Caffeine Content In Coffee, Tea And More Popular Drinks

In moderate amounts -- think 200 to 300 milligrams a day, about the equivalent to two to four cups of coffee -- caffeine is safe for most people.

At this amount, caffeine from the right source can even boast some health benefits, like improved alertness. A little caffeine pre-workout can also improve an athlete's speed and endurance, as well as make the workout seem easier, according to Men's Health.

But there is such a thing as too much caffeine. Most obviously, it messes with your sleep. HuffPost blogger and sleep specialist Dr. Michael J. Breus advises steering clear eight hours before bedtime to make sure that afternoon pick-me-up doesn't become an all-night keep-me-up.

Consuming too much caffeine may also lead to feelings of restlessness and irritability, as well as an increased heart rate, upset stomach or muscle twitches, reports Mayo Clinic. It can also contribute to osteoporosis risk and may affect high blood pressure, Karen Collins, R.D. writes for MSNBC.

While the FDA regulates caffeine content in soda -- the limit is 71mg per 12 ounces -- energy drinks have gone largely unregulated since taking the beverage market by storm. Many brands contain even higher levels of caffeine than the average consumer might be aware of, when servings per can or bottle are taken into account. Keep in mind many of these drinks are also high in empty calories or made with artificial sweeteners, both of which have been linked to weight gain.

Caffeine amounts aren't listed on nutrition labels but it must still be listed as an ingredient, according to the FDA's website. Many brands do publicize the caffeine content of their products on their websites however. Click through the slideshow to see how some of the most popular drinks measure up.

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• Brewed Coffee

  <a href="http://www.cspinet.org/new/cafchart.htm" target="_hplink">100 to 200mg per 8 ounces</a>, according to the Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI)

• Instant Coffee

  <a href="http://www.cspinet.org/new/cafchart.htm" target="_hplink">27 to 173mg per 8 ounces</a>, according to CSPI

• Coke

  <a href="http://productnutrition.thecoca-colacompany.com/articles/caffeine" target="_hplink">23mg per 8 ounces</a> <em>Photo from <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Coca-Cola-Classic-12-Ounce-Cans/dp/B004JXBHQK/ref=sr_1_1?s=grocery&ie=UTF8&qid=1327360476&sr=1-1" target="_hplink">Amazon.com</a></em>

• Pepsi

  <a href="http://www.pepsicobeveragefacts.com/caffeine.php" target="_hplink">25mg per 8 ounces</a> <em>Photo from <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Pepsi-Cola-12-Ounce-Cans-Pack/dp/B004JX9FDM/ref=sr_1_1?s=grocery&ie=UTF8&qid=1327360867&sr=1-1" target="_hplink">Amazon.com</a></em>

• Diet Coke

  <a href="http://productnutrition.thecoca-colacompany.com/articles/caffeine" target="_hplink">31mg per 8 ounces</a> <em>Photo from <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Diet-Coke-12-Ounce-Cans-Pack/dp/B004JXDCC2/ref=sr_1_2?s=grocery&ie=UTF8&qid=1327360540&sr=1-2" target="_hplink">Amazon.com</a></em>

• Diet Pepsi

  <a href="http://www.pepsicobeveragefacts.com/caffeine.php" target="_hplink">24mg per 8 ounces</a> <em>Photo from <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Diet-Pepsi-12-Ounce-Cans-Pack/dp/B004JXDD6W/ref=sr_1_5?s=grocery&ie=UTF8&qid=1327360797&sr=1-5" target="_hplink">Amazon.com</a></em>

• Mountain Dew

  <a href="http://www.pepsicobeveragefacts.com/caffeine.php" target="_hplink">36mg per 8 ounces</a> <em>Photo from <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Mountain-Dew-12-Ounce-Cans-Pack/dp/B004JX7O6W/ref=sr_1_1?s=grocery&ie=UTF8&qid=1327360735&sr=1-1" target="_hplink">Amazon.com</a></em>

