Nutrition

18 Common Foods With Caffeine

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Caffeine is a widely consumed stimulant that is found in various food and beverage products. While coffee and tea are commonly associated with caffeine, there are several other surprising sources of this energizing substance.

From chocolate to soda, energy drinks to ice cream, caffeine can be found in numerous everyday foods. This article aims to shed light on some of the most common foods that contain caffeine.

1. Coca Powder (Up To 230mg Per 100g)

Cocoa powder is a commonly consumed food that contains caffeine. It is derived from the cacao bean and is widely used in baking and cooking.

Cocoa powder contains a considerable amount of caffeine, which provides a stimulating effect. This natural stimulant can help improve focus and alertness.

The caffeine content in cocoa powder is more as compared to other sources such as coffee or energy drinks. Additionally, it contributes to the overall caffeine intake in our diet.

2. Espresso (Up To 212mg Per 100g)

Source : caffenero

Espresso, a concentrated coffee beverage, stands as one of the most potent members among the drinks with caffeine. Made by forcing hot water through finely-ground coffee beans under high pressure, it yields a small, strong shot packed with flavor and caffeine.

A typical espresso shot contains about 212mg of caffeine per 100 grams, but its small serving size often translates to a more intense caffeine kick compared to regular coffee.

3. Yerba Mate (Up To 85mg Per 100g)

Yerba Mate is a popular South American drink categorized among foods that contain caffeine. Derived from the leaves of the Ilex paraguariensis plant, it's rich in caffeine and boasts a unique earthy flavor.

This beverage is cherished for its stimulating properties, providing a steady energy boost without the jittery side effects often associated with coffee.

Traditionally consumed in a hollowed gourd through a metal straw called a "bombilla," Yerba Mate carries cultural significance and social importance, often enjoyed communally in many South American countries.

4. Dark Chocolate (Up To 80mg Per 100g)

Source : onehappydish

Dark chocolate has caffeine in comparable quantities to beverages like coffee. Made from cocoa solids, sugar, and often a touch of fat, dark chocolate typically contains up to 80 mg of caffeine per 100 grams.

The caffeine content in dark chocolate provides a mild energy boost and alertness. Renowned for its rich flavor and potential health benefits, including antioxidants, dark chocolate is a delightful choice for those seeking a sweet indulgence with a subtle pick-me-up.

5. Matcha Tea (Up To 70mg Per 100g)

Matcha tea is a vibrant and powdered form of green tea renowned for its distinct flavor and potent caffeine content. Derived from shade-grown tea leaves, it undergoes a meticulous harvesting and grinding process, resulting in a fine, emerald-green powder.

Unlike traditional steeped teas, consuming matcha entails ingesting the whole leaf, offering a concentrated burst of antioxidants and caffeine.

With approximately up to 70 mg of caffeine per 100 grams, matcha stands out among caffeine drinks, delivering a unique combination of earthy richness, umami undertones, and a sustained energy boost. Its popularity has surged, making it a favorite in various culinary and beverage creations.

6. Guarana Seed (Up To 42mg Per 100g)

Source : rainforestchica

Guarana seeds, derived from the Amazon rainforest's climbing plant, Paullinia cupana, are renowned for their natural caffeine content. These seeds contain approximately four times the amount of caffeine found in coffee beans.

Used for centuries by indigenous tribes for its stimulating properties, guarana has gained popularity worldwide.

Often integrated into energy drinks and supplements, guarana provides a sustained release of caffeine due to its complex molecular structure. Despite being categorized under fruits with caffeine, the guarana seed stands out for its potency, offering a natural and enduring energy boost beyond conventional sources like coffee or tea.

7. Brewed Coffee (Up To 40mg Per 100g)

Brewed coffee, a staple among caffeine drinks, is a popular and beloved beverage globally. Made by steeping coarsely ground coffee beans in hot water, its caffeine content can be up to 40 mg per 100 grams, depending on factors like brewing time and bean type.

The rich aroma and robust flavor of brewed coffee make it a morning ritual for many, offering a quick energy boost and a satisfyingly warm experience. Whether enjoyed black, with cream, or sweetened, brewed coffee remains a versatile and widely consumed source of the invigorating caffeine compound.

8. Cappuccino (Up To 36mg Per 100g)

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Cappuccino, another beloved caffeine drink, entices with its rich, velvety texture and bold espresso kick. This indulgent beverage combines espresso, steamed milk, and a delicate layer of foamed milk, creating a harmonious balance of flavors and a creamy mouthfeel.

Typically, a standard cappuccino contains around 36 mg of caffeine per 100g, though variations can occur depending on the strength of the espresso shot and the milk used. Its popularity stems not only from its caffeine content, which provides a morning jolt but also from the comforting and satisfying experience it offers to coffee enthusiasts worldwide.

9. White Tea (Up To 30mg Per 100g)

White tea, categorized among drinks with caffeine, stands out as a delicate and minimally processed beverage made from young tea leaves and buds. Recognized for its subtle flavor profile and light color, white tea undergoes minimal oxidation, preserving its natural antioxidants.

With a caffeine content ranging from 15-30 mg per 100 grams, it offers a milder alternative to black or green tea. Appreciated for its floral and fruity notes, white tea is often chosen for its refreshing taste and potential health benefits, making it a popular choice for those seeking a gentler caffeinated drink.

