We heard that caffeine content can vary by brew method. Here's what we discovered about the amount of caffeine in drip coffee, French press coffee, Keurig K-Cups and more.
How Much Caffeine Is in Coffee?
Updated on Oct. 01, 2024
It doesn’t matter if you slept like a baby or were up all night with one; most of us want to jump-start our mornings with a perfect cup of coffee. Cradling a warm mug and smelling your freshly brewed pick-me-up is a morning ritual we look forward to. We crave that little (or large) jolt of energy and alertness.
But how much caffeine in coffee do you need to open your eyes in the morning? Turns out the type of coffee and its brewing method matters.
PSA: Be sure to avoid these common mistakes when brewing coffee.
The Amount of Caffeine in Coffee
From drip to French press to cold brew, each brewing method has a different amount of “extraction.” This refers to how much caffeine is extracted from the coffee bean for your drink.
Coffee drinks that soak the beans like Turkish coffee are stronger than pour-over methods because the water has more time to absorb the coffee’s caffeine. Another factor that affects the caffeine content is the size of the grind. Finely ground coffee beans produce a more caffeinated coffee because they have a larger surface area overall and a higher extraction. Finally, the hotter the water used to brew, the more extraction and thus more caffeine your coffee will have.
See how much fuel is in all your favorite caffeinated drinks.
Caffeine in a Keurig Cup
75-150 mg caffeine per 8-ounce cup
Single-serve coffee makers like Keurig produce coffee that is slightly lower in caffeine than traditional drip coffee. Keurig machines can produce hotter water than most coffee makers, but the water is only in contact with the coffee grinds for a short period of time.
Find out how often you should be cleaning your Keurig.
Caffeine in French Press Coffee
80-135 mg caffeine per 8-ounce cup
Hosting a bridal shower or friends’ brunch? Place a French press coffee maker on the table for delicious coffee and an elegant touch. Just don’t expect the guests to get too lively. French press coffee is low in caffeine because the grinds are so large. They have to be, otherwise, you’d be left with a cup full of coffee grounds.
Here’s everything you need to know about how to use a French press.
Caffeine in Drip Coffee
165 mg caffeine per 8-ounce cup
A cup of regular drip coffee from a coffee maker hits the spot in the morning but won’t give you much caffeine compared with other methods. The water in coffee makers doesn’t get very hot, so less caffeine will be extracted. The coffee grinds for a traditional coffee maker are larger than other varieties, too. If a classic cup of coffee is all you need to wake up, be sure to invest in one of the best coffee makers.
Caffeine in Pour-Over Coffee
175 mg caffeine per 8-ounce cup
If you’re feeling fancy, treat yourself to a pour-over coffee at home or from your local craft coffee shop. The coffee grinds in pour-over coffee are larger; otherwise, the water would pool in the grounds and never make its way down to your mug. Pour-over can give you more caffeine than drip because of the water temperature; it requires extra hot water to brew.
Caffeine in Cold Brew Coffee
155 mg caffeine per 8-ounce cup
The amount of caffeine in a glass of cold brew coffee will vary depending on how concentrated your brew is. Cold brew coffee uses coffee grounds soaked in water, which usually yields a high-caffeine drink. However, because they’re brewed in cold water, the extraction is much lower than in hot. Cold brew is usually diluted with water or milk, so the more dilution, the less caffeine per sip.
Find a Pastry to Pair with Your Java
Hazelnut Chocolate Chip SconesChocolate, hazelnuts and the tangy taste of buttermilk —these delicious scones are easy to make. They come together fast. —Trisha Kruse, Eagle, Idaho
Try this strawberry scone recipe with cream next!
Maple Twist Coffee CakeIf you like maple flavor, you will love this recipe. It is so pretty with all the twists and is always a hit at bake sales I have brought it too.—Deanna Richter, Elmore, Minnesota
Red Velvet Cinnamon RollsIf you ever wished you could have red velvet cake for breakfast, now you can, thanks to these vanilla-iced red velvet cinnamon rolls.
Pear-Berry Breakfast TartsWhen my kids were small, I could never get pancakes on the table while they were all still hot. Then I got the idea for these breakfast tarts. They're a good and simple recipe for any busy family. —Joan Elbourn, Gardner, Massachusetts
Spinach TurnoversThe flaky cream cheese pastry adds sensational texture to these hot appetizers—and just wait until you taste the wonderful filling. I usually fix a double batch and freeze some to have on hand in case unexpected guests drop by. — Jean von Bereghy, Oconomowoc, Wisconsin
Bananas Foster French ToastThis decadent overnight bananas Foster French toast recipe will take your brunch game to the next level.
Maple Sticky BunsMy family has a small sugaring operation in our backyard. This recipe makes good use of the maple syrup we make. It's a family tradition to serve these sticky buns on Thanksgiving every year. —Priscilla Rossi, East Barre, Vermont
Sugar Plum Phyllo KringleThanks to store-bought phyllo dough, this pastry is easier to make than it looks. Serve it not only for breakfast, but also for dessert with a scoop of ice cream. —Johnna Johnson, Scottsdale, Arizona
German Chocolate RingThis recipe is modeled after German sweet chocolate cake, which is my favorite, so it's no wonder I enjoy making and eating this sweet-tasting bread! You can make it ahead and freeze to bring out when you need an easy showstopper. —Anne Frederick, New Hartford, New York
Puffed Apple PastriesFor a little extra indulgence, serve these oven-fresh pastries with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream. Cherry pie filling can be substituted for the apple. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Check out these 16 puff pastry desserts that will satisfy your sweet tooth.
