- A study found a medium Costa cappuccino contains 325mg of caffeine.
- The Starbucks equivalent contains just 89mg of caffeine.
- A single Costa cappuccino exceeds 80pc of the daily caffeine limit.
- The variation is due to bean variety, grind size, and extraction methods.
- Experts warn that fluctuating levels make caffeine intake tracking difficult.
A study has found that a medium Costa cappuccino contains 325mg of caffeine, making it over three-and-a-half times stronger than the Starbucks equivalent, which contains just 89mg. The research by consumer champion Which? tracked wide discrepancies across major coffee chains, revealing that a single Costa cappuccino contains the equivalent of roughly four 250ml cans of Red Bull. This amount makes up more than 80pc of the 400mg daily caffeine limit recommended for a healthy adult.
The research tracked the caffeine content across major chains: Costa Coffee at 325mg, Greggs at 235mg, Caffè Nero at 221mg, Pret A Manger at 180mg, and Starbucks at 89mg. The gaps in caffeine levels persist across other popular orders, with a single espresso from Pret A Manger containing 180mg of caffeine—nearly four times the 45mg found in a Starbucks espresso. A Costa flat white contains 241mg, compared to 89mg at Starbucks, while matcha lattes range from 28mg up to 99mg depending on the brand.
The enormous variance comes down to operational factors, including bean variety, with Starbucks and Pret using 100pc Arabica beans while Costa Coffee and Greggs mix in Robusta beans, which naturally carry double the caffeine content. Chains also use different numbers of espresso shots, grind sizes, water temperatures, and extraction times to build their signature drinks. Experts warn that these fluctuations make it difficult for consumers tracking their caffeine intake, such as pregnant individuals or those with heart conditions, to accurately manage their daily limits.
Which magazine shared in a written statement, “The enormous variance comes down to bean variety and recipe differences between chains.”