10. Energy Drinks (Up To 29mg Per 100g)

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Energy drinks are beverages packed with caffeine and other stimulants designed to provide a quick boost in alertness and energy. Typically containing up to 29 mg of caffeine per 100 grams, these drinks often feature additional ingredients like taurine, B vitamins, and herbal extracts such as guarana or ginseng.

Often marketed as drinks with caffeine, they aim to enhance mental focus and physical performance. While they can offer a rapid energy surge, excessive consumption or mixing them with alcohol can lead to adverse health effects, making moderation essential when indulging in these potent beverages.

11. Black Tea (Up To 20mg Per 100g)

Black tea, belonging to the Camellia sinensis plant, is a popular beverage laden with caffeine. Sipped worldwide, its robust flavor and amber hue result from the oxidation process during production. Per 100 grams, black tea typically contains up to 20 mg of caffeine, offering a moderate energy boost.

This classic tea is part of the broader category of drinks with caffeine, enjoyed for its stimulating properties and diverse varieties. Whether steeped in tradition or blended with modern flavors, black tea remains a go-to option for those seeking a comforting and invigorating caffeine-infused drink.

12. Milk Chocolate (Up To 20mg Per 100g)

Source : soulchocolate

Milk chocolate is a popular food that has caffeine. While not as caffeine-rich as coffee or dark chocolate, milk chocolate still contributes to your daily intake. Typically containing about 20 mg of caffeine per 100 grams, milk chocolate offers a milder energy boost.

Its creamy texture and sweet flavor make it a beloved treat for many, combining the pleasure of indulgence with a subtle kick from caffeine. It's important to be aware of these hidden sources when considering your overall caffeine consumption.

13. Green Tea (Up To 12mg Per 100g)

Green tea is a popular beverage and a notable drink that has caffeine. Harvested from the Camellia sinensis plant, its leaves undergo minimal oxidation during processing, preserving the natural compounds responsible for its distinct flavor and health benefits.

With a caffeine content of up to 12 mg per 100 grams, green tea offers a moderate energy boost while providing antioxidants like catechins. Renowned for its potential health benefits, including improved metabolism and reduced risk of certain diseases, green tea has become a go-to choice for those seeking a harmonious blend of refreshment and caffeine stimulation.

14. Cola Diet (Up To 10mg Per 100g)

Source : insider

Diet cola is a popular beverage that serves as a caffeine-containing alternative to regular cola. Characterized by its reduced or zero sugar content, diet cola maintains the signature carbonation and cola flavor while offering a lower-calorie option. Caffeine is a key component, contributing to the drink's stimulating effects.

With approximately 10 mg of caffeine per 100 grams, diet cola provides a milder energy boost compared to its sugary counterpart. Its popularity stems from catering to those seeking a sugar-free refreshment without sacrificing the familiar taste and effervescence associated with traditional cola beverages.

15. Cola Regular (Up To 9mg Per 100g)

Cola Regular, a ubiquitous carbonated beverage, is renowned for its distinct flavor and, notably, its caffeine content. Typically containing around 9 mg of caffeine per 100 grams which surprisingly is lower than its diet counterpart, this fizzy drink provides a mild energy boost and a familiar taste loved worldwide.

Derived from the kola nut and originally used for its stimulant properties, caffeine in cola acts as a central nervous system stimulant, contributing to its popularity as a refreshing pick-me-up. Whether enjoyed on its own or as a mixer, Cola Regular remains a go-to caffeinated beverage for those seeking a balance of effervescence and subtle stimulation.

16. Yogurt (Up To 5mg Per 100g)

Source : seriouseats

Yogurt is a common food that people might be astonished to see in the list of foods that contain caffeine. Although, indeed, the dairy product does not contain caffeine on its own, there are a lot of varieties of mixed yogurt available in the market with trace amounts, sometimes up to 5mg per 100g of caffeine.

However, the caffeine content in yogurt comes from added or mixed edibles like coffee or chocolate. These chocolate or coffee-flavored yogurts are enjoyed for both the natural probiotic values of the yogurt and the added caffeine kick of coffee or chocolate.

17. Chocolate Cake (Up To 4mg Per 100g)

Chocolate cake, a beloved dessert, contains caffeine due to the presence of cocoa or chocolate in its ingredients. While the caffeine content in chocolate cake is relatively modest compared to some beverages, amounting to only up to 4mg per 100g, it contributes to the overall flavor profile.

Cocoa, a primary ingredient, contains theobromine, a stimulant similar to caffeine. The combination of sugars, fats, and the subtle kick from the theobromine creates a rich and indulgent taste. Though not a significant source of caffeine compared to coffee or tea, chocolate cake offers a delightful, satisfying treat for those seeking a sweet yet mildly stimulating experience.

18. Chocolate Ice Cream (Up To 2mg Per 100g)

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Chocolate ice cream, a beloved type of ice cream, contains a modest amount of caffeine due to its cocoa content. Typically up to 2 milligrams per 100 grams, this dessert offers a mild energy boost. The caffeine in chocolate ice cream contributes to its rich and satisfying flavor profile, complementing the sweetness with a subtle, bitter note.

While the amount of caffeine may not be as significant as in coffee or tea, chocolate ice cream provides a delightful combination of cool creaminess and the subtle stimulation of caffeine, making it a comforting indulgence for many.