How much caffeine is in a Starbucks single shot?

January 2, 2026 •

3 min read

Did you know a standard signature espresso shot at Starbucks contains 75mg of caffeine? This makes a Starbucks single shot more caffeinated per ounce than a typical cafe's shot and a crucial ingredient in many popular beverages.

Quick Summary

The caffeine content of a Starbucks single shot varies by roast type, with a standard signature shot containing 75mg and a Blonde shot having 85mg, a significant factor for many coffee drinkers.

Key Points

Standard Shot: A single Signature espresso shot at Starbucks contains 75mg of caffeine.
Blonde Roast Boost: A single Blonde espresso shot has a higher caffeine content of 85mg.
Roast Level Matters: Lighter roasts retain more caffeine, which is why Blonde espresso is more potent than the darker Signature roast.
Decaf Has Traces: A decaf single shot from Starbucks is not caffeine-free, containing approximately 10mg.
Shot vs. Cup: A single shot of espresso contains less total caffeine than a standard cup of brewed coffee, though it is more concentrated per ounce.
Double Shot Standard: Many popular Starbucks espresso drinks are made with a double shot, or doppio, which contains roughly 150mg of caffeine (Signature).

Starbucks Single Shot Caffeine Content

When you order a beverage at Starbucks, the caffeine content isn't a one-size-fits-all metric. For espresso-based drinks, the amount of caffeine depends primarily on the number and type of espresso shots used. The most common varieties are the standard Signature Roast and the Blonde Roast, both having different caffeine levels in a single serving.

Standard Signature Espresso Shot

A standard single shot of Starbucks Signature Espresso contains 75 milligrams (mg) of caffeine. This is the classic, darker-roasted espresso found in most Starbucks locations and forms the base for beverages like standard lattes and cappuccinos. When a barista pulls this shot, it typically measures 0.75 ounces.

Blonde Espresso Shot

For those who prefer a brighter, slightly milder taste, Starbucks offers a Blonde Espresso option. A single shot of Blonde Espresso delivers a higher caffeine punch, clocking in at 85mg. The reason for the increased caffeine is a common misconception about roast levels; lighter roasted beans, like the ones used for Blonde Espresso, retain more caffeine during the roasting process.

Decaf Espresso Shot

For customers watching their caffeine intake, Starbucks offers decaf espresso shots. A single decaf shot contains a trace amount of caffeine, typically around 10mg. It's important to note that decaffeinated coffee is never 100% caffeine-free, but the amount is minimal enough for most people to enjoy without a significant stimulant effect.

Factors Influencing Espresso Caffeine

Beyond the specific roast, several other factors can influence the final caffeine content of an espresso shot, even within the same brand. These variables are part of the art and science of coffee making:

Bean Type: While Starbucks uses a blend, the ratio of Arabica to Robusta beans can alter the caffeine levels. Robusta beans naturally contain almost twice as much caffeine as Arabica beans.
Roast Level: As mentioned, lighter roasts, like the Blonde Espresso, have slightly more caffeine by weight because the roasting process breaks down some of the caffeine content.
Brewing Parameters: The precision of the espresso machine plays a key role. Factors such as grind size, water temperature, pressure, and extraction time can all affect how much caffeine is pulled from the grounds.

Single Shot vs. Double Shot (Doppio)

Many popular Starbucks espresso drinks, including the grande and venti hot lattes, are made with a double shot, or doppio. The caffeine content is not always a perfect doubling of the single shot, as extraction is not perfectly linear, but it's a reliable estimate.

Standard Doppio: A double shot of Signature Espresso contains approximately 150mg of caffeine.
Blonde Doppio: A double shot of Blonde Espresso contains around 170mg of caffeine, based on the per-shot average.

Comparing Starbucks Espresso to Other Coffee Types

It's a common misunderstanding that espresso, due to its concentrated nature, has more total caffeine than drip coffee. While it has a higher concentration per ounce, a single shot contains less total caffeine than a full cup of brewed coffee. This difference is due to the larger serving size of brewed coffee.

Here is a quick breakdown to illustrate the difference:

A single Starbucks Signature espresso shot: 75mg of caffeine in 0.75 ounces.
A Tall (12 oz) Starbucks Pike Place Roast: ~235mg of caffeine.
A Tall (12 oz) Starbucks Cold Brew: ~155mg of caffeine.

Starbucks Espresso Shot Caffeine Comparison Table


Roast Type	Caffeine (mg)	Serving Size (oz)	Notes
Signature Single Shot	75 mg	0.75 oz	Base for standard espresso drinks.
Signature Double Shot	150 mg	1.5 oz	Common for Grande and Venti (hot) lattes.
Blonde Single Shot	85 mg	0.75 oz	Lighter roast, higher caffeine per shot.
Blonde Double Shot	~170 mg	1.5 oz	Double the caffeine of a single Blonde shot.
Decaf Single Shot	~10 mg	0.75 oz	Minimal caffeine, not 100% free.

Conclusion

The caffeine in a Starbucks single shot depends on the roast. The standard Signature shot provides 75mg, while the Blonde shot offers a higher 85mg due to the lighter roast profile. Decaf options are also available for those who want the flavor with minimal caffeine. Compared to a regular cup of brewed coffee, a single shot has less total caffeine but a much higher concentration. For most espresso-based drinks, a double shot is the standard, delivering 150-170mg of caffeine depending on the roast. Understanding these differences helps you better manage your daily caffeine intake and choose the right beverage for your needs.

For more detailed information, the Center for Science in the Public Interest provides an extensive caffeine chart covering various coffee drinks.

Frequently Asked Questions

A single Blonde espresso shot at Starbucks contains approximately 85mg of caffeine. This is higher than the standard Signature roast shot.

A single decaf espresso shot from Starbucks contains only a trace amount of caffeine, around 10mg. It is important to remember that 'decaf' does not mean completely caffeine-free.

No, a single espresso shot generally has less total caffeine than a standard 8-ounce cup of brewed coffee. However, the caffeine in espresso is far more concentrated, which can lead to a quicker, more noticeable effect.

A standard grande hot latte at Starbucks is made with two shots of espresso, totaling 150mg of caffeine if using the signature roast.

Yes, it does. For example, a grande latte made with two Blonde shots would contain 170mg of caffeine, while the standard Signature roast version contains 150mg.

A double shot (doppio) of standard Signature espresso at Starbucks has 150mg of caffeine. A double shot of Blonde espresso contains about 170mg.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommends that most healthy adults limit their daily caffeine intake to 400mg, which is roughly equivalent to five standard single shots of Starbucks espresso.