How Much Caffeine Is In 100 ml Cappuccino?

December 10, 2025 •

4 min read

According to a study cited by the National Institutes of Health, the average caffeine content in a cappuccino is approximately 32 mg per 100 ml. However, pinpointing the exact amount of caffeine is complex, as it hinges entirely on the espresso shot(s) used in its preparation.

Quick Summary

The caffeine in a 100ml cappuccino comes solely from its espresso base, with a typical amount averaging around 32mg per 100ml, though this varies based on bean type and roast. A standard 150ml drink usually contains a single shot, but adding more shots increases the total caffeine load significantly.

Key Points

Caffeine Origin: The caffeine in a cappuccino comes solely from the espresso shots, as milk does not contain caffeine.
Average Value: An average cappuccino may contain around 32mg of caffeine per 100ml, but this is highly variable.
Key Influencers: The amount of caffeine is heavily influenced by the coffee bean type (Arabica vs. Robusta), roast level, and brewing method.
Espresso-to-Milk Ratio: A traditional cappuccino's equal parts espresso, milk, and foam dilute the caffeine more than a straight espresso shot.
Dosage Control: To manage your caffeine intake, you can request a single or double espresso shot when ordering, or control all variables when brewing at home.
Per-Serving vs. Per-Volume: While a small, single-shot espresso is more concentrated per milliliter, a large cup of brewed coffee can have a higher total caffeine amount due to its sheer volume.

Understanding the Caffeine in Your Cappuccino

The caffeine in any cappuccino, regardless of its size, originates exclusively from the espresso shots used to create it, as milk contains no caffeine. A traditional Italian cappuccino is an approximately 150ml beverage, which typically contains a single espresso shot, alongside steamed milk and a generous layer of milk foam. However, many modern cafes, especially in the US and UK, use double shots as standard practice for a larger or stronger taste profile. When answering the question of how much caffeine is in 100 ml cappuccino, one must first consider the source, concentration, and dilution of the espresso base.

The Espresso Base: The Sole Source of Caffeine

The most critical factor is the amount of caffeine per espresso shot. A standard single 30ml shot of espresso typically contains around 63-64 milligrams (mg) of caffeine. This means that for a 100ml serving, the caffeine concentration will depend heavily on the espresso-to-milk-to-foam ratio. While a traditional 150ml cappuccino might contain around 63mg total caffeine from a single shot, diluting this across a smaller 100ml volume would change the per-milliliter concentration. A study found an average of 32mg of caffeine per 100ml for cappuccino, showing the effect of dilution from the milk and foam.

Factors Influencing Cappuccino Caffeine Levels

Beyond the base espresso, several key factors contribute to the variability of caffeine content in your drink:

Coffee Bean Variety: Robusta coffee beans contain nearly double the caffeine of Arabica beans. If your espresso is made from a Robusta-heavy blend, your cappuccino will be significantly more potent. Most specialty coffee shops use 100% Arabica, but cheaper blends often contain Robusta to cut costs and increase caffeine yield.
Roast Level: Contrary to popular belief, light-roasted coffee beans tend to have a slightly higher caffeine content by weight than darker roasts. The roasting process burns off some caffeine, so a darker roast has less caffeine per bean, although a darker roast's denser beans mean a larger scoop by volume can contain more caffeine.
Brewing Parameters: During espresso extraction, a slower flow rate and finer grind size can increase the extraction of caffeine. This means that the barista's technique and equipment settings directly impact the final caffeine content of the espresso shot.
Serving Size and Ratio: While a standard cappuccino has a 1:1:1 ratio of espresso, milk, and foam, a barista might use different proportions or add an extra shot for a larger drink. A double-shot cappuccino, common in larger cup sizes, can have around 126mg of caffeine.

Comparison: Cappuccino vs. Other Coffee Drinks

Understanding how a cappuccino's caffeine density compares to other drinks helps put the 100ml metric into context. A cappuccino is not necessarily the 'strongest' coffee, especially when considering total serving size.


Drink Type	Standard Serving Size	Estimated Total Caffeine	Caffeine Per 100ml	Notes
Cappuccino	150ml (5oz)	~63mg (single shot)	~42mg	Varies significantly based on the number of espresso shots used.
Espresso Shot	30ml (1oz)	~63mg	~210mg	The most concentrated form of caffeine.
Drip Coffee	240ml (8oz)	~95mg	~40mg	Higher total caffeine than a single-shot cappuccino due to larger volume.
Latte	250ml+	~63-126mg (depends on shots)	~25-50mg	Similar total caffeine to a cappuccino but diluted by more milk.

Brewing a Cappuccino for Controlled Caffeine

For home baristas and coffee enthusiasts, understanding the variables allows for more control over your caffeine intake. You can experiment with different bean types, roasts, and brewing ratios to find your perfect balance. Consider the following steps for a customized experience:

Choose your beans. A 100% Arabica bean will offer a lower caffeine content compared to a Robusta blend.
Select your desired strength. Decide if you want a single or double shot of espresso. A single shot will provide a standard amount of caffeine, while a double will deliver a stronger kick.
Measure your espresso and milk accurately. A traditional 1:1:1 ratio in a 150ml cup requires approximately 50ml of liquid volume from espresso and steamed milk, plus 50ml of foam. Adjusting these proportions changes both the taste and caffeine concentration.

Conclusion

The caffeine in a 100 ml cappuccino is not a fixed number but a variable dependent on the espresso's potency and the drink's composition. While average values hover around 32mg per 100ml, a homemade or cafe-made beverage could contain anywhere from 20mg to over 50mg per 100ml, depending on the bean type, roast, and preparation method. The true takeaway is that the espresso shot is the source, and controlling that element gives you the power to moderate your caffeine consumption. For those seeking precise control, brewing your own espresso offers the most reliable way to monitor intake. Health authorities suggest a daily caffeine limit of around 400mg for most adults, so even a double-shot cappuccino fits comfortably within these guidelines.

An excellent resource for deeper insights into coffee composition and analysis is available via the National Institutes of Health.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, a double-shot cappuccino typically has twice the caffeine of a single-shot version, as the caffeine comes entirely from the espresso. A single shot is around 63mg, and a double is approximately 126mg.

Per volume, an espresso shot (and thus a cappuccino) is more concentrated. However, a standard 8-ounce (240ml) cup of drip coffee often contains more total caffeine (around 95mg) than a single-shot cappuccino (about 63mg).

No, adding more milk does not reduce the total caffeine content of the drink, as milk contains no caffeine. It only dilutes the concentration, making the flavor and per-volume caffeine less intense.

Robusta beans have nearly twice the caffeine of Arabica beans. If you want a higher-caffeine cappuccino, choose a blend with a higher proportion of Robusta.

No, a darker roast generally means slightly less caffeine by weight, as the roasting process burns some of it off. Lighter roasts retain more caffeine.

Yes, you can order a decaf cappuccino. The espresso shots are replaced with decaffeinated ones, resulting in a very low caffeine content, typically 3-15mg per shot.

The caffeine in an espresso-based drink like a cappuccino is more concentrated, leading to a faster initial sensation of a 'caffeine kick.' The total caffeine amount may be less than a large drip coffee, but the speed of consumption can make it feel more potent.