How much caffeine is in cola? Coke, Diet Coke and more
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A can of cola contains about 40 mg of caffeine, according to the NHS. Coca-Cola says a 330 ml can of Coca-Cola Original Taste has 34 mg, and a can of Diet Coke 46 mg. That is less than half the caffeine in a cup of instant coffee (about 100 mg).
Key points
• Can of cola: about 40 mg of caffeine (NHS).
• Coca-Cola Original Taste, 330 ml: 34 mg. Diet Coke: 46 mg per can (Coca-Cola GB).
• Diet cola can contain more caffeine than regular cola.
• Some colas are caffeine-free. Check the label.
Table of contents
- How much caffeine is in cola?
- Caffeine in Coke and Diet Coke
- Cola vs coffee, tea and energy drinks
- How to check the caffeine on a cola label
- FAQ
How much caffeine is in cola?
The NHS estimates about 40 mg of caffeine in a can of cola (NHS). The European Food Information Council lists about 37 mg for a 355 ml serving (EUFIC). The amount varies by brand and by version.
Caffeine in Coke and Diet Coke
| Drink | Serving | Caffeine |
|---|---|---|
| Coca-Cola Original Taste | 330 ml can | 34 mg |
| Diet Coke | 1 can | 46 mg |
Work out your own total: caffeine calculator.
Source: Coca-Cola Great Britain, "What is caffeine?" FAQ page (checked October 2026). Recipes and can sizes can change, so check the can you buy.
Diet Coke has more caffeine than the original. Regular cola contains sugar; diet and zero-sugar versions use sweeteners instead.
For Coca-Cola Zero Sugar and its caffeine-free version, see Does Coke Zero have caffeine?
For Pepsi Max and other fizzy drinks such as Irn-Bru, Fanta and Dr Pepper, see Does Pepsi Max have caffeine? and Which fizzy drinks have caffeine?
Cola vs coffee, tea and energy drinks
| Drink | Serving | Caffeine |
|---|---|---|
| Cola | 1 can | about 40 mg |
| Tea (black or green) | 1 cup | about 75 mg |
| Energy drink | 250 ml | about 80 mg |
| Instant coffee | 1 cup | about 100 mg |
| Decaf coffee | 200 ml | about 4 mg |
Cola has about half the caffeine of a 250 ml energy drink. More: Energy drinks with the least caffeine · Caffeine in decaf coffee
How to check the caffeine on a cola label
In the UK, drinks with more than 150 mg of caffeine per litre must carry a "High caffeine content" warning with the amount per 100 ml. Most colas are below that level, so the label may not state the caffeine at all. The brand's website or customer service usually lists it. More on labels: How to read UK energy drink labels.
Every source counts towards your daily total. For healthy adults, up to 400 mg of caffeine a day is unlikely to cause adverse effects, and 200 mg a day for pregnant women (Food Standards Scotland and the FSA, 2024). More: How much caffeine is too much?
Optimal Native caffeine pouches state the caffeine on the label: Morning Energy 200 mg, Daily Flow 75 mg, Evening Relax 0 mg per pouch, with no sugar. More: Caffeine pouches vs energy drinks.
FAQ
How much caffeine is in a can of Coke?
34 mg in a 330 ml can of Coca-Cola Original Taste, according to Coca-Cola GB.
Does Diet Coke have more caffeine than Coke?
Yes: 46 mg per can vs 34 mg.
Does cola have more caffeine than coffee?
No. A can of cola has about 40 mg, a cup of instant coffee about 100 mg.
Is there caffeine-free cola?
Yes, several brands sell caffeine-free versions. Check the label.
Read next: Energy drinks with the least caffeine · Caffeine in coffee vs tea · How much caffeine is too much?
Optimal Native is coming to the UK. One stack for the whole day: Morning Energy, Daily Flow and Evening Relax. Pre-orders ship from 15 December 2026.