Coffee is a lifesaver for many, whether you are struggling with final exams, you`re a newly minted parent or simply someone who needs that energy boost in a busy day of work.
To sharpen our focus and productivity we often go for an espresso shot believing that it is the quick, easy way out the groggy misery. However, you`d be surprised to know that a regular cup of drip coffee (dark or light) has actually more caffeine than an espresso shot!
One 2 oz double espresso shot has about 80 milligrams of caffeine, whereas a 12 oz brewed coffee has about 120 milligrams. So you would actually get more caffeine if you had a regular sized cup of coffee than an espresso shot. The difference lays on the size! By concentration we see espresso having more caffeine, but difference in the serving size is where the discrepancy lies; less caffeine in espresso from a beverage perspective.
Now, it would be unfair to say that espresso shot is not more concentrated with caffeine, since espresso has 40 mg caffeine per ounce whereas a brewed cup only has around 10 mg in each ounce. However, it is very unlikely (and unhealthy) to drink more than a double-shot of espresso. Plus, you generally drink espresso much faster. Caffeine can be more rapidly assimilated when taken in concentrated dosages; hitting your central nervous system differently than if you sipped a drip cup over the course of an hour.
So if you want to get more caffeine from your coffee; go for a regular brewed cup of drip! But remember, ever coffee boost has a “coffee crash”. Knowing the productivity costs of drinking caffeine, and taking steps to get more out of caffeine and reduce those costs can provide you with infinitely more energy, focus and motivation to get through the day.
