How does the caffeine content of cold brew coffee compare to regular coffee?
In one peer-reviewed lab test, cold brew made from coarse-ground medium roast had about 27% more caffeine per liter than hot-brewed coffee (1,230 vs 970 mg/L); medium-ground and dark-roast differences were smaller or not statistically significant. The FDA says regular brewed coffee has 113 to 247 mg of caffeine per 12 fl oz cup, so what is in your cup depends on the brew ratio, serving size and any dilution.
Free download
Coffee, Tea and Hot Drinks Storage Chart (PDF): How long coffee beans, ground coffee, tea, cocoa and creamers last. 11 rows, each with its source.
Thank you
Your chart is ready
We use your email only for this download.Also free:
Home Bar Storage Chart (PDF)Milk and Dairy Storage Chart (PDF)Juice, Soda and Water Storage Chart (PDF)Drink Strength, Calories and Units Cheat Sheet (PDF)Want the full pack? About 10 printable sheets: a larger chart for each drink type, a “has it gone off?” checklist, date labels, a party planner and an inventory sheet.
In this article
Does cold brew have more caffeine than regular coffee?
Sometimes, but not always. A 2017 study in Scientific Reports (Fuller and Rao) brewed one Kona Arabica coffee both ways and measured caffeine per liter. Cold brew steeped 1,440 minutes at 21 to 25 C was compared with hot French press made with 98 C water for 6 minutes.
| Roast and grind | Cold brew (mg/L) | Hot brew (mg/L) |
|---|---|---|
| Medium, medium grind | 1,180 | 1,040 |
| Medium, coarse grind | 1,230 | 970 |
| Dark, medium grind | 1,080 | 1,060 |
| Dark, coarse grind | 990 | 840 |
The authors report the coarse-grind cold brews were substantially higher than their hot brew counterparts. For medium grind the difference was not statistically significant.
How much caffeine is that per cup?
Our calculation: 1,230 mg/L is about 291 mg per 8 fl oz and 970 mg/L is about 229 mg per 8 fl oz. These are lab strengths of one coffee, not what a cafe serves, and the authors note large variation and that one coffee may not represent others.
For comparison, the FDA lists 113 to 247 mg of caffeine in a 12 fl oz cup of regular brewed coffee (our calculation: about 75 to 165 mg per 8 fl oz).
What changes the amount?
In the study, caffeine rose quickly in the first 180 minutes and levelled off around 400 minutes, and medium roasts generally had more than dark. Concentrates diluted with water or milk will give a different cup. We found no official figure for store-bought cold brew; check the label.
How much caffeine is too much?
The FDA cites 400 mg a day as an amount not generally linked to negative effects for most adults, and says sensitivity varies. Ask a doctor or pharmacist if you are pregnant, take medicines or have a heart condition.
People also ask
Does cold brew have more caffeine than regular coffee?
In one lab study, coarse-ground cold brew had substantially more caffeine per liter than hot brew, while medium-grind results were not significantly different. Your cup depends on the recipe and dilution.
How much caffeine is in a cup of cold brew?
We found no official figure for cold brew. In the study, 990 to 1,230 mg/L, roughly 234 to 291 mg per 8 fl oz (our calculation); check the label of a product.
How much caffeine is in regular brewed coffee?
The FDA lists 113 to 247 mg in a 12 fl oz cup of regular brewed, non-specialty coffee.
Sources
About · How we verify this · Editorial policy · Corrections
What would help you most next?
One tap. Anonymous. It helps us decide what to build.
Thank you. The free charts above are yours to keep.
