Foods Containing Caffeine

Foods containing caffeine can certainly interfere with sleep. Caffeine is a nervous system stimulant that affects the body in a similar way to adrenalin. Everyone has their own sensitivity to caffeine, so what is too much for your friend, may be unnoticeable in its effect on you. Generally, though, up to 500mg per day is considered by health experts to be an acceptable caffeine dose.

The main dietary sources of caffeine are coffee and tea, with coffee accounting for about 54% of the caffeine consumed. Tea accounts for about 43% and the rest comes from other drinks including cocoa and chocolate-based drinks.

Coffee

Approximate caffeine levels in coffee per serve:

• Instant coffee: 60-100mg
• Espresso coffee (espresso or latte): 90-200mg
• Decaffeinated coffee: 3mg
• Drip or percolated coffee: 100-150mg

Other drinks

Approximate caffeine levels per serve:

• Chocolate drinks: 30-60mg
• Cola drinks (Coca Cola, Pepsi): 40mg
• Tea (black and green): 30-100mg depending on type and brew strength
• Energy drinks (Red Bull, V): 80-90mg

Foods

Approximate caffeine levels:

• Chocolate bar (dark): 40-50mg per 55g
• Caffeine tablets (e.g. No-Doz): 100mg per tablet
• Guarana: up to 100mg per gram

While caffeine can help your brain wake up, there are negative effects of caffeine. As with many drugs, you can become dependent on it. Find out about caffeine withdrawal symptoms.