Dutch Bros Standard Espresso vs. White Coffee
Dutch Bros serves two primary types of espresso: their standard Private Reserve blend and their White Coffee. The roasting process for these two options is the key differentiator in their caffeine levels. White coffee is roasted for a much shorter time, which means more of the natural caffeine is retained in the beans. The company's standard espresso is a medium roast blend of beans from Brazil, Colombia, and El Salvador.
Standard Espresso Caffeine
A single shot of Dutch Bros' standard Private Reserve espresso blend contains 47.8mg of caffeine. This is the base for many of their classic coffee drinks, including lattes, mochas, and Americanos. While it's a potent dose, it's not the most concentrated caffeine source the company offers.
White Coffee Espresso Caffeine
For those seeking a more powerful jolt, a single shot of Dutch Bros' white coffee espresso contains 67.8mg of caffeine. The lighter roast process leaves a significantly higher caffeine concentration per shot, giving a stronger energy boost. White coffee also has a distinctly different flavor profile, often described as lighter and nuttier, which is a consideration for your drink's overall taste.
Shots Per Dutch Bros Drink Size
Most Dutch Bros coffee drinks follow a consistent shot-count rule, which is a critical factor when assessing total caffeine. Keep in mind that these are standard recipes, and you can always customize your order by adding or subtracting shots.
- Small (16 oz) and Medium (20 oz) Drinks: Typically contain 2 shots of espresso, providing 95.6mg of caffeine from the standard blend or 135.6mg from white coffee.
- Large (32 oz) Drinks: These are made with 4 shots of espresso, resulting in 191.2mg of caffeine from standard espresso or 271.2mg from white coffee.
Caffeine Comparison: A Dutch Bros Table
To put the single espresso shot into perspective, here is a comparison of caffeine levels for a selection of popular Dutch Bros drinks. Note that the total caffeine often comes from multiple shots, and other caffeinated ingredients like cold brew may also be used.
| Drink Type | Standard Shots | White Coffee Shots | Cold Brew | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Single Espresso Shot | 47.8mg | 67.8mg | N/A | Base unit for many drinks. |
| Small/Medium Latte | 2 shots (~95.6mg) | 2 shots (~135.6mg) | N/A | Total caffeine depends on coffee type. |
| Large Latte | 4 shots (~191.2mg) | 4 shots (~271.2mg) | N/A | Twice the caffeine of a medium. |
| Cold Brew | N/A | N/A | 20mg/oz | Stronger per ounce than espresso. |
| Nitro Cold Brew | N/A | N/A | 26mg/oz | An extra concentrated version of cold brew. |
| ER-911 | 6 shots (~287mg) | N/A | N/A | One of the most caffeinated options. |
Factors Influencing Total Caffeine
Beyond the base espresso, several factors can alter the total caffeine in your Dutch Bros order:
Cold Brew vs. Espresso
Dutch Bros' cold brew is made from their Private Reserve blend but is steeped in cold water for an extended period, resulting in a less acidic and naturally more caffeinated beverage per ounce compared to their espresso. If you are looking for maximum caffeine, cold brew-based drinks often offer a higher total dose than their espresso-based counterparts of the same size, assuming a standard number of shots are used in the espresso drink.
Extra Shots
For an added boost, you can request extra shots of espresso in most drinks. A former employee on Reddit noted that a single extra shot of espresso would add roughly 45mg of caffeine. If you are sensitive to caffeine, it is always wise to inquire about the number of shots and consider limiting them.
White Coffee Option
As highlighted earlier, choosing white coffee over the standard espresso blend will increase the caffeine content per shot by approximately 42%. This is a simple and effective way to get a stronger energy lift without significantly changing the flavor of some drinks. However, due to its unique taste, it is not always a perfect substitution for every flavor profile.
Conclusion
To precisely answer how much caffeine is in one shot of Dutch Bros coffee, the amount depends entirely on the type of espresso. A standard shot has 47.8mg, while a white coffee shot has 67.8mg, with total caffeine in your beverage determined by the number of shots added based on size and customization. For most coffee-based drinks, a small or medium includes two shots, and a large contains four, but high-octane options like the ER-911 contain six shots. Understanding this breakdown empowers you to control your caffeine intake and tailor your Dutch Bros experience to your energy needs.
For more detailed nutritional information, consult the official Dutch Bros Coffee Nutritional Guide.
