How Much Caffeine Is in Café Bustelo? (vs Regular Coffee)

Ever wondered how much caffeine is in Café Bustelo? This espresso-style coffee is strong, bold, and packed with caffeine. But if you’re drinking it without knowing its caffeine content, you might be getting way more caffeine than you think!

To answer your question directly: A 12 oz cup of brewed Café Bustelo contains about 150 mg of caffeine, while instant versions range from 60–90 mg per teaspoon. The ready-to-drink iced coffee? A whopping 270 mg per can!

But what makes Café Bustelo so strong? Is it stronger than espresso? Can you adjust its caffeine content? And who should be careful drinking it?

In this guide, I’ll break it all down—from how it compares to regular coffee to the best ways to enjoy it.

Key Points

• Café Bustelo is a strong coffee with about 150 mg of caffeine per 12 oz cup.
• Its instant version has 60–90 mg per teaspoon, but a full tablespoon can reach 270 mg.
• The ready-to-drink iced coffee packs 270 mg per 12 oz can—stronger than most coffee drinks.
• It has more caffeine than regular coffee, which averages 95–120 mg per 12 oz.
• Brewing method, grind size, and serving size impact its caffeine content.
• Pregnant women, kids, and people with heart issues should limit their intake.
• You can reduce its caffeine by mixing with decaf, brewing it weaker, or adding more milk.
• Café Bustelo delivers bold flavor and high caffeine, but you can adjust it to fit your needs!

How Much Caffeine is in Café Bustelo? (Know the Details)

Café Bustelo Product	Caffeine Content
Ground Coffee (Brewed)	Approx. 150 mg per 12 oz cup
Instant Coffee (Espresso Style)	Approx. 60–90 mg per teaspoon.
Espresso Style Iced Coffee (Ready-to-Drink)	Approx. 270 mg per 12 oz can.
K-Cups (Single Serve Pods)	Approx. 75–100 mg per pod

A typical 12-ounce cup of brewed Café Bustelo contains around 150 mg of caffeine, but this number can vary depending on how strong you brew it. If you use more coffee grounds or a finer grind, the caffeine content can be even higher.

Instant Café Bustelo has 60–90 mg of caffeine per teaspoon, but if you use a full tablespoon (which is 3 teaspoons), you could be drinking 180–270 mg of caffeine. Their ready-to-drink Espresso Style Iced Coffee packs 270 mg per 12 oz can, while their K-Cups have about 75–100 mg per pod, depending on the brewing size.

If you’re sensitive to caffeine, be mindful of how much you’re drinking, especially with instant coffee, where a small adjustment in teaspoons can make a big difference. Café Bustelo is a fantastic option for coffee lovers who want a rich, high-caffeine coffee without spending a fortune.

Café Bustelo Caffeine Content Per Tablespoon

One tablespoon of Café Bustelo ground coffee contains about 60 mg of caffeine, but keep in mind that this number will change depending on how you prepare your coffee.

If you’re making a standard drip coffee, a tablespoon of grounds will contribute to about 60–80 mg of caffeine per cup, but if you’re using an espresso machine or Moka pot, that same tablespoon could result in a much stronger 80–100 mg caffeine hit.

The key thing to remember is that Café Bustelo is a finely ground coffee, so when packed tightly or brewed in smaller amounts of water (like in espresso-style brewing), the caffeine concentration jumps significantly.

If you’re drinking instant Café Bustelo, the numbers are different. One tablespoon of the instant version (which is 3 teaspoons) can have anywhere from 180 to 270 mg of caffeine, depending on how much you scoop into your cup.

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How Much Caffeine in Café Bustelo vs Regular Coffee?

Café Bustelo has more caffeine than most regular coffee brands due to its fine grind and espresso-style brewing. A 12-ounce cup of Café Bustelo has around 150 mg of caffeine, while regular coffee usually falls between 95–120 mg per 12 oz.

Strength, brewing method, and coffee type all impact the difference.