• Coke Zero

  <a href="http://productnutrition.thecoca-colacompany.com/articles/caffeine" target="_hplink">23mg per 8 ounces</a> <em>Photo from <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Coca-Cola-Coke-Zero-Cans-12-pk/dp/B003NTFRMG/ref=sr_1_6?s=grocery&ie=UTF8&qid=1327360605&sr=1-6" target="_hplink">Amazon.com</a></em>

• Dr. Pepper

  <a href="http://www.drpepper.com/text/faq/#q" target="_hplink">28mg per 8 ounces</a> <em>Photo from <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Dr-Pepper-12-Ounce-Cans-Pack/dp/B004JX5NGA/ref=sr_1_1?s=grocery&ie=UTF8&qid=1327361288&sr=1-1" target="_hplink">Amazon.com</a></em>

• Diet Dr. Pepper

  <a href="http://www.drpepper.com/text/faq/#q" target="_hplink">28mg per 8 ounces</a> <em>Photo from <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Diet-Dr-Pepper-12-Ounce-Cans/dp/B004K9C4ZG/ref=sr_1_6?s=grocery&ie=UTF8&qid=1327361329&sr=1-6" target="_hplink">Amazon.com</a></em>

• Tea

  <a href="http://www.cspinet.org/new/cafchart.htm" target="_hplink">40 to 120mg per 8 ounces</a>, according to CSPI

• Espresso

  <a href="http://www.cspinet.org/new/cafchart.htm" target="_hplink">30 to 90mg per 1 ounce</a>, according to CSPI

• 5-Hour Energy

  <a href="http://www.5hourenergy.com/ingredients.asp#Caffeine" target="_hplink">"Comparable to a cup of premium coffee,"</a> according to 5hourenergy.com, which would be <a href="http://www.cspinet.org/new/cafchart.htm" target="_hplink">about 160mg</a>, according to CSPI. <em>Photo from <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Hour-Energy-Pomegranate-1-93-Ounce-Bottles/dp/B003QNLTN0/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1327369641&sr=8-5" target="_hplink">Amazon.com</a></em>

• Monster Energy Drink

  <a href="http://www.cspinet.org/new/cafchart.htm" target="_hplink">160mg per 16 ounces</a>, according to CSPI <em>Photo from <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Monster-Energy-Drink-16-Ounce-Cans/dp/B001A33FZ8/ref=sr_1_1?s=hpc&ie=UTF8&qid=1327369751&sr=1-1" target="_hplink">Amazon.com</a></em>

• Red Bull

  <a href="http://www.redbull.com/cs/Satellite/en_INT/red-bull-energy-drink/001242937921959?pcs_c=PCS_Product&pcs_cid=1242937842064&pcs_pvt=faqs" target="_hplink">80 mg per 250ml can</a> <em>Photo from <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Red-Bull-Energy-8-4-Ounce-4-Count/dp/B000MTST70/ref=sr_1_1?s=grocery&ie=UTF8&qid=1327361150&sr=1-1" target="_hplink">Amazon.com</a></em>

• JOLT

  <a href="http://www.joltenergy.com/faqs.html" target="_hplink">140mg per 12 ounces</a> <em>Photo from <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Jolt-Cola-12ct/dp/B0016889E4/ref=sr_1_9?s=grocery&ie=UTF8&qid=1327361224&sr=1-9" target="_hplink">Amazon.com</a></em>

• Amp Energy Drink

  <a href="http://www.pepsicobeveragefacts.com/caffeine.php" target="_hplink">71mg per 8 ounces</a>, 143mg per can <em>Photo from <a href="http://www.amazon.com/AMP-ENERGY-12-PK-CANS/dp/B0048E44RY/ref=sr_1_1?s=grocery&ie=UTF8&qid=1327360689&sr=1-1" target="_hplink">Amazon.com</a></em>

