Caffeine in Coffee Vs. Soda

One of coffee's benefits is its high caffeine content.

Two of the major sources of caffeine in people's diets are coffee and soda. Both have a high caffeine content, but the amount will vary depending on the type. Most coffee contains more caffeine than soda.

Serving Size

One serving of coffee or soda is considered to be 8 oz., and the numbers cited here all reflect caffeine per 8 oz. Keep in mind that it is not uncommon to drink more than one serving, as a can of soda is 12 oz. and many coffee retailers have cups that are as large as 20 oz.

Brewed Coffee

Eight ounces of brewed coffee contains somewhere between 95 and 200 mg of caffeine. The exact amount depends on many factors, including the type of coffee bean, grind size and the brew time.

Instant Coffee

There is slightly less caffeine in instant coffee than in brewed coffee, with most types containing somewhere between 27 and 173 mg of caffeine.

Decaf Coffee

Although it is sometimes thought of as being free of caffeine, decaf coffee actually contains 2 to 12 mg of caffeine, which can be up to half the caffeine of a soda.

Soda

Pepsi and Coca-Cola contain about 23 mg of caffeine, Dr Pepper has about 29 mg, Diet Coke has 31 mg, and Mountain Dew and Mello Yello have 36 mg. These are all far less than the same amount of brewed coffee.

References

• Mayo Clinic: Caffeine Content for Coffee, Tea, Soda and More