Vice President,
HealthMarket
Elisa Sloss, RD, LD
how much is
in each?
find out how much caffeine is in each of these popular drinks. keep in mind that it may vary based on the beverage type and brand,
so check nutrition labels.
1 (8-oz.) cup of brewed coffee has about 95 mg of caffeine, while half-caff has a little more than 50 mg. For an added jolt of caffeine, espresso has about 65 mg of caffeine per 1.5-oz. serving.
coffee
tea
1 (8-oz.) cup of black tea can have 50 to 75 mg of caffeine. Green teas only have around 15 mg, and there are decaffeinated versions that only contain around 2 mg per 1 (8-oz.) cup.
energy drinks
1 (16-oz.) can of an energy drink has between 70 to over 100 mg of caffeine. Energy shots (like 5-Hour Energy) have roughly 215 mg.
Soda
1 (12-oz.) can has between 30 and 70 mg of caffeine, depending on the type. A lot of citrus sodas, like Sprite and 7-Up, are always caffeine-free.
caffeine withdrawal
If you’re experiencing some side effects from consuming too much caffeine and you want to cut back, this may result in caffeine withdrawal. Common symptoms include headaches, drowsiness, irritability and trouble concentrating.
The best way to reduce dependency on caffeine is to do it slowly. Cut back on your intake gradually—don’t try to quit cold turkey.
how to prevent
about 90%
of americans
consume caffeine in some form every day.
Vice President,
HealthMarket
Elisa Sloss, RD, LD
Find a Local Dietitian
Q: Decaffeinated means
it has no caffeine, right?
A: This might surprise most, but no! Decaf coffee simply has less caffeine than its regular counterpart. According to the FDA, it’s almost impossible to remove all the caffeine from the coffee bean. So, while an 8 oz. cup of brewed coffee has about 95 mg of caffeine, the same cup of decaf coffee will only have around 7 mg.
Q: How does caffeine work in the body?
A: Caffeine is absorbed from the gut into the bloodstream and then travels to the liver where it’s broken down into compounds that affect many organs—especially the brain. It works by blocking the neurotransmitter that makes you feel tired, thus keeping you awake and alert.
Q: What are some ways to get energized without caffeine?
A: Try getting regular exercise to boost energy, eat foods that are rich in carbs, protein and fats to keep blood sugar levels steady, drink lots of water to reduce fatigue and, most importantly, try to get enough sleep each night.
Q: Why should people
monitor caffeine intake?
A: While there are so many great things caffeine can do, it all depends on consuming it in healthy doses. The right amount of caffeine can jump-start your day and help you feel happier, but too much caffeine can lead to caffeine dependency, anxiety, insomnia, digestive issues and fatigue once it leaves your system.
Q: What is the right amount of caffeine?
A: Healthy adults should aim to have no more than 400 mg of caffeine each day. This will reduce the likelihood of negative side effects like jitters, fast heartbeat or muscle tremors.
Q: What are the health
benefits of caffeine?
A: First and foremost, caffeine helps people feel less tired and increases energy levels. Additionally, a healthy amount of caffeine may also improve mood and brain function, help boost your metabolism, speed up your reaction times and even help with memory. Basically, that delightful, first-sip feeling is a real thing!
Want to learn more about healthy habits? Connect with your Hy-Vee registered dietitian
Find a Local Dietitian
Sources
webmd.com
mayoclinic.org
fda.gov
kuakini.org
my.clevelandclinic.org
thespruceeats.com