Arabica vs Robusta: Caffeine Compared
Robusta has roughly 2,400 mg caffeine per 100 g versus Arabica's ~1,300 mg - almost double. Here's what that means per cup and which coffees use more Robusta.
Robusta uses caffeine as a natural pesticide, so the plant makes far more of it. In dry ground coffee:
- Arabica: about 1,300 mg per 100 g (~13 mg per gram)
- Robusta: about 2,400 mg per 100 g (~24 mg per gram)
That's close to double. The exact figure varies by variety, growing conditions and roast, but the gap is consistent.
What It Means Per Cup
Using a strong 30 g dose of grounds per cup:
100% Arabica
Caffeine: ~390 mg per 30 g cup100% Arabica
A pure-Arabica cup - single-origin estate coffee, pure-Arabica filter powder.
70% Arabica / 30% Robusta
Caffeine: ~490 mg per 30 g cup70% Arabica / 30% Robusta
The classic South Indian filter ratio - roughly 25% more caffeine than pure Arabica.
100% Robusta
Caffeine: ~720 mg per 30 g cup0% Arabica / 100% Robusta
Straight Robusta - almost double a pure-Arabica cup.
Standard home brewing uses 12-18 g per cup, not 30, so a normal cup lands lower - but the ratio between Arabica and Robusta stays the same.
Coffees by Robusta Share
Filter Coffee (70% Arabica, 30% Robusta)
Custom Arabica-Robusta Blend
Pick 95:5 up to 70:30 - the higher the Robusta, the more caffeine.
Karadykan Estate Coffee (pure Arabica)
From ₹440
Other Things That Change Caffeine
- Dose: more grounds = more caffeine. This matters more than the bean at home.
- Brew: espresso is concentrated but small; filter and press cups are bigger. A large mug of filter coffee often out-doses a single espresso.
- Roast: dark roast has marginally less caffeine by weight than light - a small effect.
Related Reading
Arabica vs Robusta for the full comparison, Highest Caffeine Coffee in India and Best Coffee for Caffeine for the strongest picks.
Robusta has roughly twice the caffeine of Arabica. Want more in your cup? Raise the Robusta share, or just use more grounds.