PSA: I just learned espresso beans have almost no caffeine compared to drip coffee

I was reading a coffee science blog last night and found out a single espresso shot only has about 63mg of caffeine while a 12oz drip coffee has around 120mg. I've been ordering double shots thinking I was getting wired but really I've been sipping baby caffeine this whole time lol. Anyone else feel misled by the whole 'espresso is stronger' thing?

3 comments

3 Comments

nathan_hill601mo ago

Is it possible you're missing the fact that a double shot is still only 2 ounces of liquid, so you're actually getting way more caffeine per ounce than drip coffee? For people who need a quick hit without drinking a whole mug, espresso is still the efficient choice in my experience.

seanjohnson1mo ago

Nathan, I feel you on the efficiency thing. I used to chug a whole mug of drip coffee at my old job and feel jittery but still sluggish an hour later. Then I switched to pulling double shots at home when I need to actually get stuff done. What worked for me was timing it right - I sip the espresso over about 10 minutes instead of inhaling it, and I pair it with a glass of water. That way I get the quick caffeine hit without the crash later. Honestly, it beats drinking 16 ounces of watery drip just to feel awake.

jessec391mo ago

My buddy used to work at a coffee shop and told me people would order quad shots thinking they’d get superhuman energy. Then he’d laugh when they’d come back five minutes later complaining they still felt tired. It’s all marketing hype making espresso seem like rocket fuel when it’s really just a tiny sip of wake-up juice.