As the demand for high‑quality coffee grows, many fans turn to Caribou Coffee for its diverse menu and handcrafted beverages. But with so many options—from classic drip to cold press to mocha—how do you know which drink will deliver the kick you need? If you’ve ever wondered, “How caffeinated are you really?” this guide ranks every key Caribou drink by caffeine strength, so you can choose wisely. You’ll learn not only which beverages pack the most punch but also why brew method, bean type, and drink customization all factor into your caffeine hit.
Why Caffeine Content Matters
Caffeine is the world’s most widely consumed psychoactive compound, prized for boosting alertness and focus. Yet sensitivity varies: while some thrive on 400 mg a day, others may jitter at half that amount. Understanding the caffeine in your favorite order helps you tailor intake to your tolerance, avoid unwanted side effects (e.g., heart palpitations, insomnia), and stay within recommended limits—up to 400 mg daily for most adults per FDA guidance. Beyond safety, coffee enthusiasts appreciate knowing how Caribou’s brewing methods and menu innovations (e.g., “Depth Charge,” energy drinks) translate to milligrams per cup.
Understanding Caribou Coffee’s Brew Methods
Caribou distinguishes itself with a range of preparation styles:
- Drip‑style brewed coffee, labeled “Coffee of the Day,” offers a classic pour‑over profile.
- “Hot Press” replicates espresso‑style pressure brewing for a bolder flavor with the same caffeine as drip.
- “Depth Charge” layers espresso shots into brewed coffee for a super‑charged result.
- Cold Press and Crafted Press bring smooth, less acidic cold‑brew options.
- Espresso‑based milk drinks (lattes, cappuccinos, mochas) rely on shot counts for caffeine load.
- Tea lattes and matcha showcase Caribou’s tea program, with caffeine drawn from tea leaves or matcha powder.
This breadth means caffeine strengths span from under 50 mg to nearly 450 mg in some sizes.
How We Ranked the Drinks
To maintain consistency, we focused on the size medium serving whenever available; for cold brew and other formats, we used the closest medium size equivalent. Caffeine data was taken directly from Caribou’s official website. Drinks without publicly listed caffeine (e.g., seasonal drinks) are noted but not ranked.
Top Caribou Drinks by Caffeine Strength
1. Hot Press (390 mg)
The highest caffeine content on the core menu belongs to the Hot Press, a bold brewed coffee with 390 mg of caffeine per medium serving. This is Caribou’s strongest brewed option and perfect for traditional coffee drinkers seeking maximum energy.
2. Depth Charge (375 mg)
The Depth Charge blends brewed coffee with one or more shots of espresso. It offers a powerful jolt with 375 mg of caffeine and is often favored by students, shift workers, and anyone needing a serious lift.
3. Americano/ Cappuccino/ Espresso/ Macchiato (330 mg)
A medium-sized Americano or other espresso-forward drink (like a triple-shot Cappuccino or Macchiato) clocks in at 330 mg. These drinks rely purely on espresso and water (or a small amount of milk/foam), delivering intense coffee flavor and solid caffeine.
4. Coffee of the Day (305 mg)
Caribou’s standard brewed coffee—not to be confused with the Hot Press—is still quite strong, with 305 mg of caffeine per medium cup.
5. Espresso Shaker (295 mg)
This refreshing iced drink is made by shaking espresso with syrups and milk over ice. The result is a slightly milder flavor but still packs 295 mg of caffeine. While most flavors deliver nearly 300 mg of caffeine, the Honey Lavender Espresso Shaker stands out with a milder profile at 215 mg. It’s the gentlest of the bunch—ideal for afternoon sipping or those looking to ease off the espresso without sacrificing flavor.
6. Cold Press (245 mg)
The Cold Press, Caribou’s version of cold brew, is smoother and less acidic than hot coffee, with 245 mg of caffeine. It’s a great warm-weather pick-me-up.
7. Iced Shakers/ Coolers (215-225 mg)
These drinks are sweet and satisfying with moderate caffeine content. Expect between 215 and 225 mg depending on the specific base and mix-ins.
8. Energy Drink (200 mg)
Caribou’s branded energy beverages fall slightly below their espresso drinks in caffeine, with about 200 mg per medium serving. These are often flavored and carbonated, designed more like traditional energy drinks.
9. Oatmilk (195–190 mg)
Oatmilk fans will find these creamy drinks sit just under the 200 mg mark. They’re great for those wanting something lighter in flavor and caffeine. Oatmilk Crafted Press with Oatmilk Cold Foam delivers 195 mg while Cold Press with Oatmilk Cold Foam sits at 190 mg.
10. Crafted Press/ Mocha (165-180mg)
The Crafted Press is a unique Caribou creation that combines cold brew, cream, and a touch of sweetener. Mocha drinkers will find a similar caffeine range, though chocolate mellows the edge.
