine is pulled from the grounds.
Serving Size: Larger lattes typically use more espresso shots. A 12-ounce latte may have one or two shots, while a 20-ounce version would likely contain three or four, dramatically increasing the total caffeine.

Latte vs. Other Popular Coffee Drinks

To fully grasp whether a latte has “a lot” of caffeine, it’s helpful to compare it to other common coffee beverages. The comparison depends heavily on the volume of the drink and the preparation method.

Brewed Coffee (Drip)

A standard 8-ounce cup of drip or brewed coffee typically contains about 95 mg of caffeine. This means:

A single-shot latte (around 64 mg) has less caffeine than a standard cup of drip coffee.
A double-shot latte (around 126 mg) has more total caffeine than a standard cup of drip coffee. However, it’s also important to consider concentration. An ounce of espresso is far more potent than an ounce of brewed coffee.

Americano

An Americano is made by adding hot water to espresso. A 12-ounce Americano with two shots of espresso will have the same caffeine content as a double-shot latte—about 126 mg. The key difference is the flavor and delivery. Without the milk, the caffeine’s effect can feel more immediate and intense for some individuals.

Cold Brew

Cold brew is created by steeping coffee grounds in cold water for an extended period, which results in a smooth, less acidic, but often more caffeinated, beverage. An 8-ounce serving can contain anywhere from 100 to 200 mg of caffeine, often surpassing a double-shot latte.

Caffeine Content Comparison Table


Beverage	Typical Serving Size	Espresso Shots	Estimated Caffeine (mg)
Latte	12 oz	1	64
Latte	16 oz	2	126
Espresso	1 oz	1	63
Drip Coffee	8 oz	N/A	95
Americano	12 oz	2	126
Cold Brew	8 oz	N/A	100-200

Health Considerations and Caffeine Consumption

For most healthy adults, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommends limiting daily caffeine intake to no more than 400 milligrams. Exceeding this amount can lead to negative side effects, such as jitteriness, anxiety, restlessness, insomnia, and an increased heart rate. Given that a double-shot latte contains over 125 mg of caffeine, consuming several large lattes in a day could quickly push you toward or over this recommended limit. However, the addition of milk in a latte can lead to a more gradual absorption of caffeine for some, potentially reducing the sharp 'jitters' often associated with black coffee. It is important to know your own caffeine sensitivity and to monitor your daily intake accordingly. Remember that other beverages and foods also contain caffeine, including chocolate and some teas, contributing to your total intake.

Customizing Your Latte's Caffeine

If you are mindful of your caffeine intake, you have several options for customizing your latte:

Reduce Espresso Shots: The simplest method is to ask for fewer shots of espresso, such as a single shot in a larger-sized drink.
Order a Decaf Latte: For a caffeine-free option that still delivers the rich flavor and texture, a decaf latte is the perfect choice. Decaf espresso shots contain only trace amounts of caffeine, typically 2 to 5 mg per 8-ounce cup.
Opt for Half-Caf: Many coffee shops offer a 'half-caf' option, which is a blend of decaf and regular espresso shots, allowing you to moderate your intake without eliminating it completely. This is ideal for cutting back gradually.
Choose Arabica Beans: If you frequent an independent coffee shop, you can ask about their beans. Requesting a latte made with a 100% Arabica bean espresso can help ensure a slightly lower caffeine content.

Conclusion

While a latte's creamy texture and mild flavor might suggest a low-caffeine drink, the reality is more complex. A latte's caffeine potency hinges on its espresso base. A standard double-shot latte contains a significant amount of caffeine, often more than a regular cup of drip coffee. However, the caffeine is delivered differently, and the perception is tempered by the steamed milk. Understanding the factors that influence caffeine levels and knowing your personal tolerance are key to enjoying your latte responsibly. Whether you prefer a strong pick-me-up or a milder afternoon treat, customizing your order gives you complete control over your caffeine intake. For those who want the flavor without the buzz, decaf and half-caf options provide excellent alternatives. The Healthline article on caffeine sensitivity is a great resource if you want to learn more about how your body processes caffeine.

Frequently Asked Questions

It depends. A double-shot latte (around 126mg) typically has more caffeine than a standard 8-ounce cup of brewed coffee (around 95mg). However, a single-shot latte will have less.

No, the milk does not reduce the amount of caffeine. It only dilutes the espresso, making the drink milder in flavor and potentially slowing the absorption of caffeine for some people, but the total caffeine content remains the same.

A standard large latte (16 ounces) usually contains two shots of espresso, providing approximately 126 mg of caffeine. A smaller 12-ounce latte may have just one shot.

If made with the same number of espresso shots, the total caffeine is identical. However, cappuccinos have more foam and less milk, which can make the espresso taste stronger than in a latte, where the milk mellows the flavor.

Yes, almost all coffee shops offer decaf espresso as an option. A decaf latte allows you to enjoy the flavor without the stimulating effects, as it contains only trace amounts of caffeine.

In most cases, yes. The total caffeine increases with the size of the latte because coffee shops typically add more espresso shots to larger drinks to maintain the coffee flavor.

Yes, lattes can be a better option for those sensitive to caffeine than black coffee. The milk can lead to a more gradual absorption, and you can easily control the caffeine amount by ordering fewer shots or choosing decaf.

Yes. Arabica beans, commonly used for lattes, have less caffeine than Robusta beans. If a cafe uses a blend with Robusta, the caffeine content will be higher than if they use 100% Arabica beans.