We have more than likely all had at least one cup of coffee in our lives at some point, but for many people around the globe, us coffee drinkers, it is a morning essential that can not be missed.
Drinking coffee has so many branches from boosting your energy levels to kickstarting the day with the engines running full steam ahead, to a social gathering with friends and conversation, or it is even enjoyed solo with a good book and a great atmosphere.
Whether you opt for drip coffee, a shot of espresso, or a deluxe version from a professional espresso machine at your local coffee shop, the main objective remains the same, a superb-tasting hot beverage that soothes the soul.
ESPRESSO VS COFFEE
The old-aged question when it comes to talking about coffee beans and the amount of caffeine considered enough is whether your caffeine intake is too much. Should you opt for a stronger espresso or a traditional coffee allowing yourself and an extra cup of coffee that is essentially weaker?
Essentially, it all boils down to preference, but the day's activities ahead also play an integral role and could determine whether you need less caffeine or more caffeine, but there is essentially more caffeine in a shot of espresso.
An espresso shot is a more intense version of this brown liquid goodness that we love, it is thicker too with a creamier, more velvety texture (when made right). A shot of espresso has more caffeine per ounce with up to 63mg of caffeine in one ounce.
A standard coffee drink has only a fraction of that with 12-16mg of caffeine per ounce. It can also be made even weaker by asking your local coffee shop to make it a longer coffee essentially asking them to add more water, therefore, diluting the concentrated coffee drink further.
How to Make an Espresso?
As elegant as it looks when the professionals make it a coffee can be prepared and executed just as flawlessly by your own hands, and with a few tips to get the ball rolling you will be a coffee aficionado in no time.
A few factors do however make the difference and will soon have you impressing friends and family with your coffee-making skills. Let's see a few tips;
Grinding and Weighing
Ideally, you want to use a coffee grinder to grind the coffee and also to use a stronger profile bean and grind enough to make one to two shots of espresso. This finer grind should be powdery and light.
The coffee bean used makes a big impact on the cup of coffee, but a stronger bean is best for drinking espresso. A single shot of espresso ranges from 6-8 grams of coffee while a double shot will have you using an average of 15 grams of coffee.
Pulling your Shot
Running the hot water before you use it clears the head of residual coffee and gives the final product a cleaner taste. Place the compacted coffee in the handle and lock it into place.
With your espresso cup underneath, a larger one for a double shot to leave room for cream or sugar if adding, turn the hot water on and watch it flow seamlessly through the finer grind for about 25-30 seconds.
Is it ready?
The final coffee should have a subtle crema on top, it won't be too bitter nor too acidic, and there will be a fine balance of color between light and dark. And you thought you were simply grinding and adding water to coffee beans.
Alternatives
If you don't have an espresso machine but you do have a French press then you are still in luck. The milligrams of caffeine may not necessarily be the same amount of caffeine you're used to, and the ground coffee will be more coarse, but you will still achieve a beautifully brewed coffee.
Coffee beans
Like with every product, variety is the spice of life and is no different from drinking coffee with an array of aromatic beans to choose from you have the luxury to make a cup of coffee just the way you like it.
Coffee beans say a lot about a person, the establishment, or the local coffee, but there is something for everyone.
You may enjoy a shot of espresso first thing in the morning, or relax with your newspaper as you sip your double-shot coffee drink amongst the hustle of the morning commute, the point is that there is nothing better than your regular coffee.
Some coffee beans come with hidden essence which comes out during the brewing method and is elevated the more you sip, let's see what some of those are;
Robusta coffee beans
One of the more common varieties and why it is used in so many blends and instant coffee, Robusta beans, while less refined produces a better crema than most other coffee beans. It has more caffeine than many sorts because of the plant's self-protection mechanism to ward against pets during the growing season.
Robusta beans do have higher caffeine levels compared to Arabica coffee beans and you are looking at an average of 265 mg of caffeine per 8-ounce cup of coffee.
It may sound like not a lot but the amount of caffeine can certainly affect people in different ways.
Arabica coffee beans
The Arabica beans have less caffeine than their Robusta variety cousin and because of this low caffeine content, it is considered to have the superior taste of the two. Arabica coffee beans have hints of sugar and chocolate, producing a smoother cup of coffee with a touch of sweetness.
Decaf coffee beans
If you are not the type of person that necessarily considers the caffeine in an espresso shot as an energy drink then, other than drinking black tea as an alternative hot beverage, sipping something with less caffeine such as a decaf espresso might work better for you.
We all know how much caffeine is in an espresso shot but a decaf espresso is made with beans that have essentially only 2-3% of caffeine left in them with the other 97% removed. Now you can still enjoy your shot of espresso without overdoing your caffeine intake.
Why is Espresso so strong?
Unlike the drip coffee version of coffee which has a less intense flavor, espresso is much bolder and this comes from not using generic brewing methods with a filter, but rather the water flows through the coffee, and drinking espresso is seen more as something to savor.
