Caffeine levels in drinks from UK high-street coffee chains vary significantly, according to a study by consumer champion Which? [1].
These findings matter for consumers who monitor their stimulant intake for health reasons or sleep quality, as identical-sounding drinks may have vastly different physiological effects.
The study found that caffeine content differs dramatically across popular brands. A cappuccino from Costa contains caffeine equivalent to approximately four cans of Red Bull [2]. This amount is more than three times the caffeine found in a comparable drink from Starbucks [3].
The research indicates that consumers cannot assume consistency across the high-street coffee market. Even non-coffee options show notable stimulant levels; for example, a hot matcha latte from Costa contains 99 mg of caffeine [4].
Which? conducted the research to inform the public about these variations. The disparity suggests that the sourcing of beans, roasting processes, or brewing methods across different chains leads to inconsistent dosing for the customer [1].
“A Costa cappuccino contains caffeine equivalent to approximately four cans of Red Bull.”
The lack of standardized caffeine labeling in the UK coffee industry creates a transparency gap for consumers. While energy drinks typically list precise caffeine milligrams per serving, coffee chains often do not, leaving customers unaware that a standard latte or cappuccino can vary by a factor of three depending on the brand.
