The strong taste of espresso has made it famous. Numerous individuals have switched over from normal coffee to espresso. The primary reason is the high caffeine content.
As one starts drinking espresso, they are likely to increase their intake. Before doing so, it is time to find out how much caffeine is there in two shots of espresso.
Caffeine In Two Shots Of Espresso:
Expect to consume around 180mg of protein when drinking two shots of espresso. Since most cafes offer a double shot, it is easy to consume 2 shots at once.
Caffeine is a blessing in disguise. It helps focus better and keeps one alert. However, excessive intake can make the body immune resulting in higher caffeine consumption.
Are 2 Shots Of Espresso Strong?
Two shots of espresso are certainly strong. However, it is not dangerous on a stand-alone basis. Two shots of espresso are still within the daily consumption of caffeine limit.
Always look at the consumption of espresso shots in conjunction with the beverages and food consumption spread over the entire day. For example, excessive caffeine consumption in junk food will always spoil health in the longer run. Similarly, losing track of the number of espresso shots will also lead to problems.
Is It Ok To Drink 3 Shots Of Espresso?
One can consume 4 to 5 espresso shots or 4 cups of coffee in a day. Technically, consuming 3 espresso shots shouldn’t lead to problems. Avoid consuming them in one go. Consuming them separately offers advantages like:
- An individual is likely to remain alert for longer.
- Chances of overdosing on caffeine are limited.
- The probability of suffering from an addiction is low.
- Consuming caffeine spread throughout the day prevents dehydration.
Caffeine In Espresso Shots At Different Cafes:
The above number of 180mg of caffeine in two espresso shots is the average. Of course, since the espresso shots are brewed differently at different cafes, the caffeine content varies. Take a look below to know this number for the most popular cafes.
- Starbucks:
According to the Starbucks menu, 2 shots of espresso offer 150mg of caffeine. - Costa:
Costa offers nearly 185mg of caffeine in double-shot espressos. - Dunkin:
Double shot espressos by Dunkin have almost 230mg of caffeine. - Mcdonalds:
Mcdonald’s double espresso has 140mg of caffeine.
How Long Does Caffeine Last In Your Body?
Caffeine usually stays in the body for up to 8 hours. However, energy is derived from it only for half an hour. The half-life of caffeine is for approximately four hours. After four hours, the effects of caffeine start reducing.
Who Should Avoid 2 Shots Of Espresso?
Most individuals can consume two espresso shots without any side effects. However, there are some for whom it is not suitable.
- Pregnant Ladies:
Pregnant ladies should strictly avoid two shots of espresso. Especially in the third trimester, two espresso shots wreak havoc on the health of the mother and child. It is best to switch to another beverage with very low caffeine content.
According to this report, caffeine during pregnancy can lead to smaller infant size. The report states even moderate caffeine intake can lead to this problem. - Children & Teenagers:
As per Columbia university, even if children and teenagers consume as little as 100mg of caffeine, they can still suffer from side effects. In double espresso shots, the caffeine content is certainly higher than that; therefore, it is not advisable for children and teenagers to drink it. - Anyone Suffering From Health Conditions:
It is best to keep caffeine at bay if an individual has any heart condition, cholesterol, or blood pressure problems. It can interfere with the cardiac function and blood pressure of the body.
How Much Caffeine Is Safe For Consumption?
According to the FDA, consuming 400mg of caffeine daily is safe. That translates to roughly 4 to 5 cups of coffee or four espresso shots in a day. FDA also states that this limit might be even less for some individuals because they might be sensitive to caffeine or find it difficult to break it down.
The same report states that children should avoid consuming caffeine and other stimulants.
Even breastfeeding mothers should avoid caffeine.
Other Questions About Caffeine In Espresso
- Is McDonald’s iced coffee real coffee?
Yes, McDonald’s iced coffee is made from 100% Arabica beans. Sure enough, there are other ingredients like cream, coffee syrup, French vanilla, etc. However, the caffeine is derived from the beans and is therefore a real authentic coffee. - Is iced coffee high in caffeine?
A regular 16 fluid ounces of iced coffee has 165mg of caffeine. Depending on the exact recipe, it increases to 200mg or even higher. So, iced coffee is definitely high in caffeine. - How many espressos in a day are ok?
It is best to consume up to 4 espressos a day. That, too, not together but on a stand-alone basis with a gap of at least three hours between each. Anything beyond that will breach the safe limit advised by FDA. Even though one can safely consume four espressos, limiting them to 2 per day is good. - Is espresso stronger than coffee?
Yes, it certainly is. An espresso shot can consist of up to 90mg of caffeine. Similarly, a regular cup of coffee consists of 60 to 70mg of caffeine. A lot also depends on the type of beans used to make coffee. Any variation in the beans or the brewing process can increase or decrease the caffeine content. - Will 2 shots of espresso wake one up?
Yes, two shots of espresso can certainly wake one up. It will consist of upwards of 150mg of caffeine. It requires 100mg to 200mg of caffeine to wake a sleepy adult. The only case it won’t work is when the individual has become tolerant to caffeine. Other than that, the majority of people will wake up by consuming two espresso shots.
Conclusion
The caffeine content is certainly high with 180mg of caffeine in two espresso shots. So, avoid consuming such double espresso shots regularly. If one intends to do so, use brewing techniques that extract less caffeine from beans to get subtle but good-tasting coffee.