We also know that the caffeine in an espresso is as high as 63 mg of caffeine per ounce much more than the average cup of coffee. It also has a much shorter brewing time than other types of coffee typically take to make, but it is also that much better.
Some folks do have a higher tolerance to caffeine consumption and in most cases prefer to sip one well-made double-shot espresso to keep them going throughout the day. The caffeine in espresso is made with two shots rounds of up to 120 mg of caffeine and about 14 grams of coffee grounds.
If you are caffeine sensitive but enjoy the aroma and full-flavored taste of a strong coffee bean then opting for a double shot in a cappuccino could also be a good caffeinated drink option.
Is Espresso healthier than coffee?
Often people confuse drip coffee or espresso drinks as completely different beverages, when in fact they only differ by another coffee brewing method and the coffee grounds being coarse or fine. They both offer the drinker benefits of caffeine content but the lighter roast beans are considered healthier than their dark roast counterparts.
An espresso shot contains a high level of antioxidants which help to boost the immune system and espresso shots have been known to prevent the risk of strokes and heart disease. People who worry about how much caffeine they are consuming can rest assured knowing that drinking coffee lowers their chances of diabetes.
All coffees have natural bioactive substances in them, and when this is concentrated as is with double espresso or espresso shots in general, you need to drink less. Quality versus quantity is the best motto.
So to round up the thought, yes espresso has been considered healthier. Other than the health benefits you achieve internally, you can enjoy this coffee as is without the need for added unhealthy sugars and milk.
Is coffee better than espresso?
Your average cup of coffee whether it be an espresso shot, a decaf espresso, or a humble drip coffee generic, all comes down to preference. Some people enjoy a strong, pick-me-up shot of espresso in the morning to get going, while others savor every last sip of their caffeine intake as they complete the morning crossword.
The average cup of coffee does however have less caffeine than the amount of caffeine in espresso, and the brewing time is much longer by adding in more water.
Brewed coffee is better if you are caffeine sensitive and want to enjoy more cups of something with a less intense flavor, but espresso is better per single shot in that you have a high concentration of the good antioxidants and would need possibly only one cup per day.
Can I have an Espresso before the workout?
If you are training in the morning or anytime before 3 pm then opting for an espresso shot before a workout is fine, it helps increase your energy levels and studies have shown it to improve performance by 11%.
After 3 pm considering more caffeine is not always a good option, but if you don't want to skip a workout session and don't mind having something with less caffeine then consider a black tea or green tea to give you that added edge without overdosing on your daily caffeine intake.
How to enjoy an Espresso Shot?
Surprisingly, despite the name, an espresso shot is not to be taken in one swoop like our alcohol friends, but to be sipped and savored. Espresso shots are the norm throughout Europe and streets and market squares are lined with cafes and restaurants offering all versions of espresso drinks.
Espresso shots naturally have higher caffeine levels and pouring it down your throat will be an influx in your body which may not be able to fully appreciate nor digest the antioxidants and bioactive ingredients present. What you want is to enjoy this single shot of goodness in a few easy steps, here's how.
Ordering - Easy enough, ask your server to bring you an espresso (ideally in an espresso cup).
Water - Take a sip before the espresso. The minerals cleanse the palate and stimulate the taste buds to absorb and be enveloped by the sensual crema-topped coffee.
Crema - Skim the top creamy layer, it looks inviting but often has a bitter, ashy flavoring. Take this layer off to eliminate the foamy mouth coating that happens when you do drink it.
Stir - The brewing time for this type of coffee is quick, meaning it will be boiling when it reaches your table. Stir it to not only release some of the heat but to evenly distribute the flavor profile.
Sip - The first sip is everything. When made well a single shot of espresso can set the tone for the day. The milligrams of caffeine in this coffee variety tell us it will be strong, preparing you, and is even more decadent when you use a dark roast for added intensity.
Caffeine levels in coffee brewing methods
| Drip coffee and French press range from 80-175mg |
| Percolated or boiled (Turkish) range from 64-272mg |
What is caffeine?
A natural stimulant that boosts and activates the brain and nervous system is found in tea, cocoa plants, and coffee.
The Effects of Caffeine
The body easily absorbs caffeine and you begin to feel its effect in 5-30minutes. Depending on the person they can last up to 12 hours, symptoms include mental alertness and increased physicality.
Caffeine in coffee bean varieties
The caffeine content is measured by the total amount of dry coffee as a percentage.
Caffeine in coffee bean varieties
| Robusta beans: 1.8-3% |
| Arabica beans: 0.6-1.2% |
Caffeine levels in coffee roasts
A light roast will have more caffeine if measured by scoops as they have a denser bean.
How much caffeine is in a decaf coffee?
With 97% of the caffeine levels removed a decaf cup has only 2mg of caffeine. Caffeine levels in ground coffee beans In a Robusta or Arabica coffee, a level teaspoon of ground coffee has 60-100mg of caffeine.
How much caffeine is in black coffee?
