Caffeine tablets and caffeine gum: how much caffeine?
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Caffeine tablets usually contain 50–200 mg of caffeine per tablet, and caffeine gum usually 50–100 mg per piece. One serving can therefore match one or two cups of coffee. The amount is stated on the pack, and it counts towards the same daily total as coffee, tea and energy drinks.
In short
• Caffeine tablets: usually 50–200 mg each. Check the label.
• Caffeine gum: usually 50–100 mg per piece.
• EFSA: single doses of up to 200 mg and up to 400 mg a day are safe for healthy adults.
• Food supplements with added caffeine must state the amount and carry a warning.
Contents
- How much caffeine is in a caffeine tablet?
- Caffeine gum
- Compared with coffee and energy drinks
- Labelling in the EU
- FAQ
How much caffeine is in a caffeine tablet?
Caffeine tablets usually contain 50 mg, 100 mg or 200 mg each. Depending on the country and product, they are sold either as medicines (for example in pharmacies) or as food supplements. Either way, the caffeine per tablet is on the pack.
Caffeine gum
Caffeine gum usually contains about 50–100 mg per piece. Check the pack for the exact amount and the maximum number per day.
Compared with coffee and energy drinks
| Source | Caffeine |
|---|---|
| Caffeine tablet | usually 50–200 mg |
| Caffeine gum, 1 piece | usually 50–100 mg |
| Filter coffee, 200 ml | about 90 mg |
| Espresso, 60 ml | about 80 mg |
| Energy drink, 250 ml | about 80 mg |
| Optimal Native Morning Energy / Daily Flow | 200 mg / 75 mg per pouch |
Work out your own total: caffeine calculator.
Drinks: EUFIC. More: How much caffeine is in coffee? · Caffeine in Red Bull and Monster
EFSA considers single doses of up to 200 mg and daily intakes of up to 400 mg from all sources safe for healthy adults, and up to 200 mg a day for pregnant and breastfeeding women (EFSA, 2015). More: How much caffeine a day?
Labelling in the EU
Foods and food supplements with added caffeine must state the caffeine content and carry the warning "Contains caffeine. Not recommended for children or pregnant women" (Regulation (EU) No 1169/2011). Drinks with more than 150 mg of caffeine per litre must say "High caffeine content". Caffeine pouches such as Optimal Native also state the caffeine per pouch. More: Caffeine pouches explained
FAQ
Is a 200 mg caffeine tablet a lot?
It is about two cups of filter coffee, and the maximum single dose EFSA considers safe for healthy adults.
Can I combine caffeine tablets and coffee?
Count all sources together. Up to 400 mg a day is the EFSA figure for healthy adults.
How much caffeine is in caffeine gum?
Usually 50–100 mg per piece.