There are all sorts of different coffee drinks out there, but which one has the most caffeine? This article will talk about the different types of coffee and which ones have more caffeine than others. So if you’re looking for a drink that will give you an energy boost, read on!

Types of Coffee Beans

Arabica and Robusta beans are among the most popular varieties of coffee beans because of where they’re grown in the world. However, these beans also are preferred because of their caffeine content.

Arabica beans are grown at higher elevations and produce a milder, more aromatic flavor than Robusta beans.

If you’re a caffeine junkie, Arabica coffee isn’t for you.

Robusta beans have a higher caffeine content than Arabica coffee beans.

You may want to steer clear of Robusta if you’re sensitive to caffeine because it’s also a variety with a more bitter taste compared to Arabica. Still, some people actually prefer this type of coffee.

However, if you are ok with caffeine, check out our Lifeline Hero Edition; it’s the perfect choice for first responders.

Did you know that their high caffeine content contributes to making robusta beans pest-resistant and cheaper to farm?

That’s just a random fact we thought was interesting.

As you can see, there are many different types of coffee worldwide. Not all types have the same amount of caffeine, however. If you’re a lover of strong coffee that gives you a jolt to your system in the morning, you should stick with Robusta beans, but if you prefer something milder and more bitter-tasting, then go for Arabica beans.

Now for the next variable, the types of coffee roasts.

Type of Coffee Roasts

Do dark roasts have more caffeine or do lighter roasts have more caffeine? Unfortunately, you won’t find the answer on Google because many people ask this question and cannot get a straight answer.

The reason why it’s hard for others to give an exact answer is that some lightly roasted coffee beans have more caffeine than dark roasted beans do.

Darker roast coffees tend to have a higher oil content, too, which can change the flavor of your cup of coffee, so some people opt for light roast coffee thinking it’s healthier or tastes better.

However, you’ll find contradictory information everywhere, even from doctors.

One doctor says that darker roasts have less caffeine because it’s a more intense roast, while another doctor states that light roasts more caffeine since the beans are exposed to air longer to get a lighter color.

The bottom line is that whether your coffee is light or dark roasted really doesn’t matter. One type isn’t better for you than the other, and it all depends on your preferences.

That’s right.

Contrary to popular belief, roasting does not reduce the caffeine content of coffee beans. If a Robusta bean has 10 mg of caffeine per bean, it will keep that after being heated.

What is impacted in the roasting process is the mass of the beans.

This is a factor to consider when it’s time to brew.

What temperature should you get the water to get the most caffeine in your coffee?

Unfortunately, this is another unanswered question that many people are trying to answer.

The problem with finding the most caffeine in your coffee from temperature is that it will not only depend on the type of bean.

It’ll also depend on how much water you’re using and what method you’re using to brew the coffee.

The only way you can be sure of finding how much caffeine is in your coffee is if you have a laboratory test it for you, which isn’t exactly cost-effective or practical.

But here’s a pro tip.

For ideal caffeine extraction, it’s recommended that you brew your coffee from around 195-105 degrees.

This brings us to our next point. Consider the following image from The Spruce.

How much coffee should you use to get the most caffeine?

When you visit Starbucks or your local coffee shop, they will usually measure their coffee using a scale.

However, you’re more likely to use a scoop or a measuring spoon at home.

Scoop for scoop; a light roast is denser than a dark roast, which means you’re going to get a lot more caffeine by using a light roast.

But watch this!

If you weighed the same teaspoon of coffee in terms of ounces, the dark roast would contain more caffeine than a light roast.

This is because the beans’ density is not as high as it would be for a lighter roast and therefore has less coffee to give you in each serving.

You can use any amount of ground coffee you want, but keep in mind that the more coffee you make, the more caffeine you’re going to get.

While the differences in caffeine content will be slight, it’s a reasonable assumption that coffee bean type matters more than roast color when it comes to coffee types and caffeine content.

Check out this infographic from Taste of Home:

Type of Coffee Beverages

Now that you know about coffee bean types, roast colors, and how much you should be using to get the most caffeine in your coffee, let’s talk about something else. 

Differences in caffeine can range widely with espresso drink types. But, it’s easier to know how much caffeine you’re getting when you drink coffee beverages.

Why?

Because these drinks are measured by espresso shots, which average between 50 to 65mg of caffeine per ounce.

However, keep in mind that, depending on the bean type and roast, there will be a difference between one espresso shot’s caffeine content and another.

How does iced or cold brew coffee measure up?

It might not be on your radar when you’re looking for caffeine content in coffee, but it certainly has its place.

Cold brew coffee is mainly made using a cold water process, which means that it has lower acidity than hot-brewed coffee. This makes it an ideal beverage for those who are sensitive to the high acid levels of hot brewed coffee.

What also makes cold brew attractive is its caffeine content, ranging between 12mg and 30mg per 8-ounce cup.

Does this mean that cold brew coffee has more caffeine than regular coffee? The answer is no.

However, its lower acidity can make for a smoother experience without compromising the health benefits and caffeine content.

Speaking of health.

Limit caffeine to 200 mg each day if you’re pregnant. This is equivalent to 1½ 8-ounce cups of coffee or one 12-ounce cup of coffee. Limit your intake of caffeine to no more than two cups of coffee per day if you’re breastfeeding.

Each person handles caffeine differently, so it’s best to consult with your doctor before you get too crazy with your coffee intake.

Now back to caffeine content.

In addition to these factors, you might want to consider getting your caffeine through cold brew because it’s usually served iced.

This means that you get the caffeine without being jolted with excess hot water, which is similar to what happens when making drip coffee.

That said, if you’re not a fan of drinking your coffee on ice, there are options for you too!

Even though cold brew is available in the iced form, you can always get the hot version of it. You will then be able to control how much ice you add to your drink instead of having it made for you by the professionals at a coffee shop.

When it comes down to it, does type really matter?

Yes! And no. Type matters, but not as much as how it’s brewed.

Depending on the type of coffee you’re using and whether or not it’s light or dark roast will factor into how much caffeine is in your cup.

It would be best to consider the water temperature you’re using when brewing, which contributes significantly to how much caffeine content you’ll get.

Coffee is an excellent way to get extra energy, so if you’re trying to pinpoint which cup of coffee to have in the morning, just remember that the brewing method is the deciding factor in caffeine content.

Here is a table of caffeine per ounce for several common drinks: