Founders Breakfast Stout
Caffeine
50–70 mg
Note: Caffeine amounts are based on estimates from the coffee used in Founders Breakfast Stout (Sumatra and Kona beans).
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Caffeine Level | Moderate |
| Serving Size | 12 fl oz |
| Serving Size (ml) | 355 ml |
| Caffeine | 50–70 mg |
| Calories | 270 kcal |
| Sugar | 12 g |
| Caffeine per fl oz | 4–6 mg/fl oz |
Founders Brewing Company’s Breakfast Stout is one of the most iconic coffee stouts in the craft beer world. Known for its rich blend of chocolate, oats, and coffee, it delivers both the comforting flavors of breakfast and the boldness of a stout.
What Is Founders Breakfast Stout?
Founders Breakfast Stout is a coffee-infused imperial stout brewed year-round by Founders Brewing Company. It has an ABV of 8.3% and an IBU of 60, making it strong yet balanced.
- Style: Imperial coffee stout
- ABV: 8.3%
- IBUs: 60
- Key ingredients: Flaked oats, chocolate, Sumatra coffee, Kona coffee
- Flavor profile: Roasted coffee, chocolate, caramelized sugar
Extra note: The beer is often described as “a coffee lover’s dream” because it combines the depth of stout with the boldness of fresh-roasted coffee.
Ingredients That May Contain Caffeine
The caffeine in Founders Breakfast Stout comes directly from its coffee additions.
- Sumatra coffee – Known for earthy, bold flavors and moderate caffeine.
- Kona coffee – Smooth, slightly sweet, with caffeine similar to other Arabica beans.
- Chocolate – Contains trace amounts of caffeine, though minimal compared to coffee.
- Oats and malt – No caffeine, but add body and sweetness.
Extra note: While chocolate contributes only a small amount of caffeine, the coffee beans are the primary source.
Coffee vs. Beer: How Caffeine Gets Into Stouts
Caffeine enters beer when coffee is added during brewing.
- Mash addition – Coffee beans or grounds added during mashing release flavor and caffeine.
- Fermentation addition – Cold brew or espresso added during fermentation infuses aroma and caffeine.
- Conditioning addition – Coffee added after brewing enhances aroma but contributes less caffeine.
Extra note: The brewing stage determines how much caffeine survives into the final beer. Cold brew additions typically preserve more caffeine than hot mash additions.
How Much Caffeine Is in Founders Breakfast Stout?
Founders Breakfast Stout is brewed with Sumatra and Kona coffee beans, both of which naturally contain caffeine. While the brewery does not publish exact caffeine numbers, experts estimate 50–70 mg of caffeine per 12 oz bottle.
- Standard serving: 12 oz bottle
- Estimated caffeine: 50–70 mg
- Comparable to: Half a cup of brewed coffee
This means that while the stout delivers a noticeable caffeine boost, it is less caffeinated than a full cup of coffee.
Extra note: Because alcohol and caffeine affect the body differently, the combination can feel unique—stimulating yet relaxing.
Caffeine Content per Serving of Founders Breakfast Stout
On average, a 12 oz serving contains 50–70 mg of caffeine.
- 12 oz bottle: 50–70 mg caffeine
- 16 oz pint: 65–90 mg caffeine
- Comparison: Standard coffee cup (95 mg caffeine)
Extra note: This makes Founders Breakfast Stout less caffeinated than coffee but more caffeinated than most beers, which typically contain no caffeine at all.
Factors That Affect Caffeine Levels in Beer
Several factors influence caffeine levels in coffee stouts:
- Type of coffee beans – Arabica vs. Robusta beans differ in caffeine content.
- Roast level – Dark roasts have slightly less caffeine than light roasts.
- Brewing method – Cold brew preserves more caffeine than hot brewing.
- Beer volume – Larger servings naturally contain more caffeine.
Extra note: Because brewers rarely measure caffeine precisely, actual levels can vary from batch to batch.