Caffeine is a stimulant that can affect your mood, energy levels, and overall health. So if you’re a frequent coffee drinker, understanding the caffeine content of your favorite coffee drinks helps you make more informed decisions of your daily caffeine intake.
In this guide, I talk about the caffeine content of three popular beverages: Coffee, Cappuccino and Latte. You’ll also find a section on the calorie intake of each of these coffee beverages and their preparation methods, which should give you a clear idea of which coffee drink is best for you.
I know that many coffee drinkers are under the impression that espresso, which is the base of a cappuccino or a latte, is higher in caffeine than coffee. This comes from the fact that espresso is a concentrated shot that has a sharp and strong taste, but when it comes to caffeine content, things are different!
The amount of caffeine in an espresso based drink like a Cappuccino or Latte is generally lower than in a cup of brewed coffee. A typical latte/cappuccino made from one espresso shot has around 63 mg of caffeine, while an 8-ounce cup of coffee can contain between 170 and 220 mg of caffeine.
Does Cappuccino Have More Caffeine than Coffee?
Whether you’re looking for a caffeine boost, or trying to cut down your caffeine intake, you might be wondering whether cappuccino or coffee is the better choice. While both drinks contain caffeine, the amount can vary depending on a variety of factors. In this section, we’ll explore the caffeine content of cappuccino, latte and coffee, as well as some related drinks.
| Drink | Caffeine Content (mg) |
|---|---|
| Cappuccino | 63-126 (single shot/double shot) |
| Latte | 63-126 (single shot/double shot) |
| Coffee (8 oz) | 95 |
Cappuccino Caffeine Content
Cappuccino is a popular espresso-based drink that’s made with equal parts espresso, steamed milk, and milk foam. Because it’s made with espresso, it does contain caffeine. However, the amount of caffeine can vary depending on the size of the drink and the strength of the espresso shot.
On average, a single shot of espresso contains around 63 milligrams of caffeine. This means that a small cappuccino, which typically contains one shot of espresso, will have around 63 milligrams of caffeine. However, larger cappuccinos, which may contain two or more shots of espresso, can have significantly more caffeine.
Latte Caffeine Content
Latte is another popular espresso-based drink that’s similar to cappuccino. However, lattes are made with more steamed milk and less foam than cappuccinos.
The amount of caffeine in a latte is related to how many shots is in your latte. A tall cup of a Latte is usually made with two shots of espresso, which accounts to 126mg of caffeine. If you want to cut that by half, ask specifically for one shot of espresso instead of two. Or if you’re making your own latte at home, use a single shot of espresso to make your latte.
Coffee Caffeine Content
Coffee is another popular source of caffeine. The amount of caffeine in coffee can vary depending on the type of coffee bean, the brewing method, and the serving size. On average, an 8-ounce cup of brewed coffee contains around 95 milligrams of caffeine.
However, it’s worth noting that some coffee drinks can have significantly more caffeine than this. For example, a 16-ounce cup of drip coffee from a popular coffee chain can contain up to 330 milligrams of caffeine.
Does Instant Cappuccino Have Caffeine?
Instant cappuccino is a powdered mix that’s designed to be mixed with hot water to create a cappuccino-like drink. While it may taste similar to a real cappuccino, it typically contains less caffeine.
On average, a single serving of instant cappuccino contains around 30 milligrams of caffeine. This is significantly less than a real cappuccino, which can contain up to 120 milligrams of caffeine.
Which is Stronger? Cappuccino, Latte or Coffee?
Now that you know that brewed coffee has more caffeine than an espresso based drink. The next question to answer is, which is stronger?
Strong, here, can refer to the taste of the actual coffee drink. But here’s another important fact:
Coffee strength (taste) does NOT necessarily mean more caffeine.
So many things can affect the strength of coffee taste:
Roast level – Origin of the bean and the brew method.
So in reality, you can actually have a strong tasting cup of coffee without it being full of caffeine, and vice versa!
Cappuccino vs Latte
Cappuccino and latte are both espresso-based drinks that contain milk. However, they differ in the ratio of milk to espresso and the amount of foam. A cappuccino typically has a 1:1:1 ratio of espresso, milk, and foam, while a latte has a 1:3:1 ratio of espresso, milk, and a small amount of foam.
In terms of caffeine content, cappuccino and latte are quite similar. Both drinks contain one or two shots of espresso, which have about 63 milligrams of caffeine per shot. For all espresso based drinks, the amount of caffeine is tied to the amount of espresso shots used in it. Doesn’t matter what the drinks is: Cappuccino, latte, macchiato, mocha…. hot or iced.
Measuring the caffeine content of an espresso based drink comes down to how many espresso shots is in it.
If you’re wondering if the amount of milk used in the drink affects the caffeine content, it really doesn’t. It does however affect the taste of coffee strength. Cappuccino tends to have a stronger taste of coffee because there’s less milk in it, while a Latte tastes lighter and creamier with less coffee taste due to more milk being used.
