Posted by kathryn in Miscellanea

While we’re on the subject of caffeine, remember it’s not just in coffee – caffeine pops up in a few different foodstuffs.

Green tea and black tea

These both contain similar amounts of caffeine, given they come from the same plant. A 150ml cup of tea contains between 30 and 90mg of caffeine, depending on how strongly you brew the tea and whether you use loose leaf or tea bags – with strongly brewed, loose leaf tea giving the most caffeine.

Chocolate

Chocolate is also a source, with a 30g bar (which is quite small) yielding between 20 and 60mg of caffeine. The higher the cocoa percentage, the higher the amount of caffeine.

Cola drinks

All cola drinks, including the diet ones, contain caffeine. A 375ml can of cola contains about 50mg.

Coffee

Everyone knows coffee contains caffeine, but the amount depends on how it’s made. Based on a 150ml cup:

• instant coffee has 60 – 100mg of caffeine
• percolated / drip filter coffee has 100 – 150mg
• an espresso shot gives 90mg caffeine
• decaffeinated contains between 2 and 4mg of caffeine

Energy drinks

Most energy drinks have about the same amount of caffeine as an espresso coffee, with a 250ml drink giving 80mg of caffeine. The new Mother energy drink from Coca-Cola contains a whole lot more.

Over the counter medications

Cold and flu tablets, appetite suppressants and some pain relievers also contain caffeine, although the amounts vary from 20 – 100mg per tablet.

If you’re unsure about how much caffeine you’re having every day, why not try the ABC’s online caffeine quiz.

Source: UNSW’s National Drug & Alcohol Research Centre

15 June, 2007