Iced coffee has become an increasingly popular way to get your caffeine fix, especially during the hot summer months. But is iced coffee just as high in caffeine as regular hot coffee? The short answer is yes, iced coffee can contain just as much caffeine as regular coffee. However, there are some factors that can affect the caffeine content in an iced coffee drink.
Caffeine content in regular brewed coffee
To understand how much caffeine is in iced coffee, it’s helpful to first look at the caffeine content in regular hot coffee. A typical 8 oz cup of brewed coffee contains (1):
- 95-200 mg caffeine
The exact amount can vary based on factors like the type of coffee beans, how the coffee is brewed, and the serving size. But on average, an 8 oz cup of regular brewed coffee contains around 100 mg of caffeine (2).
A standard serving of espresso contains even more caffeine. A single 1.5 oz shot of espresso has about 77 mg of caffeine (3).
Caffeine content in iced coffee
Iced coffee starts with regular hot brewed coffee that is then cooled down and served over ice. So if you start with the same amount of coffee, an 8 oz iced coffee will have the same caffeine content as an 8 oz hot coffee – around 100 mg per 8 oz serving.
However, iced coffee drinks can contain more or less caffeine depending on:
- Type of coffee used: Dark roast coffee beans contain slightly more caffeine than light roast. Espresso also packs more caffeine per ounce.
- Brew method: Cold brewing tends to extract less caffeine than regular hot brewing methods.
- Size: Larger iced coffee drinks in 16 oz or 20 oz cups will have more total caffeine.
- Added ingredients: Adding shots of espresso or extra coffee can increase the caffeine content.
So while a plain iced coffee made with 8 oz of regular drip coffee will have around 100 mg caffeine, an iced coffee drink made with extra shots of espresso or a larger size can contain 200 mg or more of caffeine.
Examples of caffeine in popular iced coffee drinks
To give a better idea of how much caffeine is in different iced coffee beverages, here are some popular options from coffee chains (4, 5, 6):
| Iced coffee drink | Serving size | Caffeine (mg) |
|---|---|---|
| Iced coffee (brewed coffee over ice) | 16 oz (grande) | 190 |
| Cold brew coffee | 16 oz (grande) | 200 |
| Iced latte (espresso over ice with milk) | 16 oz (grande) | 150 |
| Iced mocha (espresso, chocolate, milk over ice) | 16 oz (grande) | 175 |
| Frozen coffee drink | 16 oz (grande) | 140 |
As you can see, an iced latte or frozen coffee drink often has a bit less caffeine than regular iced coffee, since some of the volume comes from milk rather than coffee. But in general, a 16 oz iced coffee from a coffee shop will contain 150-200 mg of caffeine.
Tips for reducing caffeine in iced coffee
If you find that iced coffee gives you the jitters, there are some ways to customize it with less caffeine:
- Order a smaller size like a 12 oz tall rather than 16 oz grande.
- Ask for fewer shots of espresso if the drink contains espresso.
- Request half decaf/half regular coffee.
- Add more milk, cream or ice to dilute the coffee.
- Opt for cold brew coffee rather than hot brewed coffee over ice.
With some tweaks to your order, you can still enjoy iced coffee but with less of a caffeine punch.
The bottom line
A standard 8 oz serving of iced coffee made with drip coffee contains about 100 mg of caffeine, the same as a hot cup of coffee. But larger coffee drinks, extra shots of espresso, and the brewing method can all impact the caffeine content. The amount of caffeine in a typical 16 oz iced coffee from a coffee shop ranges from 150-200 mg. So while iced coffee is refreshing on a hot day, it packs just as much of a caffeine boost as a steaming hot cup of Joe.