What common foods contain caffeine?

MF editorial team

18 Aug 2015

updated the 6 October 2015 à 22:52

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Coffee
The caffeine content of coffee depends on the coffee variety and the manner in which it is prepared. The longer the coffee remains in contact with the water, the more the drink is loaded in caffeine. Thus an espresso contains about 70mg to 80mg of caffeine, while a filtered coffee rises to around 110mg.
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Teas and infusions
Again, the type of tea and the infusion time influences the caffeine content. To keep the taste of tea without the tonic side (ie. at night), steep your tea for about 3 minutes, drain the water and repeat.
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Chocolate
Caffeine also hides in the cocoa bean. Its content is higher in dark chocolate than milk chocolate. A square of the candy is no problem, but anything more and your good night's sleep may be affected.
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Soda and energy drinks
In a soda, there is between 30mg and 50mg of caffeine. A little less than an espresso, but still packs a punch. For younger children, it is better not to exceed one drink per day.
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Dietary supplements
Caffeine is present in many dietary supplements for slimming, cellulite-busting or vitality. It sometimes goes undercover under the name 'guarana'.
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Medication
Some painkillers contain caffeine since it is a known (and effective) cure against headaches.

Nervousness? Difficulty falling asleep? And consuming too much caffeine without realising? Here are 6 everyday food products and supplements we take daily that we don’t always suspect to contain the brain-jolting ingredient.

By stimulating the release of different neurotransmitters (epinephrine and dopamine), caffeine ‘wakes up’ the brain. After drinking coffee, one quickly feels more responsive and concentrated. It takes about 45 minutes before the effects are at their maximum, lasting for about five hours.

TOO MUCH CAFFEINE MAY RESULT IN A TIRED BODY

If caffeine gives a real boost to the body, consumed in excess it can also cause us discomfort. Heart palpitations, anxiety, agitation, difficulty getting to sleep or insomnia… Each of us has a specific sensitivity to caffeine and the effects differ from person to person. To know what is the right dose for our bodies, we have to try it for ourselves and conduct a trial and error. Nevertheless, it is recommended that one doesn’t exceed 3 to 4 cups of coffee a day to avoid the unpleasant side effects and preferably, refrain from drinking it in the evenings after 5PM. Some common products that we consume throughout the day may also unknowingly contain caffeine. Check out which are the false friends in our above slides.

Laura Gabrieli and Nur Syazana H.

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