Does Caffe Latte Have Caffeine? Yes, Here's How Much

October 17, 2025 •

3 min read

Yes, a caffe latte contains caffeine since its primary ingredient is espresso, a concentrated coffee form. A single shot of espresso has around 63 to 64 milligrams (mg) of caffeine, making a standard single-shot latte a moderate source of the stimulant. Total caffeine content depends on the number of espresso shots and other variables.

Quick Summary

A caffe latte has caffeine from its espresso base, and the amount depends on the number of shots. A standard one-shot latte has about 64 mg of caffeine. A double-shot may have up to 128 mg. The caffeine level also depends on coffee beans and brewing methods.

Key Points

Yes, it contains caffeine: Caffe lattes are made with espresso, a concentrated coffee that contains caffeine.
Caffeine amount varies by shots: A single-shot latte has around 63-64 mg of caffeine, while a double-shot can contain over 125 mg.
Factors influence potency: The type of coffee bean (Robusta vs. Arabica), roast level, and brewing process can all impact the final caffeine content.
Less intense than drip coffee: Due to the milk diluting the espresso, a latte often delivers a less abrupt and more sustained energy boost compared to black coffee.
Decaf is a great alternative: For those avoiding caffeine, a decaf latte contains only trace amounts (2-6 mg), while retaining the creamy coffee flavor.
Mind your intake: Excessive caffeine can lead to side effects like anxiety and jitters, so it's important to monitor your consumption.

Does a Caffe Latte Contain Caffeine?

The answer is yes: a caffe latte contains caffeine. A caffe latte, often called a latte, is a coffee drink of one or more espresso shots with steamed milk. Since espresso is a highly concentrated coffee form, the caffeine content depends on the number of espresso shots. A single espresso shot has about 63 to 64 mg of caffeine.

A standard latte, with a single or double shot, has moderate caffeine. This is a common choice for those who want coffee flavor but prefer less intense caffeine than espresso or drip coffee, as steamed milk dilutes the strength.

Factors That Influence Caffeine Levels

While the espresso shots are the main source, other factors can affect the total caffeine content of a caffe latte.

Number of Espresso Shots: This is the main factor. A single-shot latte will have half the caffeine of a double-shot latte.
Bean Type: The coffee beans used to make the espresso are important. Robusta beans have nearly double the caffeine of Arabica beans, though Arabica is common for its smoother flavor.
Roast Level: Lighter roasts tend to have a slightly higher caffeine content than darker roasts by weight, as the roasting process burns off some caffeine.
Brewing Method: Variables during espresso extraction, like grind size, water temperature, and brewing time, can influence how much caffeine is extracted from the grounds.
Serving Size: The overall drink volume can matter, as larger sizes may use extra shots. A larger, 16 oz latte with three shots will have significantly more caffeine than a small, 12 oz latte with one shot.

Caffe Latte vs. Other Coffee Drinks: A Caffeine Comparison

It is a common misconception that a latte is a highly caffeinated drink. When compared ounce for ounce, an espresso shot is highly concentrated, but a large cup of brewed coffee often has more total caffeine due to its larger volume.

Comparison Table: Caffeine Content


Drink	Serving Size	Typical Caffeine Content (mg)	Main Caffeine Source
Caffe Latte (Single Shot)	8 oz (240ml)	63-64	Espresso
Caffe Latte (Double Shot)	12 oz (350ml)	126-128	Espresso
Brewed Coffee	8 oz (240ml)	95-140	Coffee Grounds
Americano	12 oz (350ml)	63-126	Espresso and Hot Water
Espresso Shot	1 oz (30ml)	63-64	Espresso
Cold Brew	8 oz (240ml)	100-200	Coffee Grounds (Long Steep)

The Importance of Decaf Options

For those who want a latte's creamy taste without the stimulant effects, a decaf latte is an option. Remember that decaffeinated coffee is not 100% caffeine-free but has had at least 97% of its caffeine removed. A decaf latte has only 2 to 6 mg of caffeine per serving, which is negligible for most people. If you are sensitive to caffeine or trying to manage your intake, choosing a decaf option is the best way to enjoy a latte worry-free.

The Effect of Caffeine in a Latte on the Body

The caffeine in a latte stimulates the central nervous system, increasing alertness and reducing fatigue. However, steamed milk can alter the experience.

Gradual Absorption: The milk in a latte causes the body to absorb caffeine more slowly. This can lead to a less intense but longer-lasting energy boost than black coffee. This helps avoid jitters and the crash associated with a faster caffeine hit.
Digestive Comfort: The milk in a latte can help buffer the effects of acid and caffeine on the stomach lining for people who have stomach issues from black coffee, making it a gentler choice.

Potential Drawbacks of Excessive Intake

While a latte can be a delightful and energizing drink, consuming too much caffeine can lead to negative side effects. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) suggests keeping daily intake under 400 mg for most healthy adults, equivalent to about three double-shot lattes. Overconsumption can lead to:

Anxiety and jitters
Disrupted sleep patterns and insomnia
Increased heart rate and palpitations
Digestive issues and heartburn
Potential physical dependence and withdrawal symptoms

Conclusion

Does a caffe latte have caffeine? The answer is yes, derived from the espresso. The caffeine amount can be controlled by adjusting the number of espresso shots, making it versatile. Milk provides a smoother, more gradual caffeine release than brewed coffee, which benefits those sensitive to caffeine's rapid effects. Be mindful of total caffeine intake and explore decaf options to fully enjoy a caffe latte.

For more information on the health effects of coffee and caffeine, the Mayo Clinic offers resources.

Frequently Asked Questions

The caffeine amount in a latte is moderate, but it is not necessarily a high-caffeine drink. A standard single-shot latte contains about 63-64 mg of caffeine, while a double-shot contains approximately 128 mg.

Generally, a latte has less total caffeine than an average 8-ounce cup of brewed drip coffee, which can contain 95 to 140 mg. This is because the large volume of milk in a latte dilutes the espresso's caffeine.

Yes, you can order a decaf latte. Decaffeinated coffee has 97% or more of its caffeine removed, so it only contains a negligible amount, typically 2 to 6 mg.

The type of bean significantly affects the caffeine content. Robusta beans naturally contain more caffeine than Arabica beans. Most specialty coffee shops use Arabica beans for their smoother flavor.

The caffeine in a latte comes from its base ingredient: espresso. Espresso is a concentrated form of coffee brewed by forcing hot, pressurized water through finely-ground coffee beans.

While the total caffeine from the espresso shots remains the same, a higher milk-to-espresso ratio means the caffeine is more diluted. This results in a milder, less intense coffee taste and a slower caffeine release.

The caffeine in a latte can boost mental alertness and focus by blocking sleep-inducing chemicals in the brain. The milk content allows for a more gradual absorption, which can provide a steadier energy boost compared to black coffee.