Soda, tea, and energy drinks also contain this energizing compound. Science shows that moderate consumption of caffeine can have many wonderful health benefits.
However, consuming an excessive amount of it can be harmful to you. This article will help you determine how much caffeine you can drink daily — and the best way to get your caffeine fix.
Why do people need caffeine?
Caffeine is a stimulant, which is the main reason that so many people choose to drink coffee to start their day. We all know that person who absolutely must drink coffee every day — maybe it’s even you! Since every cup of coffee provides a significant energy kick, there’s no denying that it’s an effective way to feel more energetic in the morning.
Beverages like soda contain smaller amounts of caffeine. These drinks can be great for someone who wants to get the benefit of caffeine but doesn’t like the taste of coffee. The same is true for teas, some of which have more caffeine than coffee.
Caffeine in soda vs. coffee
Caffeine is measured in milligrams per cup. A typical 8-oz (237 ml) cup of brewed coffee contains approximately 95–165 mg of caffeine. It’s important to note, though, that the caffeine content in coffee varies depending on the origin, processing, and preparation methods. For example, brewing coffee for a longer period of time can increase the amount of caffeine in a cup.
A 1-oz (30 ml) shot of espresso, on the other hand, contains 47–64 mg of caffeine, while an 8-oz latte or mocha will provide 63–126 mg of caffeine. Believe it or not, even decaf contains small amounts of caffeine. A regular cup of decaf only has 2–5 mg of caffeine, making it ideal for anyone who is sensitive to the effects of the substance.
In comparison to coffee, soda has a much smaller caffeine content. An 8-oz cup of black cola soda contains approximately 24–46 mg of caffeine. Citrus-flavored sodas and root beer don’t contain caffeine at all.
Coffee vs. soda: what’s healthier?
In moderate amounts, caffeine offers a host of health benefits. But that doesn’t mean that other ingredients in your favorite beverage aren’t harmful. Soda contains significant amounts of sugar in every serving.
In addition to delivering lots of empty calories, consuming too much sugar has been linked to a host of different health issues. While diet soda has zero calories, some studies have shown that it can make you crave other sugary drinks and food throughout the day — and it often contains artificial sweeteners.