Increasing the shots of espresso, while keeping the milk ratio the same, will add both strength and caffeine to your Cappuccino or latte.
Cappuccino vs Coffee
Coffee is a brewed beverage made from roasted coffee beans. It comes in various strengths and flavors, depending on the type of beans, roast, and brewing method. A typical 8-ounce (240-gram) cup of coffee contains about 95 milligrams of caffeine, but this can vary widely depending on the type of coffee.
If you’re looking for a higher caffeine intake, go for a light or medium roast coffee. If you want something with less caffeine, dark roasts usually have less caffeine in them. This comes as a surprise to many, since dark roast tastes stronger and light roasts taste mild. But when it comes to caffeine content, it’s quite the opposite.
Compared to coffee, cappuccino has a similar caffeine content per volume, but it has a stronger flavor due to the espresso and milk combination. A 16-ounce (480-gram) cappuccino contains around 173 milligrams of caffeine, which is equivalent to a small cup of coffee. However, coffee has a higher caffeine concentration per ounce, so a small cup of coffee may contain more caffeine than a large cappuccino.
In summary, cappuccino and latte have a similar caffeine content, while coffee has a higher caffeine concentration per ounce. However, the strength and flavor of each drink depend on various factors, such as the type of beans, roast, and brewing method.
Cappuccino vs Latte vs Coffee Calories
Please note that the calorie content may vary depending on the specific type of milk and sweeteners used.
When it comes to calories, there are some differences between cappuccino, latte, and coffee. In this section, we’ll take a closer look at the calorie content of each of these drinks.
| Drink | Calories (per cup) |
|---|---|
| Cappuccino | 80-120 |
| Latte | 120-180 |
| Coffee (8 oz) | 2 |
Calories in Cappuccino
A cappuccino is typically made with espresso and steamed milk, and then topped with a layer of frothed milk. The calorie content of a cappuccino will depend on the type of milk used and the size of the drink. Here’s a breakdown of the approximate calorie content of a cappuccino:
- 8 oz. cappuccino made with whole milk: 80-120 calories
- 12 oz. cappuccino made with whole milk: 120-180 calories
- 16 oz. cappuccino made with whole milk: 160-240 calories
Calories in Latte
A latte is made with espresso and steamed milk, but has more milk than a cappuccino. This means that a latte will typically have more calories than a cappuccino. Here’s a breakdown of the approximate calorie content of a latte:
- 8 oz. latte made with whole milk: 120-180 calories
- 12 oz. latte made with whole milk: 180-270 calories
- 16 oz. latte made with whole milk: 240-360 calories
Calories in Coffee
A plain black coffee has very few calories, but as soon as you start adding milk or other sweeteners, the calorie count can quickly add up. Here’s a breakdown of the approximate calorie content of different types of coffee:
- 8 oz. black coffee: 0-5 calories
- 8 oz. coffee with 1 oz. whole milk: 10-20 calories
- 8 oz. coffee with 1 oz. skim milk: 5-10 calories
- 8 oz. coffee with 1 oz. almond milk: 10-15 calories
- 8 oz. coffee with 1 oz. sugar: 50-60 calories
If you’re looking to keep your calorie count low, a plain black coffee is your best bet. However, if you’re looking for something a bit more indulgent, a cappuccino or latte can be a tasty treat – just be aware of the calorie content and choose a smaller size or a milk alternative to keep the calorie count down.
Preparation Methods
When it comes to caffeine content, cappuccino, latte and coffee are not created equal. However, the preparation methods for these drinks are quite different as well.
The preparation method of a cappuccino, latte or coffee does not affect the caffeine content of each drink. But it does affect the taste of the coffee and how strong it can taste. Remember that stronger tasting coffee does not mean more caffeine, the two things are not related.
![Caffeine Content Compared: Coffee vs Cappuccino vs Latte [The Surprising Facts!]](https://www.super-espresso.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Cappuccino-Preparation-1024x597.webp)
Cappuccino Preparation
Cappuccino is made using an espresso machine. The first step is to pull a shot of espresso, which is a concentrated form of coffee. Then, the milk is steamed and frothed to create a light, airy foam. The foam is then added to the espresso shot, with a small amount of steamed milk. The ratio of espresso to milk in a cappuccino is typically 1:1:1.
Latte Preparation
Latte is also made using an espresso machine. The first step is to pull a shot of espresso, which is then added to a cup of steamed milk. The milk is not frothed as much as it is for a cappuccino, which creates a creamier texture. A latte typically has more milk than a cappuccino, with a ratio of 1:2 or 1:3 espresso to milk.
Note: An alternative way to make espresso like coffee or a latte is to use a moka pot.
