Caffeine
Long History of Use
Perhaps best known for providing the lift in your morning coffee, caffeine is found naturally in more than 60 plants and can also be man-made. Caffeine contributes to the flavor of some sparkling beverages, adding a slightly bitter taste and working well with both sugar and low-calorie sweeteners to provide an overall enjoyable flavor. Caffeine is also used in energy drinks.
But what is caffeine really? Is it safe? Beneficial? Dehydrating? Find the answers, and see how some of your favorite foods and beverages stack up in a caffeine comparison.
What is Caffeine?
Found in beverages and foods such as coffee, tea, colas and chocolate, caffeine is naturally present in the leaves, seeds or fruits of more than 60 plants. It can also be man-made. Caffeine contributes to the overall taste of some sparkling beverages, adding a slight bitterness and working well with both sugar and low-calorie sweeteners to provide an enjoyable taste. It’s also used in energy drinks. Moderate intakes of caffeine have been shown to have beneficial effects on mood and mental performance in many people.
Caffeine is one of the most studied food and beverage ingredients, with centuries of safe use. After an in-depth review in 1987, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) found no evidence that the use of caffeine in sparkling beverages would harm a person’s health. Moderate intake of caffeine is equivalent to about two to three cups of coffee per day or five to six cans of caffeinated sparkling beverages. These amounts have not been linked to any health problem. Pregnant or nursing women, or women trying to become pregnant, should follow their healthcare provider’s advice regarding caffeine intake.
Have questions about caffeine? Browse our FAQs or visit the International Food Information Council web site.
Does it Dehydrate?
Can your favorite caffeinated beverages keep you hydrated? Actually, yes! It’s a misperception that caffeinated beverages cannot contribute to hydration. A 2004 report on water needs released by the Institute of Medicine of the National Academy of Sciences concluded that all beverages, including those with caffeine, contribute to hydration.
Our sparkling beverages contain between 85% and 99% water. Even though there’s a mild diuretic effect in people who normally don’t consume caffeine, there is no detrimental effect on hydration status.
Ever wonder how your favorite foods and beverages stack up in a caffeine comparison? Find out!
Caffeine Comparison
Ever wonder how much caffeine is in your favorite foods and beverages? See how they measure up.
| Beverages: | 8 fl oz (240 mL) |
|---|---|
| Coca-Cola | 23 mg |
| Diet Coke | 31 mg |
| Coca-Cola Zero | 23 mg |
| Coffee, Dripped Brew | 65 to 120 mg (85 mg typical) |
| Energy Drinks | 70-130 mg (depending on brand) |
| Brewed Tea (U.S.) | 0-90 mg (40 mg typical) |
| Foods: | 1oz (30 mg) |
|---|---|
| Cocoa | 2 to 32 mg (6 mg typical) |
| Milk Chocolate | 1-15 mg (6 mg typical) |
| Dark Chocolate | 5-35 mg (20 mg typical) |
