Caffeine by the cup: the myths of the buzz

Let's be honest: we all sometimes drink coffee for its effects...

Since its discovery in 1819, caffeine has remained the most popular psychotropic stimulant. consumed worldwide. To find out which coffee will give you the biggest caffeine buzz, let us explain some basics about solubility.

Caffeine solubility is measured in terms of weight, not volume, thus representing the ability of ground coffee to dissolve in hot water. It is therefore important to compare your coffee extractions/infusions to the weight (number of grams) of your coffee cup, not its volume (number of ounces). The temperature of your brewing also has a significant impact. For example, an extraction at 73 degrees Fahrenheit will result in 16 mg of caffeine per ml of water, while an infusion between 176 degrees Fahrenheit and 212 degrees Fahrenheit will result in 200 mg of caffeine per 1 ml of water (remember that 1 mg = 1 ml). Solubility therefore undeniably increases with temperature. Coffee brewed with hot water, without any other pressure measurement whatsoever, will have essentially the same caffeine level. Only the type of filter might make a difference. slight impact on caffeine concentration since some types of filters will intercept caffeine during brewing.

Debunking the myth of espresso versus filter coffee

Let's not kid ourselves: although espresso is more caffeinated than filter or drip brewed coffee, It's important to consider that an espresso only contains 1 to 3 ounces per serving, while a filter coffee represents between 12 and 16 ounces of coffee consumed. Naturally, filter coffee will provide you with more caffeine, regardless of any mathematical calculations related to the psychoactive molecule.

Coffee roasting also fuels its share of myths regarding caffeine. But unless you've overindulged, a break is in order.

We'll talk about it again!

- Valérie Verhoef