How much caffeine is in 12oz of Starbucks? A Tall Size Guide

October 25, 2025 •

2 min read

According to nutritional data, a standard Tall (12oz) Pike Place brewed coffee from Starbucks contains approximately 235 mg of caffeine. However, this figure is not universal across all beverages, as the total amount of caffeine in 12oz of Starbucks can vary widely depending on the specific drink and roast level.

Quick Summary

The caffeine content in a 12oz Starbucks drink, or 'tall', varies significantly based on the beverage type, with brewed options generally being stronger than espresso-based drinks.

Key Points

Blonde Roast Power: A Tall (12oz) Blonde Roast has the most caffeine, with approximately 270 mg, despite its lighter flavor.
Latte's Lower Caffeine: Most Tall (12oz) lattes and cappuccinos contain only one espresso shot, providing 75 mg of caffeine.
Brewed Coffee Varies by Roast: Brewed coffee caffeine levels range from 195 mg (Dark Roast) to 270 mg (Blonde Roast) in a 12oz size.
Americano Boost: The Tall (12oz) Caffè Americano contains two espresso shots for a total of 150 mg of caffeine.
Cold Brew vs. Iced Coffee: A Tall (12oz) Cold Brew has 155 mg of caffeine, while a Tall Iced Coffee has less, with 120 mg.
Customization Matters: Adding extra espresso shots is the simplest way to increase your drink's caffeine content beyond its standard amount.

Understanding the Caffeine in a 12oz Starbucks Drink

When ordering a "Tall" (12oz) beverage at Starbucks, the amount of caffeine you receive is not a single, fixed number. It is primarily influenced by the brewing method and the roast of the coffee beans used. For instance, a lighter roast brewed coffee often contains more caffeine than a darker roast due to bean density. This guide details the typical caffeine content for popular 12oz drinks.

Brewed Coffee: The Caffeine Powerhouses

Starbucks' brewed coffee, particularly the Blonde Roast at 270 mg, offers the highest caffeine in the 12oz size. The standard Pike Place Roast contains about 235 mg, while the Dark Roast has around 195 mg.

Espresso-Based Drinks: A Matter of Shots

Caffeine in espresso drinks depends on the number of shots. A Tall (12oz) latte, cappuccino, or caramel macchiato, typically made with one shot, contains 75 mg of caffeine. A Tall Caffè Americano uses two shots, totaling 150 mg, and a Tall Flat White, with two ristretto shots, has 130 mg.

Cold Brew and Iced Coffee: The Cold Differences

Cold coffee drinks also differ in caffeine. A Tall (12oz) Cold Brew has approximately 155 mg of caffeine due to its longer steeping process, whereas a Tall Iced Coffee contains about 120 mg.

Comparison of 12oz Starbucks Drinks


Beverage Type	Preparation Method	Approximate 12oz Caffeine (mg)
Blonde Roast Brewed Coffee	Drip Brewed	270
Pike Place Brewed Coffee	Drip Brewed	235
Dark Roast Brewed Coffee	Drip Brewed	195
Caffè Americano	2 Espresso shots, Water	150
Cold Brew	Cold Steeped	155
Iced Coffee	Hot Brewed, Chilled	120
Flat White	2 Ristretto shots, Milk	130
Caffè Latte	1 Espresso shot, Milk	75

Factors Influencing Caffeine Levels Beyond the Menu

Beyond standard preparation, customizations can alter caffeine content. Adding an extra espresso shot (75 mg) increases caffeine. Choosing decaf options reduces it, though decaf espresso still has trace amounts. Drink ingredients like mocha sauce also contribute caffeine.

Conclusion

The caffeine in a 12oz Starbucks drink varies significantly by beverage type. Brewed coffees, especially Blonde Roast, have the highest levels, while milk-based espresso drinks are lower. Consider the roast, brew method, and customizations to estimate your caffeine intake.

For additional information on caffeine content, consider consulting reliable sources like Caffeine Informer's Complete Guide to Starbucks Caffeine.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, generally a 12oz brewed coffee (like Pike Place at 235 mg) has significantly more caffeine than a 12oz latte (75 mg), which only contains a single espresso shot.

A 'Tall' is the second smallest size at Starbucks and holds 12 fluid ounces. This size is available for both hot and cold beverages.

The lighter Blonde Roast beans are denser than darker roasted beans. When measuring by volume (like for a drip coffee), more of the denser Blonde beans are used, resulting in a higher caffeine concentration.

Yes, a Tall (12oz) decaf brewed coffee from Starbucks contains a small amount of caffeine, typically around 20 mg.

A Tall Cold Brew has approximately 155 mg of caffeine, while a Tall Iced Coffee has less, at about 120 mg.

The number of shots depends on the drink. A Tall Caffè Latte or Cappuccino has one shot, while a Tall Caffè Americano has two shots.

Yes, you can request an extra shot of espresso to be added to your drink. A single espresso shot contains an extra 75 mg of caffeine.