Consumer Reports Tests Reveal Dramatic Caffeine Variations in Popular Coffee Brands

Caffeine levels in some large cups exceed FDA's daily recommended limit

Mar. 12, 2026 at 5:06pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A new Consumer Reports study found that caffeine levels can vary dramatically across popular coffee brands, both in ground coffee sold in grocery stores and in cups brewed at major coffee shop chains. The results show that in some cases, just one large cup of coffee is enough to push a person past the FDA's recommended daily caffeine limit of 400 milligrams.

Why it matters

Consuming too much caffeine can lead to undesirable side effects like jitteriness, insomnia, and headaches. With coffee companies not required to disclose caffeine content, this study provides helpful information for consumers to understand how much caffeine they may be consuming from their daily coffee.

The details

The Consumer Reports study tested caffeine levels in ground and instant coffee brands sold in grocery stores, as well as cups brewed at popular coffee shops like Starbucks and Dunkin'. Of the ground coffees tested, Café Bustelo Espresso had the highest caffeine content. Instant coffees generally had lower caffeine levels than traditional ground varieties. At coffee shops, Peet's Major Dickason's Blend Dark Roast and Starbucks Pike Place Medium Roast had the highest caffeine, with a large cup of either exceeding the FDA's 400-milligram daily limit.

  • The Consumer Reports study was conducted in 2026.

The players

Consumer Reports

A nonprofit consumer advocacy organization that conducts independent product testing and research.

Food and Drug Administration (FDA)

The U.S. government agency responsible for protecting public health and safety through the regulation of food, drugs, and other products.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

The takeaway

This study highlights the importance for coffee drinkers to be aware of the caffeine content in their favorite brews, as exceeding the recommended daily limit can lead to unpleasant side effects. Consumers may want to consider switching to smaller cup sizes or lower-caffeine coffee varieties to ensure they are consuming caffeine in moderation.