How Much Caffeine is In . . . ?

What you need to know:
Research suggests that:

Small amounts of caffeine probably do not affect your fertility and appear to be safe during pregnancy.
Up to 12 ounces of caffeinated coffee a day may be okay during pregnancy.

The amount of caffeine in a cup of coffee varies. It depends on the beans used, the serving size and how the coffee is prepared. There is also caffeine in chocolate, tea, cola, some carbonated beverages other than cola, coffee ice cream and some non-prescription medications.

What you can do:
Limit the amount of caffeinated coffee you consume to less than 12 ounces per day. It’s better for your body and your baby if you drink water, milk and fruit juice during your pregnancy.

You can drink decaffeinated colas, coffee and tea, too. But remember they contain small amounts of caffeine.

Small amounts of caffeine probably do not affect your fertility and appear to be safe during pregnancy. Up to 12 ounces of caffeinated coffee a day may be okay during pregnancy. Because caffeine can be found in many of the foods we eat and drink, how can you be certain you aren't getting too much?

Caffeine in Beverages and Chocolate^*

Foods and Beverages Milligrams of caffeine

(average)

Coffee (8 oz.)
Brewed, drip

Instant
137 mg

76 mg

Tea (8 oz.)
Brewed

Instant
48 mg

26-36 mg

Caffeinated soft drinks, such as cola (12 oz.) 37 mg

Hot cocoa (12 oz.) 8-12 mg

Chocolate milk
(8 oz.) 5-8 mg

Candy
Dark chocolate
(1.45 oz bar)

Milk chocolate
(1.55 oz bar)

Semi-sweet chocolate chips
(1/4 cup)

30 mg

11 mg

26-28 mg

Chocolate syrup
(1 oz.) 3 mg

Coffee ice cream/frozen yogurt
(1/2 cup) 2 mg
Source: U.S. Department of Agriculture, 2000.

November 2005/January 2008

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