Caffeine Content in Coffee, Tea & Popular Drinks

Ever wondered how much caffeine is really in your morning cup—or your afternoon soda? Whether you’re trying to cut back or just curious, knowing the actual numbers helps you make better choices without guessing.

Here’s the straightforward breakdown: a standard shot of espresso contains 40–75mg of caffeine, while a typical cup of drip coffee holds 95–200mg. Decaf versions of both fall below 15mg. Energy drinks like Monster and Red Bull pack 76–80mg per can, and even chocolate chips contain 104mg per cup.

Caffeine in Coffee Drinks

The caffeine content in coffee varies widely based on preparation method, bean type, and serving size. Here are the key numbers:

• Regular espresso: 40–75mg per shot
• Decaf espresso: 0–15mg per shot
• Regular brewed coffee (generic): 95–200mg per cup
• Decaf brewed coffee (generic): 2–12mg per cup
• Regular instant coffee (generic): 27–173mg per cup
• Decaf instant coffee (generic): 2–12mg per cup
• McDonald’s brewed coffee: 100mg per cup
• McDonald’s mocha frappe: 125mg per drink
• Starbucks latte: 150mg per drink
• Starbucks coffee (standard cup): 330mg per cup
• Starbucks decaf: 25mg per cup

Caffeine in Tea

Tea drinkers can expect less caffeine than coffee, though levels vary by type and brand:

• Black tea: 14–61mg per cup
• Decaf black tea: 0–12mg per cup
• Green tea: 24–40mg per cup
• Arizona iced tea: 11mg per serving
• Generic instant tea: 26mg per cup
• Lipton Brisk: 5–7mg per cup

Caffeine in Soft Drinks & Energy Drinks

Sodas and energy drinks also contribute to your daily caffeine intake, often more than you'd expect:

• Barq’s root beer: 18mg per can
• Coca-Cola Classic: 30–35mg per can
• Coca-Cola Zero: 35mg per can
• Diet Coke: 38–47mg per can
• Diet Pepsi: 27–37mg per can
• Dr Pepper: 36mg per can
• Mountain Dew: 46–55mg per can
• Pepsi: 32–39mg per can
• 5-hour Energy: 207mg per shot
• AMP Energy: 72–74mg per can
• Cran-Energy: 70mg per can
• Full Throttle: 70–72mg per can
• Monster Energy: 80mg per can
• Red Bull: 76–80mg per can
• Rockstar: 79–80mg per can
• Vault: 47mg per can

Other Surprising Caffeine Sources

Caffeine isn’t limited to drinks. These common foods and supplements also contain notable amounts:

• Chocolate chips (1 cup): 104mg
• Dark chocolate-covered coffee beans: 336mg
• Foosh energy mints: 100mg
• Hershey’s Kisses: 9mg
• Excedrin (2 tablets): 130mg
• Excedrin (1 tablet): 200mg

Frequently Asked Questions

How much caffeine is in a shot of espresso compared to a cup of coffee?

A single shot of espresso contains 40–75mg of caffeine, while a typical 8-ounce cup of brewed coffee has 95–200mg. So while espresso is stronger by volume, a standard coffee cup usually delivers more total caffeine.

Is decaf coffee or tea completely caffeine-free?

No. Decaf coffee contains 2–12mg per cup, and decaf tea contains 0–12mg per cup. While the amounts are very low, they are not zero.

Which common drinks have more caffeine than a cup of coffee?

Energy drinks like Monster (80mg), Red Bull (76–80mg), and 5-hour Energy (207mg) often contain more caffeine than a regular cup of brewed coffee (95–200mg). Some sodas, like Mountain Dew (46–55mg), also contribute significantly.

Does dark chocolate or coffee beans have caffeine?

Yes. Dark chocolate-covered coffee beans contain 336mg per serving, and 1 cup of chocolate chips contains 104mg. Even regular chocolate contains small amounts, like 9mg in a single Hershey’s Kiss.

Are there surprising sources of caffeine in food or medicine?

Yes. Excedrin tablets contain 200mg (1 tablet) or 130mg (2 tablets), and Foosh energy mints have 100mg per mint. Always check labels on medications and snacks.

FrontStreet Coffee Beans for Caffeine Lovers

For those seeking a strong caffeine kick from their beans, try FrontStreet Coffee’s Ethiopia Yirgacheffe for a bright, citrusy 12-oz cup with floral and lemon notes, or their Guatemala Antigua offering a heavier body with dark chocolate and spice. Both are high-quality single origins perfect for espresso or filter. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.