Is Drinking Espresso Healthier Than Coffee? A Nutritional Showdown

October 9, 2025 •

3 min read

A single 1-ounce shot of espresso contains roughly 63 mg of caffeine, whereas a standard 8-ounce cup of drip coffee typically has about 95 mg. This difference in total caffeine, alongside variations in brewing, antioxidants, and digestive impact, makes the question "Is drinking espresso healthier than coffee?" far more complex than it first appears.

Quick Summary

The health differences between espresso and drip coffee are influenced by brewing methods, serving size, and filtration. Drip coffee's paper filter can remove compounds linked to cholesterol, while espresso often packs a higher concentration of antioxidants per volume. The best choice depends heavily on individual tolerance and how the drink is prepared and consumed.

Key Points

Serving Size vs. Concentration: Espresso has a higher caffeine concentration per ounce, while a typical large serving of drip coffee provides more total caffeine.
Filtered vs. Unfiltered: Drip coffee removes cholesterol-raising diterpenes with its paper filter, unlike unfiltered espresso.
Digestive Comfort: Espresso's smaller volume and lower acidity may cause less stomach irritation and bloating for sensitive individuals.
Antioxidant Balance: Both offer valuable antioxidants, but the roasting and brewing process alters the specific antioxidant compounds present in each type.
Additives Impact Health: The healthiest coffee choice is black, as excessive sugar and high-fat additives negate most potential health benefits for both espresso and drip coffee.

Understanding the Brewing Process

Both espresso and drip coffee start with coffee beans but differ significantly in how they are prepared, leading to varied nutritional profiles.

Espresso vs. Drip: The Extraction Process

Espresso is made by forcing hot, high-pressure water through finely-ground, compacted coffee grounds quickly. This process yields a concentrated shot that is typically unfiltered, allowing coffee oils and fine particles to remain. In contrast, drip coffee uses gravity to pull hot water through coarser grounds and a paper filter. The filter traps many oil-based compounds present in espresso.

Caffeine Content: Total vs. Concentration

While espresso is more concentrated in caffeine per ounce (about 63 mg in a 1-ounce shot), a standard 8-ounce cup of drip coffee contains more total caffeine (about 95 mg). The rapid consumption of a small espresso shot may provide a quicker energy boost, while a larger drip coffee offers a more gradual effect.

Antioxidants: A Tale of Two Brews

Espresso and drip coffee are both good sources of antioxidants like polyphenols and chlorogenic acids. However, the levels vary based on factors like the bean, roast, and brewing method. Darker roasts often used for espresso contain different antioxidants than the lighter roasts sometimes used for drip coffee. Some studies suggest espresso has a higher concentration of polyphenols per volume, while others indicate that drip coffee, especially with certain roasts and brewing methods, may deliver more total antioxidants.

The Cholesterol Factor: Filtered vs. Unfiltered

A key difference is the presence of diterpenes (cafestol and kahweol) in coffee oils. Unfiltered espresso does not remove these oils, and regular consumption can increase LDL cholesterol. The paper filter in drip coffee effectively removes diterpenes, making it a better option for those concerned about cholesterol.

Impact on Digestion and Acidity

Espresso generally has a slightly less acidic pH than drip coffee. Darker roasts used in espresso can also help reduce stomach acid production. The smaller volume of espresso is consumed faster, leading to less liquid and acid in the stomach over time, which can be gentler for some people.

Comparison Table: Espresso vs. Drip Coffee


Feature	Espresso	Drip Coffee
Brewing Method	High-pressure extraction through fine grounds	Gravity-based dripping through coarse grounds
Serving Size	Small (1-2 ounces)	Large (8+ ounces)
Total Caffeine	Less per single shot	More per average serving
Caffeine per Ounce	Higher (concentrated)	Lower (diluted)
Antioxidants	Higher concentration per volume; depends on roast & bean	Higher total volume potentially; also depends on roast & bean
Diterpenes (Cholesterol)	Present (unfiltered)	Mostly filtered out (paper filter)
Acidity	Slightly less acidic	Slightly more acidic
Digestion	Potentially gentler due to smaller volume	Can cause more discomfort for some due to larger volume

What to Consider for Your Health

Choosing between espresso and drip coffee depends on individual needs. Consider these factors:

Cholesterol: Drip coffee with a paper filter is better for those concerned about cholesterol due to the removal of diterpenes.
Digestion: Espresso's smaller size and lower acidity may be better for sensitive stomachs.
Caffeine Needs: Espresso offers a quick, concentrated boost, while drip coffee provides a more sustained effect.
Additives: The health impact of either drink is significantly affected by additions. Black coffee or espresso is healthiest; avoid excessive sugar and high-fat milk.

Conclusion: The Final Verdict on Health

Both espresso and drip coffee offer health benefits from antioxidants and caffeine. Neither is definitively healthier; the best choice depends on personal health factors like cholesterol concerns and digestive sensitivity, as well as consumption habits. Moderate consumption of black coffee or espresso is part of a balanced diet. The healthiest option is the one that fits your body's needs and preferences without unhealthy additions. For more information on coffee's health effects, refer to resources like the National Institutes of Health (NIH).

Key takeaways

Caffeine Concentration vs. Volume: Espresso has more caffeine per ounce, but a typical serving of drip coffee delivers more total caffeine due to its larger volume.
Filtered vs. Unfiltered Brew: Drip coffee's paper filter removes diterpenes, which can raise LDL cholesterol, making it potentially better for heart health than unfiltered espresso.
Digestion and Acidity: Espresso's smaller serving size and typically lower acidity can be gentler on a sensitive stomach compared to a larger cup of drip coffee.
Antioxidant Profile Varies: Both are high in antioxidants, but their specific makeup can be influenced by roast level and brewing method, making a direct comparison complex.
Additives Matter Most: The unhealthiest part of any coffee drink is often the added sugar, syrups, and creams, making a plain black beverage the healthiest option regardless of preparation.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, a single 1-ounce shot of espresso generally has less total caffeine (approx. 63 mg) than a standard 8-ounce cup of drip coffee (approx. 95 mg). However, ounce for ounce, espresso is far more concentrated in caffeine.

Regular consumption of unfiltered coffee like espresso can increase LDL (bad) cholesterol levels due to the presence of compounds called diterpenes. If you are concerned about cholesterol, filtered drip coffee is a safer option.

Espresso is often easier on the stomach for people with digestive sensitivity. Its smaller serving size and typically lower acidity, especially with darker roasts, can lead to less stomach stretching and acid exposure.

Espresso has a higher concentration of antioxidants per unit of volume. However, the total amount of antioxidants consumed depends on the specific brewing method, roast level, and serving size, making a definitive comparison difficult.

Yes, drinking espresso every day is generally considered healthy for most people as long as it is consumed in moderation. It is important to monitor your total caffeine intake and avoid excessive sugar and high-fat additives.

Yes, unhealthy additions like excessive sugar and high-fat cream or milk significantly increase calories and can negate many of coffee's natural health benefits. A plain, black coffee or espresso is the healthiest option.

The type of coffee bean (e.g., Arabica vs. Robusta) and how it is processed and roasted can affect the final antioxidant and mineral content. Arabica beans, for example, typically have higher antioxidant levels than Robusta.