How much coffee is the right amount?
“The optimal amount varies for each person and is related to their individual tolerance and sensitivity. Sensivity to caffeine depends on a variety of individual factors including how much and how often caffeine is habitually consumed, body weight, physical condition and overall anxiety level,” said Harris.
Average caffeine consumption in the U.S. is 200 mg, or about two cups of coffee per day. But Harris points out that caffeine levels in coffee can vary based on the roast, brewing method and even the amount of grounds used per cup.
“For example, a lighter roast has a higher caffeine content than a darker roast,” she said. “To put the caffeine content of coffee in perspective, a 16-oz cup of Starbucks’ Pike Place Roast coffee has approximately 330 mg caffeine, compared to about 25 mg in the Decaffeinated Pike Place Roast.”