How Much Caffeine Is in a Cappuccino?

Making the perfect cup of coffee isn’t always so simple, from deciding which beans to use to knowing which cups are best for cappuccinos. Besides these matters, though, many people also worry about the amount of caffeine in their drinks–some are concerned coffee has too much, while others think it’s not enough. 

You’ll probably get the most caffeine from coffee made in a French press, but that doesn’t mean you can’t get your fix with something like a cappuccino. On average, a cappuccino in a standard cappuccino cup (around five to 5.5 ounces) contains between fifty-six to eighty milligrams of caffeine, but the total amount depends on the type of beans used.

What Is a Cappuccino?

A cappuccino is a coffee drink made of espresso, steamed milk, and milk froth in equal parts. This 1:1:1 ratio gives it an intense coffee flavor coupled with an airy texture. You don’t have to follow the exact recipe to make a good cappuccino–making a cappuccino with Nescafe or another instant coffee variant will work well, too.

How Much Caffeine Is in Most Cappuccinos?

A standard cup of cappuccino, which is typically around five to 5.5 ounces (or 150 to 160 milliliters), typically contains between fifty-six to eighty milligrams of caffeine, on average–the equivalent amount of caffeine in one or two shots of espresso. The caffeine content may differ depending which coffee beans you choose for your cappuccino, though.

Do Cappuccinos Have More Caffeine Than Coffee?

Brewed coffee has more caffeine than cappuccinos, as the latter only contains the caffeine present in a shot of espresso. Truly, a brewed coffee is, in some sense, all caffeine.

Is Cappuccino the Strongest Coffee?

Cappuccinos are not the strongest coffee by a long shot, as they contain enough milk to balance out their espresso content. That said, among coffee drinks with milk (such as lattes, macchiatos, and cortados), the cappuccino would rank in the top half in terms of intensity.

How to Make a Cappuccino

To make a cappuccino, you’ll need an espresso machine, preferably with a steam wand. 

First, grind, tamp, and extract your coffee from the machine. While waiting, steam some milk using the steam wand while moving your pitcher in various directions to incorporate air and create foam. 

Then, assemble the drink by pouring equal parts of espresso, steamed milk, and milk froth into a cappuccino cup.

How to Serve a Cappuccino

There’s a proper way to serve cappuccino, which mainly involves using the correct vessel. If you’re wondering whether or not cappuccino and latte cups are the same–they’re not!

For a proper cappuccino, it shouldn’t be poured into just any cup, especially if you’re aiming for the classic experience. It should be served in a 5.5- or six-ounce white porcelain cup with a saucer.

The Best Way to Enjoy Your Cappuccino

Getting the best cappuccino experience involves a variety of things, from using the best coffee beans, to properly extracting espresso, to nailing the milk steaming. It also requires using the best cappuccino cup—one that has a beautiful design, the right shape and size, and excellent heat retention. Read our guide on the best cappuccino cups to find the ideal cup for your daily brew!