Banana and Chocolate Puff PastryBanana and chocolate puff pastry is a celebration of one of our favorite pairings, brought together with flaky pastry crust and a dollop of vanilla ice cream.
Cherry DanishSometimes a cup of coffee just demands a sweet treat to go with it, and a fresh-baked cherry Danish is the perfect choice. This recipe is less complicated than most, with just a few minutes' prep and a slow, overnight rise.
Bear ClawThis bear claw pastry recipe is absolutely melt-in-your-mouth delicious! It's impossible to resist the delicate dough, rich almond filling and pretty fanned tops sprinkled with sugar and almonds. I made yummy treats like this when I worked in a bakery years ago. —Aneta Kish, La Crosse, Wisconsin
Fruit TartIt's well worth the effort to whip up this creamy fruit tart bursting with juicy berries. A friend gave me the recipe, and it always receives rave reviews at gatherings. —Susan Terzakis, Andover, Massachusetts
Ham & Cheese SconesI make these scones as a way to use up leftover ham. The cheesy, savory wonders are a delight as an appetizer or an afternoon snack. —Barbara Lento, Houston, Pennsylvania
Caramel RollsCaramel rolls, a midwestern favorite, are sweet yeasted rolls that lie somewhere between sticky buns and cinnamon rolls. Our recipe features a drippy caramel sauce and crunchy pecans.
Strawberry Shortcake PuffsAn easy and delicious recipe for strawberry shortcake puffs made with store-bought puff pastry dough, whipped cream and fresh strawberries.
Cappuccino MuffinsThese are my favorite muffins to serve with a cup of coffee or a tall glass of cold milk. Not only are they great for breakfast, they make a tasty dessert or midnight snack. I get lots of recipe requests whenever I serve them. The espresso spread is also super on a bagel. —Janice Schulz, Racine, Wisconsin
French Crescent RollsWhenever we have rolls and coffee after church, these come along with me. Here on the high plains, we've been raising cattle, wheat and daughters for 30 years. Our two oldest are grown, and our youngest just began college. —Betty Ann Wolery, Joplin, Montana
Doughnut MuffinsCinnamon sugar–dusted doughnut muffins hit the flavor mark of an old-fashioned jelly doughnut without a deep fryer in sight.
Strawberry Rhubarb Coffee CakeOur strawberry rhubarb coffee cake is a slice of spring. Serve it at room temperature with a cup of coffee or warm with ice cream and a glass of dessert wine.
Chocolate Chip SconesThese chocolate chip scones are delicious warm, served with butter, when the chips are melted and gooey. —Diane LaFurno, College Point, New York
Oatmeal Chocolate Chip MuffinsThese oatmeal chocolate chip muffins are just sweet enough to be a treat and tasty enough for everyday enjoyment.
Ham and Cheese PuffsThese tasty little bites go over well with kids. They're also delicious with soups or as party appetizers. —Mrs. Marvin Buffington, Burlington, Iowa
Island Breezes Coffee CakeWith the island flavors, this simple pull-apart bread is perfect for a spring brunch. —Debra Goforth, Newport, Tennessee
Cranberry-Pistachio Sticky BunsLooking for a fantastic brunch item? Then try these ooey-gooey good sticky buns. They use frozen roll dough and couldn't be simpler to make. The buns rise overnight in the refrigerator, so you just need to bake them the next morning.—Athena Russell, Florence, South Carolina
Pumpkin-Apple Muffins with Streusel ToppingMy mother always made these tasty muffins whenever our family got together at her house. Now they’re a family favorite at my house, and my in-laws love them, too! —Carolyn Riley, Carlisle, Pennsylvania
Prosciutto & Cheddar Breakfast BiscuitsWhen my family visits, I love to make my nephew Robbie happy by making any breakfast with pork and cheese. I created this as a twist on the traditional breakfast sandwich. —Kelly Boe, Whiteland, Indiana
Coffee CakeOur coffee cake recipe turns coffee-o-clock into a true treat!
Apple StrudelThe ideal fall recipe has arrived: the apple strudel. Filled with a gooey inside and wrapped in a golden, flaky outer crust, this apple strudel is as pretty as it is delicious.
Brunch Puff with Sausage GravyWhen company stays overnight, I make this puff with sausage gravy as a hearty breakfast treat. It’s meaty, cheesy and delightful with a fresh fruit salad. —Danielle Cochran, Grayling, Michigan
Caramel Apple StrudelMy father, who was born and raised in Vienna, Austria, would tell us stories about how his mother covered all the kitchen counters with dough whenever she made apple strudel. This recipe is a modern, delicious way to carry on part of my family's heritage. —Sarah Haengel, Bowie, Maryland
Puff Pastry DanishFlaky puff pastry Danish filled with tangy cream cheese and sweet jam creates a quick homemade breakfast or anytime treat.
Apple Pull-Apart BreadFor a fun sweet treat that's certain to satisfy, try this recipe. Drizzled with icing, each finger-licking piece has a yummy surprise filling of apples and pecans. It's well worth the bit of extra effort. —Carolyn Gregory, Hendersonville, Tennessee
