Soda Caffeine Levels Vary Widely

Caffeine consumption is a concern for many. And while recent introductions of highly caffeinated energy drinks have set new benchmarks, cola and other carbonated soft drinks continue to be one of the more-notable sources of caffeine. To clarify the amount of caffeine in these beverages, researchers at Alabamas Auburn University analyzed the caffeine content of 56 national-brand and 75 private-label store-brand carbonated beverages.

Using high-performance liquid chromatography, the scientists found caffeine content of commonly sold sodas ranged from 4.9 mg/12 oz. (IGA Cola) to 74 mg/12 oz. (Vault Zero).

Other caffeine contents measured in the study (Caffeine Content of Prepackaged National-Brand and Private-Label Carbonated Beverages, K. H. Chou, L.N. Bell, Journal of Food Science Online early articles, doi:10.1111/j.1750-3841.2007.00414.x ) included:

Coca-Cola (33.9 mg/12 oz.)

Diet Coke (46.3 mg/12 oz.)

Pepsi (38.9 mg/12 oz.)

Diet Pepsi (36.7 mg/12 oz.)

Dr Pepper (42.6 mg/12 oz.)

Diet Dr Pepper (44.1 mg/12 oz.)

Mountain Dew (54.8 mg/12 oz.),

Diet Mountain Dew (55.2 mg/12 oz.)

Wal-Mart store-brand Sam's Cola (12.7 mg/12 oz.)

Sam's Diet Cola (13.3 mg/12 oz.)

Dr Thunder (30.6 mg/12 oz.)

Diet Dr Thunder (29.9 mg/12 oz.)

Mountain Lightning (46.5 mg/12 oz.)

The recommended limit for caffeine in U.S. cola drinks is 65mg per 12-oz. serving. Most studies show consuming about 300mg of caffeine a day produces no negative effects. Caffeine binds to brain receptors that cause tiredness, giving the brain a shot of adrenaline. However, excess amounts can cause the jitters or an upset stomach. Removing caffeine causes withdrawal symptoms such as headache, irritability and fatigue. One of the biggest concerns is its impact on blood pressure--consumption can lead to a temporary jump in blood pressure--and the effects on children and pregnant women.

The Auburn researchers stated that the wide range of caffeine content in carbonated beverages indicates that consumers would benefit from the placement of caffeine values on food labels. Since 2003, the Caffeine Awareness Alliance and the American Medical Association have been requesting that FDA require manufacturers to label the amount of caffeine in food and beverage products. In Feb. of this year, several major soda manufacturers, including Pepsico, Inc., and Coca-Cola, announced plans to disclose caffeine content on the product label.