Caffeine levels in instant vs espresso

[Steelo]

Im sure it is the experience of many that friends/relatives believe that the coffee you make sure packs a punch. When they get home and have an instant it doesnt seem to have the same affect.

Is it because they correlate a rich flavour with more caffeine? This does not work with beers because stouts often have less alcohol than pale very easy to drink beers. (Also, I had a mate who thought he would not have made it through the day after an all nighter without brewing up some of my coffee It was de-caf but thats another story).

So, here is the question.

Does one shot of espresso have more caffeine than a teaspoon of instant coffee?

[Lovey]

Re: Caffeine levels in instant vs espresso

Yes it does, according to this page.
http://tinyurl.com/fylem
The next time your mate wants to stay up all night on some of your de-caf, tell him you just roasted up some high strength placebo roast and see how he goes with that ;D.
Enjoy.

[sirhc8]

Re: Caffeine levels in instant vs espresso

A single shot of espresso generally has less caffeine than an average mug of instant coffee.
One teaspoon of instant coffee vs. one shot of espresso? Probably pretty similar; the espresso certainly wouldnt be greater.

Of course, the caffeine content of coffee varies with origin as well. Tea (by mass) has more caffeine than coffee).

[sirhc8]

Re: Caffeine levels in instant vs espresso

Yes it does, according to this page.
http://tinyurl.com/fylem

Check out another ten search pages and youll get ten different answers. Putting specific figures on it isnt terribly helpful because there are so many variables. The difference in impact, due to caffeine, on the body from one teaspoon of instant versus a shot of espresso will be fairly negligible.

[Steelo]

Re: Caffeine levels in instant vs espresso

On the site Lovey suggested, it seems that there is potentially 25-30% more caffiene. Perhaps that is a worst case scenario. Maybe the blend had some robusta. Anyway, its hardly double strength or even half as much again.
I suppose that if you are sensitive to caffeine, it could push you over the edge.

I do want to be able to say its the taste and not the strength - so finding some stats that work for me could be good. Downplaying the difference could work too. :-?

My wife has just bought a jar of instant coffee ready for family to come and visit. This is our second since we were married 8.5 years ago. The first - maccona - past its used by date and was finally thrown out with the plastic wrap still in tact.  

[Steelo]

Re: Caffeine levels in instant vs espresso

Lovey wrote:

The next time your mate wants to stay up all night on some of your de-caf, tell him you just roasted up some high strength placebo roast and see how he goes with that ;D. [/QUOTE]
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With the current issue, do you think Low strength placebo would be unethical?