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Espresso caffeine
Espresso contains 63 mg of caffeine per 30 ml shot (USDA FoodData Central: espresso, restaurant-prepared). How it compares with the EFSA daily guidance, and where the figure comes from.
A "single" shot; most coffee shops pull doubles.
Caffeine affects people differently — body weight, habits, medication and pregnancy all change the picture. If you are pregnant, EFSA's figure is up to 200 mg a day. Heart-rhythm conditions and anxiety disorders are reasons to talk to a clinician, not to a table.
Where the figure comes from
USDA FoodData Central: espresso, restaurant-prepared
Against the daily guidance
| Reference | Limit | This drink |
|---|---|---|
| EFSA daily reference, healthy adults | 400 mg | under the line |
| EFSA single-dose reference | 200 mg | under the line |
| EFSA daily reference in pregnancy | 200 mg | under the line |
Sources: USDA FoodData Central · EFSA 2015 — scientific opinion on the safety of caffeine · checked 2026-09-03
Frequently asked questions
How much caffeine is in espresso?
63 mg per 30 ml shot, per USDA FoodData Central: espresso, restaurant-prepared.
Is espresso a lot of caffeine?
Not against the EFSA reference points: up to 400 mg a day and up to 200 mg per sitting is considered safe for healthy adults.
Does espresso vary between batches?
Yes — every caffeinated drink varies with ingredients and preparation. This figure is a published reference point, not a measurement of your cup.
Brewed (filter) coffee
95 mg per 240 ml mug
Instant coffee
62 mg per 240 ml mug
Decaffeinated coffee
2 mg per 240 ml mug
Cold brew
100-200 mg per 240 ml
Black tea
47 mg per 240 ml mug
Green tea
28 mg per 240 ml mug
Count the coffees, keep the sleep
TempoLife tracks caffeine, meals and sleep in one place — so you can see which cup is the one that keeps you up.