• Lipton Brisk Teas

  <a href="http://www.pepsicobeveragefacts.com/caffeine.php" target="_hplink">3 to 7mg per 8 ounces</a> <em>Photo from <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Lipton-Brisk-Lemon-Iced-Tea/dp/B0029XA7QS/ref=sr_1_2?s=grocery&ie=UTF8&qid=1327360996&sr=1-2" target="_hplink">Amazon.com</a></em>

• Starbucks DoubleShot Coffee Drink

  <a href="http://www.pepsicobeveragefacts.com/caffeine.php" target="_hplink">160mg per 8 ounces</a> <em>Photo from <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Starbucks-Doubleshot-Energy-Coffee-Drink/dp/B002U56LE2/ref=sr_1_2?s=grocery&ie=UTF8&qid=1327360930&sr=1-2" target="_hplink">Amazon.com</a></em>

• Snapple Teas

  <a href="http://www.drpeppersnapplegroup.com/files/NutritionalInfo.pdf" target="_hplink">21 to 31mg per 8 ounces</a> <em>Photo from <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Snapple-Ice-Tea-Natural-Flavor/dp/B0012QD8MS/ref=sr_1_cc_2?s=aps&ie=UTF8&qid=1327369986&sr=1-2-catcorr" target="_hplink">Amazon.com</a></em>

• Decaf Coffee

  <a href="http://www.cspinet.org/new/cafchart.htm" target="_hplink">3 to 12mg per 8 ounces</a>, according to CSPI

• Hot Chocolate

  <a href="http://www.cspinet.org/new/cafchart.htm" target="_hplink">3 to 13mg per 8 ounces</a>, according to CSPI

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Comments

[jmichael 22]

10:44 AM on 09/25/2012

I personally have no problem with energy products. I used to drink coffee, but find myself sensitive to the acidic content nowadays. Energy "Shots" are my new thing: you can get them for a great deal if you find them in the right place (I buy one brand called Eternal Energy). They also are super convenient. Each to his own though!

[Bri guy]

01:36 AM on 01/30/2012

There's no caffeine in Canadian made Mountain Dew.

[Billy Mo]

07:34 PM on 01/27/2012

I couldn’t find MiO in my local grocery store in Illinois, but I requested a free sample at freemio.net and the Strawberry Watermelon flavor rocks! I can’t wait to try the other flavors.

[Akido]

04:48 AM on 01/27/2012

Still does not deter millions from getting drunk on caffeine.

[WalzakH]

12:57 PM on 01/26/2012

Ok, Sue's voice is grating on my last nerve. Hope it's not the caffeine!

[EdZackly]

11:13 AM on 01/26/2012

The first slide for "brewed coffee" actually displays a stove top espresso maker and drink, not brewed coffee. After that the slides for sodas all list the amount for 8 oz even though the cans are twelve oz cans and a typical serving at a fast food place is even greater. Why publish something that creates so much confusion? Sorry Sara but if one of my students turned this in for a grade it would either require a complete rework or be given a fail.

[EdZackly]

10:52 AM on 01/26/2012

Why not a simple graph instead of clicking through 24 slides? Is the purpose of the article to inform or is it to generate a maximum number of clicks?

[missp83]

09:44 AM on 01/26/2012

Since I dislike Coffee, tea, soft drinks, and energy drinks, whenever I need a serious pick me up (if I have to get up before 6 am or if I stayed up way too late) I just pop a caffeine pill. They're 200 mg of caffeine. It helps to also take B vitamins as well.

[flymach83]

09:33 AM on 01/26/2012

I try to avoid all sources of caffeine because of issues with my heart. I am subject to both preventricular and preatrial contractions. Caffeine is one of the triggers for both of those issues that can vary from annoying to scarry. They can also disturb sleep.
If you have ever felt a flip flopping in your chest or thumping sensation then you know the experience.

[psandysdad]

09:25 AM on 01/26/2012

The company provides us with free coffee. Companies do not do this because they are concerned for your health.

