A recent investigation by the consumer advocacy group Which? has revealed a substantial disparity in the caffeine content of cappuccinos sold by major coffee chains. According to the study, a single cappuccino from Costa Coffee contains a caffeine level equivalent to approximately four cans of Red Bull. This concentration was found to be more than three times higher than the caffeine content measured in a cappuccino from Starbucks.

The study highlights how caffeine levels can fluctuate significantly depending on the coffee shop, the preparation method, and the specific beans used. While consumers often view a standard cappuccino as a consistent product, the research suggests that the actual stimulant content can vary drastically between brands. Costa Coffee has not yet provided a detailed public response to the specific findings of the Which? report, nor have they clarified if their brewing process is intended to produce higher caffeine concentrations.

This report serves as a reminder to consumers that high-street coffee chains do not standardize caffeine levels across the industry. For individuals sensitive to caffeine or those monitoring their daily intake, the findings suggest that the choice of coffee shop can have a measurable impact on the total amount of stimulant consumed. The study focused specifically on the cappuccino, leaving open questions regarding whether similar disparities exist across other menu items like lattes, espressos, or cold brew offerings.