How much caffeine can Starbucks espresso have? A detailed guide to shots and drinks

January 13, 2026 •

3 min read

A standard shot of Signature espresso at Starbucks contains 75 mg of caffeine, a baseline that can significantly change depending on the roast and how the drink is prepared. Uncover exactly how much caffeine can Starbucks espresso have and what variables contribute to the final amount.

Quick Summary

This article details the caffeine content for different Starbucks espresso shots, including Signature, Blonde, and decaf. It explains how drink size and customization impact overall caffeine.

Key Points

Standard Shot: A Signature espresso shot from Starbucks has approximately 75 mg of caffeine.
Blonde Roast: A shot of Blonde espresso contains about 85 mg of caffeine, slightly more than the standard.
Drink Size: The total caffeine in espresso drinks like lattes depends on the number of shots added, which varies by size.
Iced vs Hot: Venti iced espresso drinks often have more shots than their hot counterparts to account for the larger cup and ice.
Roast & Content: Lighter roasted beans, like Blonde, naturally retain more caffeine than darker roasts.
Daily Limit: The FDA recommends a maximum of 400 mg of caffeine per day for healthy adults.

The Core Espresso Shots

At the heart of many popular Starbucks beverages is a foundational espresso shot. The caffeine content per shot is remarkably consistent due to automated dispensing and standardized procedures. However, the exact amount differs depending on the roast chosen by the customer.

Signature vs. Blonde Roast

Signature Espresso: The classic, dark-roasted option most people associate with Starbucks. A single shot contains approximately 75 mg of caffeine. This roast provides a bold, rich flavor profile and serves as the default for most espresso-based drinks.
Blonde Espresso: Introduced as a lighter alternative, the Blonde roast actually has slightly more caffeine. A single shot contains about 85 mg. This is because the lighter roasting process preserves more of the bean's natural caffeine content. The result is a smoother, more mellow flavor with a little extra kick.

Other Espresso Options

Decaf Espresso: For those seeking the flavor without the buzz, Starbucks offers a decaf option with a minimal caffeine load. Each shot contains only about 3 mg of caffeine.
Ristretto Shot: A 'short pull' espresso shot that uses less water and has a shorter extraction time. This creates a sweeter, more concentrated flavor with less caffeine than a standard shot. Flat Whites, for example, are made with ristretto shots.
Long Shot: The opposite of a ristretto, this shot is pulled for a longer time with more water. It has a slightly weaker taste and can have a bit more caffeine than a standard shot due to the extended extraction.

Caffeine in Popular Espresso Drinks

The number of espresso shots in a drink depends on the size and whether it's served hot or iced. It's the number of shots, not the milk or other ingredients, that determines the total caffeine content.

Grande (16 oz) Drinks

For most standard Grande hot espresso drinks like lattes and cappuccinos, the recipe includes two shots of espresso, totaling 150 mg of caffeine (or 170 mg with Blonde shots). A Grande hot Caffè Americano, made with just espresso and hot water, contains three shots, bringing its caffeine to 225 mg.

Venti (20 oz) Drinks

Here's where hot and iced drinks diverge. A Venti hot latte, cappuccino, or mocha still only contains two shots, for 150 mg of caffeine. However, a Venti iced latte jumps up to three shots, packing in 225 mg of caffeine. This extra shot is standard for iced drinks to account for the ice and larger volume. Similarly, a Venti hot Caffè Americano contains four shots, for 300 mg of caffeine.

Comparison Table: Espresso Drink Caffeine Content (Standard Shots)


Drink Type	Size	Number of Shots	Total Caffeine (mg)
Caffè Latte / Cappuccino	Short (8 oz)	1	75
Caffè Latte / Cappuccino	Tall (12 oz)	1	75
Caffè Latte / Cappuccino	Grande (16 oz)	2	150
Caffè Latte / Cappuccino	Venti Hot (20 oz)	2	150
Iced Latte	Venti Iced (24 oz)	3	225
Caffè Americano	Grande (16 oz)	3	225
Caffè Americano	Venti Hot (20 oz)	4	300

Factors Influencing Espresso Caffeine

Beyond the standard recipes, several factors can affect the final caffeine level in your cup.

Roast Level

As mentioned, the roast plays a crucial role. Lighter roasts retain more caffeine, while darker roasts lose some during the longer roasting process. This is why the Blonde roast has a higher caffeine content than the Signature roast per shot.

Bean Variety

The type of coffee bean used also matters. Robusta beans naturally contain more caffeine than Arabica beans. While Starbucks primarily uses Arabica for its smooth flavor, some blends might incorporate Robusta, though it's less common for their standard espresso.

Customization

The most direct way to control caffeine is through customization. You can easily ask for extra shots, half-caf (part regular, part decaf), or fewer shots entirely. Each extra shot of Signature espresso will add approximately 75 mg of caffeine to your drink.

Conclusion: Know Your Limit

For healthy adults, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommends a daily caffeine intake of no more than 400 mg. A Starbucks espresso shot, with its moderate caffeine content, is a good way to manage intake compared to large brewed coffees which can contain much more caffeine per cup. A Venti Blonde Roast coffee, for instance, can contain up to 475 mg of caffeine, surpassing the daily recommendation. By understanding how many shots are in your chosen beverage, and what type of roast you're getting, you can easily monitor your caffeine consumption.

For more detailed information on Starbucks beverage nutrition, refer to the official Starbucks Nutrition Information page.

Frequently Asked Questions

A Grande hot latte has two shots of Signature espresso, totaling about 150 mg of caffeine. This amount is the same for a Venti hot latte, but it's important to remember that iced versions can contain more shots.

While the flavor is milder, Blonde espresso shots have slightly more caffeine (85 mg) than Signature shots (75 mg). This is because the lighter roasting process doesn't burn off as much caffeine.

Not always, but sometimes. A Grande iced latte has the same amount of caffeine as a Grande hot latte (150 mg). However, a Venti iced latte has three shots (225 mg), while a Venti hot latte has only two shots (150 mg).

Starbucks decaf espresso shots have a very small amount of residual caffeine, approximately 3 mg per shot.

You can find detailed nutrition information, including caffeine content, on the Starbucks website or through their mobile app. You can also customize your drink on the app to see how changes affect the caffeine level.

Yes, adding extra shots is the most direct way to increase the caffeine in an espresso-based beverage. Each additional shot of Signature espresso will add another 75 mg.

For healthy adults, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) suggests a daily caffeine intake of no more than 400 mg. It's important to be mindful of your total intake from all sources throughout the day.

Per ounce, espresso is more concentrated. However, a Grande Pike Place brewed coffee contains 310mg of caffeine, which is significantly more than the 150mg in a Grande latte, which only has two shots.