Caffeine powder: UK safety guidance and facts
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Caffeine powder is pure, highly concentrated caffeine, and it can be very potent. The Food Standards Agency (FSA) and Food Standards Scotland (FSS) issued guidance in 2024 after a UK man died having miscalculated a dose of caffeine powder, equivalent to up to 200 cups of coffee. If you use a caffeine supplement, follow the dose on the label and use measuring equipment accurate enough for that dose.
Key points
• Pure, highly concentrated caffeine products such as caffeine powder can be very potent (FSA and FSS).
• A UK man died after miscalculating a dose, equivalent to up to 200 cups of coffee.
• Follow the label dose and use accurate measuring equipment.
• Healthy adults: up to 400 mg a day from all sources is unlikely to cause adverse effects. Pregnancy: 200 mg a day.
• If someone has taken too much caffeine and feels unwell, call 999 or NHS 111.
Table of contents
- What is caffeine powder?
- What the FSA and FSS say
- How much caffeine is safe?
- Signs of too much caffeine
- Supplements vs coffee, tea and energy drinks
- FAQ
What is caffeine powder?
Caffeine powder is caffeine in pure, concentrated form, sold as a food supplement. Because it is so concentrated, a small measuring mistake can mean a very large dose. Caffeine tablets are also sold as supplements. More: Caffeine tablets and caffeine gum · How much caffeine is too much? · Caffeine pouches in the UK
What the FSA and FSS say
In September 2024 the FSA and FSS issued guidance on caffeine in food supplements. It was prompted by the death of a UK man who miscalculated a dose of caffeine powder, equivalent to up to 200 cups of coffee (FSA and FSS, 2024). The guidance says:
- Pure, highly concentrated products like caffeine powder can be very potent.
- Follow the dose instructions on the label.
- Use measuring equipment accurate enough for the dose.
- Supplements can contain far more caffeine than coffee or some energy drinks.
- Count the caffeine from supplements together with all your other sources.
- Manufacturers of higher-dose caffeine supplements should warn that they are not recommended for children or pregnant women.
How much caffeine is safe?
| Group | Guidance | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Healthy adults, per day | up to 400 mg unlikely to cause adverse effects | FSA and FSS; EFSA |
| Healthy adults, single dose | up to 200 mg does not raise safety concerns | EFSA |
| Pregnant women, per day | 200 mg | FSA and FSS; EFSA |
| Breastfeeding women, per day | up to 200 mg does not raise safety concerns for the breastfed infant | EFSA |
Work out your own total: caffeine calculator.
Sources: FSA and FSS, 2024; EFSA, 2015.
These limits are for caffeine from all sources added together, including coffee, tea, cola, energy drinks and supplements.
Signs of too much caffeine
According to the FSA and FSS, at very high levels caffeine can cause:
- anxiety
- sleeplessness
- agitation
- palpitations
- diarrhoea
- restlessness
These effects can be stronger in people who are sensitive to caffeine or who have heart disease or high blood pressure.
If someone has taken too much caffeine and feels unwell, call 999 or NHS 111.
Supplements vs coffee, tea and energy drinks
| Source | Serving | Caffeine |
|---|---|---|
| Can of cola | 1 can | about 40 mg |
| Mug of tea | 1 mug | about 75 mg |
| Energy drink | 250 ml | about 80 mg (larger cans up to 160 mg) |
| Mug of instant coffee | 1 mug | about 100 mg |
| Mug of filter coffee | 1 mug | about 140 mg |
Source: NHS.
The FSA and FSS point out that supplements can contain far more caffeine than coffee or some energy drinks. Always check the amount per dose on the label and add it to what you have from drinks. More: How much caffeine is in a cup of coffee? · Energy drinks with the least caffeine
FAQ
Is caffeine powder dangerous?
It can be. The FSA and FSS say pure, highly concentrated products like caffeine powder can be very potent, and a UK man died after miscalculating a dose.
How do I measure caffeine powder safely?
Follow the dose instructions on the label and use measuring equipment accurate enough for that dose, as the FSA and FSS advise.
Can children or pregnant women use caffeine supplements?
The FSA and FSS say higher-dose caffeine supplements should carry a warning that they are not recommended for children or pregnant women. In pregnancy the limit is 200 mg of caffeine a day from all sources.
What should I do if someone has taken too much caffeine?
If they feel unwell, call 999 or NHS 111.
Read next: Caffeine tablets and caffeine gum · How much caffeine is too much? · How long does caffeine last?