[butchcliff]

08:15 AM on 01/26/2012

Caffeine always a trigger of personal migraines. Drank way too much cola. Stopped drinking it & haven't had hardly any since. Also never need an antacid anymore & have my weight under better control. Still drinking tea & coffee, but only in moderation.

[dumasjohnj]

08:04 AM on 01/26/2012

How about a caffeine unit 250mg per unit.
You could call it a CHNO after its chemical makeup.
250mg is about an average 16oz cup of coffee.

[Claudia Roldan]

06:58 PM on 01/25/2012

If you are not worried about your caffeine addiction you should at least be aware of the amount of money you spend per year on these drinks. On average, individuals can consume around 2920 diet cokes per year. Imagine how many years of school you could pay for. I found this interesting article that details the amount ($$ and Gallons) that is spent on Diet Coke Addictoin. http://www.mylifeinbulletpoints.com/post/10996069786/my-diet-coke-addiction-by-the-numbers

[tresbonbon]

09:10 AM on 01/26/2012

I spend approximately $560 a year in Starbucks bottled Frappuccino. But that's okay because I really enjoy it, the calories are not a problem for me, and, I could certainly be spending that much money on something much, much worse for me. Now, if you add my evening wine consumption, I've probably at least doubled that. But, there's lots of things I don't spend money on so I'm not worried at all. I just enjoy it.

You can drive yourself stark raving mad with all this stuff they publish here and how bad it is for you. Just practice moderation and you'll be fine.

[EdZackly]

11:00 AM on 01/26/2012

Here let me save you about $400 a year

Homemade " Frappuccinos"
Ingredients
1 1/2 cups crushed iced
2-1 ounce shots of espresso OR use 3/4 cup of double strength (strong) coffee mixed with 1/2 cup of milk and increased crushed iced amount by 1/4 cup.
3/4 cup your choice of milk
3 tablespoons sugar (more or less depending on preference)
can whipped cream (well not a whole can every time)
chocolate syrup

Instructions:
Blend all the ingredients except the whipped cream in a blender for 30-45 seconds. Pour into a tall glass and top off with whipped cream and garnish with chocolate syrup. Best served with a thick straw.

[Bennett Weinberg]

01:32 PM on 01/25/2012

Unfortunately, this article is filled with errors of fact. For example, even if you accept the unwarranted warning that you should consume more than 200 mg to 300 mg of caffeine, it is manifestly false that this is equivalent to four cups of coffee! Four cups of arabica coffee delivers at least 600 mg of caffeine and four cups of robusta coffee delivers twice as much. What is the right amount of caffeine to consume? There is no universal answer. Healthy adults can consume as much caffeine as they are comfortable consuming. Some people can't use any caffeine without disturbing their ability to sleep at night. No one is right or wrong about this-- it simply depends on what caffeine does to you and for you. Each person has to determine that for himself. If you are one of the majority of people who can enjoy 400 mg of caffeine daily or more, you can enjoy a whole slew of health and performance benefits. For the latest health and lifestyle information about caffeine, check out WorldofCaffeine.com, a web site hosted by the author of the leading reference, trade, and self-help books about caffeine.

[Robyn Twango]

12:59 AM on 01/29/2012

I'm one of the lucky ones. Caffeine does not give me headaches, keep me awake, cause heart problems, restlessness or any of the other stuff so many worry about. 50/50 blend of robusta/arabica and I'm in heaven.

[Bennett Weinberg]

01:19 PM on 01/29/2012

It's good that you can enjoy all of caffeine's many health benefits. But you should be aware that caffeine does NOT cause heart problems. On the contrary, caffeine's has a strongly protective effect against cardiovascular pathologies and that effect is the single greatest contribution of caffeine to extending life! Again, check out Worldofcaffeine.com for more information about this and to keep up with caffeine news.

[lcgrissom]

06:47 PM on 01/24/2012

good to know there's only one kind of tea...