Caffeine Content in a Double Shot of Espresso
A double shot of espresso contains approximately 130-134 mg of caffeine, which is well within the safe single-dose limit of 200 mg for healthy adults.
Specific Caffeine Content
- A double shot of espresso (double espresso) contains approximately 130 mg of caffeine based on standard coffee measurements 1, 2
- Research analyzing actual coffee samples found that espresso servings can vary, with some containing up to 143 mg per serving on average when purchased from coffee shops 3
- Even decaffeinated espresso contains residual caffeine, ranging from 3.0-15.8 mg per shot, which is important for patients on caffeine-restricted diets 4
Context for Safe Consumption
- This amount represents approximately one-third of the recommended daily limit for healthy adults (400 mg/day), meaning you could safely consume up to 3 double espressos per day 1
- A double espresso is below the safe single-dose threshold of 200 mg, so it poses no acute risk for healthy adults 1
- For pregnant women who should limit intake to 200-300 mg/day, a double espresso represents roughly half to two-thirds of their daily allowance 1
Practical Considerations
- "Takeaway" coffees from franchise shops tend to have three times higher caffeine content compared to homemade preparations, so commercial double espressos may be on the higher end of the range 3
- The caffeine in a double espresso is sufficient to elicit cardiovascular responses including increased heart rate within 0-15 minutes of consumption 2
- Children and adolescents should limit caffeine to <2.5 mg/kg body weight daily, meaning a double espresso would exceed safe limits for most children 1
Special Population Warnings
- Individuals with uncontrolled hypertension should avoid or significantly limit caffeine intake, making even a single double espresso potentially problematic 1
- Patients on certain medications (particularly anti-anxiety drugs) should be aware that even "decaffeinated" espresso contains measurable caffeine 4