The Caffeine Content In Food

People get most of their caffeine from beverages such as coffee, tea, energy drinks and carbonated soft drinks. However, caffeine is also found in foods, mostly snack products. The caffeine content in food is generally lower than that in potent caffeinated beverages such as energy drinks, which contain up to 300 mg of caffeine. According to the National Institutes of Health, moderate caffeine consumption won't harm you if you're in good health.

Caffeine Properties

Caffeine is a chemical compound that occurs naturally in more than 60 plants, including coffee, tea, and cocoa and kola beans; it's also manufactured synthetically and added to certain foods and medications. Caffeine stimulates your central nervous system, giving you a temporary increase in energy and mental alertness. "Moderate" caffeine intake is between 200 and 300 mg a day, and MayoClinic.com notes this amount is safe for most healthy adults. More than 500 to 600 mg a day is considered heavy caffeine use; side effects may include difficulty falling asleep, anxiety, restlessness, tremors, an upset stomach and a rapid heartbeat.

Frozen Treats

Coffee-flavored ice creams and frozen yogurts contain some caffeine; the amount varies depending on brand, but typically ranges from 50 to 68 mg of caffeine per every 8-oz. serving. One name-brand ice cream contains 84 mg of caffeine per 8-oz. serving, which exceeds the amount of caffeine in some 8-oz. energy drinks. The average cup of brewed coffee has 133 mg of caffeine.

Candy and Gum

Both milk and dark chocolate candies have caffeine via the cocoa content. A 1.55-oz. bar of milk chocolate contains around 9 mg of caffeine, while a 1.45-oz. bar of dark chocolate contains 31 mg of caffeine. Chewing gum and "energy mints" may contain between 33 and 100 mg of caffeine.

Medications

Over-the-counter medications are yet another source of added caffeine, and some may even surpass the amount of caffeine found in food and many beverages. Two tablets of name-brand pain relievers have 64 to 100 mg of caffeine, while nonprescription medications designed to keep you awake can contain up to 200 mg of caffeine per single tablet.

Considerations

Caffeine is not an essential nutrient in your diet, and it is possible to avoid it. Pregnant women should avoid consuming caffeine or at least restrict their daily intake. Children who consume too many caffeinated foods and beverages may suffer from inadequate nutrition and a poor appetite, according to the National Institutes of Health.