The opposite of what you think.

Why Europeans Can Drink Dark Roast Coffee All Day Without the Jitters

If you’ve ever traveled through Europe, you’ve probably noticed something: people sipping espresso and dark roast coffee all day long. Meanwhile, in the U.S., coffee drinkers often worry about caffeine crashes and jitters. So, what’s the difference? It all comes down to the roast.

The Darker the Roast, the Less the Caffeine

There’s a common misconception that dark roast coffee is stronger and more caffeinated than lighter roasts. In reality, the opposite is true. The roasting process burns off caffeine, meaning that the darker the bean, the lower its caffeine content.

Green coffee beans—before they’re roasted—contain the highest amount of caffeine. As the beans go through the roasting process, that caffeine content gradually decreases. Lighter roasts, like blonde or cinnamon roast, retain more caffeine, while dark roasts—like French or Italian roast—have significantly less.

How Europeans Get Away with Drinking Coffee All Day

This is one reason why Europeans, especially in countries like Italy and France, can drink small, strong-looking cups of espresso throughout the day without getting the caffeine overload that an American 20-ounce blonde roast might deliver. Their dark roast espresso shots contain less caffeine per volume than a typical light roast drip coffee.

Quality Over Quantity

Another key difference is how they drink their coffee. Europeans tend to sip smaller amounts of high-quality coffee rather than gulping down massive cups. Instead of chasing a caffeine buzz, they’re enjoying the rich, bold flavors of a well-roasted bean.

What This Means for You

If you love coffee but find yourself feeling wired or anxious from it, consider switching to a darker roast. Not only will you get that deep, smoky flavor, but you’ll also be consuming significantly less caffeine per cup.

So, next time you reach for your morning coffee, think about what you really want: a high dose of caffeine or a more balanced, enjoyable experience? If it’s the latter, a dark roast might be your best bet.