Is there caffeine in Bolthouse Farms Protein Plus?

January 13, 2026 •

3 min read

While many Bolthouse Farms Protein Plus shakes are caffeine-free, the specific Coffee flavor explicitly contains 80mg of caffeine per 15.2 fl oz bottle. This means your answer to is there caffeine in Bolthouse Farms Protein Plus depends entirely on the flavor you choose.

Quick Summary

The presence of caffeine in Bolthouse Farms Protein Plus varies by flavor. The Coffee variety includes 80mg of caffeine from Arabica coffee, while other flavors like Vanilla Bean and Chocolate are caffeine-free. Always check the specific product label.

Key Points

Caffeine Present in Coffee Flavor: The Bolthouse Farms Protein Plus Coffee flavor contains 80mg of caffeine per bottle, sourced from Arabica coffee extract.
Most Flavors are Caffeine-Free: The majority of Bolthouse Farms Protein Plus varieties, such as Vanilla Bean, Chocolate, and Strawberry, do not contain any caffeine.
Check the Product Label: To be certain, always review the ingredients list and nutritional information on the bottle for mention of coffee or explicit caffeine content.
Moderate Caffeine Content: The 80mg of caffeine in the Coffee flavor is comparable to that found in a standard cup of brewed coffee.
Ingredients List is Key: Caffeinated flavors list "Coffee" or "Coffee Extract" in their ingredients, a detail absent from non-caffeinated flavor lists.
Related Caffeinated Products Exist: Other Bolthouse Farms coffee beverages, like Mocha Cappuccino, also contain caffeine but are not in the core Protein Plus line.

The Definitive Answer: Flavor Matters

The question of whether there is caffeine in Bolthouse Farms Protein Plus is a common one, especially for health-conscious consumers or those sensitive to stimulants. The simple answer is that some varieties contain caffeine, and some do not. The crucial detail lies in the specific flavor. Bolthouse Farms clearly labels any flavor with coffee, and it's these varieties that contain caffeine. A consumer who assumes all Protein Plus shakes are the same may be in for an unwelcome jolt of energy, or disappointment if they were looking for a caffeinated pick-me-up.

Which Bolthouse Farms Protein Plus Shakes Contain Caffeine?

Currently, the primary Protein Plus shake that contains caffeine is the Coffee flavor. This shake is made with rich Arabica coffee and provides 80mg of caffeine per bottle, which is roughly the equivalent of a standard cup of brewed coffee. The ingredients list for this shake explicitly includes "Coffee (Water, Coffee Extract)". Another related, but separate, product is the Mocha Cappuccino, which also contains coffee and a corresponding amount of caffeine.

Protein Plus Coffee Shake: Contains 80mg of caffeine per 15.2 fl oz bottle from Arabica coffee.
Mocha Cappuccino Coffee Beverage: Also contains coffee and is caffeinated, though it's part of a separate product line.

Which Bolthouse Farms Protein Plus Shakes Are Caffeine-Free?

If you're seeking a protein supplement without caffeine, the majority of the Protein Plus line is a safe bet. These flavors are made without any coffee or other stimulants and are ideal for evening consumption or for those who need to avoid caffeine. Checking the ingredients list on the back of the bottle will confirm the absence of coffee extract or other caffeine sources.

Vanilla Bean Protein Plus Shake: A classic, smooth option that is caffeine-free.
Chocolate Protein Plus Shake: A decadent and caffeine-free protein source.
Strawberry Protein Plus Shake: A fruity, refreshing shake with no added caffeine.
Chocolate Peanut Butter Nut Butter Shake: A rich and nutty option that does not contain caffeine.
Mango Protein Plus Shake: A tropical-flavored shake with no caffeine.

How to Identify a Caffeinated Shake on the Shelf

To ensure you are picking up the right shake, a quick look at the product label is essential. Here are a few things to look for:

Flavor Name: The most obvious clue is the flavor name itself. If it says "Coffee" or mentions a coffee-related term, assume it contains caffeine unless stated otherwise. The "Protein Plus Coffee" shake is clearly labeled.
Ingredients List: On the back of the bottle, the ingredients list for the Coffee flavor includes "Coffee (Water, Coffee Extract)". By contrast, the Vanilla Bean flavor lists no such ingredient.
Product Description: The packaging for caffeinated varieties often highlights the energy-boosting qualities, sometimes featuring a callout like "with caffeine" or referencing its ability to "kickstart your day".

Comparison Table: Protein Plus Coffee vs. Vanilla Bean

To illustrate the difference, here is a quick comparison of a caffeinated and a non-caffeinated flavor:


Feature	Protein Plus Coffee	Protein Plus Vanilla Bean
Caffeine Content	80mg per 15.2 fl oz bottle	0mg
Primary Flavoring	Arabica Coffee and reduced-fat milk	Real vanilla bean and reduced-fat milk
Protein per Bottle	30g	30g
Key Ingredients	Coffee, reduced-fat milk, cane sugar, whey and soy protein	Reduced-fat milk, cane sugar, whey and soy protein, extracted vanilla bean

Why Your Choice Matters

Choosing between a caffeinated and a caffeine-free protein shake is important for various reasons. For morning gym-goers, the Coffee shake can provide both protein and an energy boost. However, for those who work out later in the day, consuming a caffeinated shake could disrupt sleep patterns. Individuals with caffeine sensitivity, high blood pressure, or other health conditions must be especially careful. The wide range of Protein Plus flavors allows consumers to align their shake choice with their health needs and daily routines.

Conclusion

In summary, the presence of caffeine in Bolthouse Farms Protein Plus is not universal across the product line. Only the Coffee flavor contains caffeine, derived from Arabica coffee extract, providing about 80mg per bottle. All other flavors, including popular ones like Vanilla Bean and Chocolate, are free of caffeine. To ensure you make the right choice for your lifestyle and health, it is always best practice to check the ingredients list on the product label before purchasing. For a complete list of products and ingredients, you can visit the official Bolthouse Farms Protein Plus page.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, not all Bolthouse Farms Protein Plus shakes contain caffeine. Only the Coffee flavor includes caffeine; other flavors like Vanilla Bean, Chocolate, and Strawberry are caffeine-free.

The Coffee variety of Bolthouse Farms Protein Plus contains 80mg of caffeine per 15.2 fl oz bottle, derived from Arabica coffee.

Yes, the Vanilla Bean flavor of the Protein Plus shake does not contain any caffeine. Its ingredients list does not include coffee or other caffeine sources.

You should avoid the Coffee flavor before bed due to its 80mg caffeine content. However, the caffeine-free flavors are suitable for evening consumption.

No, the Chocolate variety of the Protein Plus shake is caffeine-free. It uses cocoa for flavoring instead of coffee.

To check for caffeine, look at the flavor name and the ingredients list. Caffeinated flavors will be named accordingly (e.g., "Coffee") and will list "Coffee" or "Coffee Extract" as an ingredient.

Yes, aside from the Protein Plus Coffee shake, Bolthouse Farms also makes a Mocha Cappuccino beverage that is caffeinated, although it is part of a different product line.