8 ounces is considered the standard-sized regular cup of black coffee, which has about 96mg of caffeine.
How to Measure Caffeine?
You could use UV spectroscopy, but there are readily available caffeine strips for purchase.
Clarity On Caffeine Myths
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Espresso is a type of coffee, not a particular bean blend.
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Espresso is not bad for you, it is high in antioxidants.
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Crema does not 'make' the coffee, it is quite better and many people remove it before drinking. Now that you know all these factors you can enjoy coffee for what it is. Delicious.
How can I reduce the amount of caffeine I consume?
There are a few tips you could try when you think you need to ease off the coffee and are easy to integrate into your lifestyle. Begin by keeping tabs on the number of coffees you drink, substitute the drip coffee for a shot of espresso (less is more). You could gradually cut back or simply go decaf when you still want that coffee flavor.
How much caffeine is in different espresso shots?
Let's take a quick look at the milligrams of caffeine per drink;
| Decaf, single shot: about 8mg |
| Decaf double shot: about 16mg |
| Espresso, single shot: (29-100mg) average 75mg |
| Espresso, double shot (Doppio): (58-185mg) about 150mg |
How much caffeine is in a double shot of espresso?
A double shot of espresso contains an average of 120 milligrams of caffeine, which according to FDA standards of caffeine content is only 30% of your daily allowance.
Which kind of espresso has the least caffeine?
Naturally, decaf hot drinks will have less caffeine containing only 2-3mg of caffeine.
Can caffeine be found in different coffee drinks?
Caffeine content can differ a lot in coffee based on certain factors such as brewing method, whether you are using arabica beans or something different, serving size, and even the roast of the coffee bean.
But drinks such as mocha, Cappucino or lattes all have some degree of caffeine
Which has more caffeine: Espresso or Coffee?
Essentially, because the water-to-ground coffee ratio is less in a shot of espresso it typically has more caffeine than your regular hot drink. The amount of caffeine is generally higher in coffee beverages with less dilution from milk, water, or cream.
How much caffeine is too much caffeine?
We all know that too much of a good thing can become a bad thing, and when talking about caffeine levels it is no different. The recommended dose as regulated by the FDA is a maximum of 400mg per day. The caffeine in an espresso drink may taste good but could lead to health issues.
Which coffee has the least caffeine?
The amount of caffeine when it comes to varieties of coffee is the lowest in a decaf espresso, but less caffeine does not indicate a lesser quality taste with some of the best ground coffee being decaf.
The type of coffee beans does play some role with lighter options less caffeine intense, but a decaf drip coffee with a caffeine content of only 2-3 grams is the best option when you are trying to avoid too much caffeine.
How much caffeine is in a shot of espresso?
A single espresso shot will have 63-64mg per ounce, and to remain healthy and not indulge in too much caffeine it is recommended that you do not exceed more than 400 milligrams of caffeine per day.
How much caffeine is in an Americano?
A regular 12-ounce cup contains 154 milligrams of caffeine.
How many cups of coffee equal a shot of espresso?
If you are measuring based on how much caffeine you get with each then let's assume the standard of a 1-ounce shot of espresso and a 12-ounce cup of regular brew.
With an average of about 64mg of caffeine per shot of espresso and around 142mg of caffeine per 12 ounces of coffee, it rounds up to half a cup of coffee per shot of espresso.
How can I reduce caffeine in coffee?
Reducing the amount of caffeine or thinking about the caffeine levels in a drink is not as complicated as people tend to think. The milligrams of caffeine per ounce do give you the kick of caffeine intake you want, but you will still feel a difference with less.
Simply reduce the brewing time between 10-20% and you can still enjoy a caffeinated (albeit less) hot drink, who says you need the caffeine in an espresso drink to make it through the day?
How much caffeine is in a single shot of espresso?
Calculating the amount of caffeine in an espresso boils down to how many shots of coffee you are consuming during the day, but also consider the brewing method.
A single shot of espresso has an average of 63 milligrams of caffeine per ounce, multiply that by your caffeine intake to find out how much caffeine you are enjoying, or even overdoing.
Is 2 shots of espresso a lot of caffeine?
A double shot compared to a single shot certainly has more milligrams of caffeine and a bigger kick. Totaling around 126 mg per double shot serving, and if it is only one you won't risk passing your recommended safe caffeine levels, and even more so if you are a healthy adult.
It is no secret that caffeine in espresso or a double shot of coffee is stronger, but if you are a regular drinking espresso shots then you have nothing to worry about. And caffeine compared to so many other ingredients is healthy and tasty.
How Much Caffeine is in A Cup Of Espresso? Might Be Up To You!
Throughout the years the art of brewing coffee has evolved, revolutionized the beverage industry, and has, possibly unknowingly, been the fuel for so many successes we see and experience today.
The power of a humble coffee bean, despite the amount of caffeine, is leading the way for the future. Despite how much caffeine is or isn't present, who knew coffee would become so influential, yet, we wouldn't want it any other way?
