When you need a jolt in the morning reach for one of these favorite caffeinated drinks.
Your Favorite Cafe Drinks, Ranked from Least to Most Caffeinated
Updated on Dec. 15, 2023
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Whether you’re limiting your intake or finding the best remedy for your 3 p.m. slump, this list will guide you through how much caffeine is in different types of coffee and tea. Curious to make these drinks at home? Try out our favorite coffee copycat recipes.
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Decaf Coffee
2-5mg per cup
If you’re not much of a caffeine drinker, a cup of decaf coffee may be all you need in the morning. A cup has about 2 to 5 milligrams of caffeine depending on the brand. That’s not much considering these foods with caffeine will give you a much bigger jolt.
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Green Tea
25mg per cup
Known for its antioxidants and health benefits, green tea has a small amount of caffeine, just 25 milligrams per cup. Try steeping a cup in the afternoon for a little pick-me-up without the extra caffeine that could keep you up at night. If you’re looking for more flavor, try our Lemon Thyme Green Tea recipe that uses fresh herbs and citrus to give your tea a boost. If you love lemon, you’ll want to try a Panera Bread caffeinated lemonade to give you a boost.
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Black Tea
25-48mg per cup
A cup of black tea has about 25 to 48 milligrams of caffeine depending on which variety you choose. Look for unsweetened tea and try adding a little milk if you need some creaminess. You can also turn it into a sweet treat with these tea recipes.
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Instant Coffee
63mg per cup
Most coffee snobs would turn their noses up at a mug of instant coffee, but it works in a pinch. A cup has about 63 milligrams of caffeine. It’s a great hit of energy on its own but really steals the show in these dessert recipes with instant coffee.
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Frappuccino
65mg per tall order (12oz)
When you’re craving a midday treat, nothing satisfies like a creamy, icy coffee drink. It’s not the healthiest choice but go ahead and indulge in a Frappuccino once in a while! A tall frappuccino from Starbucks has about 65 milligrams of caffeine. Looking for a caffeinated treat without the calories? Check out our list of the most healthy Starbucks drinks.
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Espresso
75mg per shot
There’s nothing like a shot of espresso to get you going in the morning. One shot has about 75 milligrams of caffeine and is meant to be sipped slowly. Can’t handle a shot on its own? How about stirring it into this rich espresso filling recipe?
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Cappuccino
75mg per cup
Anyone else ever mix up all of the fancy drinks when standing in line for their java? A cappuccino is a shot of espresso with a thick layer of foamy milk poured over it. A small cappuccino has about 75 milligrams of caffeine and extra protein and calcium from the milk.
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Macchiato
75mg per cup
When you order a macchiato, you’re getting a shot of espresso (or more depending on the size) with a small amount of steamed milk and foam. A small macchiato has about 75 milligrams of caffeine. Try adding a little vanilla syrup and caramel drizzle for a caramel macchiato to get you through even the longest day.
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Latte
63-126mg per cup
The classic latte has anywhere from 63 to 126 milligrams of caffeine per serving and is a mixture of espresso, steamed milk and a thin layer of foam. If you’re avoiding dairy right now, try a latte with almond milk, oat milk or soy milk for all the creaminess without the tummyache.
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Iced Coffee
120mg per cup
Iced coffee is coffee that’s been brewed hot, then served chilled over ice. It’s a refreshing thirst quencher in the summer and packs about 120 milligrams of caffeine in a small size. Here’s the difference between iced coffee and cold brew coffee.
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Flat White
130mg per cup
A flat white coffee drink is made with ristretto espresso, which is why it’s higher in caffeine. Ristretto is a short shot of espresso; it’s made with less water and is more concentrated. This gives it a sweeter, less bitter taste, as well as 130 milligrams of caffeine in a small drink.
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Cold Brew
155mg per cup
Cold brew coffee gets its smooth taste from being slow-steeped in cool water for hours. It also hangs onto more caffeine than iced coffee, with 155 milligrams in a small cold brew. Order one at your local coffee shop or stay home with the best cold brew coffee maker.
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Drip Coffee
165mg per cup
A cup of brewed black coffee is as plain as you can get but it delivers in the caffeine department. One cup has about 165 milligrams of caffeine to wake you up. Enjoy it with a little skim milk or get creative with these healthy coffee recipes.
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Nitro Cold Brew
215mg per cup
One of the most powerful sources of caffeine is a nitro cold brew, a cold brew coffee that’s been infused with nitrogen to get a sweeter, creamier taste without the extra sugar and cream. A small nitro cold brew packs 215 milligrams of caffeine.
