1. Caffeine content of an espresso
An espresso generally has a higher concentration of caffeine than filter coffee . However, since the coffee specialty is usually served in a smaller cup than filter coffee, you absorb relatively less caffeine when enjoying an espresso . The European Food Safety Authority gives the following average values as the amount of caffeine per commercial-size drink:
| food in normal quantities | caffeine content |
| An espresso (60 ml) | 80 mg |
| A cup of filter coffee (200 ml) | 90 mg |
| A cup of black tea (220 ml) | 50 mg |
| A standard can of Coke (355 ml) | 40 mg |
| A standard can of energy drink (250 ml) | 80 mg |
| Half a bar of dark chocolate (50 g) | 25 mg |
| Half a bar of milk chocolate (50 g) | 10 mg |
The amount of caffeine in a normal cup of filter coffee is only exceeded with a double espresso.
- Differences espresso and filter coffee
The espresso differs from the classic filter coffee not only in the caffeine content, but also in terms of its preparation, appearance and aroma.
How are the coffee beans processed for an espresso compared to filter coffee?
- For an espresso by Adam Milani, more Robusta than Arabica beans are usually used proportionally, as they have a stronger taste.
- The roasting time for the espresso beans is usually longer . This will make the beans darker and contain less acid.
- The degree of grinding for espresso powder is very fine . Therefore, the water can be pressed through the fine powder with a lot of pressure. so that the pressure can be increased during preparation.
Since espresso beans are roasted for a comparatively long time, they usually contain less acid and bitter substances than normal filter coffee beans. Therefore, an espresso can sometimes be more digestible than a filter coffee.
How is espresso prepared compared to filter coffee?
- About 25 to 30 millilitres of water is used for an espresso . For a cup of filter coffee, 125 millilitres is usually used.
- The extraction time , during which the water is pressed through the fine espresso powder under high pressure, is comparatively short at around 25 seconds.
- The espresso powder is not in a filter, as in a filter coffee machine, but in a sieve , which can be used to build up the appropriate pressure under which the water is pressed through the powder.
How does espresso differ from filter coffee in terms of aroma and ingredients?
- Not only the caffeine, but also the flavours and the aroma are more concentrated in an espresso, so that the drink has a more intense aroma than a filter coffee.
- On the surface of an espresso is the so-called cream . It is a light, frothy layer, similar to the beer crown, on the surface of the espresso.
- The espresso is often thicker than the classic filter coffee.
