How much is 240 mg of caffeine?

January 8, 2026 •

3 min read

According to the Mayo Clinic, up to 400 mg of caffeine per day is considered safe for most healthy adults, making 240 mg of caffeine a moderate and generally safe amount. This dose can be found in various sources, from energy drinks to several cups of coffee, and understanding these comparisons can help manage your intake.

Quick Summary

This article explores what 240 mg of caffeine represents across different beverages, details potential health effects, and compares it to daily recommended limits. It provides practical comparisons and insights for managing consumption.

Key Points

240 mg is Moderate: For most healthy adults, 240 mg of caffeine is considered a moderate, safe dose, well below the 400 mg daily limit recommended by health authorities.
Equivalent to Strong Coffee: This amount is roughly equivalent to a large, strong cup of coffee from a coffee shop or several shots of espresso.
Found in Many Products: 240 mg can be found in some potent energy drinks, specific cold brew coffees, and various caffeine supplements.
Individual Sensitivity Varies: The side effects of 240 mg, such as jitters or anxiety, are highly dependent on personal tolerance, body mass, and health.
Beware of Timing: To avoid sleep disruption, it is important to consume caffeine several hours before bedtime due to its long half-life.
Check Your Health: Individuals with pre-existing conditions, including heart problems or anxiety, should exercise caution with caffeine intake at this level.

Understanding 240 mg of Caffeine in Perspective

For most healthy adults, 240 mg of caffeine falls comfortably within the daily recommended limit of 400 mg. However, the real significance of this amount depends on the source and an individual's sensitivity. While it's a routine dose for a seasoned coffee drinker, it could feel significant for someone with a low tolerance. This section will break down exactly what 240 mg looks like in real-world terms.

Common Sources Containing Around 240 mg

Many popular beverages and supplements contain caffeine levels that hover around or exceed 240 mg. Here’s a breakdown of common items:

Brewed Coffee: A standard 12-ounce cup of coffee contains anywhere from 113 to 247 mg of caffeine. This means 240 mg is roughly equivalent to a large, strong cup of coffee from a coffee shop, or two average-sized home-brewed cups.
Energy Drinks: While some energy drinks like Monster or Full Throttle have around 160 mg of caffeine per 16 oz can, some concentrated formulas or specific blends, like certain Rockstar energy drink varieties, can contain up to 240 mg.
Caffeine Supplements: Many caffeine pills are available in doses of 100 mg or 200 mg. A single 200 mg pill plus half of another would reach 240 mg. Taking concentrated supplements requires careful dosing to avoid exceeding recommended limits.
Cold Brew Coffee: Due to its brewing method, cold brew often contains higher concentrations of caffeine than regular brewed coffee. Some 8 oz cold brews can have as much as 200 mg of caffeine, so a large 16 oz serving can easily surpass 240 mg.

Potential Health Effects at 240 mg

For many, 240 mg of caffeine is a dose that promotes alertness and focus without significant side effects. Research has even linked moderate caffeine intake to potential benefits like improved mood and a lower risk of certain diseases. However, those with higher sensitivity or underlying conditions might experience some adverse effects. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) points out that individual sensitivity varies, and some people may experience heightened anxiety at doses as low as 240 mg.

Side effects of consuming this amount, particularly on an empty stomach or for individuals with low tolerance, can include:

Jitters or restlessness
Anxiety
Increased heart rate
Trouble sleeping, especially if consumed later in the day
Digestive issues or upset stomach

When to Consider Your Caffeine Intake

If you have existing health issues, you may need to limit your caffeine intake. The Mayo Clinic advises that pregnant and breastfeeding women and individuals with heart conditions or anxiety disorders should consult a doctor and consider reduced consumption. This is because caffeine can worsen conditions such as anxiety and can impact fetal health during pregnancy.

Comparison Table: 240 mg Caffeine Equivalent

This table illustrates what 240 mg of caffeine equals across different common beverages, using average values.


Beverage	Serving Size	Approximate Caffeine (mg)	240 mg Equivalent
Brewed Coffee (Average)	8 oz (240 ml)	95	Approx. 2.5 cups
Energy Drink (e.g., Monster)	16 oz can	160	1.5 cans
Espresso	1 shot (1 oz)	64	Approx. 4 shots
Black Tea	8 oz (240 ml)	47	Approx. 5 cups
Starbucks Blonde Roast	Grande (16 oz)	360	Approx. 0.67 of a Grande
Coca-Cola	12 oz can	34	Approx. 7 cans

Conclusion: Navigating 240 mg of Caffeine

In summary, 240 mg of caffeine is a moderate dose that sits well below the maximum daily recommendation for most healthy adults. Its impact, however, can vary significantly depending on individual factors like sensitivity, body mass, and overall health. For some, it might be a standard part of their daily routine, while for others, it could lead to noticeable side effects like restlessness or anxiety. By understanding the caffeine content of common beverages and being mindful of your personal tolerance, you can safely manage your intake. Always listen to your body and consider consulting a healthcare professional if you have concerns about your caffeine consumption, particularly if you have underlying health conditions.

Final Takeaways

Individual sensitivity is key. How 240 mg affects you personally is more important than a general guideline. Some may feel jittery, while others feel energized.
Know your sources. The total caffeine intake from different beverages can add up quickly. A large coffee and an energy drink could push you over the daily limit.
Mind your timing. Consuming 240 mg of caffeine close to bedtime can severely disrupt sleep due to caffeine's half-life.
Consider health factors. For pregnant individuals or those with health issues like heart problems or anxiety, 240 mg may be too high a dose.
Consult professionals. If you have health concerns, a doctor can provide personalized advice on a safe caffeine level.

For more detailed information on caffeine and its effects, you can refer to authoritative sources such as the National Institutes of Health.

Frequently Asked Questions

For most healthy adults, 240 mg is a moderate amount and is not considered a lot, as it falls below the generally accepted safe daily limit of 400 mg. However, it can be a significant amount for those with a low tolerance or certain health conditions.

The number of cups depends on the coffee's strength. A standard 8 oz home-brewed cup contains around 95 mg of caffeine, so 240 mg would be approximately 2.5 cups. A stronger or larger coffee shop brew could contain this amount in a single serving.

For some individuals, especially those sensitive to caffeine, a dose of 240 mg can increase anxiety and restlessness. The FDA and other health sources note that individual reactions vary, and some may feel anxious at even lower doses.

At 240 mg, common side effects may include increased heart rate, jitters, restlessness, or upset stomach, particularly in those not used to caffeine. These effects are generally mild for most people.

No, it is not recommended. Health guidelines advise pregnant women to limit their daily caffeine intake to 200 mg or less to avoid potential risks. A 240 mg dose is higher than this recommended limit.

The effects of caffeine are typically felt within 5 to 30 minutes after consumption, as it is rapidly absorbed by the body. The overall duration of effects can last for several hours, with a half-life of around 5 hours.

Some higher-potency energy drinks contain close to or exactly 240 mg of caffeine. For example, certain varieties of Rockstar have been found to contain this amount per 16 oz can. Always check the nutrition label, as content varies by brand and flavor.