Surprising Sources of Caffeine You Didn’t Know About

It is widely acknowledged that coffee, tea, and energy drinks are common sources of caffeine. However, it may come as a surprise that caffeine can also be found in other unsuspecting foods and beverages. A thorough understanding of where caffeine may be hidden is essential for those looking to limit their intake or simply increase awareness.

An example of a well-known source of caffeine is chocolate. Dark chocolate contains approximately 12 mg of caffeine per ounce, while milk chocolate contains about 6 mg in the same serving. Even some chocolate-flavored products are known to contain caffeine, making it crucial to carefully review product labels when making an effort to restrict caffeine consumption.

Additionally, CLIF Bars, recognized as energy-providing snacks due to their calorie, carb, and protein content, also contain caffeine derived from green tea extract. Flavors such as Cool Mint Chocolate, Peanut Toffee Buzz, Caramel Macchiato, Espresso Mini, and Cappuccino Mini have varying levels of caffeine.

It is worth noting that seemingly harmless products like Cocoa Pebbles cereal and coffee ice cream can also contain caffeine, with approximately 1 mg per cup and 43 mg per half of a small container of Häagen-Dazs’ coffee ice cream, respectively. Furthermore, even decaffeinated coffee contains a minimal amount of caffeine, with a 16-ounce serving potentially containing up to 14 mg.

A variety of gum, hot chocolate, and iced tea products have been found to contain differing levels of caffeine, while the kola nut, used in colas and other sodas, is abundant in caffeine, containing the equivalent of two cups of coffee in each pod. Kombucha and matcha are additional sources of caffeine, with an 8-ounce serving of kombucha containing about 10-15 mg, and a teaspoon of matcha containing an estimated 70 mg.

Naturally, Nutella and Oreos have been found to contain small amounts of caffeine, with 2 tbsp of Nutella totaling about 3 mg, and each Oreo containing approximately 1.3 mg. Moreover, certain over-the-counter pain relievers and PMS medications, as well as some protein powders and chocolate pudding, contain caffeine.

It is important to note that it is not exclusively coffee-based sodas such as Pepsi and Coke that contain caffeine—other beverages like Dr. Pepper, Moxie, Sunkist, and Barq’s have also been found to contain caffeine. Even seemingly innocuous products like tiramisu and Vitamin Water “Energy Tropical Citrus” can contain caffeine. Additionally, there has been a recent introduction of bottled waters containing caffeine.

Thus, for those seeking to reduce their caffeine intake, or simply increase their awareness of it, it is essential to be informed about the prevalence of caffeine in various unsuspecting sources. A thorough review of labels and product ingredients is crucial, especially for individuals who are sensitive to caffeine or those wishing to avoid it entirely.