What Kinds of Foods Have Caffeine in Them?

What Kinds of Foods Have Caffeine in Them?
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Caffeine is a stimulant many people use to wake themselves up. Generally, a safe level of intake is 200 to 300 mg per day, which is roughly the amount 2 to 3 cups of coffee provide. Note that you can develop a dependence on caffeine that causes you to experience headaches and drowsiness if you consume less than you normally do.

Chocolate

Chocolate products often contain caffeine. For example, 1 oz. of semisweet dark chocolate might contain anywhere from 5 to 35 mg of caffeine, according to the "American Dietetic Association Complete Food and Nutrition Guide." One oz. of baker's chocolate might contain 26 mg of caffeine, and 1 oz. of chocolate-flavored syrup might contain 4 mg. Milk chocolate might contain 1 to 15 mg of caffeine per ounce.

Desserts

Coffee-flavored ice creams and yogurts might contain anywhere from 50 to 84 mg of caffeine, according to the Center for Science in the Public Interest, or CSPI. The center compiled nutritional data from various companies to determine the caffeine contents of many popular products. Chocolate-flavored desserts also might contain small amounts of caffeine. For example, 1/2 cup of chocolate ice cream might contain 2 mg of caffeine, according to the "Handbook of Food Drug Interactions."

Coffee and Tea

Generic brewed coffee can provide anywhere from 102 to 200 mg of caffeine in 8 oz., according to CSPI. Tea can contain between 40 and 120 mg of caffeine. Caffeine contents vary widely among brands due to variations in brewing techniques and the types of coffee beans or tea leaves they use, so check the nutrition information provided by the manufacturer of the coffee products you purchase.

Other Beverages

Caffeine content of sodas vary, but the U.S. Food and Drug Administration limits cola and pepper soft drinks to no more than 71 mg of caffeine per 12 oz, according to CSPI. Energy drinks aren't subject to the same restrictions. On the low end, an energy drink might provide 48 mg of caffeine, according to CSPI. On the high end, it might provide 300 mg.

References

Article reviewed by V. Mac Last updated on: Aug 18, 2011

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