How much caffeine in 500ml Coke

There’s a drug whose appeal shows no sign of slowing. It’s a stimulant for the central nervous system and it was an ingredient in 136 million bags exported around the world in 2012.

Those bags were coffee and the drug was caffeine - but there’s a lot more to it than just the one beverage. Tea, energy drinks, chocolates, chewing gum, sweets and even weight-loss tablets have all got a caffeine content. We compare them here.

2 cups of tea = 1 cup of coffee

There are 20mg of caffeine in your average 100g of brewed tea compared to 40mg in the same amount of black filter coffee. But the type of tea, as well as the brewing time makes a difference.

2 colas = 1 tea

We were surprised too. 100g of your average cola contains just 8mg of caffeine - although for reduced sugar varieties that number goes up to 15mg.

More caffeine in coffee than Red Bull

One of the biggest brands in high-sugar energy drinks, Red Bull, has just 30mg of caffeine per 100g which still leaves the traditional americano in first place in the caffeine contest.

But a look at other energy drinks shows that Red Bull is a relative light-weight in the alkaloid department. New energy shots like Ammo (whose site claims “was developed for the U.S. Military Special Forces like Navy Seals, Green Berets, and Delta Force) are supposed to be drunk in low volumes but 100g of the stuff would contain a dizzying 570mg of caffeine - that’s 14 cups of coffee.

Here are the ten most caffeinated energy drinks - along with brand names that are as neon as the liquids within.

Caffeinated alcoholic drinks

There’s also a growing trend for mixing drugs - in this case alcohol and caffeine. The US Food and Drug Administration lists (not without a note of caution) 70 of these products.

It’s not just drinks

From jelly beans to energy infused potato chips, caffeine is increasingly coming in a chewable form. Foosh energy mints have 5,555 mg of caffeine per 100g - that’s 139 cups of coffee (and, we assume, without the halitosis). Buzz Bites Chocolate Chews were the second highest on the adult sweeties list with 1,639mg of caffeine per 100g.

It’s not all plain (highly alert?) sailing though - when gum giant Wrigley attempted to launch a caffeinated chewing gum earlier this year they ended up having to halt production after officials raised concerns about children and adolescents consuming the stuff.

Drugs in drugs

From Aspirin to Triaminicin (used to reduce fever and relieve pain) several doses of drugs will also contain a hit of caffeine. There are 65mg of caffeine in Aspirin Bayer Select Maximum Strength and 40mg in Repan (used to treat headaches).

Many of the weight-loss supplement pills listed by the US authorities also include high dosages of caffeine - presumably in the belief that it may act as an appetite suppressant. For those who are seeking a direct fix, a range of caffeine tablets are also widely availble that have dosages between 175mg and 200mg.

You can compare the main caffeine products from cola to dark chocolate coated coffee beans in the chart below.

You can get all the data, published by the US Food and Drug Administration here. Do these numbers surprise you? Tell us about your caffeine habits in the comments below.

Update: Several commenters wanted to see caffeine contents per portion as well as per 100g. All those numbers are available in the spreadsheet but we’ve summarised a few in the table below in case it’s helpful.

Everyone loves a crisp, refreshing can of soda now and then. While it may not be the best beverage choice out there, most soda companies offer their version of healthy alternatives. For the Coke brand, Coke Zero is their offering for people who are trying to eat, drink, and live better.

While Coke Zero is advertised as having no sugar, what about the caffeine content? Caffeine is something many people who enjoy soda keep an eye on. Coke Zero contains 34 mg of caffeine per 12-ounce can. This is relatively low compared to other drink options, but not at the zero level as some people may think. It’s much less caffeine than you’d find in a cup of brewed coffee — about 95 mg.

Let’s learn a bit more about the caffeine in Coke Zero, the drink itself, and whether it’s truly a better option for people who are watching their caffeine intake.

What Is Coke Zero?

Coke Zero was born in 2005 as a safe alternative for soda drinkers who needed less sugar and calories in their diet. While this drink was welcomed with open arms by Coke drinkers in need of a safer option, the classic argument over the taste of diet or sugar-free sodas immediately began.

