You’ve had those days where you just need a pick-me-up. And what is most people’s first thought? Coffee. If you’re looking for an energy boost, you might be surprised to know which Starbucks drinks actually have the most caffeine. The list below is based on a Grande size, and a quick disclaimer: These numbers are based off of Starbuck’s approximate nutritional information and can vary.
1. Brewed Coffee
Photo by Lindsey Law
A Grande cup of plain coffee has 330 mg of caffeine. Now that’s some serious caffeination. According to many sources, the recommended limit of caffeine intake for a healthy adult is 400 mg of caffeine. Well, you’ve almost maxed out with just one Grande from Starbucks.
2. Americano
Photo by Alysha Anzik
A lot of people would assume that Americanos would beat out regular coffee in caffeine content, but they’re mistaken. A Grande Americano has 225 mg of caffeine, which is significantly lower than brewed coffee. If you’re looking for less of a caffeine spike but still love the taste of plain coffee, this is the drink for you.
3. Caffè Mocha
Photo by Justin Schuble
Once you enter the land of mochas, you’ve also entered in to more acceptable caffeine territory. A Grande mocha has 175 mg of caffeine, making it a less jittery option for those who want sweeter coffee.
4. Iced Coffee
Photo by Alex Furuya
You might think that logically a Grande coffee and a Grande iced coffee would have the same amount of caffeine, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. A Grande iced coffee has 165 mg of caffeine, so know what you’re really getting when summer rolls around and you go for a cooling drink.
5. Caffè Latte
Photo by Phoebe Melnick
A classic drink, the latte clocks in at 150 mg of caffeine, less than half of the amount in plain, brewed coffee. Which makes sense considering the delicious steamed milk that’s added to this coffee drink.
6. Cappuccino
Photo by Lauren Anzevino
This drink falls at 150 mg of caffeine, the same amount as a latte (due to the fact that they have the same amount of espresso). So know that while a cappuccino may taste stronger, it’s not any more caffeinated than it’s creamy counterpart.
7. Chai Latte
Photo by Lauren Murray
Yes, finally a tea made the list. But it falls behind on its caffeine amount, only having 95 mg. If you aren’t a coffee person but still want some caffeination, go for a chai tea latte.
8. Coffee Frappuccino
Photo by Madison Lucas
Although the frappuccinos tend to taste more like sugar and happiness than coffee, they still do contain some caffeine. This one has 95 mg, the same as a chai tea latte, proving that even the sweet drinks still pack a punch.
9. Espresso
Photo by Lauren Murray
Confusing, right? Espresso, which seems like straight caffeine, actually only has 75 mg of caffeine per shot. If you really need a caffeine kick, then going for regular coffee is definitely your best bet.
10. Awake Tea
Photo by Julia D’Agostino
Maybe the name “Awake” is confusing, but you’d think this tea would have a significant energy boost in it. But it actually has just 70 mg of caffeine. It’s a good option, as are many of the Starbucks teas, for those trying to watch their caffeine intake.
11. Hot Chocolate
Photo by Luna Zhang
Yup, that’s right. Your hot chocolate has caffeine in it too. Although with only 25 mg of caffeine, it pales in comparison to the other drinks on here. You’re probably safe with this drink if you’re aiming for low caffeine, but it’s good to know that it still has some caffeination for those completely avoiding it.