Coffee Preparation
![Caffeine Content Compared: Coffee vs Cappuccino vs Latte [The Surprising Facts!]](https://www.super-espresso.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Coffee-Pour-Over-1024x597.webp)
Coffee is typically brewed using a coffee maker or manual tools like French press or pour-over. The coffee beans are ground and then added to the coffee maker or French press, along with hot water. The coffee is then brewed for several minutes, depending on the desired strength. The ratio of coffee to water can vary, but a standard ratio is 1:16 coffee to water.
Taste and Flavor
When it comes to taste and flavor, there are some differences between cappuccino, latte, and coffee. Let’s take a closer look at each of them.
Cappuccino
Cappuccino has a creamy texture and a sweet, slightly nutty flavor. The foam on top of the cappuccino is an essential part of the drink, and it is made by steaming the milk until it is frothy and light. Cappuccino foam should be thick enough to hold a spoon upright. Because the ratio in a Cappuccino is 1:1, the coffee taste comes through quite strong, even with milk added. So it’s a great beverage for someone who wants a milky drink but does not want the coffee to be light in taste.
Latte
Latte has a smooth, creamy texture and a milder, sweeter flavor than cappuccino. Latte foam is usually thinner than cappuccino foam and is more of a creamy texture than a frothy one. The coffee taste in a latte is milder, but can be stronger if you add additional shots of espresso. A latte is usually the choice of someone who wants either a milder coffee drink, or someone who wants a lighter foam texture than that of a Cappuccino.
Coffee
Coffee is a brewed drink made that has a bitter taste and a slightly acidic flavor. The taste and flavor of coffee depend on the type of beans used, the roast level, and the brewing method. Coffee can be brewed using various methods like drip, pour-over, French press, and more.
In terms of taste and flavor, cappuccino and latte are sweeter and creamier than coffee. Coffee has a stronger, more bitter taste and is less sweet than cappuccino or latte.
The great thing about coffee is that you can control how it tastes by choosing different brewing methods, letting it steep for more or less time, or using different roasts that can taste either light or really strong. If you want a caffeine boost to start your day with, this is definitely the drink to choose.
Overall, whether you prefer the sweet, creamy taste of cappuccino and latte or the strong, bitter taste of coffee, there is a coffee drink out there for everyone.
Which Is Healthier, Cappuccino, Latte or Coffee?
![Caffeine Content Compared: Coffee vs Cappuccino vs Latte [The Surprising Facts!]](https://www.super-espresso.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Cappuccino-Health-benefits-1024x597.webp)
There are two things to take into consideration when it comes to measuring how healthy or unhealthy a coffee drink is:
- The caffeine content of the drink, and whether it goes beyond the allowed intake for a person.
- The added ingredients like milk, sugar, flavors and so on.
When it comes to caffeine content, an espresso based drink like cappuccino or latte is generally considered to be a healthier choice than a large cup of coffee. A typical cappuccino contains around 68mg of caffeine based on one espresso shot, while a regular cup of coffee can contain between 170 and 220mg of caffeine per 8-ounce cup.
However, it’s important to note that cappuccino does contain milk proteins and sugar, which can be problematic for some individuals. If you are lactose intolerant or have a milk allergy, cappuccino or a latte may not be the best choice for you. Additionally, if you are diabetic or following a keto diet, the sugar content in cappuccino or latte may be a concern.
On the other hand, coffee has been associated with a number of potential health benefits. Studies have suggested that regular coffee consumption may reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes, Parkinson’s disease, and liver cancer. Coffee is also a rich source of antioxidants, which can help protect the body against free radical damage.
While cappuccino, latte may be a better choice for those looking to reduce their caffeine intake, coffee may offer additional health benefits for some individuals.
Overall, all coffee drinks, either black coffee, cappuccino, latte or any of the many other coffee beverages, are quite safe to consume on daily basis. Given that you are not adding ingredients like syrups or sugar, which can have a negative impact on your health, and it adds in to your sugar and calorie intake.
Conclusion
When it comes to choosing between cappuccino, latte and coffee, it ultimately depends on your personal preferences and needs. Here are some key takeaways to consider:
- Espresso based drinks like cappuccino and latte generally contain less caffeine than coffee, with an average of 63mg per cup compared to coffee’s 95mg.
- Cappuccinos/lattes are made with espresso, steamed, and foamed milk, while coffee can be made with any roast of coffee beans and many different coffee brewers.
- Cappuccinos and lattes contain milk proteins and sugar, which may not be suitable for those with allergies or specific dietary restrictions.
- Coffee has more antioxidants than cappuccinos, making it a better choice for those looking for a healthier option.
- Cappuccinos/lattes are often seen as a more indulgent, luxurious drink due to their creamy texture and frothy foam.
The choice between cappuccino and coffee comes down to your personal taste and preferences. If you’re looking for a stronger caffeine hit, coffee is the way to go. However, if you prefer a smoother, creamier drink, a cappuccino or a latte may be more up your alley.
