A new infographic created by World Visualized compares the caffeine content of popular beverages, using a 30-millilitre (one-ounce) serving as the benchmark. The results demonstrate the potency of certain drinks.

At the top of the chart is espresso, with 62.5 milligrams of caffeine per 30 ml – roughly the amount in a single shot. That concentration makes espresso the most potent drink by volume. Consumer Reports notes that a shot of espresso contains about 63 milligrams of caffeine, while an eight‑ounce cup of home‑brewed coffee ranges from 96 to 128 milligrams, illustrating that brewed coffee delivers more caffeine overall but less per ounce. This helps explain why espresso feels so intense despite the small serving size.

Just below espresso in the ranking is roasted and ground filter‑drip coffee, delivering 22 mg of caffeine per 30 ml, followed by roasted and ground percolated coffee at 15 mg and brewed coffee at 17 mg per ounce. These numbers highlight how the brewing technique and grind size affect extraction. Percolated coffee tends to extract less caffeine than drip brewing because hot water passes through the grounds multiple times, while drip brewing allows for more efficient extraction.

Traditional teas deliver far less caffeine per ounce than coffee. Brewed black or green tea contains around 4 to 6 mg per 30 ml , similar to brewed yerba mate, and matcha – powdered green tea whisked into water – has about 8.75 mg per ounce. Instant tea is milder still at 1.9 mg per ounce. These amounts are modest compared with espresso but can add up over a large mug.

For drinkers who prefer to limit caffeine, the chart shows that decaffeinated options still contain trace amounts. Roasted and ground decaffeinated coffee delivers about 0.4 mg per 30 ml, while instant decaffeinated coffee contains 0.6 mg. Even chocolate milk has a small amount of caffeine (1 mg per ounce) because cocoa naturally contains the stimulant.

How much caffeine is too much?

Most health authorities agree that moderate caffeine consumption is safe for healthy adults. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) notes that up to 400 milligrams of caffeine per day — roughly the amount in two to three 12‑ounce cups of coffee — is not generally associated with negative effects for most adults.

However, sensitivity varies. Pregnant women, people with heart conditions and children should limit intake and consult a healthcare provider. The FDA also cautions that energy drinks can deliver high doses of caffeine alongside large amounts of sugar and should be avoided by children and teens.

Consumer Reports has echoed these concerns, reminding readers that caffeine appears in unexpected places, including some flavoured waters, gummy supplements and energy chews, and that powdered caffeine products are so concentrated that a single teaspoon can contain the caffeine of 28 cups of coffee. The group advises consumers to read labels carefully and stick to moderate portions.