Caffeine
Natural stimulant found in coffee, tea, and chocolate. Increases alertness and may enhance physical performance in moderate amounts.
No established daily requirement for this nutrient.
Top Foods Highest in Caffeine
Amount per 100g serving. Values in mg per 100g.
Foods Highest in Caffeine (Table)
| # | Food | Per 100g | Group |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Beverages, tea, instant, unsweetened, powder | 5,714 mg | Beverages |
| 2 | Beverages, coffee, instant, regular, powder | 3,142 mg | Beverages |
| 3 | Beverages, tea, instant, sweetened with sodium saccharin, le | 2,240 mg | Beverages |
| 4 | Beverages, coffee, instant, with chicory | 2,063 mg | Beverages |
| 5 | Beverages, tea, instant, lemon, unsweetened | 1,794 mg | Beverages |
| 6 | Beverages, coffee, instant, regular, half the caffeine | 1,571 mg | Beverages |
| 7 | Candies, dark chocolate coated coffee beans | 839 mg | Sweets |
| 8 | Candies, milk chocolate coated coffee beans | 800 mg | Sweets |
| 9 | Beverages, coffee, instant, mocha, sweetened | 360 mg | Beverages |
| 10 | Cocoa, dry powder, unsweetened | 230 mg | Sweets |
| 11 | Beverages, coffee, brewed, espresso, restaurant-prepared | 212 mg | Beverages |
| 12 | Beverages, tea, instant, decaffeinated, unsweetened | 169 mg | Beverages |
| 13 | Beverages, Cocoa mix, powder | 150 mg | Beverages |
| 14 | Beverages, tea, instant, lemon, with added ascorbic acid | 124 mg | Beverages |
| 15 | Beverages, coffee, instant, decaffeinated, powder | 122 mg | Beverages |
| 16 | Chocolate, dark, 60-69% cacao solids | 86.0 mg | Sweets |
| 17 | Baking chocolate, unsweetened, squares | 80.0 mg | Sweets |
| 18 | Chocolate, dark, 70-85% cacao solids | 80.0 mg | Sweets |
| 19 | Cocoa, dry powder, unsweetened, processed with alkali | 78.0 mg | Sweets |
| 20 | Cocoa, dry powder, hi-fat or breakfast, processed with alkal | 72.0 mg | Sweets |
Health Effects of Caffeine
Caffeine is a methylxanthine alkaloid that blocks adenosine receptors, promoting alertness and reducing fatigue. It enhances cognitive function, physical performance, and metabolic rate.
Not applicable; caffeine is not an essential nutrient.
Excessive caffeine (>400mg/day in adults) can cause anxiety, insomnia, heart palpitations, digestive issues, and elevated blood pressure. Pregnant women are advised to limit intake to <200mg/day.
Absorption & Interactions
Rapidly and completely absorbed from the stomach and small intestine, reaching peak blood levels within 30-60 minutes. Half-life averages 5 hours but varies widely (3-7 hours) based on genetics (CYP1A2 polymorphisms).
Other Other
Frequently Asked Questions
How much Caffeine do I need per day?
There is no established daily requirement for Caffeine.
Which food has the most Caffeine?
The food highest in Caffeine is Beverages, tea, instant, unsweetened, powder with 5,714 mg per 100g.
What does Caffeine do in the body?
Natural stimulant found in coffee, tea, and chocolate. Increases alertness and may enhance physical performance in moderate amounts.