Your Guide to How Much Caffeine Is in Coffee

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 hot 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.

How Much Caffeine Is in Your Coffee?

From drip to French roast 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.

Keurig Cup

75-150 mg caffeine per 8-ounce cup

Single-serve coffee makers like Keurig produce coffee that is slightly higher in caffeine than traditional coffee makers. That’s because those little pods can hold a large amount of coffee. Keurig machines can also produce hotter water than most coffee makers.

Find out how often you should be cleaning your Keurig.

French Press

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 coffee maker.

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.

Pour-Over

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.

Cold Brew

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 dilute, the less caffeine per sip.

Find a Pastry to Pair with Your Java

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Hazelnut Chocolate Chip Scones

Chocolate, hazelnuts and the tangy taste of buttermilk —these delicious scones are easy to make, come together fast, and taste so good with your morning coffee. —Trisha Kruse, Eagle, Idaho

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Maple Twist Coffee Cake

If 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

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Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls

Turn a box of red velvet cake mix into this easy dessert—or breakfast! The icing tastes good and makes a pretty contrast with the rolls. —Erin Wright, Wallace, Kansas

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Pear-Berry Breakfast Tarts

When 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

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Springtime Beignets & Berries

I've always loved beignets, but never thought I could make them myself. Turns out they're easy! Sometimes I'll even make a quick berry whipped cream and pipe it inside for a fun surprise. —Kathi Hemmer, Grand Junction, Colorado

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Spinach Turnovers

The 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

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Bananas Foster Baked French Toast

Mmm…bananas Foster for breakfast! This yummy baked French toast serves up all the taste of the spectacular dessert in fine fashion. —Laurence Nasson, Hingham Massachusetts

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Maple Sticky Buns

My 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

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Sugar Plum Phyllo Kringle

Thanks 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

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German Chocolate Ring

This 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

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Puffed Apple Pastries

For 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

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Chocolate Banana Bundles

Banana and chocolate are such an irresistible combo that I make this quick dessert often. You can also top them with the butter and brown sugar mixture left over from coating the bananas, or sprinkle on a dash of sea salt. —Thomas Faglon, Somerset, New Jersey

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Overnight Cherry Danish

These rolls with their cherry-filled centers melt in your mouth and store well, unfrosted, in the freezer. —Leann Sauder, Tremont, Illinois

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Almond Bear Claws

This 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

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Vanilla Cream Fruit Tart

It's well worth the effort to whip up this creamy tart bursting with juicy berries. A friend gave me the recipe, and it always receives rave reviews at gatherings. —Susan Terzakis, Andover, Massachusetts

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Ham & Cheese Scones

I 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

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Caramel-Pecan Sticky Buns

My mother used to make delicious cinnamon rolls when I was a child. Later, she taught my sister and me to make them. I've since added the caramel and pecans. These scrumptious sticky buns are a huge hit wherever I take them. —Judy Powell, Star, Idaho

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Strawberry Shortcake Puffs

When my wonderful friend Kelly brought me a pint of strawberries, I didn’t want to just eat them straight (tempting as it was). I decided to make strawberry shortcake with my own pretty, elegant spin. These light and airy puff pastry stacks let the fruit shine. —Jenny Dubinsky, Inwood, West Virginia

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Cappuccino Muffins

These 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

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Southern Brunch Pastry Puff

My family just about jumps out of bed when the smell of eggs, sausage and buttery pastry hits their noses. This recipe is morning magic. —Misty Michelle Leddick, Chester, South Carolina

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Brie Cherry Pastry Cups

Golden brown and flaky, these bite-sized puff pastries with creamy Brie and sweet cherry preserves could easily double as a scrumptious dessert. —Marilyn McSween, Mentor, Ohio

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French Crescent Rolls

Whenever 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

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Cinnamon Doughnut Muffins

Back when my children were youngsters, they loved these doughnut muffins as after-school treats or with Sunday brunch. —Sharon Pullen, Alvinston, Ontario

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Strawberry Rhubarb Coffee Cake

Although my coffee cake makes a large pan, it never lasts very long! It's great for a Sunday brunch after church and nice to bring to family reunions, too. —Dorothy Morehouse, Massena, New York

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Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Muffins

I saw this recipe in a newspaper years ago and have changed it quite a bit. I make these muffins at least once a month and get many requests for the recipe. —Cheryl Bohn, Dominion City, Manitoba

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Ham and Cheese Puffs

These tasty little bites go over well with kids. They're also delicious with soups or as party appetizers. —Mrs. Marvin Buffington, Burlington, Iowa

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Island Breezes Coffee Cake

With the island flavors, this simple pull-apart bread is perfect for a spring brunch. —Debra Goforth, Newport, Tennessee

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Cranberry-Pistachio Sticky Buns

Looking for a fantastic brunch item? Then try these ooey-gooey good sticky buns. They use frozen yeast 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

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Pumpkin-Apple Muffins with Streusel Topping

My 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

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Prosciutto & Cheddar Breakfast Biscuits

When 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

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Cherry Almond Streusel Scones

My kids and I love to mix the ingredients together and turn out these delicious scones. The tart cherries and brown sugar and almond streusel complement the tender scones perfectly. —Teresa Ralston, New Albany, Ohio

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Cinnamon Coffee Cake

I love the excellent texture of this easy coffee cake recipe. Always a crowd-pleaser, its pleasing vanilla flavor enriched by sour cream may remind you of breakfast at Grandma's! Make it the night before a holiday to save time in the morning. —Eleanor Harris, Cape Coral, Florida

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German Apple Strudel

This gorgeous strudel has just what you crave this time of year: thin layers of flaky crust and lots of juicy apples. —Darlene Brenden, Salem, Oregon

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Sweet and Spicy Chocolate Chip Cinnamon Rolls

The addition of spicy chocolate cinnamon cane sugar adds a little bit of heat and an extra punch of cinnamon and chocolate to the filling of these cinnamon rolls originally shared by Patty Wynn of Pardeeville, Wisconsin. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

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Brunch Puff with Sausage Gravy

When 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

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Caramel Apple Strudel

My 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

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Quiche Pastry Cups

My grandmother used to make egg cup surprises for family brunches on special occasions. The added fillings were always a surprise, as she never seemed to use the same combination of ingredients twice. As children, we had a guessing game as to what we'd find in the tender crust, which added an aspect of family fun to our meal. —Denalee Standart, Rancho Mureta, California

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Puff Pastry Danishes

Even though they're simple to make, these jam-filled pastries are right at home in a holiday brunch spread. They were my dad's favorite, so the recipe will always be close to my heart. —Chellie Helmke, Jackson Center, Ohio

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Apple Pull-Apart Bread

For 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

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The post Your Guide to How Much Caffeine Is in Coffee appeared first on Taste of Home.

Carrie Madormo, RN