From the Guidelines
Espresso contains more caffeine per ounce than regular coffee, but the smaller serving size typically results in less total caffeine intake. When comparing the caffeine content of espresso and regular coffee, it's essential to consider the brewing method and serving size. According to the study published in Advances in Nutrition 1, the content of caffeine in a serving of coffee is highly variable, depending on the source and type of coffee bean, the type of roasting, the coffee-making method, and the ratio of coffee ground to water. Some key points to consider:
- A standard 1-ounce shot of espresso contains about 63 mg of caffeine, while an 8-ounce cup of regular drip coffee contains approximately 95 mg of caffeine.
- Espresso has a higher concentration of caffeine per ounce (about 63 mg per ounce versus 12 mg per ounce in regular coffee), but the smaller serving size results in less total caffeine intake.
- The difference in caffeine content stems from the brewing methods - espresso is made by forcing hot water through finely-ground coffee beans under high pressure for a short time, extracting caffeine more efficiently per volume.
- Regular coffee uses a slower drip or steeping process with coarser grounds.
- If you're monitoring caffeine intake, consider that drinking a double or triple shot of espresso could provide similar or more caffeine than a standard cup of coffee, as noted in the study 1.
- Caffeine affects individuals differently based on body weight, metabolism, and tolerance, and the study suggests that moderate coffee consumption, defined as three to five 8-oz servings per day or approximately 400 mg caffeine/d, can be incorporated into healthy eating patterns 1.
From the Research
Caffeine Content in Espresso vs Regular Coffee
- The amount of caffeine in espresso and regular coffee can vary greatly depending on factors such as brewing method, coffee bean type, and serving size.
- However, there is no direct evidence in the provided studies to compare the caffeine content in espresso and regular coffee.
Effects of Caffeine on Anxiety and Panic Attacks
- Studies have shown that caffeine can increase the risk of anxiety and panic attacks, especially in individuals with panic disorder 2, 3.
- The results of a meta-analysis suggest that caffeine intake is associated with an elevated risk of anxiety in healthy individuals, especially when the intake dose is greater than 400 mg 3.
- Another study found that caffeine at doses roughly equivalent to 5 cups of coffee induces panic attacks in a large proportion of patients with panic disorder 2.
Caffeine Consumption and Guidelines
- Food-based dietary guidelines (FBDG) provide an unfavorable view of caffeine-containing beverages due to their potential adverse effects on special populations and their high sugar content 4.
- However, some FBDG also note the potential benefits of specific beverage types, such as coffee and tea.
Caffeine and Blood Pressure
- A systematic review and meta-analysis found that caffeine intake produces an acute increase in blood pressure in hypertensive individuals, but there is no evidence of an association between longer-term coffee consumption and increased blood pressure or risk of cardiovascular disease 5.
Caffeine and Depression
- A study found that prophylactic caffeine use may influence the development of depression by affecting the gut-brain axis, and that early caffeine intervention might prevent depression by regulating gut microbiota, intestinal barrier integrity, and neuroinflammation 6.