How Much Caffeine in a Gram of Coffee Beans

Most people love taking sips of coffee in the morning. Thanks to its antioxidant properties and valuable content. It becomes a healthier beverage and even reduces the risks of severe illnesses. It is a go-to option if you want to keep moving and pep up your day.

But as we always hear, too much caffeine can pose harmful effects. So, how much is ‘too much’? That varies from one person to another. Several factors are considered, like an individual’s sensitivity and body weight.

It’s essential to know how much you are consuming to outweigh the benefits. Here’s a guide to get started!

How Much Caffeine in a Gram of Coffee Beans?

One gram of an average coffee bean has 0.4 mg caffeine. While for a single Arabica coffee bean, there are 1.9 milligrams of caffeine. It ranges from 1.2 to 1.5 grams per 100 grams by dry weight. For a single Robusta bean, it usually contains 2. 9 milligrams of caffeine. And by dry weight, it converts into 2.2 to 2.7 grams per 100 grams.

Caffeine Content in Several Beverages

Your favorite coffee may have higher caffeine than what you thought. Not convinced? Let me give you some of the popular beverages today, along with their caffeine content. 

1.Brewed Coffee

Also called regular coffee. Most countries adopt this method of preparing homemade coffee, mainly in Europe and the United States. An 8-ounce of brewed coffee usually has 70 to 140 milligrams (95 mg approximately).

2. Espresso

A single serving measures two fluid ounces. The average shot has 150mg caffeine. You will notice the amount is parallel to an 8-ounce cup pour-over coffee. However, when you order an espresso in a coffee shop, expect the caffeine to be somewhat higher. Around 600mg caffeine is consumed when you take an 8-ounce cup of pure espresso.

3. Espresso-Based Drinks

Cappuccinos, Americanos, lattes, and macchiatos are among the most popular espresso shot brews. They have a blend of different amounts and types of milk. A small cup of these espresso-based drinks only has a caffeine content of 65 milligrams. While for large cups, there are about 125 milligrams.

4. Iced Coffee

You may be glad to know that your favorite iced coffee contains less caffeine. The ice occupies much space in your cup, that’s why (about thirty percent space). For instance, a 16-ounce cup iced coffee holds around 203 mg caffeine. In comparison, a cup of hot coffee has 290 mg.

Moreover, a regular eight-ounce of black tea has an approximate 40 to 75 milligrams. Cold brew coffee contains 12.5 milligrams of caffeine. How about in highly caffeinated coffee? It can be anywhere from 58.5 to 77.33 mg.

The milk added in a coffee likely weakens caffeine. Thus, significantly changing the overall taste. Milk offers a bit of texture and sweetness. That is why many people favor adding cream/milk to their brew to cover the caffeine’s sharp flavor and taste.

Whichever suits your palate, make sure you are not consuming more than 400 milligrams of caffeine daily. Adolescents aged twelve to eighteen should take no more than 100 mg. While for children under twelve years old, an average of 2.5 mg caffeine will do.

But as I have mentioned above, caffeine inconsistently affects people. Some do not mind consuming much since it does not affect their body. However, others are quite sensitive to caffeine. Experiment and determine the right amount. Your body will signal you when you have drunk beyond what it needs.

Factors That Affect Caffeine Rate in Coffee

1. Type of Coffee Beans

Your favorite brand of coffee plays a part in your coffee consumption. Most coffees are sourced with Robusta and Arabica. However, there are also brands with a mixture of two. Arabica is famous for its fruity and sweet flavors. It’s also the sought-after coffee bean. Robusta, on the other hand, has bitter-earth and robust taste. However, when it comes to caffeine debate, Robusta is the clear winner. It contains twice the caffeine amount than Arabica beans.

2. Type of Beverage

Drip, decaffeinated coffee, espresso, etc. all have different caffeine levels. Are you a sure fanatic of making coffee at home? Perhaps you prefer buying a commercial brand type? Note that there’s also a difference in the caffeine content between the two.

3. Roasting Method

There’s a misconception surrounding this topic. Most agree that dark roasts have more caffeine due to its intense flavor. But don’t let their names fool you! The caffeine content in dark roast beans is lesser compared to light roasts. Though, we’re only talking about a three percent difference.

4. Serving Size

Seems too obvious but is typically overlooked. Why? The servings sizes we have are frequently super-sized. What you think is an 8-ounce cup could be a cup and a half or even more. The same also holds true for local coffee shops. To know how much caffeine is in your cup, determine first how large your cup is. Then, multiply your mug size and how many you drink to understand your caffeine intake.

5. Brewing Technique

The amount of caffeine can range from 30 to 150 milligrams, depending on the brewing method you use. However, the amount may escalate further. How long the water interacts with the coffee grinds results in a higher concentration too. Plunger or French Press has 80 to 135 mg caffeine (107.5 mg as an average). The filter or drip contains 115 to 175 mg with a standard of 145 milligrams caffeine.

How to Cut Down Your Caffeine Intake

Can’t pull through the day without a cup of Joe on your hands? You don’t need to ban coffee in your morning routine for good. Keep these handy tips, and have a healthy day!

1. Have a full understanding of your caffeine consumption. Note that caffeine doesn’t exist in coffee only. Even your most consumed beverage has caffeine. Cola, tea, chocolate – name it. Aspirin and other substances are no exception.
2. Try other alternatives. Decaffeinated coffees are a good substitute since the caffeine content is relatively less. Otherwise, try black/green tea or herbal tea. Not only is the flavor sweet, but it is also a milder option.
3. Hydrate, hydrate, and hydrate. You will need that a lot, especially if you love consuming cups of coffee in a day. Most experts recommend drinking eight ounces of water upon waking up in the morning. It will thwart your desire to have more coffee or other beverages.
4. Ground coffee has higher caffeine content. So, you may want to use a bit less of it as possible.
5. Stay true to 100% Arabica beans. I’m not biased here. I’m talking about caffeine content and its effects on your body. Arabica is, therefore, a superior option. Be wary of the lower quality and lower cost blends, though. Chances are, they are using Arabica or Robusta beans as a filler.
6. Have you tried removing all caffeine sources from your diet, yet starting to experience symptoms like headaches? That’s mostly the case of people who become coffee-dependent. The trick is to cut back gradually. Try instant coffee with less caffeine. You can also mix half decaffeinated and regular coffee.

Does Decaf Have Caffeine Content?

Yes, although the amount of caffeine contained seems trivial than a regular serving of coffee. Decaf contains 6mg (250ml) of caffeine for every serving. It also has 2.4 mg/100 ml caffeine and 0.7 mg/fluid ounce caffeine. You don’t need to practice caution when drinking decaf. Quite a few cups of it can quickly provide an energizing effect. 

Which Have More Level of Caffeine, Dark Roast or Light Roast Coffee Beans?

Both have a similar amount of caffeine. However, it is believed that a cup of light roast coffee holds more caffeine. It has to do with the beans’ density. The darker we roast the coffee, the more probability for the beans to decrease mass. Regardless, the content of caffeine remains the same.

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