Top 10 Foods and Drinks High in Caffeine

Caffeine is a chemical naturally found in several plants used to make common foods and beverages, like coffee, tea, and chocolate. Supplemental forms of caffeine are also added to foods and beverages, such as sodas, candies, and energy drinks.

Caffeine is the most commonly consumed stimulant worldwide. (1) Although moderate levels of consumption may have health benefits, habitual use of high levels of caffeine can lead to physical dependence and even addiction. (2)

The health benefits of caffeine depend on the amount consumed and the health of the individual. (3) Research has found several potential benefits of moderate caffeine intake (not exceeding 4 cups of coffee or 400mg of caffeine per day), including a reduced risk of cancer, neurodegenerative diseases, and heart disease. (4,5)

Adverse side effects of too much caffeine include headache, migraine, insomnia, anxiety, and heart palpitations. (3,4) Certain groups, including pregnant women and small children, are advised to limit their intake of caffeine because it may cause negative effects, such as growth restriction and impacts on the developing nervous system. (3,6,7)

The upper intake limit (UL) of caffeine intake is 400mg for adults and less than 85mg for kids. (8)

Some of the highest caffeine foods and drinks include chocolate-covered coffee beans, coffee, energy drinks, espresso, sodas, green tea, black tea, dark chocolate, coffee liqueur, and baked goods containing chocolate.

For all these foods and drinks, the amount of caffeine listed here is an average number. The actual amount of caffeine can vary based on how strongly tea or coffee is brewed, and how much caffeine is added to various specific colas and energy drinks.

To find even more foods high in caffeine see the nutrient ranking of over 200 foods and drinks high in caffeine.