While many consumers assumed Coke Zero contained no caffeine or other additives that could potentially be harmful, they were wrong. In hopes of clearing up any confusion and showing the world Coke Zero contained no sugar, the Coke company decided to rebrand the sugar-free beverage. Thus, in 2017, Coke Zero Sugar was born. Luckily, for those who already enjoyed Coke Zero, not much in the formula changed.

Coke Zero vs Coke

Without a doubt, regular Coke contains more sugar than Coke Zero, but what about the caffeine content? With Coke Zero offering only 34 mg of caffeine per 12-ounce can, this beverage finds itself on the lower end when it comes to calorie content. Oddly enough, regular Coke can make the same claims. Coke Zero and Coke contain the same 34 mg of caffeine. This allows those watching their caffeine intake the opportunity to choose which of Coke’s drinks is best suited to their taste buds.

What Is Caffeine?

Caffeine is a naturally occurring stimulant. People around the world use caffeine as a way to wake up, keep going when feeling tired, or stay focused when working. This stimulant is found in coffee, tea, and cocoa plants. This is why so many people use teas, coffees, and chocolate to give themselves a bit more pep in their step.

You’ll find that many sodas, like Coke Zero, use caffeine due to its pleasant taste. By adding this stimulant to their products, people enjoy the flavor and the effects it has on their bodies. This is why so many people choose to drink coffee throughout the day or grab a quick soda when they’re feeling a bit sluggish.

The Health Benefits of Caffeine

Luckily, for those who enjoy a cold soda or tasty cup of coffee, caffeine does provide the body with health benefits. Caffeine is often added to prescription medicine to help people receive these benefits under their doctor’s watchful eyes. Let’s take a look at a few of caffeine’s benefits below.

Better Brain Function and Moods

When consuming caffeine, people may find themselves feeling happier. It is also possible to feel as though your mind is clearer. This is thanks to caffeine’s ability to block adenosine. If you’re unfamiliar with adenosine, it’s one of the neurotransmitters in your brain that makes you feel tired or sleepy. Several studies have been conducted showing that caffeine helps elevate the mood and increases brain function when safely consumed.

Fat Burning

Many people use caffeine as a way to help them burn more fat and stay energized during exercise. With a healthy boost from caffeine, workouts can seem easier, go on longer, and result in more calories being burned. People who use weight control supplements will find one of the main ingredients is caffeine.

Prescription Medications

Caffeine is used in a wide variety of prescription and over-the-counter medicines. Those who have asthma, allergies, or experience pain are often treated with medications that include caffeine in their makeup.

These are only a few of the health benefits caffeine can offer the body. It’s best, however, not to overdo it and only ingest the recommended amounts of caffeine throughout the day. According to the Federal Drug Administration (FDA), this is roughly 400 milligrams for an adult.

Caffeine Concerns and Side Effects

Caffeine in large doses can be dangerous. This is especially true for people who have sensitivities to the stimulant and its effects. When using dietary supplements or drinking several beverages with high amounts of caffeine, it’s important to do so in moderation to avoid any health risks.

Here are a few of the side effects you may experience when consuming too much caffeine daily.

• Anxiousness
• Jitters
• Increased heart rate
• Insomnia
• Headaches
• Nausea
• Seizures (in extreme cases)

If you experience any of these negative side effects, it is best to reduce your caffeine levels and speak with your physician.

Final Thoughts

If you’re curious about how much caffeine is in Coke Zero, you aren’t alone. Many people try to watch their caffeine levels and only consume safe amounts. With 34 mg of caffeine being present in a 12-ounce can of Coke Zero, this is easily achieved by those who enjoy this sweet drink. Enjoy a refreshing drink throughout the day when you feel you need a pick-me-up. Like with any caffeinated beverage, however, don’t overdo it.

See also: How Much Caffeine is in Afri Cola? Surprising Facts!

Featured Image Credit: Mahbod Akhzami, Unsplash

Table of Contents

• What Is Coke Zero?
• Coke Zero vs Coke
• What Is Caffeine?
• The Health Benefits of Caffeine
  • Better Brain Function and Moods
  • Fat Burning
  • Prescription Medications
• Caffeine Concerns and Side Effects
• Final Thoughts

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