Tag: Espresso shot caffeine

While a single shot of espresso contains less total caffeine than an average 8-ounce cup of drip coffee, it is significantly more concentrated per fluid ounce. This difference in concentration is why many perceive an espresso shot as having a more powerful and immediate effect, but the overall caffeine delivery depends on the total volume consumed.

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, a standard 8-ounce cup of coffee contains approximately 95 mg of caffeine, while a single 1-ounce shot of espresso has around 63 mg. The answer to whether an espresso shot equals a cup of coffee is not as simple as it seems and depends entirely on what you're measuring: caffeine, volume, or concentration.