Does Macchiato Have Caffeine? Yes! But How Much?

Last updated on January 22nd, 2024 at 13:30

The question does macchiato have caffeine? Might seem to be an obvious and easy question to answer – yes, a macchiato does have caffeine but how much? And does a macchiato have more caffeine than brewed coffee?

Keep reading to find out all you need to know about macchiato and caffeine!

Does Macchiato Have Caffeine?

Yes, of course a Macchiato has caffeine and an ample amount too. The drink may be small but is more than ample in the caffeine department with the amount of caffeine in the various sizes being:

• 75 mg in a short 8 oz (240 ml) and tall 12 oz (360 ml) version.
• 150 mg in a grande 16 oz (480 ml) and venti 20 oz (600 ml).

Does Macchiato Have More Caffeine Than Coffee?

No, the amount of caffeine in brewed coffee ranges from 155 mg to 410 mg while a macchiato ranges from 75 mg to 150 mg.

Read: Difference between flat white and cappuccino

How Much Caffeine Do Macchiatos Have?

A macchiato made with a single shot of espresso has 75 mg of caffeine and 150 mg of caffeine when a double shot is used.

• Short 8 oz (240 ml) has 75 mg of caffeine.
• A Tall 12 oz (360 ml) has 75 mg of caffeine.
• A Grande 16 oz (480 ml) has 150 mg of caffeine.
• A Venti 20 oz (600 ml) has 150 mg of caffeine.

What Is A Macchiato And Where Does The Caffeine Come From?

We have spoken a lot about a macchiato and the caffeine content, perhaps jumping ahead of ourselves a little. For the benefit of readers who may not be 100% familiar with what a macchiato is exactly.

Let’s detail what a macchiato is and what its source of caffeine is.

A macchiato is, as I like to describe it, a tasty treat. It’s a coffee I like to enjoy after a great meal. A macchiato is a milk-based coffee beverage that is made with a well-brewed shot of espresso and a dash of steamed milk.

The name, macchiato, is Italian for stained, which is exactly what a macchiato is – a shot of espresso that has been stained with tiny teaspoon of milk, although more commonly and in classy coffee shops a dollop of milk foam is used instead.

That is where the caffeine content comes from, the well-brewed, expertly pulled shot of espresso. At home, you can make your shot with an Aeropress or a moka pot, but you will not get that 100% authentic espresso shot, but an espresso like coffee as both have their faults, the lack of pressure to produce a thick rich crema on top.

While some coffee lovers may suggest a medium or a medium-dark roast coffee beans the best results are from a top quality dark roasted coffee with a French or Italian roast getting the best results due to being oily and able to produce a better quality of crema.

If you are using specialty grade single origin beans, a medium to medium dark roast will get more of the flavor from the beans as opposed to the roasting process.

When you are steaming your milk, use whole fat milk as you get a better quality of foam. Steam a with temperature no higher than 160F (70C).

Remember you are only using a dollop, a teaspoon of steamed milk. A dollop of milk foam will sit on top of your beverage and will create a slight change in texture.

Read: How many shots in a latte

Variations Of A Macchiato

There are a number of variations of the famed macchiato, with the caramel macchiato being the most popular.

At Starbucks, you can order an Iced marble mocha macchiato, zebra macchiato, a latte macchiato and a tasty white mocha macchiato – which is amazing with white chocolate syrup.

A crème brûlée macchiato, cloud macchiato and hazelnut macchiato. During the summer you can request an iced macchiato in a variety of flavors; an iced vanilla macchiato is one of my faves.

If you are tired and need an extra caffeine kick, order a doppio espresso macchiato, which is made with a double espresso shot.

Frequently Asked Questions About Does Macchiato Have Caffeine

Is A Macchiato Stronger Than Coffee?

Yes, a macchiato has only a dollop of milk, whereas a cappuccino has steamed milk and coffee in equal amounts and thus has a much stronger flavor.

In terms of cappuccino, both beverages have the same amount of caffeine.

Does A Macchiato Have More Caffeine Than A Latte?

No, a macchiato does not have more caffeine than a latte, it does not have less either as both have the same amount. The actual caffeine content for each of the two caffeinated coffee drinks is 75 to 150 milligrams depending on the size of the coffee drink.

Read: What is the difference between a latte and a cappuccino?

How Much Caffeine Is Too Much?

The recommended daily amount of caffeine per day as set by the FDA, for healthy adults is 400 milligrams of caffeine per day and 200 mg for pregnant ladies.

What Has More Coffee Cappuccino Or Macchiato?

Both a cappuccino and a macchiato have the same amount of coffee and the same type of coffee in the elaboration of the beverages. Each has a single shot of espresso.

Do Macchiatos Give You Energy?

Yes, the 75 mg or 150 mg for a macchiato double shot is an ample amount of caffeine to give you a good caffeine boost and some extra energy when you need it.

Will A Macchiato Wake Me Up?

Yes, the caffeine intake from a macchiato will be enough to wake you up in the morning and get you ready to face the day. If your macchiato is made with two shots of espresso, the extra caffeine kick will help for a real good wake-up call!

Final Thoughts – Does A Macchiato Have Caffeine? 

If you have scrolled down this far looking for the answer to does a macchiato have caffeine? The answer is yes! 

It has 75 mg to 150 mg depending on how many shots of espresso are in the beverage. 

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Derek Marshall

Derek Marshall, a certified barista by the Specialty Coffee Association possesses over two decades of experience in specialty coffee shops. He holds professional certifications for coffee brewing and barista skills. Derek is also an author with authoritative books covering various coffee topics including specialty coffee, sustainability and coffee, coffee brewing, coffee recipes, coffee cocktails and books focusing on Brazilian coffee, Vietnamese coffee, Indonesian coffee and Malaysian coffee. As a barista for over two decades, Derek Marshall has worked in specialty coffee shops across the United Kingdom, Spain, Thailand, Malaysia, Cambodia, Indonesia, and Vietnam. His expertise extends to the distinct coffee cultures, specialty beverages, and brewing techniques of each nation. Functioning as a coffee consultant, Derek charges US$50 per hour. To learn more about Derek Marshall and Latte Love Brew, visit his About Me Page. For coffee inquiries, contact him at +34-639-410-375 or Derek@LatteLoveBrew.com, mentioning your name and location