Caffeine in Beverages

Since it's been shown that caffeine can increase blood glucose and make cells more resistant to insulin after a meal, I thought it would be helpful to post the caffeine content of some common beverages and chocolate.

Click the link to the right for a table distributed by the American Beverage Association. It lists the caffeine content of drinks manufactured by several companies, including Coca-Cola, Pepsi, Royal Crown, and Snapple.

Note that energy drinks (8.4 oz. can) typically contain the amount of caffeine found in a cup of coffee. Some not listed:

• Impulse - 88 mg.
  
• Naughty Boy - 80 mg.
  
• Red Bull - 80 mg.
  
• V - 78 mg.

Click here for a table compiled by Kansas State University's Research and Extension Program. It lists the approximate caffeine content of some common coffee and tea beverages, and chocolate.

Note that the caffeine values for coffee and tea apply to 5 oz. servings. A coffee mug typically holds 8 oz. Take-out cups can be 16 oz. or more.

Speaking of take-out coffee, about 10 years ago, the Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI) published the table below which drew attention to the caffeine content of Starbucks' brewed coffees:



Starbucks doesn't divulge caffeine content on their website. But an article from Newhouse News Service (NNS) in 2003 reported finding "anywhere from 259 to 564 milligrams of caffeine" in 16 oz. Starbucks' samples. They contacted a Starbuck's rep:

"Lara Wyss, spokeswoman for the Seattle-based Starbucks Coffee Co., said in a statement that "many variables contribute to caffeine levels in coffee from cup to cup," including type of bean, roast, brewing method, grind and coffee maker. Starbucks customers can expect an average of 200 milligrams of caffeine per 8 ounces, she added."

That equates to 300 mg. caffeine for a Starbucks' 12 oz. "tall", and 400 mg. for a 16 oz. "grande". Quite a jolt.