Coffee Roast vs Caffeine Content: What You Need to Know.

Which Coffee Roast Packs the Most Caffeine? A Straightforward Guide

At Mambo Coffee Roasters, one question comes up repeatedly: “What’s your strongest blend?” — and our answer always starts with another question: Are you talking bold flavor or high caffeine?

There is a common belief that darker roasts are stronger and thus contain more caffeine. However, the reality is a bit more nuanced. Let us delve into the details to help you make informed choices about your coffee preferences.

Understanding Coffee Roasts

Coffee roasting transforms green coffee beans into the aromatic brown beans we brew. The roast level—light, medium, or dark—affects the flavour, aroma, and caffeine content.

  • Light Roast: Roasted for a shorter time, preserving more of the bean's original flavours. These beans are denser and retain slightly more caffeine by volume.
  • Medium Roast: Balances the characteristics of light and dark roasts, offering a harmonious flavour profile. The caffeine content is marginally less than light roasts.
  • Dark Roast: Roasted the longest, resulting in a bold, robust flavour. These beans are less dense and contain slightly less caffeine by volume.

Caffeine Content: By Volume vs. By Weight

The caffeine content in coffee can vary depending on how you measure your beans:

  • By Volume (e.g., using a Hario scoop, or similar): Light roast beans are denser, so a scoop contains more mass and, consequently, more caffeine.
  • By Weight (e.g., using a Hario scale, or similar): The caffeine content is relatively consistent across roast levels when measured by weight. The differences are minimal and unlikely to be noticeable.

Brewing Methods and Caffeine Extraction

The brewing method significantly influences the caffeine content in your cup:

  • Cold Brew: Steeping coffee grounds in cold water for an extended period (12–24 hours) results in a concentrated brew with higher caffeine content. A 330ml glass of iced latte using The Original Cold brew Coffee Company Concentrate contains approximately 120 mg of caffeine.
  • Drip Coffee: A standard 8-ounce cup contains about 95 mg of caffeine, depending on the coffee-to-water ratio and brewing time. (Breville suggests a general guideline—or “golden ratio”—for drip brewing is 1 to 2 tablespoons of ground coffee per 177 mL of water. For a more precise measurement using a scale like a Hario scale, the recommended ratio is 10.6 grams of ground coffee per 177 mL of water.
  • Espresso: A 1-ounce shot from an E61 group head (60mm diameter) typically contains 63 mg of caffeine.
  • French Press: Brewing coffee by steeping grounds in hot water for several minutes yields a rich flavour and a caffeine content similar to drip coffee.

Bean Variety Matters

The type of coffee bean also affects caffeine levels:

  • Arabica Beans: Known for their smooth flavour, these beans contain less caffeine, averaging about 1.2% caffeine content.
  • Robusta Beans: These beans have a stronger, more bitter flavour and higher caffeine content, averaging about 2.2% caffeine content. DOUBLE THE CAFFEINE CONTENT!

Making the Right Choice

When selecting your coffee, consider the following:

  • Light roast Arabica beans brewed as cold brew or espresso deliver high caffeine coffee content — ideal for those seeking an energy boost.
  • Medium roast beans prepared with drip or French press coffee methods strike a balance between flavor and caffeine — great for everyday sipping.
  • Dark roast beans brewed using French press or drip methods offer bold flavor with slightly lower caffeine, perfect for fans of rich coffee roast levels.

 

At Mambo Coffee Company, we offer a diverse range of coffee beans to suit every preference. Whether you're seeking a caffeine kick or a smooth, flavourful cup, we have the perfect roast for you. Explore our selection and find your ideal brew today.

Note: Caffeine content can vary based on several factors, including bean origin, grind size, and brewing time. The figures provided are general estimates.This content is informed by multiple publicly available industry sources. It is intended for informational purposes only.