DISH’IN NUTRITION: “What Has More Caffeine - Drip Coffee or Espresso”?

        65-200mg of caffeine/8 fl oz                                             30-50mg/1 fl oz
(8.125-15 mg/1fl oz drip Coffee)               (30 to 50 mg/ shot Espresso)

If you’re a regular reader, or just happened upon last week’s Nutrition article… you’ll remember that in that installment of ‘Dish’in Nutrition’, we tackled the question: “Caffeine - Friend or Foe”? You’ll also remember that I promised a part II on the subject.  I did so, that we might take some additional time to briefly discuss the concerns you’ve brought to my attention when it comes to deciphering the truth about the caffeine content of Drip Coffee and Espresso Shots. Now why is it do you think, that “I’m” so often asked about this in particular?

Well, if and when folks happen to over hear me ordering my favorite STARBUCKS drink; “An iced ‘Quad Shot’ of Espresso with Sugar Free Vanilla Syrup thank you”… that’s when the questions begin flowing as freely as the coffee being poured by the Baristas. Those within earshot of this seemingly gutsy order - those who have some working  knowledge of what I do…. appear to be downright  dumb struck by what they perceive either to be an ignorant, arrogant or down right irresponsible display of an order!! It’s evident that many just can’t seem to wrap their brains around what they’ve just heard. From the look on some of their faces, you’d think I’d just ordered a couple of Sticky Buns and a Cinnamon Scone and started eating them on the spot!
The fact is, I started drinking espresso in Italy a few years ago. When I returned from my trip…I began my research. First, I spoke with one of the managers of the same ‘above mentioned establishment’ (yeah, that’s right…the same place where I just happen to be writing to you from right now)! I pulled him aside and explained how much I’d come to enjoy the rich flavor of espresso drinks while visiting abroad but never considered ordering them back home, due to what I was SURE, JUST HAD to be much higher caffeine content than my usual drip coffee. Drinking espresso didn’t make me FEEL any different, but because of the deep, rich, strong flavor, I’d done what most do and just assumed that was the case.
The Manager smiled and proceeded to SET ME STRAIGHT. I then took that info and ran to my computer, just to make sure that my own research would back HIM UP! I wanted to make sure I was being responsible with my caffeine consumption now that “VACATION WAS OVER” kind of thing.

He was right and I was glad. Now you may not enjoy that rich, stronger flavor. It’s a personal matter of taste. But when speaking to the concern about the caffeine content…, you can set your mind at ease. It’s a “by volume kind of thing”.

• From a beverage perspective - drip coffee has approximately 65 – 200 mg of caffeine/8 fl oz
• From a volume perspective - espresso has approximately 30 – 50 mg of caffeine/1 single fl oz shot.
• So take the highest caffeine amounts for each to be fair….and you get 200 mg  for an 8 oz cup of drip coffee and 200 mg(exactly the same), for 4 (1 oz ) shots of espresso! 

So, we can see that it’s a volume thing. The maximum you’ll hear people order, (and it’s rare at that), is 4 shots. That’s my maximum espresso order. Often for others, it’s 2 or 3 shots at most -  in which case, they would be getting less caffeine per volume than a single 8 oz cup of drip coffee! Humm….In addition, it’s not unusual at all for people ordering coffee, to order Medium and Large cup servings. 

For example, when ordering a Venti Coffee (large) at STARBUCKS, that contains an unbelievable 26 ounces of drip coffee…OUCH! SO, you do the math and order accordingly.  

• Yes, ounce per ounce, coffee would be said to have less caffeine than espresso....but YOU CAN NOT STOP THERE….because - let’s be honest.  Who bellies up to the bar and says, “May I have 2 (1 oz) shots of coffee in an Espresso cup please? NOT EVEN ON THE MENU!
• The reverse is also true. Who have you ever heard someone say “yes, I’d like to order 26 (1 oz)  shots of espresso and oh yeah, would you be kind enough to call an ambulance with that PLEASE …

So  now you know (as Paul Harvey would say) , “THE REST OF THE STORY”!

We should always try our best to speak about such matters with our facts in tact.

Until Next Time,

POWER ON…..

Candace