Here’s the Café Bustelo vs Regular Coffee comparison table:

Coffee Type	Caffeine Content per 12 oz
Café Bustelo (Brewed)	150 mg (varies by strength)
Regular Drip Coffee	95–120 mg
Instant Coffee (Regular Brands)	60–90 mg per teaspoon
Café Bustelo Instant	60–90 mg per teaspoon (up to 270 mg per tablespoon)
Espresso (from any brand)	60–80 mg per 1 oz shot
Café Bustelo Espresso Style Iced Coffee	270 mg per 12 oz can
K-Cups (Regular Coffee)	75–100 mg per pod
Café Bustelo K-Cups	75–100 mg per pod

Café Bustelo Brewed Coffee

Café Bustelo’s brewed ground coffee is stronger than regular coffee due to its fine grind, which allows more caffeine extraction. A standard 12 oz cup has around 150 mg of caffeine, but if you brew it stronger—by using more grounds or a slower brewing method—it can exceed 160–170 mg per cup.

Compared to regular coffee, which ranges from 95 to 120 mg per cup, Café Bustelo gives a bigger caffeine punch. If you use a Moka pot, French press, or espresso machine, the caffeine concentration goes even higher.

That’s why it’s a favorite for those who love a strong, bold coffee experience without needing espresso machines.

Café Bustelo Instant Coffee

Instant Café Bustelo is perfect for quick coffee fixes, but be careful—it’s strong! One teaspoon has about 60–90 mg of caffeine, but if you use a full tablespoon (which is 3 teaspoons), that’s a massive 180–270 mg of caffeine. That’s stronger than many energy drinks!

Compared to regular instant coffee, which has about 60–90 mg per teaspoon, Café Bustelo holds up well, but its espresso-style intensity makes it taste much richer and stronger. If you’re sensitive to caffeine, start with just one teaspoon before adding more!

Café Bustelo Espresso Style Iced Coffee

Café Bustelo’s ready-to-drink iced coffee is one of the strongest canned coffees out there. With 270 mg of caffeine per 12 oz can, it’s much stronger than most bottled iced coffees, which usually have 100–150 mg per bottle. It’s ideal if you need a serious caffeine boost on the go.

For comparison, a regular 12 oz brewed coffee has 95–120 mg, while an espresso-based iced coffee from a café might have 120–180 mg. So if you grab a can of Café Bustelo Espresso Iced Coffee, know that it’s stronger than two cups of regular coffee!

Café Bustelo K-Cups

Café Bustelo K-Cups make brewing easy, and they have 75–100 mg of caffeine per pod, similar to regular coffee pods. The difference? Café Bustelo’s espresso grind creates a stronger flavor, making it taste richer and bolder than your average K-Cup.

Most regular K-Cups also have 75–100 mg per pod, but Café Bustelo’s strong espresso-style roast makes it feel like you’re drinking a mini espresso. If you like bold coffee without the hassle of grinding beans, Café Bustelo K-Cups are a great pick.

If you love bold flavors like Café Bustelo, you might also enjoy Jarritos. But does Jarritos have caffeine, or is it a purely refreshing soda?

What Factors Affect the Caffeine Content in Café Bustelo?

The caffeine content in Café Bustelo isn’t just about the brand—it depends on how you brew, measure, and drink it. Here are the main things that can change the caffeine levels:

Brewing Method

How you brew Café Bustelo affects how much caffeine ends up in your cup. A drip coffee maker extracts less caffeine than a Moka pot or espresso machine. That’s because espresso-style brewing forces more caffeine out of the grounds using high pressure or heat.

For example, if you make Café Bustelo using a Moka pot, you’ll get a much higher caffeine concentration than if you used a standard coffee maker. If you want a stronger or weaker cup, adjusting your brewing method is one of the best ways to control your caffeine intake.

Coffee-to-Water Ratio

The more coffee you use, the more caffeine you get. A standard scoop for brewed coffee is 1–2 tablespoons per 6 oz of water, but if you add extra tablespoons, you’ll increase the caffeine levels significantly.

For example, a regular 12 oz cup of Café Bustelo has about 150 mg of caffeine, but if you double the amount of coffee grounds, you might end up with 200–250 mg of caffeine or more.

Grind Size and Extraction

Café Bustelo’s fine grind is one reason it’s so strong. Finely ground coffee means more surface area for water to extract caffeine, which makes the coffee stronger and bolder. That’s why Café Bustelo has more caffeine than regular coffee, which is usually ground coarser.