11. Latte/ Cooler® (145-165mg)
Lattes (hot or iced) and Cooler® blended drinks offer a smoother coffee experience with lower caffeine. They usually include two espresso shots, resulting in 145–165 mg per medium size.
12. Hot Chocolate/ Tea Lattes & Matcha (15–100 mg)
These are the gentlest on the caffeine scale. Matcha and tea lattes are on the higher end (around 80–100 mg), while hot chocolate and herbal tea lattes often come in under 25 mg. Ideal for kids, late afternoons, or anyone looking to avoid a strong caffeine hit.
Factors Influencing Caffeine Levels
Ever wondered why one cup hits harder than another—even when they’re the same size? The amount of caffeine in your coffee isn’t just about the drink type. Several behind-the-scenes factors shape how much buzz ends up in your cup. Understanding these can help you fine-tune your order to match your energy needs and preferences.
Brew method:
The way your coffee is brewed matters—big time.
- Brewed drip coffee and Hot Press options offer high caffeine content per serving, especially in medium or large sizes.
- Espresso packs a concentrated punch in a small volume. It’s brewed quickly under pressure, extracting more caffeine per ounce than any other method.
- Cold Press (Caribou’s version of cold brew) takes time—steeping coffee grounds in cold water for hours—but still delivers a strong, smooth result.
Bean origin & roast:
Not all beans are created equal.
- Single-origin beans, depending on where they’re grown, may naturally contain more or less caffeine due to altitude, soil, and variety.
- Lighter roasts tend to retain more caffeine than darker roasts, despite popular assumptions. That’s because roasting slightly burns off caffeine—the longer the roast, the less it holds.
Shot counts & drink size:
This one’s pretty straightforward:
- More espresso shots = more caffeine.
- Medium drinks at Caribou typically include 2–3 shots depending on the recipe, but you can always ask for more (or fewer) based on your needs.
- Upsizing your drink doesn’t just add more milk—it can bump up the espresso content and total caffeine as well.
Milk & add‑ins:
Milk, creamers, and plant-based alternatives don’t reduce the caffeine—they just dilute the concentration per ounce.
- A latte, for example, contains the same number of espresso shots as a smaller drink like a macchiato—but because it’s mixed with more milk, the caffeine feels less intense.
- Toppings like whipped cream, flavor syrups, or foams won’t affect your caffeine count, but they may impact how quickly you feel the effects depending on sweetness and fat content.
How to Choose the Right Caffeine Kick for You
Not every day calls for the same kind of energy. Whether you’re easing into a morning meeting or powering through an afternoon slump, choosing the right caffeine level can make all the difference. Here’s a simple guide to help match your Caribou Coffee order to your energy needs—and your lifestyle.
For a gentle lift (under 100 mg):
Try tea lattes or a small matcha latte. These are great for caffeine-sensitive individuals, evening hours, or anyone trying to cut back while still enjoying a cozy drink.
Moderate boost (100–200 mg):
Opt for a Latte or mocha. You’ll feel the effects, but they’re less intense than espresso-forward options—perfect if you’re after smooth, steady energy.
Strong surge (200–300 mg):
Grab a medium Espresso Shaker or Energy Drink. Expect sharper alertness with a faster onset, especially in shaken or iced versions.
Maximum punch (300 mg+):
Go big with a medium brewed coffee or Depth Charge. These choices are favored by early risers, road trippers, and anyone with a high caffeine tolerance.
While Caribou offers caffeine levels to match any need, it’s essential to keep personal tolerance and health conditions in mind. Some individuals may want to moderate their intake, especially if:
- Pregnant or nursing
- Prone to anxiety or heart sensitivity
- Managing blood pressure or insomnia
When in doubt, ask your barista about caffeine content—or go half-caf for a gentler experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Caribou energy drinks caffeinated?
Yes—energy drinks contain caffeine. They’re formulated similarly to commercial energy beverages.
Can I customize the number of espresso shots?
Definitely. Caribou allows full control over espresso shot counts. Each additional shot adds approximately 90 mg of caffeine to your drink. Want less buzz? You can request fewer shots, or even go for a half-caf version to cut it down without losing flavor.
Is Cold Press stronger than regular brewed coffee?
It depends. Cold Press (Caribou’s cold brew) tends to taste stronger and smoother, but its caffeine content is actually slightly lower than a same-size hot brewed coffee. For example, a size medium Cold Press may clock in around 245 mg, while a medium size brewed coffee can reach 390 mg, depending on the blend. If you want smooth and bold without going overboard, Cold Press is a solid choice.
How does drink size impact caffeine?
Generally, larger drinks contain more caffeine—especially if they include more espresso shots or brewed volume.
Does decaf really mean no caffeine?
Not quite. While decaf coffee has most of its caffeine removed, it’s not entirely caffeine-free. A typical cup of decaf contains about 2–5 mg of caffeine—negligible for most people, but worth noting if you’re extremely sensitive or avoiding caffeine for medical reasons.