10 Foods and Drinks with Caffeine

This Story gives a primer on caffeine and lists 10 foods that are high in caffeine.

1. Coffee is a brewed beverage that naturally contains varying amounts of caffeine, depending on the serving size and product brand. On average, an 8-ounce serving of coffee has 100 mg of caffeine.

2. Cocoa beans contain caffeine, with the amount depending on the percentage of cocoa in the product. A 3.5-ounce serving of pure cocoa can contain the same amount of caffeine as 2.5 cups of coffee.

3. Kola nut extract is high in caffeine. Companies use it as a food additive and flavoring agent in some soft drinks, although some sources say commercial brands, including Coca-Cola.

4. Green tea is a natural source of caffeine, providing about 30–50 mg of caffeine per 8-ounce (240-mL) serving, depending on the age of the leaves used.

5. Guarana is a natural source of caffeine and used as a food additive in the production of energy drinks, soft drinks, and herbal dietary supplements.

6. Yerba mate is a popular drink in South America that naturally contains caffeine and beneficial plant compounds with potential health-promoting properties.

7. Chewing gum is a soft, rubbery substance that has caffeine added to it during production. Some brands can provide up to 50 mg of caffeine.

8. Energy drinks are food supplement products, and they’re not regulated by the FDA. They can provide 50–505 mg of caffeine depending on the brand.

9. All coffee-containing foods contain varying amounts of caffeine, including tiramisu and coffee ice cream. The amount of caffeine in these foods depends upon the amount of coffee beans.

10. Foods made with cocoa beans and chocolate flavorings naturally contain caffeine. These include hot chocolate. The amount of caffeine present depends upon the amount of cocoa the product contains.

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