How much caffeine is in strong coffee?

For many people, when they want strong coffee, they want something that packs a caffeine punch. They want something that wakes them up and gets them going. Caffeine is a stimulant that lots of coffee drinkers rely on in the morning. However, too much isn't always a healthy choice, so it makes sense to know how much you're getting.

Enjoying your morning jolt of caffeine in your coffee is great, but just how much does it contain?

The average cup of coffee (about 250ml/8 ounces) contains about 95 milligrams of caffeine. The exact amount varies, depending on the coffee drink you choose. Some contain no caffeine and others may contain up to 500 milligrams.

There are several factors that play a role in the total caffeine content of your coffee. Clearly, the size of the drink influences the number. The larger it is, the more caffeine it's likely to contain. The kind of coffee is also something to consider. Some types, such as espresso, contain more than your average drip coffee. Lighter roasts tend to have more caffeine than darker ones and the type of coffee bean is also something that affects total caffeine content.

If you're someone who wants a good amount of caffeine in your cup of coffee, consider what the strongly brewed stuff contains. Robusta coffee beans are the type to choose in this case. Some versions of this kind of coffee contain three times what a normal cup might. Some may even have more than 1,000 milligrams per cup. This might not be a safe amount for some people, so keep that in mind when you choose the brand you want.

How well you tolerate caffeine should influence the type and amount of coffee you drink. If you notice negative side effects, scale it back a little bit. In the meantime, have fun trying different coffees as you look for your favourite.