More often than not, we learn our coffee preferences based off of trial and error. So instead of potentially spending money on a dissatisfying latte at Starbucks, here are a few things you should know before you get in line.

Common misconception:

Coffee is made up of many ingredients–it is not inherently caffeine, which I think is  often used interchangeably with the word coffee. Coffee has  been blamed for causing different diseases and conditions, which is not true. Though, if you have preexisting conditions and drink coffee fairly often, it may cause complications depending on your body and lifestyle. Coffee contains caffeine, and caffeine is not for everyone. For those that can have coffee, I still go by the everything in moderation rule.

What’s the right roast for me?

Roast has to do with the color of the coffee, and has nothing to do with the amount of caffeine.

Light Roast

If you are into coffee more for the early morning pick-me-up rather than the taste, then this is the roast for you. It contains a very mild coffee flavor.

Medium Roast

Most coffees have this flavor due to a noticeable coffee flavor that is not overly bitter, and is said to be slightly sweeter than a light roast.

Medium Dark Roast

This darker roast begins to produce a more bittersweet flavor and is probably for coffee lovers who simply love the taste of coffee.

Dark Roast

This roast has a bitter taste and potent coffee flavor, probably for those who don’t like sweet coffee.

Drip coffee vs Espresso

I think the biggest coffee myth lies specifically between the difference among drip coffee and espresso, which have different names due to how the coffee is ground and pressed. We rely on the strength of coffee as a sole determiner for which is better for you, and more effectively gets you your daily dose of caffeine– but I’m here to put these myths to rest.

If we compare an average cup size of drip coffee, roughly 8 ounces, to espresso 1oz, drip coffee has between 65-120 mg of caffeine whereas, espresso has 30-50 mg. So, based around a full beverage perspective, coffee has MORE caffeine, but…

If we compare an ounce of coffee to an ounce of espresso, coffee only has between 8-15mg, whereas espresso still has 30-50 mg. So, from a volume perspective, espresso has MORE.

The takeaway here? It depends how much of what type of coffee you are indulging in!

Take these facts into account to make sure you are picking the perfect cup of coffee to start your day, every day!