If you reach for coffee to boost your energy, you might be wondering: Which coffee has the most caffeine? The answer might surprise you—because it’s not just about how strong it tastes or how dark it looks.
Let’s break it down.
⚖️ 1. It Starts with the Type of Bean
There are two main types of coffee beans:
- Robusta: Higher in caffeine, more bitter, often used in instant coffee and lower-quality blends
- Arabica: Lower in caffeine, smoother and more complex in flavour
💡 At Tambia, we exclusively grow Arabica, known for its quality, complexity, and clean cup—not its caffeine punch.
☕ 2. Brew Method Matters
How you brew your coffee can drastically change the caffeine content in your cup:
| Brew Method | Approx. Caffeine (per 240ml cup) |
|---|---|
| Espresso (1 shot – 30ml) | 60–80 mg |
| Filter (e.g. Chemex) | 90–120 mg |
| French Press | 80–100 mg |
| Cold Brew (steeped) | 150–200 mg |
💡 Cold brew and filter methods generally extract more caffeine due to longer contact time between water and grounds.
🌑 3. Light vs. Dark Roast: Who Wins?
Contrary to popular belief, light roasts actually have slightly more caffeine than dark roasts—because the beans retain more density and moisture.
That said, the difference is minimal. What really impacts your caffeine intake is how much coffee you use, and how it’s brewed.
🫘 4. Grind Size & Ratio Play a Role
Finer grind = more surface area = more caffeine extracted. And using a higher coffee-to-water ratio (like in espresso) means more caffeine per sip.
💡 If you want a smoother cup with steady energy, go for a medium roast Arabica brewed in a filter or French press.
☕ So... Which Coffee Has the Most Caffeine?
If you’re purely after a caffeine hit:
- Robusta beans have the most per gram
- Cold brew often has the most per serving
- Espresso packs the most per volume
But if you’re after quality, flavour, and balance—that’s where speciality Arabica like Tambia shines.
At Tambia, we prioritise flavour over shock factor.
Our coffees—like Castillo, Geisha, and Pink Bourbon—are crafted for complexity, clarity, and smooth energy. Perfect for sipping, not just jolting.
Try our test to find out your perfect roast level.