The Ultimate Guide: Caffeine Content in Different Coffee Roasts
It’s one of the most common debates in coffee circles — which roast has more caffeine? If you think darker coffee automatically means a bigger energy hit, it’s time for a reality check.
At Aerial Resupply Coffee, we’ve roasted enough beans to know that the answer isn’t simple. Light, medium, and dark roasts each deliver different experiences — but caffeine content? That’s a science of its own. This guide breaks down what really happens to caffeine during roasting, how brew methods change the numbers, and which ARC roast fits your mission best.
Myth Busting: Does Dark Roast Have More Caffeine?
The myth comes from appearance. Dark coffee looks stronger, tastes bolder, and feels more intense. But caffeine doesn’t care how your beans look — it’s a heat-stable compound. That means it survives the roasting process almost unchanged.
So, what’s the truth? When coffee is roasted darker, the beans lose moisture and expand. That makes them lighter and less dense than light roast beans. So depending on how you measure your coffee, you might get a different answer:
- By Weight (grams or ounces): Light roast has slightly more caffeine because the beans are denser — you’re packing more coffee mass into your scoop.
- By Volume (scoops or tablespoons): Dark roast may seem stronger because the beans are puffier, so you’re using more individual beans — but less actual caffeine by mass.
In short: roast color doesn’t equal caffeine content. The difference is minor — usually less than 5–10 milligrams per cup. If you feel a bigger caffeine punch from one roast over another, it’s probably your brewing ratio or serving size doing the work.
What Actually Affects Caffeine Content?
The real caffeine math depends on bean type, brew method, and cup size — not roast color.
1. Bean Type: Arabica vs. Robusta
There are two main types of coffee beans you’ll find in your cup:
- Arabica: Smooth, high-quality, slightly lower in caffeine (≈1.2%). This is what Aerial Resupply Coffee uses in nearly all roasts for balanced flavor and clean finish.
- Robusta: Stronger, more bitter, higher caffeine (≈2.2%). Found in some commercial blends or espresso mixes for extra punch.
In other words, bean genetics set your caffeine baseline — roasting just fine-tunes the flavor.
2. Brewing Method: Extraction and Concentration
The way you brew changes how much caffeine ends up in your mug. Think of it like logistics — same beans, different delivery system.
- Espresso: About 63 mg per ounce — high pressure, fast extraction, concentrated caffeine.
- Drip Coffee: 95–120 mg per 8 oz — steady, balanced extraction. Classic daily driver.
- Cold Brew: 150–200 mg per 8 oz — long steep time pulls everything out of the grounds for a strong but smooth hit.
The difference isn’t about roast level — it’s about how long water and coffee interact. More contact time = more extraction = more caffeine.
3. Serving Size: The Silent Multiplier
The final variable is deceptively simple: how big is your cup? Most caffeine charts reference 8 oz — but who drinks that little anymore? A standard mug is 12 oz. A travel tumbler? 16 to 20 oz. That means a “medium-caffeine” roast can easily double your intake just by volume.
Comparing Caffeine by Roast Level
Using a standard 8 oz brew (by weight, same dose), here’s what the numbers typically look like:
| Roast Level | Average Caffeine (mg) | Taste Profile |
|---|---|---|
| Light Roast | 179 mg | Bright, crisp, and aromatic |
| Medium Roast | 176 mg | Balanced, smooth, and familiar |
| Dark Roast | 173 mg | Bold, smoky, and full-bodied |
The difference? About 6 mg between light and dark — less than the caffeine in two sips of soda. So if you’re choosing a roast for the buzz alone, stop. Choose it for flavor, freshness, and mission fit.
The Aerial Resupply Lineup: Caffeine Meets Purpose
Lifeline Light Roast – Bright and Charged
Lifeline Light Roast keeps you alert and operational. With notes of caramel and roasted nuts, it’s clean, smooth, and slightly higher in caffeine by weight — ideal for early starts or long missions.
Firewatch Medium Roast – Balanced and Reliable
Firewatch Medium Roast is ARC’s most versatile blend — rich chocolate, subtle spice, and a moderate caffeine punch that keeps you focused without overdrive.
15W40 Dark Roast – Bold and Steady
15W40 Dark Roast honors the hard-working motor pool legends. It’s full-bodied and bold with a calm caffeine profile — perfect for late nights, recovery days, or when you want flavor over firepower.
MOAB – Double Caffeinated Power
MOAB (Mother of All Brews) is your overdrive option. Twice the caffeine, zero compromise. Built for operators, athletes, and anyone needing extra lift for the long haul.
How to Get the Most Out of Your Caffeine
- Grind Fresh: Caffeine doesn’t fade quickly, but flavor does. Grind right before brewing for maximum punch.
- Control Ratio: A 1:16 coffee-to-water ratio is standard. More coffee = more caffeine. Adjust depending on your mission tempo.
- Watch Brew Time: Under-extracted coffee wastes caffeine; over-extracted coffee tastes harsh. Aim for balance.
- Stay Hydrated: Caffeine is a mild diuretic. Water between cups keeps you steady and prevents crash.
Want more brewing intel? Read our Cold Brew Guide for tips on maximizing flavor and caffeine efficiency.
Final Recon: Choose Based on Mission, Not Myths
- Light Roast: Slightly higher caffeine per gram, clean and crisp — ideal for clarity and focus.
- Medium Roast: Balanced energy, rich flavor — dependable for everyday ops.
- Dark Roast: Smooth and bold with lower acidity — perfect for long watches or late shifts.
No matter your roast, remember — freshness beats intensity. A well-stored, properly brewed cup will always outperform stale coffee, no matter the color.
Stay caffeinated, stay sharp, and choose the roast that matches your mission. Shop the full lineup at Aerial Resupply Coffee.
Aerial Resupply Coffee – 705 Dale Ave, Unit E, Charlottesville, VA 22903
