Which drink has higher caffeine?: A comprehensive nutrition guide

October 19, 2025 •

4 min read

The caffeine content in beverages can vary dramatically based on factors like bean type, brewing method, and brand formulation. From a concentrated shot of espresso to a massive energy drink, understanding which drink has higher caffeine is crucial for managing your energy levels and overall health, as excessive consumption can lead to unwanted side effects.

Quick Summary

This article compares caffeine content across various drinks, from coffee and tea to energy drinks and sodas, exploring the factors that influence levels and discussing the potential health implications of high consumption. It includes a comparative table to provide clarity on common caffeine sources.

Key Points

Highest caffeine per serving varies: While some energy drinks pack the most caffeine per can, concentrated cold brew coffee can deliver a comparable high dose.
Brewing method is critical: For coffee and tea, factors like water temperature and steep time significantly influence the final caffeine level.
Natural vs. synthetic effects are similar: Research suggests the body processes natural and synthetic caffeine similarly, but natural sources like coffee often provide additional beneficial compounds.
Moderation is key for health: While a daily intake of up to 400 mg is generally safe for adults, exceeding this can lead to negative side effects like anxiety and insomnia.
Check for hidden sources: Remember that caffeine is also found in chocolate, some sodas, and even certain medications, which can add to your daily total.

Understanding Caffeine and Your Choices

Caffeine is a natural stimulant found in over 60 different plants, including coffee, tea, and cacao beans. While it can boost alertness and reduce fatigue, the amount of caffeine and its delivery method can have a profound impact on your body. It's not just about the type of drink, but also the specific preparation, serving size, and even the source ingredients that determine its potency. For many, the daily ritual of a caffeinated beverage is a staple, but for others, it can be a source of anxiety or disrupted sleep. Making an informed choice starts with knowing the facts.

Coffee and Espresso: The Classic Contenders

Coffee is often considered the most common source of caffeine, but the actual amount can fluctuate widely. The type of coffee bean is a key determinant; for instance, robusta beans contain significantly more caffeine than the more commonly used arabica beans. Additionally, the roasting process plays a role, with lighter roasts typically retaining more caffeine than darker roasts. The preparation method is equally important, as a longer brewing time can increase the caffeine concentration. A standard 8-ounce cup of brewed coffee generally contains around 95 mg of caffeine. A single 1-ounce shot of espresso, while highly concentrated, typically contains about 63 mg, but many espresso-based drinks are made with two or more shots. Cold brew and nitro cold brew, due to their extended steeping time, often have a higher total caffeine content per serving than regular brewed coffee.

Factors influencing caffeine in coffee:
- Bean Variety: Robusta vs. Arabica
- Roast Level: Light roasts typically have more caffeine
- Brewing Method: Drip, espresso, French press, cold brew all produce different results
- Serving Size: Larger cups mean more total caffeine

The Wide Spectrum of Tea

Tea, all derived from the Camellia sinensis plant, offers a wide range of caffeine levels depending on its processing. Black tea, which is fully oxidized, contains more caffeine than green tea, which is less processed. Brewing time and water temperature also affect the final caffeine level, with longer steeping and hotter water extracting more. Herbal teas, like chamomile or peppermint, are not made from the Camellia sinensis plant and are therefore caffeine-free.

Typical Tea Caffeine per 8oz Serving:
- Black Tea: ~47 mg
- Green Tea: ~29 mg
- Yerba Mate: ~85 mg

Energy Drinks: A Modern Caffeine Source

Energy drinks are specifically formulated to provide a quick boost, often containing high doses of synthetic caffeine along with other ingredients like sugar, taurine, and B vitamins. Some brands have notoriously high caffeine content, with certain variants reaching up to 300 mg per can. However, the content can vary significantly between brands, and it's essential to read the labels carefully. For example, a standard 8.4-ounce can of Red Bull contains 80 mg of caffeine, but a 16-ounce can of another brand might contain much more. The high sugar and additive content in many energy drinks are also significant health considerations.

Comparative Caffeine Content of Common Drinks

The following table provides a general comparison of the approximate caffeine content in various common beverages. It's important to note that these are averages and the actual amounts can vary.


Drink Type	Typical Serving Size	Approximate Caffeine (mg)
Brewed Coffee	8 oz	95 mg
Cold Brew	16 oz	197-213 mg
Single Espresso Shot	1 oz	63 mg
Black Tea	8 oz	47 mg
Green Tea	8 oz	29 mg
Cola	12 oz can	37-49 mg
Red Bull	8.4 oz can	80 mg
High-Caffeine Energy Drink	16 oz can	Up to 300 mg

Health Considerations for High-Caffeine Drinks

While caffeine offers benefits like increased alertness and mood enhancement, particularly in moderate doses, excessive intake can lead to a range of negative side effects. The FDA generally considers up to 400 mg of caffeine per day safe for most healthy adults. However, some individuals are more sensitive to caffeine and may experience restlessness, insomnia, anxiety, or an increased heart rate with smaller amounts. Certain groups, including pregnant women, nursing mothers, and those with specific health conditions like anxiety or heart problems, should limit their intake and consult a healthcare provider. The source of caffeine is also relevant, as natural sources like coffee and tea contain antioxidants and other beneficial compounds, whereas energy drinks often include high levels of sugar and synthetic additives.

Conclusion: Making an Informed Choice

When assessing which drink has higher caffeine, the answer is not always straightforward and depends on concentration, serving size, and specific product formulation. While some commercial energy drinks contain the highest overall amount per can, a strong cold brew can deliver a significant, comparable punch. The key to healthy caffeine consumption is moderation and awareness of individual tolerance. Always check labels for precise caffeine content, especially with high-energy products, and consider the overall nutritional profile, including sugar and other additives. By understanding the caffeine landscape, you can make smarter choices for your diet and health. Read more about the effects of caffeine on health.

Frequently Asked Questions

Some highly-concentrated energy drinks or specialty cold brew coffee can have the highest caffeine per serving, with certain energy drinks containing up to 300 mg or more.

Per ounce, espresso is much more concentrated in caffeine. However, a typical large cup of brewed coffee often contains more total caffeine than a single shot of espresso due to its larger volume.

Black tea typically has more caffeine than green tea due to the oxidation process. The final amount is also heavily influenced by brewing time and water temperature.

Not necessarily. The caffeine content in energy drinks varies widely by brand, and a strong cold brew coffee can contain more caffeine than a typical energy drink.

Several factors play a role, including the type of coffee bean (Robusta has more than Arabica), the roast level (lighter roasts contain more), the brewing method, and the serving size.

For most healthy adults, up to 400 mg of caffeine per day is considered safe. However, individual tolerance varies, and certain populations like pregnant women should limit their intake.

Yes, caffeine is naturally present in cocoa beans, so it's found in dark and milk chocolate. It's also sometimes added to foods like gum and certain snacks.

While the effects on the body are largely similar, natural sources like coffee and tea often come with additional beneficial compounds, whereas synthetic caffeine is primarily found in energy drinks with other additives.