Select a coffee type and input volume to calculate caffeine content:
When we think of caffeine, coffee is often the first thing that comes to mind. But not all coffee is created equal when it comes to caffeine. Different brewing methods, roast levels, and even the type of coffee beans used can lead to big differences in caffeine content.
The caffeine in coffee can also vary based on the bean type. Arabica beans offer a smoother flavor and generally less caffeine, while Robusta beans are bolder and tend to have nearly double the caffeine content.
Tea may be gentler in caffeine than coffee, but it still packs a punch depending on the type.
Steeping time plays a big role here—longer steeping leads to higher caffeine content. Additionally, loose-leaf teas often contain more caffeine than tea bags because they use larger pieces of leaves, allowing more caffeine to be released.
Surprisingly, many soft drinks contain caffeine, though often less than coffee or tea.
Energy drinks, designed to give you a jolt of energy, often have a lot more caffeine than other beverages. Brands like Red Bull contain around 80 mg per 8-ounce can, while others, like Monster and Rockstar, offer 120–160 mg or more per can.
Energy drinks frequently contain other ingredients like taurine and ginseng which are often believed to enhance energy. However, caffeine is usually the primary energy booster.
Chocolate has a touch of caffeine, with dark chocolate containing the most.
And if you're sipping hot chocolate, it typically contains a small amount of caffeine—just enough to give it that comforting touch but nowhere near as much as a coffee.
Surprisingly, “decaf” doesn’t mean caffeine-free. Decaf coffee often contains about 2–5 mg per 8-ounce cup, while decaf tea may contain even less. It’s a small amount, but something to keep in mind if you're aiming to cut caffeine out entirely.
Many protein shakes and pre-workout drinks include caffeine as a performance booster, often between 100–300 mg per serving. For those sensitive to caffeine, it’s worth checking the label before sipping one of these shakes.
Kombucha, the trendy fermented tea, contains caffeine, though usually in lower amounts than other caffeinated drinks. Many brands have around 10–15 mg per 8-ounce serving. Caffeine levels may vary based on the tea used and fermentation process.
Traditional teas like yerba mate and matcha have their own unique caffeine content. Yerba mate has around 70–80 mg per cup, putting it close to coffee in strength, while matcha, with its concentrated powdered form, can contain about 30–70 mg per serving.
If you’ve wondered if iced coffee has more caffeine than hot coffee, it’s more about the type than the temperature. Cold brews often have more caffeine due to their long steeping time, while iced coffee, which is simply hot coffee poured over ice, has a caffeine content similar to regular hot coffee.
Caffeinated water is relatively new on the market, offering a simple, low-calorie way to get caffeine. Brands vary, but many offer about 50–100 mg of caffeine per bottle, allowing for a light, refreshing boost without the strong flavor of coffee or tea.
Coffee beans themselves vary in caffeine, with Robusta beans packing almost twice the caffeine as Arabica beans. The roast level also matters—lighter roasts retain more caffeine than dark roasts since the beans lose caffeine as they roast longer.
If you’re seeking caffeine-free alternatives, options like chicory root and dandelion coffee are becoming popular. They’re naturally caffeine-free but offer a similar, earthy taste, making them excellent coffee substitutes for those wanting to reduce caffeine.