Does Coffee Beer Have Caffeine? The Surprising Truth

December 15, 2025 •

3 min read

While many assume coffee beer is highly caffeinated, most standard coffee beers contain negligible caffeine, often less than a single sip of regular coffee. The final caffeine level largely depends on how the coffee is incorporated during the brewing process and the specific ingredients used.

Quick Summary

Coffee beer contains caffeine, but usually in small amounts. The brewing method, like adding coffee beans versus cold brew, determines the caffeine level. Some coffee-flavored beers have no coffee.

Key Points

Low Caffeine Content: Most coffee beers contain only a fraction of the caffeine found in a typical cup of coffee.
Dependent on Brewing Method: Caffeine amount varies on whether the beer uses whole beans, cold brew, or flavorings.
Flavor Over Stimulation: The primary goal of adding coffee is for flavor and aroma, not to deliver a caffeine boost.
Different from Banned Beverages: Coffee beers are not the same as the heavily caffeinated alcoholic beverages banned by the FDA, as their caffeine is naturally occurring and low.
Decaf Options Exist: Some brewers use decaffeinated coffee or coffee-like ingredients to avoid caffeine entirely.
Noticeable Effects are Negligible: For most people, the caffeine level is too low to cause a jittery or stimulating effect.

Understanding the Brewing Process and Caffeine

Many are drawn to coffee beer for its rich aroma and complex flavor, but its caffeine content is often questioned. The answer is not straightforward, as it depends on how the beer is made. Brewers can use a variety of techniques to impart that coffee taste, and each method yields different caffeine levels. The amount of coffee used is often minimal compared to the beer's volume, with the primary goal being flavor, not stimulation.

Methods of Adding Coffee

Different brewing techniques result in varied caffeine levels. Here are some common approaches:

Infusing with Whole Coffee Beans: Some brewers add whole, roasted coffee beans to the fermenting or aging beer. The beer rests with the beans, allowing the flavors and aromas to infuse slowly. This method extracts little caffeine, as it is a less efficient process compared to traditional methods using hot water.
Adding Cold Brew Concentrate: This involves adding pre-made cold brew concentrate to the beer after fermentation. Cold brew has a smoother flavor than hot-brewed coffee, which complements beer. The caffeine content will vary based on the concentrate's concentration and amount added, though it is still relatively low compared to drinking coffee.
Using Decaffeinated Coffee: Brewers wanting the coffee flavor without caffeine can use decaf coffee beans. This ensures a negligible caffeine content, making the beer a suitable choice.
Flavoring with Coffee-Like Ingredients: Some beers achieve a roasted, coffee-like flavor without any actual coffee. These breweries use roasted malts, caramel, or chocolate to mimic the taste. If you are highly sensitive to caffeine, checking the ingredients list is a good practice.

The Negligible Caffeine Content

For most drinkers, the amount of caffeine in coffee beer is virtually unnoticeable. A 12-ounce coffee stout might contain 5 to 50 milligrams of caffeine, depending on the brewer and method. A standard 8-ounce cup of brewed coffee can contain over 100 milligrams of caffeine. You would need to drink multiple coffee beers to get the same caffeine kick as a single cup of coffee, and you would likely feel the effects of the alcohol first.

Impact of Different Brews

The caffeine content is not uniform across all coffee beers. A light pale ale infused with coffee will have a different profile than a rich, dark stout that uses concentrated cold brew. A beer with a stronger coffee taste might contain a slightly higher—but still very low—caffeine level. However, as the purpose is flavor, brewers typically regulate the amount of coffee to avoid overpowering the beer's other characteristics.

Coffee Beer vs. Caffeinated Alcoholic Beverages

It is important to distinguish between coffee beer and the heavily caffeinated alcoholic beverages banned by the FDA in the US. The ban targeted drinks where caffeine was added as a stimulant, often in large, undisclosed quantities, masking alcohol's effects. Coffee beer is different because the caffeine comes naturally from the coffee beans and exists in very low, non-stimulating amounts. The caffeine is a byproduct of the flavor infusion process, not an intentionally added substance for a buzz.

Comparison Table: Coffee Beer vs. Standard Coffee


Feature	Coffee Beer (e.g., Coffee Stout)	Standard Brewed Coffee (8 oz)
Caffeine Content (approx.)	5-50 mg per 12 oz	~100 mg
Primary Effect	Alcohol intoxication, relaxing	Caffeine stimulation, energizing
Brewing Intent	Flavor infusion (aroma, roast notes)	Caffeine extraction, flavor
Flavor Source	Roasted malts, added coffee, other ingredients	Roasted coffee beans
Legal Status	Legal (low, natural caffeine)	Legal

Conclusion: The Final Verdict on Caffeine in Coffee Beer

In summary, while coffee beer contains a measurable amount of caffeine if brewed with actual coffee, the quantity is so low that it is unlikely to have a noticeable stimulating effect. The purpose is to add flavor, not create a stimulant-depressant hybrid. For those sensitive to caffeine, seeking clarification from the brewer or choosing a coffee-flavored beer made without real coffee are safe options. Ultimately, you can enjoy the coffee flavor without worrying about being kept awake.

Authority Link

For a deeper dive into the science of caffeine extraction, visit the National Institutes of Health research on coffee brewing techniques: Quantitative Analysis of Caffeine in Roasted Coffee - MDPI

Frequently Asked Questions

No, it's highly unlikely that a standard coffee beer will keep you awake. The caffeine content is typically so low that the alcohol will have a much more noticeable effect on your body than the small amount of caffeine.

The caffeine content varies by brewer and method, but a typical 12-ounce coffee stout often contains a very low amount, estimated to be between 5 and 50 milligrams.

Brewers use various methods to add coffee flavor, including infusing the beer with whole beans, adding a pre-made cold brew concentrate, or using roasted malts and other ingredients that mimic the coffee taste without using actual coffee.

Yes. Some brewers achieve a coffee-like flavor by using roasted malts, caramel, or chocolate instead of real coffee. If you have a high sensitivity to caffeine, look for beers specifically brewed without coffee or with decaf beans.

Coffee beer is safe because the caffeine is naturally occurring in very low amounts and is not added as a stimulant to mask intoxication. The danger lies in heavily caffeinated alcoholic beverages, which were banned by the FDA for masking the effects of alcohol.

Darker roasts typically have slightly less caffeine than lighter roasts, as the roasting process can decrease caffeine content. The perceived 'strength' of the flavor does not directly correlate with a higher caffeine level.

Not necessarily. Some beers achieve a coffee-like flavor profile using specially roasted malts and other ingredients without adding any actual coffee. The label or ingredient list should specify if real coffee was used.