Caffeine Content in Popular Coffee Capsules: A Complete Breakdown
Coffee capsules have become a go-to choice for busy mornings. But have you ever stopped to wonder how much caffeine you're really consuming from each pod? The truth is: not all coffee capsules are created equal—especially when it comes to caffeine content.
Why Caffeine Content Varies Between Coffee Capsules
Several factors influence how much caffeine ends up in your cup:
Roast level – Lighter roasts usually contain more caffeine than darker ones.
Type of coffee bean – Robusta beans have nearly double the caffeine of Arabica beans.
Serving size – A larger capsule or "lungo" brew will typically have more caffeine than an espresso shot.
Brand formulation – Each brand designs its pods differently in terms of strength and volume.
Caffeine Content in Popular Coffee Pod Brands
1. Nespresso (OriginalLine & VertuoLine)
Espresso (OriginalLine): 55–65 mg
Lungo (OriginalLine): 77–89 mg
Vertuo Espresso: 65–75 mg
Vertuo Mug (230ml): 150–200 mg
Vertuo Alto XL (355ml): 200–240 mg
Nespresso's Kazaar and Diavollito are among the strongest, with up to 150 mg of caffeine per capsule.
2. Keurig K-Cups
Regular K-Cup: 75–120 mg
Extra Bold/High-Caffeine Blends (e.g., Death Wish, Black Rifle): 200–300 mg
Death Wish Coffee K-Cup holds the record for one of the strongest, with around 300 mg of caffeine per pod.
3. Starbucks by Nespresso
Espresso Roast (Single Pod): 60–80 mg
Lungo or Americano (Larger Pods): 120–190 mg
Since Starbucks coffee tends to be bold and dark roasted, it still contains significant caffeine due to its high bean content.
4. Lavazza Capsules
Lavazza Blue (Espresso): 50–90 mg
Lavazza A Modo Mio (Lungo): 75–100 mg
Lavazza often uses a blend of Arabica and Robusta, increasing the caffeine level compared to 100% Arabica capsules.
5. Dolce Gusto
Espresso Pods: 60–80 mg
Grande or Americano Pods: 120–150 mg
Some flavored or milk-based Dolce Gusto capsules (like cappuccino or latte) have less caffeine per serving.
Tips for Managing Your Caffeine Intake
Check the roast – Lighter roasts generally have more caffeine.
Stick to Arabica if you're caffeine-sensitive
Limit high-caffeine capsules (over 150 mg) to 1 per day
Don’t stack pods (e.g., a double espresso and a lungo) unless you’re aware of the total caffeine