If you use a finer grind and brew it slowly (like in an espresso machine), you’ll pull out even more caffeine per ounce. But if you use a coarser grind or brew quickly (like in a drip coffee maker), you’ll get less caffeine per cup.

Serving Size and Concentration

Your caffeine intake depends on how big your cup is and how much coffee you use. A small 6 oz cup of Café Bustelo has much less caffeine than a big 16 oz mug. Some people drink double-strength coffee, which means they’re getting twice the caffeine per cup.

So if you’re trying to limit caffeine, be mindful of your cup size and coffee strength.

If you love caffeine but want something lighter than Café Bustelo, you might be wondering if Brisk Iced Tea has enough caffeine to keep you going.

Who Should Be Cautious About Drinking Café Bustelo?

Café Bustelo is a strong, high-caffeine coffee, so some people need to be careful when drinking it. If you’re sensitive to caffeine, prone to anxiety, or have heart issues, this coffee can cause jitters, heart palpitations, or trouble sleeping. Pregnant women, kids, and people with acid reflux should also limit their intake.

If you love Café Bustelo but struggle with acid reflux, try drinking it with a splash of milk or switching to a cold brew version, which tends to be less acidic.

Best Ways to Enjoy Café Bustelo Without Too Much Caffeine

If you love Café Bustelo’s bold flavor but don’t want to overdo it on caffeine, there are plenty of ways to reduce the caffeine without sacrificing taste. Here are some simple tips:

Mix It with Decaf

One of the easiest ways to cut caffeine in half is to blend regular Café Bustelo with its decaf version. This way, you still get the rich flavor, but with half the caffeine.

For example, if you normally use two tablespoons of coffee, try using one tablespoon of regular and one tablespoon of decaf. It won’t taste much different, but it’ll make a big difference in how much caffeine you’re drinking. This is perfect if you still want that strong coffee taste but don’t want to feel wired all day.

Brew It Weaker

A simple trick to lower caffeine intake is to use less coffee per cup. Instead of two tablespoons per 6 oz of water, try using just one tablespoon. The flavor will be milder but still rich, and the caffeine content will be lower.

Another option is to brew Café Bustelo using a drip coffee maker instead of an espresso machine. Since these slower brewing methods extract less caffeine per ounce, your coffee won’t be as intense.

Try Cold Brew or Iced Coffee

Note that a cold brew coffee is less acidic and slightly lower in caffeine than hot brewed coffee. If you love Café Bustelo but find it too strong, making a cold brew version might help.

To make a simple Café Bustelo cold brew, mix 1 cup of ground coffee with 4 cups of water, let it sit in the fridge for 12–24 hours, then strain. This method reduces bitterness and acidity, making it a smoother, easier-to-digest option.

Add More Milk or Water

If you want to weaken your coffee without losing flavor, try adding more milk, cream, or even hot water. Making a latte-style drink with Café Bustelo is a great way to enjoy the taste without as much caffeine per sip.

For example, instead of drinking a full cup of strong black coffee, mix half coffee, half milk. You’ll still get the same great taste, but with less caffeine per serving.

Limit Yourself to One Cup Per Day

If you’re sensitive to caffeine but still love coffee, stick to one small cup per day. A 6-ounce serving instead of a 12-ounce mug can cut your caffeine intake in half while still giving you that bold Café Bustelo flavor.

If you feel like you need a second cup, try switching to decaf for the rest of the day. That way, you won’t overload your system with caffeine, but you can still enjoy a delicious coffee experience.

Conclusion

Café Bustelo is a strong, rich, and high-caffeine coffee. But it’s important to understand how much caffeine you’re consuming and how to adjust it to your liking. Here’s a recap:

• A 12 oz cup of Café Bustelo has about 150 mg of caffeine, making it stronger than most regular coffees.
• Instant Café Bustelo packs 60–90 mg per teaspoon, but a full tablespoon can hit 270 mg!
• Its ready-to-drink iced coffee contains 270 mg per can, which is more than two cups of brewed coffee.
• Brewing method, serving size, and grind size all affect caffeine levels.
• Mixing with decaf, using less coffee, or adding milk can help reduce caffeine intake.

Whether you’re a caffeine lover or just want to drink smarter, Café Bustelo is a great coffee option. That’s all.