is blonde espresso stronger

Is blonde espresso stronger?


Starbucks has started the discussion....again. 

Ever since the release of their new blonde espresso, the question of caffeine counts has come up. How much caffeine is in blonde espresso vs normal espresso?

blonde espresso vs normal infographic

The Verdict: Blonde espresso is stronger as it contains slightly more caffeine (85 mg vs. 64mg). Caffeine numbers are a direct result of the roasting process. Blonde espresso beans are roasted slightly lighter giving them more caffeine. 


Strange, right? One would think darker beans would contain higher caffeine number however this is not the case. Let's go over why blonde roasts contain more caffeine.

Blonde roasts are wonderful in any brew method, especially french press, however are most popular in espresso


Why is blonde espresso stronger? 


Without knowing anything about coffee bean roasting or the different types of beans out there, even a coffee noob can come to the quick conclusion that the beans of a blonde roast will be lighter in appearance (and taste). So, how does this happen?

What makes a coffee "strong" is completely up to you. What I find to be a "face-punching" (super strong) shot of espresso, others may find to be extremely weak and lacking in flavor. 

Speaking of flavor, there is quite a difference is taste when discussing blonde vs darker roasts. Dark roasts tend to be much more harsh, unforgiving, however much less acidic than lighter roasts. Blonde roasts, on the other hand, go down smoother and are more acidic. 

Dark roasts lose their acidity during the roasting process as they are heated for longer periods of time. It's because of this that blonde roasts come out stronger.  

How much caffeine is in one shot of espresso?


Normal espresso - 64 mg

Blonde espresso - 85 mg

The amount of caffeine in a shot of espresso a directly determined by the amount of time the coffee bean is roasted for. The longer the roast period, the less caffeine there will be. Additionally, higher temperatures result in less caffeine. 

So, a blonde roast coffee is going to contain higher amounts of caffeine than it's dark roast counterpart as:

  1. The beans have been roasted for less time
  2. The roasting temperatures are cooler

How many calories in a shot of espresso?


Normal espresso - 3

Blonde espresso - 2

espresso nutritional information
Normal espresso nutritional information.
Source: USDA

Related Stories

View all
the art of espresso

From Ristretto to Lungo to Long Shot: The Art of Espresso Brewing

The Coffee Guy
Mastering the Art of Espresso Brewing: From Ristretto to Lungo to Long Shot Espresso brewing is an art form that requires precision, technique, a...
breville dual boiler vs lelit elizabeth

Two Titans of Home Espresso: Breville Dual Boiler and Lelit Elizabeth Dual Boiler

The Coffee Guy
Brewing a Showdown: Breville Dual Boiler vs. Lelit Elizabeth Dual Boiler Welcome to our ultimate showdown of two of the top home espresso machines...
olive oil coffee

Brewing Up a Storm: The Surprising Benefits of Olive Oil-Infused Coffee

The Coffee Guy
Brewing Bold: The Rise of Olive Oil in Coffee Olive oil has long been a staple of Mediterranean cuisine, renowned for its health benefits and deli...
soda vs coffee caffeine comparison

Coffee vs. Soda: Which Has More Caffeine?

The Coffee Guy
The Cola or The Bean? The Ultimate Caffeine Showdown Coffee and soda both contain caffeine, a natural stimulant that can help improve mental alert...
coffee vs tea which is healthier

Coffee vs. Tea: Which is Better for Your Health?

The Coffee Guy
Coffee vs. Tea: Which is Better for Your Health? Coffee and tea are two of the most popular beverages in the world, enjoyed by millions of ...
is espresso less acidic than coffee

Is espresso less acidic than coffee?

The Coffee Guy
Is espresso less acidic than coffee? Coffee lovers often debate the merits of different brewing methods, including drip coffee and espresso....