
Starbucks Morning Joe
Caffeine
160 – 400 mg
Note: Caffeine amounts are based on standard brewed Starbucks Morning Joe coffee and can vary slightly by store, grind size, and brewing strength.
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Caffeine Level | Moderate |
| Serving Size | 8 – 20 fl oz |
| Serving Size (ml) | 240 – 591 ml |
| Caffeine | 160 – 400 mg |
| Calories | 5 kcal |
| Sugar | 0 |
| Caffeine per fl oz | 20 mg/fl oz |
Starbucks Morning Joe is a bold dark roast coffee originally crafted to withstand Chicago’s bitter winters. Known for its full-bodied flavor and rich aroma, it delivers a strong caffeine kick that appeals to coffee drinkers who want both taste and energy.
What is Starbucks Coffee?
Starbucks is one of the world’s most recognized coffeehouse brands, offering a wide range of beverages and packaged coffees. Morning Joe is part of their dark roast lineup, designed to provide a robust flavor and higher caffeine content compared to lighter roasts.
Key traits of Starbucks coffee include:
- Global presence with thousands of stores worldwide
- Wide variety of roasts: blonde, medium, and dark
- Signature espresso-based drinks and brewed coffee options
- Packaged ground coffee for home brewing
- Commitment to ethical sourcing through Coffee and Farmer Equity (C.A.F.E.) practices
Starbucks coffee represents more than just a beverage; it’s a cultural symbol of modern coffee consumption. Morning Joe, in particular, embodies the brand’s dedication to strong, flavorful blends that energize and satisfy.
Flavor Profile and Roast Level of Starbucks Morning Joe
Morning Joe is a dark roast coffee, meaning it undergoes longer roasting times that produce a deep, smoky flavor. This roast level enhances boldness while reducing acidity, creating a smoother drinking experience.
Flavor notes of Morning Joe include:
- Baking chocolate undertones
- Hints of dried fruit sweetness
- Caramelized richness from extended roasting
- Full-bodied mouthfeel with lingering aftertaste
- Low acidity compared to lighter roasts
The roast level defines Morning Joe’s character. Dark roasting caramelizes sugars in the beans, producing chocolate-like flavors and a velvety texture.

Caffeine in Starbucks Morning Joe by Cup Size
Caffeine content varies depending on cup size. Starbucks typically offers Short (8 oz), Tall (12 oz), Grande (16 oz), and Venti (20 oz). Morning Joe, being a dark roast, averages 20 mg of caffeine per ounce, though brewing method can affect this.
Approximate caffeine by size:
- Short (8 oz): 160 mg
- Tall (12 oz): 240 mg
- Grande (16 oz): 320 mg
- Venti (20 oz): 400 mg
These values highlight how caffeine scales with serving size. A Venti Morning Joe delivers nearly three times the caffeine of a Short, making it a powerful choice for those needing sustained energy.
Caffeine in Starbucks Morning Joe by Espresso Shot
Espresso shots are another way to measure caffeine intake. While Morning Joe is brewed coffee, its caffeine can be compared to espresso equivalents. A standard Starbucks espresso shot contains about 75 mg of caffeine.
Comparison with Morning Joe:
- 1 espresso shot: 75 mg
- 1 cup Morning Joe (8 oz): 160 mg
- 2 shots espresso: 150 mg
- 12 oz Morning Joe: 240 mg
Morning Joe delivers more caffeine per serving than a single espresso shot, though espresso provides a concentrated burst.
Caffeine Content per Milliliter (ml)
Breaking caffeine down per milliliter offers precision. Morning Joe averages 6–7 mg of caffeine per milliliter, depending on brewing strength.
Approximate values:
- 100 ml: 70 mg
- 200 ml: 140 mg
- 250 ml (standard cup): 175 mg
- 500 ml (large mug): 350 mg
This measurement helps consumers track intake across different brewing methods. Whether enjoying a small cup or a large thermos, knowing caffeine per ml ensures accurate monitoring.
Bean Quality and Sourcing Behind Starbucks Morning Joe
Morning Joe is crafted from beans sourced primarily from the Asia/Pacific region, known for bold, earthy flavors. Starbucks emphasizes ethical sourcing through its C.A.F.E. program, ensuring farmers receive fair compensation and sustainable practices are followed.
Bean qualities include:
- Dark roast suitability
- Bold, full-bodied flavor profiles
- Notes of chocolate and spice
- Consistency across batches
- Sustainable farming practices
The sourcing behind Morning Joe reflects Starbucks’ commitment to quality and responsibility. By selecting beans that thrive in specific climates, the company ensures a distinctive flavor while supporting global coffee communities.
Factors That Influence Caffeine Levels in Starbucks Morning Joe
Caffeine levels in Morning Joe can vary based on several factors. While roast level and bean origin play roles, brewing method and serving size are equally important.
Influencing factors include:
- Roast level (dark roast slightly reduces caffeine)
- Brewing strength and water ratio
- Grind size affecting extraction
- Serving size (larger cups = more caffeine)
- Bean origin and natural caffeine content
Understanding these factors helps consumers tailor their coffee experience. A stronger brew with finer grind yields higher caffeine concentration, while larger servings naturally increase intake.