Why Do Different Coffee Brands Have Different Amounts of Caffeine?

Different types of coffee beans have different caffeine levels. The stronger the bean, the higher the caffeine content in a given brand of coffee. Since coffee companies use different beans, different coffee brands have different amounts of caffeine.

One Cup

Generally, one eight-ounce cup of coffee contains about 108 milligrams of caffeine.

Type of Bean

The type of bean used in a coffee brand determines the caffeine level per cup. Of the two main types of commercial beans, robusta and arabica, robusta beans contain the most caffeine per bean.

Roasting

Coffee beans are roasted during processing, and the darker the roast, the less caffeine a brewed cup will have. A cup of French roast coffee, for example, does not contain as much caffeine as a cup of medium roast.

Brewing

The way a coffee brand is brewed also affects how much caffeine it contains. A cup of regular brewed coffee has less caffeine per ounce than a cup of espresso but more than instant coffee.

Fun Fact

Although robusta beans have more caffeine, and are widely used in brands of instant coffee and coffee blends, arabica beans are considered better for brewing because their flavor is less bitter.

References

• Energy Fiend: Caffeine in Coffee
• International Coffee Organization: Roasting/Making Coffee
• International Coffee Organization: Botanical Aspects