Caffeine is a stimulant that speeds up messaging between the brain and body when it reaches the central nervous system. Millions of people all over the world consume caffeine every day to feel more alert during daily activities.
Caffeine won’t typically pose a health problem, but it’s important to be mindful of its side effects and be ready to cut back if necessary.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) deems 400 milligrams (mg) of caffeine a day a safe amount for most healthy adults. That equates roughly to four to five cups of standard brewed coffee.
This article is from MIBlue Daily, brought to you by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan
How much caffeine is in certain drinks?
An individual may reach those 400 mg of maximum recommended daily caffeine a lot faster depending on the source. The caffeine content in a cup of coffee can vary quite a bit. Factors like processing and brewing time affect the caffeine level.
Those wondering if 50 mg of caffeine is a lot shouldn’t be dissuaded from having a cup or two of coffee that contains that amount of caffeine. But these amounts can add up when going back for a third or fourth cup, and not all caffeinated drinks are created equally.
An 8-ounce cup of drip or pour-over coffee, for example, may contain well over 100 mg of caffeine. These amounts can also vary when buying coffee from a store or restaurant.
How much caffeine is in one cup of coffee?
Here is a breakdown of some of the most popular caffeinated beverages, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA):
- 12-ounce can of cola: 23-55 mg
- 8-ounce cup of brewed green tea: 30-50 mg
- 8-ounce cup of instant coffee: 55-75 mg
- 8-ounce cup of brewed black tea: 45-50 mg
- 1-ounce shot of espresso: 60-70 mg
- 12-ounce energy drink: 72-122 mg
- 8-ounce cup of brewed coffee: 80-100 mg
- 13-oz Frappuccino: 110 mg
Caffeine in powder or liquid form can provide toxic levels of caffeine, according to the FDA. Just one teaspoon of powdered caffeine is equivalent to about 28 cups of coffee. Drastically high levels of caffeine can cause serious health problems and possibly death.
