Espresso vs. Brewed Coffee: Which Packs More Punch? You Might Be Surprised
At Toomerâs Coffee, we get asked all the time: âWhich has more caffeineâespresso or regular brewed coffee?â
The answer? Theyâre essentially about the same. Really. Letâs break it down.
Itâs Not About the BeanâItâs About a Brewing Method
ESPRESSO

Many people mistakingly think espresso is a special bean or an ultra-dark roast. Not true.
The word “espresso” has its roots in the Italian verb “esprimere,” which means “to press out.” This verb stems from the Latin word “exprimere,” meaning “to press out” or “to squeeze out.” SO, espresso is simply a method of brewingâforcing hot water under pressure through finely ground coffee to create a rich, concentrated shot in about 20â25 seconds.
Because of its bold flavor and small portion size, espresso feels stronger. But one shot (about 1.5 oz) has roughly the same caffeine as an 8â12 oz cup of brewed coffee.
Yesâbrew for brew, theyâre basically equal in caffeine. Itâs just that with espresso, youâre sipping it in a smaller, more intense package.
Meet the Difference: Our Low Acid, Infrared-Roasted Espressos: Bravo & Créma Bella
At Toomerâs, we craft Espresso Bravo and Espresso CrĂ©ma Bella using our unique infrared roasting processâa cleaner, more even heat that produces smoother, lower-acid espresso with remarkable and many say, superior flavor clarity.
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Espresso Bravo is bold, chocolatey, and well-structuredâideal for lattes and cappuccinos that need a little backbone.
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Espresso CrĂ©ma Bella is velvety, smooth, and sweetâperfect for solo sipping or those elegant flat whites.
Both are low acid, gentle on the stomach, and packed with full-bodied flavor.
But Donât Count Out Our Brewed Favorites
Of course, not everyone is an espresso drinker. For many, brewed coffee is the daily ritualâespecially our top sellers:
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Auburn City Blend: A balanced medium-dark roast with warm, nutty tones and just enough brightness to keep things lively.
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Breakfast Blend: Light, clean, and mellowâour smoothest morning starter, especially for those who prefer a gentler cup.
These favorites are also roasted with our infrared process, keeping acidity low and flavor consistent. Whether you brew them in a drip maker, French press, or pour-over, they deliver the comfort and familiarity you loveâwith none of the harshness.
The Real Difference? Flavor & Format
So should you go for espresso or a traditional brewed cup?
It really comes down to taste and format, not caffeine levels.
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Like your coffee intense, rich, and fast? Go espresso.
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Prefer sipping a full mug in the morning? Brewed blends like Auburn City or Breakfast Blend are perfect.
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Want both? Add a shot of Espresso Bravo to your Auburn City Blendâa.k.a. a âShot in the Dark.â
Need More Kick? Hereâs How to Get It
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Brewed Coffee: Want more caffeine? Donât steep it longerâthatâll just make it bitter. Instead, use more coffee grounds.
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Espresso Drinks: Just add more shots. A double or triple latte gives you the lift without bitterness.
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Not a Big Coffee Fan? Try adding a shot to hot chocolate or chai. The flavorâs softer, but the boost is real.
Bottom Line: Brewed or Espresso, Low Acid Is the Way to Go
At Toomerâs Coffee, all our coffeesâfrom Espresso Crema Bella to Breakfast Blendâare low acid, specialty grade, and roasted using our signature infrared process. That means more flavor, less bitterness, and a cup your stomach will thank you for.
So whether youâre team espresso or team brewed, you can drink confidently, knowing youâre starting your day with better coffeeâinside and out.